CSC Scholarship Guide: How to Study in China with Chinese Government Funding

The China Scholarship Council (CSC) is a non-profit organisation under the Chinese Ministry of Education that provides scholarships to international students for study at Chinese universities. It is the primary pathway for fully funded study in China.

What the CSC Scholarship Covers

• Full tuition fees at the host Chinese university
• Monthly stipend: ¥3,000–¥5,000 ($415–$690) depending on degree level
• Comprehensive medical insurance
• On-campus accommodation or accommodation subsidy
• One-time arrival and departure allowance
• International airfare (economy class)

Types of CSC Scholarships

• Bilateral Program — government-to-government exchange agreements
• Chinese University Program — directly administered by partner universities
• Great Wall Program — for UNESCO member countries
• EU Program — for citizens of EU member states
• AUN Program — for ASEAN member countries

Eligibility

• Non-Chinese citizenship in good health
• Bachelor's degree for Master's programs; Master's degree for PhD programs
• Age under 35 for Master's and under 40 for PhD
• Strong academic record
• Chinese or English language proficiency depending on programme

Required Documents

1. CSC online application form (printed and signed)
2. Highest degree certificate (notarised copy)
3. Academic transcripts
4. Study plan or research proposal (minimum 800 words)
5. Two letters of recommendation from professors
6. Passport copy
7. Language proficiency certificate (HSK for Chinese-taught, IELTS/TOEFL for English-taught)
8. Foreigner physical examination form
9. Acceptance letter from a Chinese supervisor (strongly recommended)

Application Timeline

• November–January: Research universities and contact supervisors
• February–April: CSC portal opens for applications
• March–May: Universities review applications and nominate candidates
• June–July: CSC releases final results
• September: Program begins

Tips for Success

• Secure a supervisor's acceptance letter before applying. This dramatically increases your chances
• Apply to multiple universities through the Chinese University Program
• A strong research proposal aligned with Chinese national priorities (AI, renewable energy, biotechnology) can give you an edge
• Chinese language skills are not required for English-taught programs, but HSK-4 or above opens more opportunities

Tip: Supervisor contact is the single biggest factor in a successful CSC application — start it early.

The CSC scholarship covers nearly everything. With careful preparation and early supervisor contact, it is one of the most attainable full-funding options for international students.