Chinese Government Scholarship 2026/2027 [Complete Application Guide]

The Chinese Government Scholarship (CGS) is a fully funded international scholarship program established by the Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China and administered by the China Scholarship Council (CSC). It supports outstanding international students to study in China at different levels of studies; undergraduate, master’s, doctoral, and non-degree studies at leading Chinese universities.

Each academic year, more than 270 designated Chinese universities admit international students under various CGS categories. The scholarship may be fully funded or partially funded depending on the program type and host institution.

Here is a fully updated step-by-step guide to help you apply for the Chinese Government Scholarship Scheme 2026/2027.

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Step 1: Understand the Scholarship Categories

The Chinese Government Scholarship is offered under multiple schemes, including:

• Chinese University Program
• Bilateral Program (via Chinese embassies)
• Great Wall Program
• EU Program
• AUN Program
• PIF Program
• WMO Program
• Marine Scholarship of China
• MOFCOM Scholarship

Each category has its own nomination route and agency code.

Step 2: Confirm Your Eligibility

General Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be a non-Chinese citizen
• Be in good physical and mental health
• Meet academic and language requirements
• Meet the admission criteria of the selected university

Age & Academic Requirements

• Undergraduate: High school diploma holder; under 25 years
• Master’s: Bachelor’s degree holder; under 35 years
• Doctoral: Master’s degree holder; under 40 years
• General Scholar: Under 45 years
• Senior Scholar: Under 50 years

Language Requirements

• Chinese-taught programs
  • Undergraduate/General Scholar: HSK Level 3
  • Master’s/Doctoral: HSK Level 4
• English-taught programs
  • IELTS/TOEFL (as required by the host university)

Always confirm specific university language thresholds.

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Step 3: Select an Eligible University

More than 270 Chinese universities participate in the CSC scheme.

Visit the official CSC portal to:

• Confirm participating institutions
• Check program availability
• Obtain the correct Agency Number
• Verify specific admission requirements

Applicants may apply to multiple universities but are strongly advised not to exceed three applications.

Step 4: Obtain Pre-Admission (If Required)

For the Chinese University Program, many universities require:

• A pre-admission letter
• Or an acceptance letter from a supervisor (especially for postgraduate applicants)

This significantly improves your selection chances.

For the Bilateral Program, applications are submitted through the Chinese Embassy in your home country.

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Step 5: Complete the CSC Online Application (2026 Intake)

All applicants must:

1. Create an account on the CSC online application system.
2. Select the correct scholarship category.
3. Enter the Agency Number.
4. Upload required documents.
5. Submit and print the completed form.

Ensure all information matches your academic documents exactly.

Also Check: Chinese Government Scholarships for International Students 2026-2027

Step 6: Application Channel

Route A: Apply Through University (Chinese University Program)

• Submit CSC online form.
• Complete the university’s separate admission application.
• Upload all required documents before the university deadline.

Route B: Apply Through Chinese Embassy (Bilateral Program)

• Submit CSC online form.
• Submit required documents to the Chinese Embassy or designated authority in your country.
• Await nomination.

Step 7: Prepare Updated Required Documents

For the 2026/2027 application cycle, prepare:

1. CSC Application Form (printed and signed)
2. Valid passport (valid through at least 2027)
3. Notarized highest diploma
4. Academic transcripts
5. Language proficiency certificate (HSK / IELTS / TOEFL)
6. Study Plan / Research Proposal
   • 200+ words (Undergraduate)
   • 500+ words (Non-degree)
   • 800+ words (Postgraduate)
7. Two recommendation letters (Master’s & PhD)
8. Pre-admission letter (if required)
9. Foreigner Physical Examination Form (for programs over 6 months)
10. Non-criminal record certificate
11. Portfolio (for arts/design majors)
12. Guardian documents (if under 18)

Documents not in English or Chinese must be notarized translations.

Step 8: Application Timeline for 2026/2027

• Most universities open applications: November 2025 – January 2026
• Deadlines typically fall between: January – March 2026
• Final results released: June – July 2026
• Academic session begins: September 2026

Exact dates vary by university and scholarship category.

Scholarship Benefits (Fully Funded Category)

The fully funded Chinese Government Scholarship generally covers:

• Full tuition waiver
• Free on-campus accommodation or housing subsidy
• Monthly stipend:
  • Undergraduate: approx. 2,500 RMB
  • Master’s: approx. 3,000 RMB
  • Doctoral: approx. 3,500 RMB
• Comprehensive medical insurance

Partial scholarships may cover only tuition or selected benefits.

Final Tips for 2026/2027 Applicants

• Start preparing documents early (especially medical and police clearance).
• Secure a supervisor’s acceptance letter for postgraduate programs.
• Double-check the Agency Number before submission.
• Submit both CSC and university applications where required.

Proceed here to apply for 2026/2027 Chinese Government Scholarships.