Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) 2027: eligibility, funding, deadline and how to apply

🇨🇳 China · Offered by China Scholarship Council · For Master's, PhD applicants.

Updated 28 October 2026 · Researched from the sources listed at the end. Confirm current details on the official website before you apply.

Country: 🇨🇳 China
Provider: China Scholarship Council
Degree levels: Master's, PhD
Funding: Full scholarship: tuition waiver, on-campus accommodation (or a monthly housing allowance, often CNY 700–1,000), monthly stipend and comprehensive medical insurance. International airfare is generally not covered.
Deadline: HEC Type A 2026-27 round closed 5 Jan 2026. The next HEC round (2027-28) is expected to open around Oct–Dec 2026 and close Dec 2026–Jan 2027 (not yet confirmed). Type B deadlines vary by university, usually Dec–Mar.
Expected opening: Expected Oct–Nov 2026 for the 2027-28 cycle (unconfirmed)
Duration: Master's 2–3 years; PhD 3–4 years (plus one optional Chinese-language preparatory year).
Professor contact: Recommended: a professor's support or acceptance letter makes the application stronger.

Official website Application page

About the Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC)

Several application routes exist (e.g. via a Chinese embassy or via a host university). Verify which routes are open this cycle and whether a supervisor pre-acceptance letter is requested for the chosen route.

Eligibility

Who can apply

Non-Chinese citizens in good health. Type A for Pakistan is nominated by HEC: Pakistani/AJ&K nationals only, no dual nationality. Type B: apply directly to a Chinese university.

Academic requirements

Master's: Bachelor's degree (16 years of education), under 35. PhD: Master's/MPhil (18 years), under 40. Degree must be complete by the deadline. HEC route: HAT test score of at least 50/100.

Language requirements

English-taught programmes: IELTS/TOEFL or proof of English-medium study, as the university requires. Chinese-taught: typically HSK 4–5. Master's/PhD applicants do not need the CSCA test.

What the scholarship covers

Tuition: 100% tuition waiver.
Stipend and benefits: Monthly stipend about CNY 3,000 (Master's) / CNY 3,500 (PhD); medical insurance about CNY 800 per year.
Duration: Master's 2–3 years; PhD 3–4 years (plus one optional Chinese-language preparatory year).

Deadline and opening date

HEC Type A 2026-27 round closed 5 Jan 2026. The next HEC round (2027-28) is expected to open around Oct–Dec 2026 and close Dec 2026–Jan 2027 (not yet confirmed). Type B deadlines vary by university, usually Dec–Mar.

Expected opening: Expected Oct–Nov 2026 for the 2027-28 cycle (unconfirmed).

Required documents

CSC online application form
Passport information page
Highest degree certificate (notarized)
Transcripts
Study/research plan
Two recommendation letters (professors/associate professors)
Foreigner physical examination form
Non-criminal record
Language certificate (IELTS/TOEFL/HSK)
Pre-admission/acceptance letter (optional for most routes; strengthens the application)

How to apply

Online at studyinchina.csc.edu.cn: Type A via the HEC portal (agency number from HEC); Type B by choosing the university and entering its agency number. One Type B application per year.

Find a professor for the Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC)

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Frequently asked questions

Who can apply for the Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC)?

Non-Chinese citizens in good health. Type A for Pakistan is nominated by HEC: Pakistani/AJ&K nationals only, no dual nationality. Type B: apply directly to a Chinese university. Master's: Bachelor's degree (16 years of education), under 35. PhD: Master's/MPhil (18 years), under 40. Degree must be complete by the deadline. HEC route: HAT test score of at least 50/100.

What does the Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) cover?

Full scholarship: tuition waiver, on-campus accommodation (or a monthly housing allowance, often CNY 700–1,000), monthly stipend and comprehensive medical insurance. International airfare is generally not covered. Monthly stipend about CNY 3,000 (Master's) / CNY 3,500 (PhD); medical insurance about CNY 800 per year.

What is the Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) deadline?

Is IELTS required for the Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC)?

English-taught programmes: IELTS/TOEFL or proof of English-medium study, as the university requires. Chinese-taught: typically HSK 4–5. Master's/PhD applicants do not need the CSCA test.

Do I need a supervisor or professor's acceptance for the Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC)?

Recommended: a professor's support or acceptance letter makes the application stronger.

How do I apply for the Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC)?