Chinese Government Scholarship — Silk Road Program 2027: eligibility, funding, deadline and how to apply

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

Updated 10 November 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, monthly stipend and comprehensive medical insurance.
Deadline: Set by each university, usually Feb–May for September intake (e.g. HUST lists 25 Feb 2027 for Master's/PhD, unconfirmed). 2026 deadlines have passed.
Expected opening: Expected Dec 2026 – Feb 2027 (university notices, based on the yearly pattern)
Duration: Master's 2–3 years; PhD 3–4 years.
Professor contact: Recommended: a professor's support or acceptance letter makes the application stronger.

Official website Application page

About the Chinese Government Scholarship: Silk Road Program

CSC program for Belt and Road partner countries, applied for through designated Chinese universities. A professor's pre-admission letter strengthens the application.

Eligibility

Who can apply

Non-Chinese citizens from Belt and Road countries (Pakistan qualifies). Offered only through participating Chinese universities, some limited to specific subjects.

Academic requirements

Master's: Bachelor's degree, usually under 35. PhD: Master's degree, usually under 40. Good health.

Language requirements

English-taught programmes: IELTS/TOEFL or proof of English-medium study. Chinese-taught: HSK as the university requires.

What the scholarship covers

Full scholarship: tuition waiver, on-campus accommodation, monthly stipend and comprehensive medical insurance.

Tuition: 100% tuition waiver.
Stipend and benefits: About CNY 3,000/month (Master's) and CNY 3,500/month (PhD).
Duration: Master's 2–3 years; PhD 3–4 years.

Deadline and opening date

Set by each university, usually Feb–May for September intake (e.g. HUST lists 25 Feb 2027 for Master's/PhD, unconfirmed). 2026 deadlines have passed.

Expected opening: Expected Dec 2026 – Feb 2027 (university notices, based on the yearly pattern).

Required documents

CSC online application form
University online application
Passport
Notarized degree certificate and transcripts
Study/research plan
Two recommendation letters
Foreigner physical examination form
Non-criminal record
Language certificate
Acceptance letter from a supervisor (if the university asks)

How to apply

Apply to a participating university's Silk Road programme and, in parallel, on the CSC portal with that university's agency number. The university nominates to CSC.

Find a professor for the Chinese Government Scholarship: Silk Road Program

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Frequently asked questions

Who can apply for the Chinese Government Scholarship: Silk Road Program?

Non-Chinese citizens from Belt and Road countries (Pakistan qualifies). Offered only through participating Chinese universities, some limited to specific subjects. Master's: Bachelor's degree, usually under 35. PhD: Master's degree, usually under 40. Good health.

What does the Chinese Government Scholarship: Silk Road Program cover?

Full scholarship: tuition waiver, on-campus accommodation, monthly stipend and comprehensive medical insurance. About CNY 3,000/month (Master's) and CNY 3,500/month (PhD).

What is the Chinese Government Scholarship: Silk Road Program deadline?

Set by each university, usually Feb–May for September intake (e.g. HUST lists 25 Feb 2027 for Master's/PhD, unconfirmed). 2026 deadlines have passed. Expected opening: Expected Dec 2026 – Feb 2027 (university notices, based on the yearly pattern).

Is IELTS required for the Chinese Government Scholarship: Silk Road Program?

English-taught programmes: IELTS/TOEFL or proof of English-medium study. Chinese-taught: HSK as the university requires.

Do I need a supervisor or professor's acceptance for the Chinese Government Scholarship: Silk Road Program?

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

How do I apply for the Chinese Government Scholarship: Silk Road Program?