The Chinese Government Scholarship (CGS) 2025-2026, sponsored by the China Scholarship Council (CSC), is designed for international students who are keen to earn a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral degree. It is an annually-run program applicable at more than 270 universities all over the country and encompasses numerous fields of study, which are preparatory for the cultural and educational exchange between China and countries from around the world.
With regards to this scholarship, it contributes the entire tuition fees, accommodation, monthly living expenses, and full medical insurance. Among those universities that are instrumental in this undertaking are not limited to Tsinghua University, Peking University, Zhejiang University, Fudan University, and Shanghai Jiao Tong University.
Degree Levels and Participating Universities
- Degree Programs: Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D.
- Participating Universities: More than 270 institutions across China, including all leading national and research universities.
- Popular Fields: Engineering, Medicine, Management, Law, Agriculture, Chinese Language, and more.
Financial Coverage of CSC Scholarship 2025
- Tuition Fees: Fully waived for the entire duration of the program.
- Accommodation: Free university dormitory or accommodation allowance.
- Monthly Stipends:
- Undergraduate: CNY 2,500
- Master’s: CNY 3,000
- Ph.D.: CNY 3,500
- Medical Insurance: Comprehensive coverage for health and accidents.
Eligibility Criteria for CSC Scholarship 2025
- Nationality: Applicants must be non-Chinese citizens from countries with diplomatic relations with China.
- Educational Background:
- Bachelor’s applicants: High school diploma
- Master’s applicants: Bachelor’s degree
- Doctoral applicants: Master’s degree
- Age Limit:
- Undergraduate: Below 25 years
- Master’s: Below 35 years
- Ph.D.: Below 40 years
- Language Proficiency:
- For Chinese-taught programs: HSK level 3 or higher (varies by university)
- For English-taught programs: IELTS/TOEFL or English Proficiency Certificate
CSC Scholarship Application Categories
- Type A: Apply through the Chinese embassy or consulate in your home country.
- Type B: Apply directly to a Chinese university.
- Type C: Apply through other channels, such as specific programs or organizations.
Under the current CSC policy, each applicant is allowed to submit up to three applications in one enrollment cycle—two under Type A and one under Type B.
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CSC Scholarship Application Timeline 2025–2026
- Application Start: December 2024
- University/Embassy Deadline: Varies by institution, generally between February and April 2025
- Results Announcement: By the end of July 2025
- Commencement of Studies: September 2025
Note: Always verify exact deadlines with your chosen university or the Chinese embassy in your country.
Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for Chinese Government Scholarship
- Choose Your University and Program:
- Please see the CSC university list and locate the institutions where the program of your choice is offered.
- Find a Professor (Optional but recommended):
- If you are applying for master’s or Ph.D. programs, get a letter of acceptance from a professor to increase your chances of success.
- Login to CSC Scholarship Portal Access the official CSC portal:
- http://studyinchina.csc.edu.cn, and then fill and submit your application form online.
- Documents to Prepare:
- CSC application form (filled out online)
- Highest diploma and transcripts (certified copy)
- Study plan or research proposalTwo recommendation letters
- Passport copy
- Foreigner Physical Examination Form
- Language proficiency proof (HSK or IELTS/TOEFL or certificate from your previous institution)
- Send in the Papers:
- For type A: Send to the Chinese embassy/consulate in your country.
- For type B: Send directly the application form to the university.
- Secure a trustworthy courier provider, such as DHL, to send the physical documents.
- Wait for Notification:
- The candidates that have been shortlisted will get to know by July, 2025, and accordingly, they will receive their visa and travel plans.
Available Fields of Study
The Chinese Government Scholarship covers nearly all academic disciplines:Available Fields of Study
- Engineering: Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, Computer Science
- Sciences: Physics, Chemistry, Environmental Science
- Humanities & Social Sciences: Education, International Relations, Law, Economics
- Medical Sciences: Public Health, Clinical Medicine, Nursing
- Agricultural Sciences: Horticulture, Agronomy, Veterinary Medicine
- Arts: Music, Design, Fine Arts
Check out more Fully Funded Scholarships worldwide
Available Fields of Study
Some remarkable CSC-participating universities include:
- Tsinghua University
- Peking University
- Zhejiang University
- Fudan University
- Harbin Institute of Technology
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University
- Nanjing University
- Beijing Institute of Technology
A full list of all 279+ participating institutions is available on the official CSC portal.
FAQs – CSC Scholarship 2025
Do I need to have IELTS/TOEFL for CSC?
In case your previous course was conducted in English, then you are exempt. An English Certificate from your university is valid.
Can I have a part-time job while studying?
Yes, but only with supervisor’s and the International Students Office’s approval.
Do I need an acceptance letter from a professor?
It is not obligatory but it is extremely recommended for postgraduate candidates.
Is it possible to apply for a HOPE Certificate?
Yes, the students can apply on a hope certificate if they are in their last semester. However, the final transcripts should be sent before the departure.
How many universities can I apply to?
Three applications can be submitted: Two under Type A (embassy) and one under Type B (university).
Official Website and Application Portal
- CSC Scholarship Portal: http://studyinchina.csc.edu.cn
- University Directory: https://www.csc.edu.cn/studyinchina
- Official Call: https://www.chinesescholarshipcouncil.com/
Final Thoughts
The Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) 2025 is a great opportunity for international students to continue their studies at Chinese universities through a full scholarship. This is one of the most generous and prestigious scholarship programs in the world, with hundreds of universities and such a wide range of academic subjects all fully financed. The most important is of course to write a good application, respect all rules, and apply in time.