China CSC Scholarship 2026 – Complete Guide for International Students

The China CSC Scholarship, officially known as the Chinese Government Scholarship (CGS), is one of the most prestigious and fully funded scholarship programs offered by the Government of China. Administered by the China Scholarship Council (CSC) under the Ministry of Education, this program aims to attract outstanding international students to pursue undergraduate, master’s, doctoral, and research programs at leading Chinese universities.

The scholarship covers a wide range of academic disciplines and provides generous financial support, making China one of the most attractive study destinations for international scholars, researchers, and professionals.

Scholarship Benefits

The CSC Scholarship provides full financial coverage, ensuring that selected candidates can focus on their academic and research pursuits without financial constraints. The standard benefits include:

Full Tuition Fee Waiver: 100% tuition fees are covered for the entire duration of the program.
Accommodation: Free on-campus housing is provided, or a monthly accommodation subsidy is offered (RMB 700 for master’s and RMB 1,000 for doctoral students).
Monthly Stipend:
- Undergraduate: RMB 2,500 per month
- Master’s: RMB 3,000 per month
- PhD: RMB 3,500 per month
Comprehensive Medical Insurance: Valued at approximately RMB 800 per year.

Additional allowances may be provided by specific universities or research institutions.

Required Documents for CSC Scholarship Application

Applicants must prepare and upload a complete set of documents to both the CSC portal and the university’s online application system (where applicable). The standard document list includes:

CSC Application Form (generated from the CSC portal).
Valid Passport (bio-data page).
Highest Degree Certificate (notarized English or Chinese translation if required).
Official Academic Transcripts.
Study Plan or Research Proposal (minimum 800 words).
Two Recommendation Letters from professors or associate professors.
Language Proficiency Certificate IELTS/TOEFL/Medium of Instruction letter for English-taught programs).
Foreigner Physical Examination Form, including lab reports and X-ray.
Non-Criminal Record Certificate.
Pre-admission or Acceptance Letter (optional but strongly recommended).
Additional Documents, such as CV, publications, portfolios (for arts programs), or other certificates, depending on university requirements.

All documents must be in PDF format, clear, and legible. Incomplete or poorly scanned documents may lead to disqualification.

Participating Universities under CSC Scholarship

Every year, around 270–280 universities are designated by the CSC to host scholarship recipients. These institutions include comprehensive universities, research-intensive institutions, and specialized colleges. Examples of top participating universities include:

Tsinghua University
Peking University
Fudan University
Zhejiang University
Shanghai Jiao Tong University
Beijing Institute of Technology
Harbin Institute of Technology
Nanjing University
Wuhan University
Xiamen University
University of Science and Technology of China (USTC)
Xi’an Jiaotong University
Huazhong University of Science and Technology
Beihang University
East China Normal University
Southeast University
Nankai University, among many others.

The complete and updated list of eligible universities and their Agency Numbers can be accessed on the official CSC website: https://www.campuschina.org.

How to Obtain an Acceptance Letter

An acceptance letter (or pre-admission letter) is an official document from a university professor or the international admissions office, indicating willingness to host the applicant if awarded the scholarship. While not mandatory for all application categories, it significantly strengthens the application.

Steps to Obtain an Acceptance Letter:

Shortlist Relevant Professors and Programs based on your academic and research background.
Prepare a Professional Email including your CV, transcripts, research proposal, and a clear expression of interest in pursuing studies under the CSC Scholarship.
Contact Professors Early (October–December 2025) to allow time for response and document preparation.
Follow University Instructions if a specific process exists for issuing pre-admission letters.
Secure the Letter on official letterhead, signed, and stamped.

Applicants who possess an acceptance letter are usually prioritized during the final selection stage.

Step-by-Step Application Procedure

A. Chinese University Program (Type B)

This is the most common route for master’s and PhD applicants.

Select Your Program and University – Ensure the university participates in the CSC Type B category.
Prepare All Required Documents.
Submit the Online Application on the University Portal, and pay any application fee if required.
Complete the CSC Online Application at https://www.campuschina.org. Select Category B and enter the Agency Number of the university.
Upload All Documents to the CSC portal and generate the application form.
Wait for University Review – Universities will evaluate your application and recommend candidates to the CSC.
Final CSC Review – CSC announces the final list of awardees between June–July 2026.

B. Bilateral Program (Type A)

This route is managed through your country’s Chinese Embassy or Ministry of Education.

Check Embassy Announcements for application deadlines (usually December–February).
Submit Your Application through the CSC Portal using Category A, selecting your preferred universities.
Submit a Hard Copy or Online Copy to the Embassy, following local instructions.
(Optional) Obtain a Pre-Admission Letter to strengthen your application.
Embassy Recommendation and CSC Review – The Embassy will nominate applicants to CSC for the final selection. Results are typically announced in June–July.

Additional Tips for Applicants

Start Early: Contact professors and prepare documents well before deadlines.
Check Language Requirements: Chinese-taught programs require HSK, while English-taught programs require IELTS/TOEFL or equivalent proof.
Medical Form Validity: The Foreigner Physical Examination Form is valid for six months.
Apply to Multiple Universities: Where allowed, apply to several universities to increase your chances.
Avoid Duplicate Applications: Follow university rules regarding simultaneous embassy and university applications.
Stay Updated: Check both the CSC and university portals regularly for announcements and results.

Conclusion

The China CSC Scholarship 2026 offers a remarkable opportunity for international students to pursue world-class education and research in one of the fastest-growing academic hubs globally. With full financial support, a wide range of disciplines, and globally recognized universities, this program can be a life-changing pathway for academic and professional growth.

Early preparation, a well-structured application, and proactive communication with universities and professors are crucial to securing the scholarship.

For Professional Assistance

For expert support in university shortlisting, acceptance letter acquisition, document preparation, and application submission, professional consultancy services are available:

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