International Scholarship Spotlight: China Scholarship Council
As a global economic powerhouse, China attracts the attention of many students wishing for a unique study abroad experience. Whether you want to learn Mandarin, study business, or discover Chinese culture, there are international scholarships for studying in this alluring country. The China Scholarship Council plays a key role in these undergraduate scholarships for international students.
Affiliated with the Chinese Ministry of Education, the China Scholarship Council provides financial support for international academic exchanges. In this article, we’ll dive deeper into this nonprofit’s role in international scholarships.
Specifically, in this guide, we’ll discuss the following points:
- International scholarships to study in China
- The China Scholarship Council (CSC) and its role in awarding international scholarships
- How to find and apply to a China Scholarship Council international scholarship
- Benefits of CSC scholarships
- How to make your CSC scholarship application stand out
Are there any scholarships to study in China?
For students interested in gaining a free scholarship to study in China, there are various options. When you start seeking out Chinese international scholarships, you’ll come across two types of awards: government-funded scholarships and individual university scholarships. Of course, there are both graduate and undergraduate scholarships for international students wishing to study abroad in China.
While higher education in China is much more affordable than in the US, it isn’t free: visas, travel, and living expenses add up. An international scholarship can still help you offset the cost of your education and travels. The China Scholarship Council is a nonprofit organization associated with the Chinese government that offers various undergraduate scholarships for international students. According to the CSC, there are 274 Chinese universities offering international scholarships.
CSC scholarships are the most common scholarships awarded to international students. However, that’s not to say they are the only types of scholarships available. There are plenty of other government-funded scholarships as well as university-specific, merit-based scholarships. What is a merit-based scholarship? Well, they are scholarships awarded based on academic achievements. Therefore, if you’re hoping to apply, you’ll want to be in strong academic standing.
Can I study in China for free?
It is certainly possible to gain a free scholarship to study in China so you wouldn’t have to pay any tuition. There are indeed scholarships that cover the full tuition cost at Chinese universities. Some undergraduate scholarships also provide a stipend to help cover living costs or travel expenses.
While it is certainly possible to gain a full-ride international scholarship to study in China, that doesn’t necessarily mean that your study abroad experience will be free. Even if you have your tuition covered, you will still need to consider additional costs such as flights, food, and housing. For many students, getting a visa to study is another necessary expense. Therefore, earning your degree in China may not be 100% free.
What is the China Scholarship Council?
If you’re researching how to gain a free scholarship to study in China, then you’ll certainly encounter the China Scholarship Council. The China Scholarship Council is a nonprofit, government-affiliated organization that awards both graduate and undergraduate scholarships. They support international higher education exchanges with affiliated Chinese universities.
Indeed, scholarships through the China Scholarship Council are the most common international scholarships for students hoping to study in China. The China Scholarship Council offers scholarships to 274 Chinese universities, so you have plenty of options when choosing where in China to study. Additionally, you can find an international scholarship for bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral studies.
How prestigious is the China Scholarship Council?
The China Scholarship Council has earned international recognition among international students looking to study in China and Chinese students looking to study abroad. In fact, the China Scholarship Council has various collaborations and partnerships with top global universities. There are many international program options, but let’s take a look at just two such programs.
China Scholarship Council – University of St Andrews Scholarships
This partnership offers scholarships for Chinese students wishing to study in the UK at the University of St Andrews. This is a PhD program, and in order to apply, applicants will need to meet the minimum requirements. Namely, applicants must have either a bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 80% grades, or a master’s degree. Those with a M.D. in medicine will need to have a medical qualification that is recognized in the UK in order to be accepted.
Apart from the academic requirements, applicants need to be residents of mainland China. Specifically, they must plan to return to China after completing their intended course of study at the University of St Andrews. Additionally, applicants will need to meet the English language requirements before being officially accepted.
The application process consists of two parts, beginning with submitting an application to the University of Andrews. Upon acceptance, applicants must apply to the China Scholarship Council for financial aid. Keep in mind that applicants also have two different study options when applying. There is a full time Ph.D., which takes four years and sees a student get their degree in the UK. On the other hand, students can opt for a one-year visiting Ph.D. if their main research is at another university.
