How to Apply for the CSC Scholarship at Zhejiang University
Hangzhou, Zhejiang
Portal links verified July 2026. Universities occasionally change systems: if a link fails, search '<university name> international student application' or tell us via the contact page.
Admissions timeline
CSC/CGS round: opens October–December, and most university deadlines fall between January and April. Deadlines are set per university and per program: always check the current admission notice on the official portal linked above.
Typical intake: September; some universities offer a smaller March intake.
Manually verified against official admission notices on July 3, 2026. Other universities may also be open: absence from this list does not mean closed. We update this list periodically.
Zhejiang University (ZJU) is a leading comprehensive university in the tech hub of Hangzhou, with particular strength in engineering, agriculture, and computer science. With recognised strengths in comprehensive, Zhejiang University is a strong destination for international students seeking the fully funded Chinese Government Scholarship for the 2026-2027 academic year. This guide walks you through exactly how to apply for the CSC scholarship at Zhejiang University, from choosing your program to submitting your documents online.
Zhejiang University (ZJU), established in 1897, is one of China's oldest and most comprehensive universities and a member of the elite C9 League: the Chinese equivalent of the Ivy League. Based in Hangzhou, the fast-growing technology capital that is home to Alibaba, ZJU pairs top-tier academics with one of the most dynamic economic environments in the country, making it a favourite among ambitious CSC applicants in engineering and the sciences.
The university is particularly strong in computer science and artificial intelligence, mechanical and biomedical engineering, and agricultural and biosystems sciences, where it is among the best in the world. Its School of Management is also highly regarded. English-taught master's and doctoral programs are broad and well organised, and the international graduate school is experienced in hosting scholarship students from many countries.
ZJU sits just below the Tsinghua/PKU tier in raw competitiveness, which makes it a smart reach-to-target choice for applicants with strong records. As with all elite universities, contacting a potential supervisor early and demonstrating a concrete, specific research fit: a technique you have used, a dataset you have worked with, a tool you can build: is far more effective than generic enthusiasm. Note that ZJU has charged an international application fee in recent cycles, so budget for it.
Hangzhou offers a gentler quality of life than Beijing or Shanghai: a humid subtropical climate, the beautiful West Lake, abundant greenery, and a thriving startup scene, all at New Tier 1 living costs that are lower than the top-tier megacities. ZJU's modern campuses are spread across the city and well connected. Confirm the exact Type B deadline and application fee in ZJU's online system, and prepare your documents from the autumn before.
CGSIS Agency Number
10335
Always confirm the agency number inside CGSIS before submitting.
Typical CSC deadline
Type B commonly closes in the January–March window.
Global standing
One of China's 'C9 League' elite universities and a consistent global top-50 institution.
English-taught programs
Broad English-taught master's and PhD programs across engineering, business, and the sciences.
Strongest departments & majors
City snapshot
- Climate:
- Hangzhou: humid subtropical: mild winters, hot humid summers, green year-round.
- Living costs:
- New Tier 1 city: roughly CNY 1,500–2,500/month living costs (accommodation covered).
- Student life:
- Multiple modern campuses near the famous West Lake; a booming tech city (home of Alibaba) with a strong startup culture.
Scholarships available at Zhejiang University
Scholarship availability is based on program type and province; always confirm on the university's international admissions page for the current intake.
Hangzhou, Zhejiang: living costs
Estimated monthly living costs (food, transport, phone, personal items) excluding accommodation, which the CSC scholarship covers via free on-campus housing or a subsidy.
The 7 steps to apply at Zhejiang University
Confirm that Zhejiang University offers your program at your degree level and supports the CSC channel (most accept Type B), then add it to your shortlist.
Identify a potential supervisor at Zhejiang University whose research matches yours and email them to request pre-admission: an acceptance letter is optional but a strong plus.
Secure two recommendation letters from professors or associate professors to submit with your Zhejiang University application.
Prepare your English proficiency evidence (or HSK for Chinese-taught programs) as required by Zhejiang University.
Complete the Foreigner Physical Examination Form with lab reports in time for the Zhejiang University deadline.
Write a tailored study plan or research proposal that references specific programs, labs, or supervisors at Zhejiang University.
Submit everything on the official CSC portal using the unique Agency Number for Zhejiang University, then track your application through to results.
What the scholarship covers at Zhejiang University
Tuition
Fully waived at the host university
Accommodation
Free on-campus housing or a housing subsidy
Medical insurance
Comprehensive insurance for international students
Monthly stipend
Bachelor's CNY 2,500 · Master's CNY 3,000 · PhD CNY 3,500
Deadlines & timeline
Zhejiang University sets its own deadline: always confirm the exact date on the official admissions page well ahead of time.
Application fee
University application fees typically range CNY 400-800; a few universities charge none, and a few waive it for CSC awardees. The CSC portal itself is always free.
Fee amounts verified against official 2025-2026 admission notices; universities update fees yearly: confirm on the linked portal.
Find faculty & official info
Browse the official website to identify potential supervisors and their research groups. We link to the official site rather than listing individual professor emails: always find current contact details on department pages.
Official websiteTips for emailing professors
- Reference a specific lab or research group and connect it to your background.
- Attach a concise one-page CV and a short study/research statement.
- State clearly that you plan to apply through the CSC (Chinese University Program) channel.
Need a starting point? Use our email-to-a-professor template.
Zhejiang University CSC scholarship FAQ
Why choose Zhejiang University?
ZJU is a C9 elite comprehensive university in the tech hub of Hangzhou, exceptionally strong in engineering, computer science, and agricultural sciences, with lower living costs than Beijing or Shanghai.
Are ZJU programs taught in English?
Yes. Zhejiang University offers a wide range of English-taught master's and doctoral programs, particularly in engineering, business, and the natural sciences.
Does ZJU charge an application fee?
Zhejiang University has confirmed an application fee (around CNY 800) for international applicants in recent cycles. Verify the current amount and payment method in ZJU's online application system before submitting.
How strong does my profile need to be for ZJU?
ZJU is elite but slightly less saturated than Tsinghua or PKU. A strong GPA, a clear research fit, and ideally a supervisor's interest make it a realistic reach-to-target school for solid applicants.
Does Zhejiang University accept CSC Type B applications?
Most CSC partner universities, including Zhejiang University, accept Type B (Chinese University Program) applications where you apply directly to the university. Confirm the current channel and the university's unique Agency Number on its international students office page before you apply.
Is the CSC scholarship at Zhejiang University fully funded?
Yes. The Chinese Government Scholarship covers tuition, on-campus accommodation or a housing subsidy, comprehensive medical insurance, and a monthly stipend (CNY 2,500 for Bachelor's, CNY 3,000 for Master's, and CNY 3,500 for PhD) for successful applicants at Zhejiang University.
What is the application deadline for Zhejiang University?
Deadlines are set by each university and typically fall between December and April, with many closing by March. Check the official Zhejiang University admissions page for the exact 2026-2027 deadline as early as possible.
What can I study at Zhejiang University on a CSC scholarship?
Zhejiang University in Hangzhou, Zhejiang has strengths in Comprehensive. Explore its program catalogue for English-taught and Chinese-taught options at your degree level, and identify a potential supervisor whose research matches your interests.
Figures based on China Scholarship Council program information. Always verify current details on campuschina.org and your target university's admissions page.
Related universities
Ready to begin? Read the full step-by-step CSC application guide or the complete 2026-2027 overview.