The CSC Scholarship is one of the biggest opportunities for international students who want to study in China. It is funded by the Chinese Scholarship Council under the Ministry of Education. The scholarship supports students at different levelsundergraduate, master’s, PhD, general scholars, and senior scholars. Some programs are fully funded while others are partially funded.
Note: CSC does not usually cover MBAs, MBBS (very limited), or programs with very high tuition fees.
Step 1: Find a University That Accepts CSC Students
There are over 279 Chinese universities that take CSC scholars. Check the list and choose the school that fits your program and goals.
Here are 30+ universities many applicants get into every year:
- Northeast Forestry University (NEFU) – Harbin
- Heilongjiang University – Harbin
- Harbin Engineering University (HEU) – Harbin
- Jilin University – Changchun
- Yanbian University – Yanji
- Changchun University of Science and Technology – Changchun
- Shenyang University of Technology – Shenyang
- Shenyang Aerospace University – Shenyang
- Shandong University of Technology (SDUT) – Zibo
- Qingdao University – Qingdao
- Ocean University of China – Qingdas
- Yantai University – Yantai
- Zhengzhou University – Henan
- Henan University – Kaifeng
- Wuhan University of Technology – Wuhan
- Central China Normal University (CCNU) – Wuhan
- Hunan University of Science and Technology – Hunan
- Hunan Normal University – Changsha
- Guangxi University – Nanning
- Guangxi Normal University – Guilin
- Guilin University of Electronic Technology – Guilin
- Southwest University (SWU) – Chongqing
- Southwest Jiaotong University – Chengdu
- Sichuan University of Science & Engineering – Zigong
- Yunnan University – Kunming
- Kunming University of Science and Technology – Kunming
- Lanzhou University – Gansu
- Northwest Normal University – Gansu
- Xinjiang University – Urumqi
- Xinjiang Normal University – Urumqi
- Ningxia University – Ningxia
- Inner Mongolia University – Hohhot
- Beihang University (for STEM programs) – Beijing
General Application Timeline
1. Main Application Period: Applications are typically accepted from early December through late April for admission the following September.
2. University-Specific Deadlines: Universities often set their own internal deadlines, which can range from January to April. Some deadlines may be as early as the end of January.
3. Intake: The scholarship is generally for the September intake of each year.
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Step 2: Know Which CSC Category You’re Applying For
CSC Scholarship is a general name. Inside it, there are different categories:
Type A
Type A is the Embassy route.
You apply through the Chinese Embassy in your country.
If they pick you, they will forward your name to the universities in China.
1. You can choose two universities.
2. This type has more slots, so many students get in.
3. Good for people who want a stronger chance.
Type B
Type B is the University route.
Here, you apply directly to one university in China.
1. You can only choose one university.
2. The school itself will decide if they want to recommend you for the scholarship.
3. Good for students who already know the exact school and program they want.
Type C
Type C is for students already studying in China.
Example: someone already in China doing a language program or bachelor year and wants to switch into the scholarship.
1. First-year students are usually not allowed.
2. Only for students already inside China and already in a university
Embassy/External programs. This includes:
1. Bilateral Program
2. Great Wall Program
3. EU Program
4. AUN Program
5. PIF Program
6. WMO Program
7. Silk Road Program
8. MOFCOM Program
9. Marine Scholarship.
If you are applying through the Chinese Embassy, you can choose two universities.
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Age Limits
Each program has its own rules, deadlines, and documents, so always check the details on the official scholarship page or your local Chinese embassy website.
Step 3: Get the Agency Number
Every CSC application requires an agency number, depending on who is nominating you.
1. If you apply through the embassy → use the embassy’s agency number.
2. If you apply through a university → use the university’s agency number.
The full list is available on the CSC website.
Step 4: Prepare Your Documents
Documents vary depending on the scholarship category, but these are the common ones:
1. Passport
2. Academic transcripts
3. Highest certificate
4. Study plan / research proposal
5. Medical form (Foreigner Physical Examination)
6. Recommendation letters (for postgraduate applicants)
7. English/Chinese language proof (if required)
8. Pre-admission letter (if needed)
Other documents requested by your chosen program
Make sure all your documents are clear and properly arranged.
Step 5: Submit Your Documents
This part depends on the type of scholarship:
1. Some require you to apply to the embassy first before the university.
2. Some require you to apply to the university first, then fill the CSC online form.
3. Some need a pre-admission letter before you can fill the CSC portal.
Always follow the order correctly. Keep photocopies of everything you submit.
Step 6: Wait For the Result
After submitting your application, all you need to do is wait. CSC results are usually released around June–August, depending on the category.