Chinese Government - Chinese Government Scholarships

What the Chinese Government Scholarship gives you

You will receive a full scholarship to study in China. There are no tuition fees. You will be provided with free accommodation in a hall of residence (or a housing allowance instead), comprehensive health insurance and a monthly living allowance of approximately 390 EUR. The exact amount depends on your level of study: approximately 300 EUR (CNY 2,500) for undergraduate students, approximately 360 EUR (CNY 3,000) for Master’s students and approximately 420 EUR (CNY 3,500) for PhD students. The funding covers the standard duration of your studies, up to a total of seven years. This includes up to two years of Chinese language tuition, should you require it initially. The scholarship is paid by the Chinese government via the China Scholarship Council (CSC).

Who can apply

• Nationality: You are a national of any country other than China.
• Health: You are in good physical and mental health.
• Degree level and age: For a Bachelor’s degree programme, you fall under 25 and hold a school-leaving certificate. For a Master’s degree programme, you fall under 35 and hold a Bachelor’s degree. For a PhD programme, you fall under 40 and hold a Master’s degree.
• Field of study: All subject areas, from the natural and engineering sciences through to medicine, agriculture, the arts and the humanities.
• Where you study: You are studying at a Chinese university that takes part in the programme.
• Language: If your degree programme is taught in Chinese, you may need an HSK certificate (the standardised Chinese language test) at the required level.

How to apply

First, secure a place at a participating Chinese university. Then submit your scholarship application via the CSC online system at campuschina.org. There is one application round each year. You can apply in various ways: via the funding agency in your home country, directly to a Chinese university, or via a partner organisation such as the EU programme if you are from an EU country.

How realistic are your chances?

This is a large, state-funded programme offering numerous places at dozens of Chinese universities, meaning that the pool of funding is wide-ranging and does not consist of a single, limited scholarship. Your chances depend primarily on whether you are admitted to a participating university and meet the age and qualification requirements for your level of study. If you have a clear study plan, possess the necessary Chinese language skills where required, and apply by the deadline, a suitable candidate stands a good chance.