A grant from the Chinese government provides a fantastic opportunity for students to study at universities in China at no cost. In this article, we will explain how to get the scholarship, the requirements, and the coverage of additional expenses.
Free consultationCSC scholarships, also known as Chinese government scholarships, are substantial financial awards offered by the Chinese government. They are available to foreign students at 279 universities across China. Students can also apply for language course funding and scientific studies at universities.
Several scholarship programs are available:
Note that some programs, such as MOFCOM, are exclusively for bachelor’s and PhD students. The government scholarship is accessible at 273 universities in China, and you can find the complete list on the official scholarship website.
Apart from the CSC scholarship, the Chinese government and private foundations offer a wide range of scholarships to international students. For more information about these opportunities, you can refer to a separate article on our website or visit the Campus China website.
In this article, we will provide a detailed overview of bilateral programs, which cater to applicants from countries that have bilateral agreements with China.
In certain cases, the scholarship may cover one year of language courses. To be eligible, applicants are required to have a minimum language proficiency of HSK Level 3.
In addition, scholarship holders receive the following monthly payments:
The Chinese government scholarship is open to students at all levels of education, including language courses at universities. Unless otherwise specified by the program, applicants from all countries, except China, are eligible to participate.
Applicants must provide a certificate confirming their good mental and physical health. In China, there is also an age restriction for eligibility — applicants have to meet the specified age criteria and qualifications.
| Level | Min. requirements | Max. age |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's | High school diploma | 25 |
| Master's | Bachelor's degree | 35 |
| PhD | Master's degree | 40 |
| Refresher courses in Chinese | High school diploma | 35 |
| General qualification courses | Bachelor's degree | 45 |
| Higher advanced training courses | Master's degree or Associate Professor title | 50 |
Under the general grant program, there are no specific requirements for specializations. However, for specialized programs such as the Sea Scholarship or the WMO program, applicants are required to enroll in a specific discipline or direction of study. Detailed information about these programs can be found on the official scholarship website.
It is crucial to meet all the requirements of the selected program, which may include language proficiency, GPA, and other relevant criteria.
If you plan to study in Chinese, attach a language certificate to your scholarship application package. HSK Level 3 is required for bachelor’s programs, while master's and PhD programs require Level 4.
For programs in English, scholarships are available only to master's and PhD students. Bachelor’s programs are exclusively funded in Chinese.
Zero language proficiency disqualifies students from language courses under the scholarship. Typically, an HSK Level 3 is required. However, even with this qualification, securing course funding is challenging. You will need to gather a strong package of documents, including a motivation letter and recommendations.
To apply, submit your application online through the official scholarship website. Provide both copies and original documents to the authorized organization or Chinese Embassy in your country.
All documents must be translated into English or Chinese and certified by a notary.
In addition, you may need:
Application submission
First selection stage
Second selection stage
Exact dates may be subject to change. For accurate information, refer to the official scholarship website.
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