UCL Department of Economics - CSC Fully-Funded PhD Studentships

What you get

You will receive full funding of up to about 27,600 EUR per year (30,000 USD) for a PhD abroad. This will cover your living costs (the scholarship, your monthly allowance) and your tuition fees abroad. The funding is available for a period of up to 48 months. The funding is awarded by the China Scholarship Council (CSC), a Chinese government agency. It is intended for a PhD place at a leading international university such as University College London (UCL). Only a very limited number of these fully funded places are awarded each year.

Who can apply

• Nationality: You are a Chinese national and are applying via your own university in China.
• Degree level: You are starting your PhD studies.
• Where you go: A leading international university abroad, such as UCL, has offered you a place.
• Field of study: Every degree subject offered at this university, for example, Economics at UCL.
• Grades: You are an exceptionally strong candidate. The fully-funded places are only awarded to the very best.
• One choice only: You can apply for either a partially funded or a fully funded CSC scholarship, but not both. Opting for the full scholarship carries a higher risk.

How to apply

You do not apply directly to the foreign university. First, obtain an offer of admission from that university. You should then apply via your own university in China as part of the CSC application process. The CSC application deadline is 17 January.

How realistic are your chances?

This is the most challenging stage of the CSC scholarship programme. There are only a very limited number of fully-funded places, and these go to exceptionally qualified applicants who have already been admitted to top universities. As you can only choose between full funding or partial funding, this route is a real gamble. If your grades and your offer of admission are outstanding, it’s worth giving it a go. Otherwise, the partially funded route is the safer option.