Ministry of Education of P. R. China - Chinese Government Scholarship Program: Senior scholar

What You Get

The Chinese Government Scholarship – Senior Scholar program covers your tuition fees in full, provides a campus dormitory room (or a housing allowance of CNY 1,000 per month if you live off campus), pays you a monthly stipend of CNY 3,500, and includes health insurance worth CNY 800 per year. The scholarship runs for up to 24 months, depending on your research or program needs.

Who Can Apply

You can apply if you meet all of the following criteria:

• Nationality: You are a citizen of any country other than the People's Republic of China.
• Qualification: You hold a master's degree, OR you hold the title of Associate Professor or higher.
• Age: You are under 50 years old at the time of application.
• Health: You are in good physical and mental health.
• Language (Chinese-taught programs only): You hold an HSK Level 3 certificate. HSK (Hànyǔ Shuǐpíng Kǎoshì) is the official Chinese language proficiency test — Level 3 means you can handle basic everyday and academic conversations in Chinese.
• Language (other-language programs): You meet the language requirements of your chosen university (for example, IELTS or TOEFL for English-taught programs).
• Academic fit: You meet the admission requirements of the Chinese university you are applying to.

What to Include in Your Application

• Completed online Application Form for Chinese Government Scholarship
• Scanned copy of your valid passport photo page
• Notarised copy of your highest academic degree certificate (with a notarised Chinese or English translation if the original is in another language)
• Academic transcripts (with notarised translation if needed)
• Language proficiency certificate (HSK Level 3 for Chinese-taught programs; other certificates as required)
• Admission Letter, Pre-Admission Letter, or a written invitation from a supervisor at your chosen university
• A study or research plan in Chinese or English (at least 500 words)
• Two recommendation letters from professors or associate professors (in Chinese or English) — these are mandatory
• Completed Foreigner Physical Examination Form (for stays longer than 6 months)
• Criminal record certificate issued within the last 6 months

How to Apply

Applications are submitted online through campuschina.org. The process has several steps:

• Find a designated Chinese university and a supervisor willing to host you.
• Obtain a Pre-Admission Letter or invitation letter from your supervisor.
• Contact the application-receiving agency in your home country — this is usually the Chinese embassy, your national UNESCO commission, or another designated body depending on the sub-program you apply through.
• Complete and submit your online application with all documents by the deadline set by your local agency.
• The China Scholarship Council (CSC) — the government body that manages the scholarship — reviews all applications and announces results.

The general application deadline is 30 April, but your local Chinese embassy or designated agency may set an earlier date. Always check with them first.

Important Rules

• While receiving this scholarship, you may not hold any other scholarship funded by the Chinese government or a Chinese university at the same time.

More Information

Full program details, the list of participating universities, and the online application system are available at campuschina.org.