How do you apply for the CSC scholarship step by step? This question is on the mind of thousands of international students who dream of studying in China with full funding. The CSC scholarship, officially known as the Chinese Government Scholarship, is one of the most influential international programmes for high-quality education at reduced or no cost. But despite its appeal, the application process can look complicated if you don’t understand the steps. In this complete guide we show you everything you need to know to apply for the CSC scholarship step by step, including the required documents, practical tips and internal links to help you make informed decisions.

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Step 1: Check that you are eligible for the CSC scholarship (2027/28 intake)

Before anything else, make sure you meet the basic requirements for the CSC scholarship (2027/28 intake), because your choice of university and programme depends entirely on your eligibility.

• You must be a non-Chinese citizen.
• For a bachelor’s degree you need a high school diploma (or equivalent). From the 2026 cycle, bachelor’s applicants also need to take the CSCA test.
• For a master’s degree you need a bachelor’s degree.
• For a PhD you need a master’s degree.
• You need a good level of English (for example IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL 80 for many English-taught programmes) or, for some programmes, Chinese at HSK 4 or 5. Requirements vary by university.
• Age limits depend on the level: generally under 25 for bachelor’s, under 35 for master’s and under 40 for PhD programmes.

Eligibility rules vary by university and programme, so check the official website of the university you want to apply to. You can look at Peking University and Tsinghua University as examples of leading institutions that offer CSC scholarships.

Step 2: Choose the right university and subject

After checking your eligibility, the most important step is choosing the university and subject that fit your academic and career goals. There are two routes: Type A, where you apply through the Chinese embassy in your country, and Type B, where you apply through a Chinese university that nominates you to the CSC.

• Look for universities that offer English-taught programmes in the subject you want.
• Check the university’s strength in your field, such as engineering, medicine, science or political science.
• Use our list of the top Chinese universities to choose your destination.
• Make sure the university you choose takes CSC applicants for the 2027/28 intake.

Note that some universities accept direct applications from students, while for Type A you need to apply through an official body in your home country. So check the application requirements for your own country, using our country-specific page.

Step 3: Contact a supervisor or academic adviser

One of the main requirements for the CSC scholarship is usually a prior letter of support from a research supervisor or faculty member at the university where you want to study (some programmes do not require one, so check your university’s rules). This is often the key to a successful application.

• Start by searching the faculty of your chosen university and identify researchers in your field.
• Send them a professional email stating:
  • Your name and nationality.
  • The level you want to study (bachelor’s/master’s/PhD).
  • Your academic or research interests.
  • A request for a letter of support for your CSC application.
• Write a clear, short, professional email, and ask for nothing more than a simple letter of support.
• Use clear English and stay respectful and modest.

If the professor agrees to support you, you will receive an official support letter, which is an essential document in your file. This letter is one of the most important documents when applying for the CSC scholarship step by step.

Step 4: Collect and prepare the required documents

There is an official list of documents that must be uploaded to the online system. All documents should be translated into English or Chinese (depending on the university’s requirements), and be accurate and properly certified. Documents issued abroad may need an apostille, which has been in force for China since 7 November 2023.

Document	Requirements
Passport copy	Valid, with a photo page.
Graduation certificate or academic transcript	Officially translated, with a certified copy from a recognised authority.
Curriculum vitae (CV)	Written in English, with details of your studies and research experience.
Motivation letter	Addressed to the selection committee, explaining your academic and career goals.
Support letter from your supervisor	Signed, stating their support for your application.
Language certificate (IELTS, TOEFL or HSK)	Valid, and no more than two years old.
Passport-style photo	Formal, with a white background.
Medical certificate (depending on the university)	Some universities ask for it after admission.

Use this guide as a checklist so that nothing is missing from your file. You can also read our guide to the Chinese Government (CSC) Scholarship to confirm the final details.

Step 5: Register in the online application system

The next step is to register on the official application platform. Type A applicants use the online system run by the China Scholarship Council; Type B applicants use the online system of the university they apply to. The official CSC link is www.csc.edu.cn.

