The CSC scholarship 2027 (Chinese Government Scholarship) is one of the leading opportunities for international students who want to study a bachelor’s, master’s or PhD in China. If you are looking for a fully funded way to study abroad, this scholarship may be exactly what you need. Requirements and dates vary by nationality and application route, and the scholarship offers comprehensive coverage: tuition, accommodation, medical insurance and a monthly stipend. Here is everything you need to submit a successful application for the 2027/2028 intake, from eligibility to detailed application steps.
What Is the Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC)?
The Chinese Government Scholarship is a fully funded scholarship set up by China’s Ministry of Education and administered by the China Scholarship Council (CSC). It allows international students from around the world to study at China’s leading universities. It is one of the most comprehensive scholarships in the world and an ideal choice for anyone seeking a high-quality education at low cost.
The scholarship covers the main costs of your studies: tuition, on-campus accommodation or an accommodation subsidy, comprehensive medical insurance and a monthly stipend for living expenses. It is available for bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programs and is a real chance to earn an internationally recognized degree from universities such as Peking University, Tsinghua University or Fudan University.
What Does the CSC Scholarship Cover?
A full CSC scholarship covers the essential costs of your studies, including:
- Full tuition waiver
- Free university dormitory, or a monthly accommodation subsidy if your university allows you to live off campus (CNY 700 per month for bachelor’s and master’s students, CNY 1,000 per month for doctoral students)
- Comprehensive medical insurance (CNY 800 per year)
- Monthly stipend: CNY 2,500 for bachelor’s, CNY 3,000 for master’s and CNY 3,500 for doctoral students
- International airfare is generally not included, except under some bilateral agreements
Note that coverage can vary slightly by university, program and nationality, so check the specific details in the documents your university sends you after pre-admission.
CSC Scholarship 2027 Requirements
CSC scholarship requirements depend on your level of study (bachelor’s, master’s, PhD) and your nationality, but the core requirements are:
- Be a citizen of a country other than the People’s Republic of China, in good physical and mental health
- Hold a recognized high school diploma and be under 25 (bachelor’s applicants; from the 2026/2027 intake, a valid CSCA test score is also required)
- Hold a bachelor’s degree and be under 35 (master’s applicants), or a master’s degree and be under 40 (PhD applicants)
- Have good English (proof such as IELTS or TOEFL, with the minimum set by each university) or Chinese (at least HSK 4 for Chinese-taught master’s and PhD programs)
- Have no criminal record
- Not already hold a CSC scholarship for the same level of study
One key point: there are two application routes. Type A applications go through the Chinese embassy or the designated scholarship authority in your home country, while Type B applications go directly through a participating Chinese university, which pre-admits and nominates you. In both cases, you also complete the online CSC application. Language requirements vary by program: English-taught programs do not require HSK, while Chinese-taught master’s and PhD programs require at least HSK 4.
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How to Apply for the CSC Scholarship 2027
Preparing a CSC scholarship application takes careful planning and step-by-step execution. Here are the main steps to follow:
- Choose the right university and program: Pick a Chinese university that offers a program in your field, such as Peking University, Tsinghua or Fudan. Make sure the university takes part in the CSC program.
- Contact your chosen university: Reach out to a professor or the graduate school to request a pre-acceptance (acceptance letter from a supervisor), which many universities expect for master’s and PhD applicants.
- Gather the required documents: Prepare your CV, statement of purpose, certified diplomas and transcripts, recommendation letters, a language certificate (English or Chinese), a passport-style photo and a copy of your passport.
- Apply through the university portal: Many universities ask you to apply directly through their own system as well. Follow each university’s specific procedure.
- Wait for pre-admission: After reviewing your application, the university (Type B) or embassy (Type A) gives you the agency number you need for the CSC system.
- Submit your application in the CSC online system: Using that agency number, complete your final application on the official CSC platform (https://csc.edu.cn / campuschina.org).
- Wait for the final result: After applications close and the CSC review is complete, results are announced by the university, embassy or CSC.
For a detailed step-by-step walkthrough, read our guide to applying for the Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC).
CSC Scholarship 2027/2028 Deadlines
Application dates vary by university, program and nationality. Each university or embassy sets its own deadline. In general, the expected timeline for the 2027/2028 intake (based on previous cycles and the first university calls) looks like this:
| Stage | Approximate date (2026–2027) |
|---|---|
| Applications open (embassies and universities) | October – December 2026 (several universities opened in October 2026; embassy windows usually open in November – December) |
| University / embassy application deadline | Mostly January – April 2027 (varies; e.g. Henan University 17 January 2027, Nankai University 20 March 2027) |
| Submission in the CSC online system | November 2026 – April 2027, before your university’s or embassy’s deadline |
| Final results announced | June – August 2027 (expected) |
Start preparing early, especially if you need time to collect, certify or translate your documents. Don’t leave it to the last minute.
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Who Is Eligible to Apply?
The CSC scholarship 2027 is open to international students of all nationalities (except Chinese citizens), provided they are:
- High school graduates (for bachelor’s applicants)
- Bachelor’s degree holders (for master’s applicants)
- Master’s degree holders (for PhD applicants)
- Students with a good academic record (often around 75% or higher)
- Proficient in English or Chinese, depending on the program
The CSC scholarship is open to students from many academic backgrounds, but your field must be offered by the university you apply to. Not every university offers every major, so choose one where your field is available.
Benefits of the Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC)
Beyond full financial coverage, the CSC scholarship has other benefits that set it apart:
- Study at globally ranked universities (QS, THE)
- A unique cultural experience in one of the world’s largest economies
- The chance to learn from leading academics across many fields
- Life in an international, multicultural environment
- Access to a strong alumni network in China and worldwide
If you want to study in China at close to zero cost, our complete guide to studying in China for free explains how, with clear steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for the CSC scholarship without university admission?
It depends on the route. Under Type B you apply through a participating Chinese university, which pre-admits and nominates you before your CSC application is complete. Under Type A you apply through the Chinese embassy or scholarship authority in your country; a university pre-admission letter is not always required but strengthens your application.
What is the minimum English score?
There is no single CSC-wide minimum; each university sets its own requirement for English-taught programs, often around IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL 80. Chinese-taught master’s and PhD programs require at least HSK 4.
Does the scholarship cover travel costs?
Generally no. The standard Chinese Government Scholarship does not include international airfare; only some bilateral programs cover a one-time round trip. Check your embassy’s or university’s scholarship notice.
Can I apply for a master’s and a PhD at the same time?
No. You cannot apply for two levels of study in the same cycle. Choose the level that matches your academic qualifications.
Can I apply if I live in a different country?
Yes. Eligibility is based on your nationality (passport), not where you live. However, Type A applications usually go through the Chinese embassy in your country of citizenship, so check which embassy accepts your application.
The CSC scholarship 2027 is a real opportunity for international students who want a world-class academic or professional education without paying tuition. By preparing early, applying through the right route and university, and meeting every deadline, any qualified student can win a life-changing opportunity. Start your preparation now, and make sure you review all the requirements for your nationality and academic level.