The CSC (Chinese Government Scholarship) is one of the most sought-after fully-funded scholarships. It can cover tuition, accommodation, monthly stipend and medical insurance. It is competitive, so a complete, well-prepared file matters. This guide walks through how it works and how to prepare.
What the CSC scholarship covers
A full CSC award usually covers tuition, on-campus accommodation, comprehensive medical insurance and a monthly living allowance. The allowance depends on your level. In our current list, fully funded Master offers pay up to 3,000 RMB a month and PhD offers 3,500 RMB a month.
Type A and Type B
- Type A (bilateral programme): you apply through the Chinese embassy or the education authority in your home country, which nominates candidates. Places per country are limited.
- Type B (Chinese University Program): you apply directly to a designated Chinese university, which selects and nominates you. This is the route most of our students use.
For Type B, the CSC online application asks for the agency number of the university you are applying to. Each university has its own number. Using the wrong one sends your file to the wrong place, so ask us for the correct agency number before you submit.
Who is eligible
- Bachelor: Completed (or final year of) 12 years of school - FSc, A-Level, HSC or equivalent.
- Master: Completed Bachelor's degree.
- PhD: Completed Master's degree.
- Good health and a clean police record.
- English (or Chinese) proficiency for the programme you choose. Many universities accept IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo; some run their own test.
There is no single cut-off mark. Universities look at your whole file: grades, study plan, recommendation letters and timing. Try our scholarship eligibility checker to see where you stand.
Documents you will need
- Passport valid for at least two more years
- Highest degree certificate and transcripts, attested
- Study plan or research proposal
- Two recommendation letters from professors (Master and PhD)
- Foreigner Physical Examination Form
- Police character certificate (non-criminal record)
- English or HSK certificate if you have one
- Pre-admission letter from the university, if it issues one
Our document checklist builds a personal list for your level.
When to apply
Scholarship applications for the September intake open several months in advance. In our current list, 23 of the 41 programmes that state a deadline usually close in May or June, and CSC university quotas often fill earlier. Start preparing documents in the autumn before you want to travel.
Mistakes that get applications rejected
- Applying in the last week, when quotas are already full
- A generic study plan that could be about any university
- Unattested or unclear scans of certificates
- Names spelled differently on the passport, certificates and forms
- The wrong agency number on a Type B application
CSC rules and quotas change every year. Check the details for your intake with us before you apply.