CSC Scholarship 2026-2027: The Complete Guide

What is the CSC scholarship?

The China Scholarship Council (CSC) scholarship: also called the Chinese Government Scholarship (CGS): is one of the world's most generous fully funded scholarship programs. Each year it enables thousands of non-Chinese students to study for a Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD at more than 270 partner universities across China, completely free of charge. For the 2026-2027 intake, the program continues to cover tuition, accommodation, medical insurance, and a monthly living stipend, making it a life-changing opportunity for ambitious international students.

Importantly, applying through the official CSC portal is free at studyinchina.csc.edu.cn, but universities may charge their own portal fee when you submit the university application. You never need an agent, and anyone claiming to "sell" a guaranteed scholarship should be treated with extreme caution.

The CSC is the flagship, but it isn't the only way to study in China for free. See our guide to other scholarships in China (MOFCOM, ANSO, Chinese Language Teachers, provincial and university awards).

What the scholarship covers

The CSC scholarship is a full ride. Successful applicants receive:

Who is eligible?

To apply for the CSC scholarship you must be a non-Chinese citizen in good health and meet the age and degree requirements: Bachelor's applicants must be under 25, Master's applicants under 35, and PhD applicants under 40. You also need to meet the academic entry requirements of your chosen program. English-taught graduate programs are widely available; Chinese-taught programs may require HSK proficiency but often include a free one-year Chinese language preparatory year.

The three application routes (Type A, B & C)

There are three ways to apply, and understanding them is essential because you may submit up to three applications per enrollment year: up to two Type A (through different agencies) plus one Type B.

For most applicants, Type B (Chinese University Program) is the most popular route because it gives you the most control over your choice of university. Remember: the university named in a Type B application is final and cannot be changed later, so choose carefully.

2026-2027 application timeline

The 2026/2027 round opened in October 2025. Deadlines vary by university and embassy , Type A embassy applicants often submit online via CGSIS by early February 2026 with embassy documents by late February 2026, while most Type B university deadlines fall between December and April (many close January–March): so start early. Both official portals, campuschina.org and studyinchina.csc.edu.cn, are free. Each university has a unique 5-digit agency number that you must enter in the online form.

Documents you'll need

• CSC online application form (from studyinchina.csc.edu.cn)
• CSCA Score Report. Bachelor's applicants only (new requirement from 2026/2027)
• Highest diploma (notarized copy)
• Academic transcripts
• Study plan (Bachelor's/Master's) or research proposal (PhD)
• Two recommendation letters from professors or associate professors
• Foreigner Physical Examination Form with lab reports
• Passport copy
• English proficiency certificate (IELTS/TOEFL): often NOT required if your previous education was in English; a certificate from your registrar usually suffices. HSK for Chinese-taught programs.
• Acceptance / pre-admission letter from a supervisor (optional but a strong plus: about half of winners apply without one)
• Police clearance certificate
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)

How to apply: the 7 steps

Our step-by-step guide breaks the whole process into seven manageable stages. Work through them in order:

1. 1Choosing universities & programs
2. 2Contacting professors / getting an acceptance letter
3. 3Recommendation letters
4. 4English proficiency certificate
5. 5Physical examination form
6. 6Study plan / research proposal
7. 7Online application & document submission

Good to know

• Chinese-taught programs include a free one-year Chinese language preparatory year.
• Some universities interview shortlisted candidates.
• Students may work part-time with a supervisor NOC and university approval.
• Applicants must be non-Chinese citizens in good health.
• You may submit up to 3 applications per enrollment year: up to 2 Type A (different agencies) + 1 Type B.

Frequently asked questions