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Securing a fully funded scholarship at a top-tier Chinese institution opens remarkable pathways for international scholars. Located in Guangdong Province across vibrant campuses in Guangzhou, Zhuhai, and Shenzhen, Sun Yat-sen University (SYSU) ranks among China’s elite Class A Double First-Class research universities. Through the Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) program, SYSU offers international students complete financial coverage to pursue Master’s and Doctoral (PhD) degrees.
This comprehensive guide details the baseline eligibility rules, language exemptions, application steps, required documentation, and expert strategies for the 2027 academic intake.
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Program Overview & Key Snapshot
| Feature / Criteria | Details & Guidelines |
| Host Institution | Sun Yat-sen University (SYSU), China |
| Sponsorship Body | Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC / Type A & Type B) |
| SYSU Agency Code | 10558 |
| Degree Levels | Master’s Degree, PhD / Doctoral Programs |
| Financial Funding | Fully Funded (Tuition, Housing, Monthly Stipend, Medical Insurance) |
| Monthly Stipend | Master’s: 3,000 RMB/month | PhD: 3,500 RMB/month |
| Language Exemption | No IELTS required if previous degree was taught in English |
| Official Application Link | SYSU Office of International Students’ Affairs |
Financial Benefits & Scholarship Coverage
The CSC High-Level Graduate Program at Sun Yat-sen University eliminates tuition and general living expenses, allowing scholars to focus entirely on research and academic excellence.
Full Financial Package Breakdown
- Full Tuition Waiver: 100% exemption from academic tuition and laboratory fees for the duration of the degree program.
- Free On-Campus Housing: Accommodation in single or double dormitory rooms provided on SYSU campuses.
- Monthly Living Allowance (Stipend):
- Master’s Candidates: 3,000 RMB per month
- PhD / Doctoral Candidates: 3,500 RMB per month
- Comprehensive Health Insurance: Standard medical insurance provided for foreign scholars studying in China.
Academic Eligibility & Language Requirements
Applicants must satisfy strict academic standards set by Sun Yat-sen University and the Ministry of Education.
Age and Academic Qualifications
- Master’s Applicants: Must hold a recognized Bachelor’s degree, demonstrate a strong academic record, and generally be under 35 years of age.
- Doctoral (PhD) Applicants: Must hold a recognized Master’s degree, possess independent research potential, and generally be under 40 years of age.
- General Status: Foreign citizenship, good physical and mental health, and a clean criminal record.
Language Proficiency & IELTS Exemptions
- English-Taught Programs: Standardized test scores (IELTS 6.0+ or TOEFL 80+). No IELTS is required if you submit an official English Language Proficiency Certificate issued by your previous university confirming your prior degree was delivered entirely in English.
- Chinese-Taught Programs: Requires an HSK Level 5 certificate (minimum total score of 180).
Required Application Documents Checklist
All submitted scans must be clear, complete, and uploaded in high-resolution PDF format. Non-English/Chinese documents require notarized official translations.
- CSC Application Form: Downloaded after completing the CSC portal workflow.
- SYSU Online Application Form: Generated via the SYSU International Student Application System.
- Notarized Highest Diploma: Bachelor’s degree for Master’s applicants; Master’s degree for PhD applicants (or an expected graduation certificate if graduating in 2026).
- Official Academic Transcripts: Complete academic records certified and stamped.
- Study Plan / Research Proposal: A detailed plan (minimum 800–1,000 words) outlining research goals, methodology, and academic orientation.
- Two Academic Recommendation Letters: Written by full professors or associate professors in English or Chinese.
- Foreigner Physical Examination Form: Completed by a licensed physician within 6 months prior to application submission.
- Non-Criminal Record Report: Police clearance certificate from local authorities.
- Language Proficiency Certificate: Standardized HSK result or English Proficiency Certificate.
- Passport Copy: Valid foreign passport bio page.
Step-by-Step Dual Online Application Process
Applying for the CSC Scholarship at Sun Yat-sen University requires submitting your application through two separate online portals.
[Step 1: Prep Documents] ──► [Step 2: CSC Portal (Code 10558)] ──► [Step 3: SYSU Portal Submission] ──► [Step 4: Academic Review]
1. Register on the CSC Application Portal (Type B)
- Visit the China Scholarship Council Application System.
- Create an account and select Category B.
- Enter the SYSU Agency Code: 10558.
- Fill in your background details, upload required materials, and save your generated CSC Application Form.
2. Register on the SYSU Application System
- Access the official SYSU International Student Portal.
- Create an account, select your target graduate major, and upload your credential package along with the CSC form.
- Settle any university processing fees required by the system.
3. Selection and Result Release
SYSU academic committees evaluate submitted files from March to May. Nominations are submitted to the China Scholarship Council for final approval, with official admission packages released between July and August.
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FAQs
What is the CSC Agency Code for Sun Yat-sen University?
The official CSC Agency Code for SYSU under Category B (University Track) is 10558.
Can I apply for the SYSU CSC Scholarship without an IELTS score?
Yes, you can. If your prior degree was completed in an institution where English was the primary medium of instruction, an official English Proficiency Certificate is accepted.
What is the application deadline for the SYSU CSC Scholarship 2027?
Online submission portals typically open in December 2026 and close between February 15 and March 15 2027. Early submission is strongly recommended.
Final Tip From ScholarshipsHive
When preparing your Study Plan for Sun Yat-sen University, review the specific key laboratories across its Guangzhou, Zhuhai, or Shenzhen campuses. Tailoring your research proposal to reference ongoing projects or faculties within SYSU’s key academic centers significantly improves your application standing during institutional evaluations.
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