China Scholarship Council and Dutch Knowledge Institutions
The Netherlands is on the cutting edge of numerous fields; as such, international collaborations are an integral part of their higher education institutions. As China’s global importance has rapidly grown in the last couple of decades, so too have research collaborations with Dutch institutions. As a matter of fact, there was a 70% increase in the number of Chinese researchers at Dutch universities from 2007–2019.
In recent years, there have been many Netherlands-based scholarships for Chinese students from the China Scholarship Council. Also, in 2023, there were 2,197 Chinese PhD students with an international scholarship from the China Scholarship Council in universities and research institutions in the Netherlands.
Scholarships for Chinese students in the Netherlands have mainly provided funding for those studying a PhD in technology, engineering, mathematics, and natural sciences.
China Scholarship Council Eligibility Requirements for International Students
There are many different international scholarship options available through the China Scholarship Council. The eligibility requirements vary depending on the scholarship. Therefore, it’s important to know which international scholarship through the China Scholarship Council you are eligible for. In general, students applying for China Scholarship Council funding must be in good health and meet the program’s specific academic requirements.
There are three types of China Scholarship Council categories to know when applying for a China scholarship:
- Type A: These are non-university scholarships.
- Type B: These are the Chinese University Program scholarships. This means that these applications will be reviewed by individual universities. Applicants can apply to up to three different universities.
- Type C: These are scholarships for students who are already in China and attending university.
Let’s take a look at a couple of the scholarships and their requirements. These are just a few of the many options available through the China Scholarship Council. Remember, there are scholarships for Chinese students through international collaborations, as well as scholarships for Asian students.
Chinese Government Scholarship-Bilateral Program
- Be a citizen of a country other than China.
- Have a high school, bachelor’s, or master’s degree.
- Complete and submit an application with the appropriate department in their home country.
- Be under the age of 50.
This is a broadly applicable scholarship for international students pursuing higher education in China.
Chinese Government Scholarship-Chinese University Program
- Be an international student in China.
- Must be selected and recommended by Chinese universities.
- Specific academic requirements vary according to the university.
This scholarship is for international students continuing their studies, especially pursuing further degrees. Take note of the selection and recommendation requirement — what is a merit scholarship if not a reward for academic excellence?
Great Wall Program
- Be a citizen of a developing country.
- Have at least 2 years studying an undergraduate degree and be under 45 years old for general programs.
- Have a graduate degree and be under 50 years old for senior scholars programs.
This program and its scholarships aim to support scholars from developing countries from a wide age range.
Apart from the specific program eligibility requirements, there are also language proficiency and health requirements. In general, requirements include being in “good” physical and mental health. Depending on the program, there will also be either Chinese language or English language proficiency requirements.
How to apply for China Scholarship Council Funding?
In order to study in China with an international scholarship from the China Scholarship Council, you’ll need to meet all application requirements. Whether searching for undergraduate scholarships for international students or scholarships for Asians to study in China, similar rules apply. Here’s how to research and apply for China Scholarship Council funding:
Applying for CSC Funding
Step 1:
Research universities and find a program that works for you. Consider your reasons for seeking graduate or undergraduate scholarships in China specifically. Knowing what or where you want to study can help you narrow down your options. You can see the full list of participating universities broken down by their specialties here.
Step 2:
Get in touch with faculty in programs that interest you, since they will be working closely with you. Check out these email samples to professors when drafting your initial emails. Gaining professors’ approval will heighten your chances of receiving an international scholarship through the China Scholarship Council.
Step 3:
Fill out a China Scholarship Council online application via the Chinese government scholarship login.
Step 4:
Complete a medical form to prove you are in good health.
Step 5:
Acquire and send all of your other required documents; these will vary based on your specific programs. Documents will need to be mailed through a trusted service, such as DHL.
You can check out these steps as well as useful links and documents on the China Scholarship Council website.
