What Is the Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC)?
The CSC Scholarship, administered by the China Scholarship Council on behalf of the Ministry of Education, is one of the most generous government scholarships in the world. It is open to non-Chinese citizens applying to Bachelor, Master, and PhD programs at hundreds of Chinese universities.
What Does the CSC Cover?
- Full tuition for the entire study period.
- Free on-campus accommodation (or a housing allowance).
- Comprehensive medical insurance.
- Monthly stipend: ~¥2,500 (Bachelor), ~¥3,000 (Master), ~¥3,500 (PhD).
Who Is Eligible?
- Non-Chinese citizen in good health.
- Bachelor applicants: high school diploma, age under 25.
- Master applicants: bachelor's degree, age under 35.
- PhD applicants: master's degree, age under 40.
Required Documents
- Valid passport.
- Notarized highest diploma and transcripts.
- Two recommendation letters from professors or associate professors.
- A study plan or research proposal (800+ words for postgraduates).
- Foreigner Physical Examination Form.
- Language proof (HSK for Chinese-taught, IELTS/TOEFL or alternatives for English-taught).
How to Apply — Step by Step
- Choose your target university and program from the CSC university list.
- Register on the CSC online application portal (studyinchina.csc.edu.cn).
- Fill in the application, select the correct agency number for your university.
- Upload all required documents.
- Submit the parallel application to the university's own portal.
- Track your application status and respond to interview requests.
Application Deadlines
CSC applications usually open in December and close between mid-March and mid-April for the September intake. Deadlines vary by university, so confirm each university's exact date.
Tips to Win the CSC
Write a strong, specific study plan, choose universities that match your profile, apply to multiple universities, and submit early. ChinaEduGuide helps you build a winning CSC application.
