Here’s our simple guide on how to apply for the CSC Scholarship for studying in China!
CSC scholarships are quite common among international students. They’re provided by the Chinese Scholarship Council, part of China’s Ministry of Education. These scholarships aim to boost education, cultural exchange, and understanding between countries. They can cover part or all of your expenses.
The Chinese Government Scholarship supports various levels of study, from undergraduates to scholars.
Keep in mind that CSC scholarships don’t cover MBA or MBBS programs (which have limited scholarships) or programs with very high tuition fees.
You can find more information on the official CSC Scholarship website.
Remember, there are many other scholarships available besides CSC. Check out our scholarship guide to learn more.
Step 1: Find a university that accepts CSC Scholarship students. The list has 279 universities that can accept CSC scholarship applicants.
Step 2: Choose which scholarship to apply for. CSC Scholarship is a broad term. Under it, there are different types of scholarships you can apply for.
- Type C: For students already studying in China at a university.
- Type B: Chinese University Program Scholarship. You can apply to 3 universities.
- Type A: Non-university scholarships. Apply through the corresponding accepting institution (like the Chinese Embassy in your country). You can apply to 2 universities.
Age requirements for CSC scholarships:
- Bachelor’s: 18-25 years old
- Master’s: 18-35 years old
- PhD: 18-40 years old
- General Scholar: 18-45 years old
- Senior Scholar: 18-50 years old
Here are the details on eligibility and applying. Click each link for more information.
Chinese Government Scholarship – Bilateral Program Eligibility:
- Non-Chinese citizens
- The program aligns with cooperation agreements between China and other nations.
- Open to undergraduates, postgraduates, general, and senior scholars.
- Apply through your home country’s dispatching department.
- Must be under 50 years old (check specific age requirements on the website). Application Period:
- Deadlines vary by Chinese embassy, usually around January-February. Where to Apply:
- Apply through your home country’s dispatching authorities for overseas study.
- Once approved, apply to your chosen university and complete an online application on the CSC website.
Chinese Government Scholarship – Chinese University Program
Eligibility:
- For talented international students directly selected by designated Chinese universities.
- Different universities have different requirements for supported student categories. Application Period:
- Apply between January and the end of March. Where to Apply:
- Choose your desired university.
- Check the university’s website for specific requirements and limitations.
- Apply to your chosen university, then complete an online application on the CSC website and submit all documents to the university.
Great Wall Program
Eligibility:
- Open to general scholars and senior scholars from developing countries. Application Period:
- Apply between early January and early April. Where to Apply:
- Apply to the National Commission for UNESCO in your home country for a CGS opportunity.
- Once selected, apply to your target university for a Pre-Admission letter and complete an application on the CSC website.
- More information can be found on UNESCO’s webpage and your country’s National Commission website.
EU Program
Eligibility:
- Supports students from EU member countries, including undergraduates, graduates, general scholars, and senior scholars. Application Period:
- Apply between early January and early April. Where to Apply:
- Apply to the Office for Education and Culture, Mission of P. R. China to the European Union.
- Once recommended by the dispatching authorities, apply to your target university for the Pre-admission Letter, then complete an application on the CSC website.
- Check the Mission’s website for the call for applications for the 2022/2023 school year. Here is their website: http://www.chinamission.be
PIF Program
Eligibility:
- For undergraduate, graduate, general scholars, and senior scholars from Pacific Island countries (citizens of PIF member countries). Application Period:
- Apply between early January and early April. Where to Apply:
- Apply to the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Secretariat at www.forumsec.org.
- Once recommended by authorities, apply to your target university for a Pre-admission Letter. Then, complete an application on the CSC website and submit all documents to the PIF Secretariat before the deadline.
AUN Program
Eligibility:
- Supports graduate students from ASEAN member countries: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. Application Period:
- Apply between November and January. Where to Apply:
- Apply to AUN Secretariat for CGS opportunity.
- Once recommended, apply to your target university for the Pre-admission Letter, complete an application on the CGS website, and submit all documents to the AUN Secretariat.
- Contact AUN through www.aunsec.org or their office at Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.
WMO Program (World Meteorological Organization)
Eligibility:
- Supports undergraduate, master, and doctoral students in meteorology.
- Majors limited to Meteorology, Hydrology, and Water Resources Monitoring & Management. Application Period:
- Apply between early November and next February. Where to Apply:
- Apply to the WMO Secretariat at www.wmo.int.
- Once recommended, apply to your target university for the Pre-admission Letter, then complete an application on the CGS website and submit all documents to the WMO Secretariat.
Marine Scholarship of China
Eligibility:
- For citizens of non-Chinese nationality from coastal/island countries or developing countries.
- Must apply for ocean-related postgraduate programs. Application Period:
- Apply between January 1st and April 30th each year. Where to Apply:
- Apply through the CSC website managed by the Chinese government.
MOFCOM Scholarship
Eligibility:
- Supports Master’s or PhD programs for citizens of developing countries.
- Must be under 45 years old with relevant work experience and English proficiency. Application Period:
- Apply through the Economic and Commercial Counselor’s Office (ECCO) of the Chinese Embassy in your country.
- Obtain approval and recommendation from the relevant department of your host country.
- Submit all documents to the ECCO of the Chinese Embassy.
China Trade Unions Silk Road Scholarship
Eligibility:
- Supports trade union officials with related work experience from “Belt and Road” countries to study the Chinese Language in the PRC.
- Must be at least a high school graduate, under 45 years old, and have at least one year of work experience (preferably in China-related affairs).
- Not concurrently receiving a Chinese government scholarship. Application Period:
- Apply between early January and March. Where to Apply:
- Fill out an application and submit relevant documents on the CSC website.
Confucius Institute Scholarships (CIS)
Eligibility:
- For Chinese language learners and teachers.
- Specific age and education criteria for different categories. Application Period:
- Online registration is available from March 1 on the CIS website.
- Deadlines vary based on class start dates. Where to Apply:
- Register and complete the CIS Application Form on the CIS website.
- Upload scanned copies of supporting documents.
- Submit recommendation materials from approved institutions if required.
Step 3: Identify the agency number
When applying for the CSC scholarship, you’ll need to indicate the sponsoring institution’s agency number. Find the full list of agency numbers here.
Step 4: Prepare your documents
Check the specific scholarship links for document requirements and prepare accordingly.
Step 5: Send Your Documents. Make copies of all your documents for reference. Please send them to the correct authorities before the deadline. Be sure to follow the correct order—some scholarships require preselection before applying to the university or CSC website.
Step 6: Wait for Results. Good luck with your scholarship application!
And remember, we also offer a scholarship application service to help simplify the process for you.
If you have any questions, feel free to ask!