China Scholarship Council Application Online
In order to apply for funding from the China Scholarship Council, you’ll need to complete an online application. You must first create a login to apply on this site. We went over the application steps, but now, let’s look at the CSC international scholarship application in detail.
Application Components
Application form
In this part of the application, you’ll need to fill out basic demographic information and educational experience. Additionally, you’ll include references — such as professors or mentors — as well as identify your financial supporter.
Research direction
In this section, you’ll need to specify what university or program you’re applying for. You’ll also need to choose your school and supervisor — this is why personal contact is essential. Your supervisor can be someone you want to work with, but a professor who already knows you can advocate for you. Gaining acceptance or approval prior to filling out the application will only help your chances at gaining an international scholarship.
Upload materials
You’ll have to upload some necessary documents such as ID photos, passport, and a medical exam via their medical form. On the application, the required documents will be marked with an asterisk. Although it sounds like common sense, make sure you upload the correct files for each section.
Select scholarship
Finally, you’ll need to identify the scholarship to which you are applying. Remember that there are undergraduate scholarships, graduate scholarships, and even non-university research scholarships. After choosing your scholarship you’ll also need to pay the application fee (400 yuan, approx. 55 USD at time of writing).
When applying, be sure that all of your documents and information are correct before submitting. Take your time to complete everything accurately.
Application Timeline: When to Start Preparing for CSC Scholarships
As we’ve seen, there are various components and steps involved in applying for funding from the China Scholarship Council. However, one of the most important parts of the application process is submitting it by the deadline. In general, China Scholarship Council applications are open from December to April each year. However, certain universities may have specific deadlines.
You should start your application process early to give yourself plenty of time to gather the required materials. Remember that you will need to research programs and get in touch with professors to form the strongest application. This takes time, so plan to give yourself up to a year to do the proper research and apply to your program of interest. After all, choosing to study in China (or anywhere abroad) is a big decision. Think carefully about your goals and find programs that align with your interests and skills — and make sure you meet the eligibility criteria.
Top Universities in China Accepting CSC Scholarships
There is a long list of universities affiliated with the China Scholarship Council. This long list is part of why preliminary research is often the longest step of the process. Let’s take a look at the top universities accepting CSC scholarships.
Tsinghua University
Located in northwest Beijing, China, Tsinghua University is a globally recognized university, ranking #16 in Best Global Universities according to US News. The university offers a variety of programs in engineering, science, business, and humanities. For students wishing to study at Tsinghua, this is a free scholarship to study in China via the China Scholarship Council. This means that your studies are fully funded, including tuition, housing, and a monthly living stipend.
Peking University
Along with Tsinghua University, Peking University is one of the most prestigious universities in China. To put it into perspective, it’s comparable to an Ivy League university in the US. It ranks 13th in the 2025 World University Rankings. Renowned for its research programs, Peking University is a top choice school for an international scholarship to study in China.
The scholarship with the China Scholarship Council at Peking University is a full ride for post-baccalaureate degrees. That is to say, it’s exclusively for those wishing to pursue graduate or doctoral programs at the university. It covers tuition, housing, health insurance, and provides a monthly living allowance. Contingent on academic performance, this international scholarship is renewable for up to two years for master’s programs and three years for doctoral programs.
Shanghai Jiao Tong University
Over 30,000 students from all over the world study a variety of disciplines at Shanghai Jiao Tong University. From science to law to management, there are programs for all types of academic interests. Originally founded in 1896 as Nanyang Public School, the university has a long history of academic excellence. It’s ranked #54 in Best Global Universities.
There are undergraduate scholarships for international students in addition to master’s and doctoral programs through the China Scholarship Council. The scholarship provides financial assistance for tuition and living expenses. However, it’s not necessarily a free scholarship to study in China, as it isn’t a full-tuition award like the previous institutions.
Students hoping to receive undergraduate scholarships must be 30 years or younger. For master’s programs, students need to be 35 or under; Ph.D. programs students need to be 40 or under. Again, it’s important to check the eligibility requirements for each scholarship.
