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Independent guide to the CSC scholarship

Apply for a scholarship in China with a plan you can follow.

Official requirements are scattered across government and university portals. CSC Path turns them into a clear sequence—from choosing a route to submitting the final application.

Build my application plan Browse the university directory

Independent and source-checked. CSC Path is not affiliated with the China Scholarship Council or any university, and official applications are always free.

Students walking through a Chinese university campus
A practical guide for international applicants.Updated August 2026
319
tracked universities
3
application types
7
guide steps
Free
official portal

Application desk

Start with the decision in front of you.

You do not need to read everything at once. Pick the stage you are at and follow the next useful step.

01Choose the right application routeUnderstand Type A, B, and C before you spend time on forms or contact universities.02Check the scholarship rulesCoverage, stipends, age limits, the application calendar, and the documents you need.03Build a university shortlistSearch 319 tracked institutions by province, subject, funding route, and current application status.04Test your eligibilityA free assessment based on the published CSC rules and the factors universities consider.05Prepare the applicationFollow seven practical steps from professor outreach through both online submissions.06Draft stronger documentsUse clear, editable starting points for study plans, references, and outreach emails.07Compare the self-funded routeSee realistic tuition costs and direct-admission options before deciding to wait another cycle.
Current cycle

Current cycle status: CSC 2026-27 round closed (results July) · CSC 2027-28 opens around October 2026 · 2 current university windows verified open: see the directory filter

Manually verified against official admission notices on August 8, 2026. Other universities may also be open: absence from this list does not mean closed. We update this list periodically.

Frequently researched

Tsinghua · Peking · Zhejiang · Fudan · Shanghai Jiao Tong · USTC

Applying for 2027-28? Join the free reminder list

We'll email you when applications open (around October 2026). No spam.

Optional application support

Want a second pair of eyes, or someone to handle the process?

Choose document review, professor outreach, or end-to-end support with a scope agreed in writing. Individual services start at $50; the full package is $700.

Review CSC application services Ask a question on WhatsApp

Seven-step guide

The application, in order.

Read the complete guide
  1. 1Choosing universities & programs8 min readBuild a realistic, balanced shortlist of universities and programs matched to your background, budget, and the CSC funding channels.
  2. 2Contacting professors / getting an acceptance letter9 min readReach out to potential supervisors professionally and request a pre-admission or support letter where that route expects one.
  3. 3Recommendation letters7 min readSecure two strong academic recommendation letters that speak credibly and specifically to your ability to succeed in graduate study.
  4. 4English proficiency certificate6 min readPrepare acceptable English-language proof: a registrar's medium-of-instruction certificate, IELTS/TOEFL, or HSK for Chinese-taught programs.
  5. 5Physical examination form6 min readComplete the Foreigner Physical Examination Form correctly and time it precisely - errors and expiry are among the most common causes of rejected applications.
  6. 6Study plan / research proposal9 min readWrite a compelling study plan (Master's) or research proposal (PhD) of at least 800 words that proves clear goals, genuine fit, and readiness.
  7. 7Online application & document submission9 min readSubmit accurately and on time through CGSIS and your university's own system, using the correct agency number, then track your result to visa and arrival.

How we work

We check rules against official CSC, embassy, and university sources.
We date verification notes and make it easy to report outdated information.
We separate free official applications from our optional paid support.