• Open the official application system: the CSC online system for Type A, or the university’s own portal for Type B, and create your application.
• Create a new account with your email address.
• Fill in your personal details and choose the university and subject.
• Upload all required documents as PDF files.
• Check all information before final submission.

Applying through the official system (CSC for Type A, the university’s portal for Type B) is the only valid route. Applications sent by post or through unofficial agents are not accepted, unless an official exception is announced.

Step 6: Track your application and send extra documents

After you apply, your application will be reviewed. You may be asked to send additional documents or to attend an online interview.

• Check your email regularly, since the system or the university may send notifications.
• If you are asked for an additional document, reply without delay.
• In some cases you may be asked to attend an interview by Zoom or phone with the selection committee.
• Prepare for questions about your goals, your subject and why you chose China.

Be ready for every stage, because selection is based on an overall assessment of your file.

Step 7: Receive your university admission and funding letter

If you are successful, you will receive an official admission letter from the university and a funding letter from the CSC. You need both documents to apply for your study visa (X1 for stays over 180 days, with the JW201 or JW202 form).

• Keep a copy of your admission letter and your funding letter.
• Check the funding details: does it include accommodation? Medical insurance? Remember that regular employment is not allowed for international students; only university-organised work-study is permitted (up to 8 hours a week and 40 hours a month during term).
• Be aware that some programmes ask you to pay a registration fee in advance, even when the scholarship covers costs.

Once you confirm your place, move straight on to the next steps of your journey to study in China.

Practical tips to improve your chances for the CSC scholarship (2027/28 intake)

How do you apply for the CSC scholarship step by step? The answer lies not only in filling in the forms correctly, but in strategy and early preparation.

• Start early: for the 2027/28 cycle, applications are expected to open between November and December 2026, with most deadlines between January and April 2027 (each university or embassy sets its own). Don’t wait until the last minute.
• Choose your supervisor wisely: don’t email 20 professors. Pick just 3–5 and focus on people whose research matches yours.
• Write a standout letter: don’t use ready-made templates. Make your motivation letter personal, convincing and coherent.
• Choose universities realistically: Peking University and Tsinghua University are highly competitive, so check whether they accept CSC applicants for your level and route, especially Type B.
• Get help: if you struggle with translation or preparation, start with our student visa steps guide.

Frequently asked questions

Can I apply for the CSC scholarship without a supervisor?

No. For most programmes you cannot apply for the CSC scholarship without a prior letter of support from a research supervisor at the university, and the signed letter must be attached. Requirements differ by university, so check the official admission page.

Does the CSC scholarship cover all costs?

The CSC full scholarship covers tuition, accommodation (or a housing allowance of 700 or 1,000 CNY a month), comprehensive medical insurance and a monthly stipend of 2,500 CNY (bachelor’s), 3,000 CNY (master’s) or 3,500 CNY (PhD). It does not cover airfare, so check the funding details with your university.

Can I apply to a Chinese university without full Chinese language skills?

Yes. For English-taught programmes you do not need to be fluent in Chinese. However, some Chinese-taught programmes require HSK 4 or 5.

What is the difference between the CSC scholarship and the Silk Road scholarship?

They are not competing schemes. The Silk Road Program is part of the CSC scholarship system: it is a Type B programme applied for through a Chinese university, and each university decides which countries are eligible. The CSC offers other routes too, such as Type A through the embassy, so compare which one you qualify for.

Are applications accepted from students in my country?

Students from most countries can apply, but eligibility depends on the programme and route: Type A depends on the scholarship agreement between China and your country, and each university sets the countries eligible for Type B programmes. See the details in our country-specific resources.

How do you apply for the CSC scholarship step by step? The answer is clear now: prepare early, nominate carefully and document every step. By following these steps you greatly improve your chances of winning a funded scholarship to study in China. Remember that your academic journey in China does not begin with an interview, but with one step: applying correctly. Use every resource available, and start today. If you need specialist guidance or help with your motivation letter or translations, don’t hesitate to ask our team for support at Study in China on a scholarship.