Fudan University
Ranked 36th in the 2025 World University Rankings by Times Higher Education, Fudan University is a highly renowned university both in China and globally. The China Scholarship Council funding at Fudan University includes tuition, health insurance, a living stipend, and housing allowance. Basically, it’s a fully-funded scholarship. Additionally, students receiving this international scholarship are encouraged to explore research and work opportunities in China after graduation.
Students hoping to study at Fudan University can explore undergraduate, master’s, or Ph.D. programs. Keep in mind that only certain programs are offered in English, so you should do your research on programs that align with your language ability.
Zhejiang University
Located in Hangzhou, Zhejiang University is one of the oldest and largest universities in China. Students can find bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs in medicine, business, engineering, law, economics, and more at this internationally recognized university. The university collaborates with top international universities in research programs.
Funding through the China Scholarship Council offers a full scholarship to qualifying students. The international scholarship covers tuition, housing, living expenses, and other related fees you might encounter during your time in China. Students will need to show academic excellence, research potential, and leadership qualities in order to gain this scholarship.
Harbin Institute of Technology
The Harbin Institute of Technology (HIT) is a leading science and engineering university in China. It offers renowned faculty and high quality research facilities. Fully funded undergraduate scholarships for international students are available at HIT. There are also scholarships available for graduate and doctoral students.
This international scholarship with the China Scholarship Council is for students specializing in technology or computer science. The international scholarship covers tuition, round-trip airfare, housing, student insurance, and living expenses.
Beijing Institute of Technology
Another tech-forward institution, the Beijing Institute of Technology (BIT) offers both graduate and undergraduate scholarships. Students wishing to attend BIT should have an interest and academic achievements in computer science. BIT also has a growing number of scholarships for Chinese students who want to study internationally.
The international scholarship is a full-ride scholarship which includes tuition, a living stipend, housing, and medical insurance. Students hoping to gain undergraduate scholarships for international students at BIT can apply completely online. Perhaps unsurprising from a tech-heavy university, there’s no need to send hard copies of documents to BIT.
Nanjing University
Nanjing University was the first higher education institution in Jiangsu province. Its international scholarship with the China Scholarship Council was established in 2012 to provide scholarships for Chinese students to study computer science. However, there are also undergraduate scholarships for international students at Nanjing University.
In order to qualify, students need a high school degree or have at least two years of experience in college. These undergraduate scholarships cover tuition, living costs, health insurance, and offer a monthly stipend. Students applying for this free scholarship to study in China will need to submit an essay explaining their future career goals. Of course, all the other standard application materials are still required!
What does the China Scholarship Council cover?
China scholarships from the CSC cover the cost of education, including tuition fees and housing expenses. Some of these graduate and undergraduate scholarships for international students also include a living stipend and medical insurance. Some might even offer airfare! However, specifics will vary according to each university and international scholarship.
Let’s take a look at a few specific scholarships:
Tsinghua-Berkeley Shenzhen Institute (TBSI)
This is a collaboration between UC Berkeley and Tsinghua University with the goal of fostering innovative entrepreneurial leaders in science and technology. However, these aren’t scholarships for Chinese students. This international scholarship is awarded to international students hoping to pursue a master’s or Ph.D. program.
The TBSI scholarship provides 40,000 CNY annually for Ph.D. students and 33,000 CNY for master’s students. The application fee, medical insurance, and housing on the Tsinghua campus is also covered. While it’s not a full ride, it can cover a significant portion of the cost of attendance.
Zhejiang University Asian Future Leaders Scholarship
For those interested in science, technology, humanities, or social sciences, Zhejiang University provides many offerings. However, these are scholarships for Asians: applicants must be a citizen of an Asian country. Nevertheless, although these are scholarships for Asians, applicants must demonstrate English proficiency when applying. Native English speakers are exempt from this requirement.
These scholarships for Asians cover tuition fees, housing on campus, and offer a monthly living allowance of 6,000 CNY. Students are also provided with medical insurance.
Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences Scholarships
This institution is a highly ranked graduate school in China. Therefore, students will need to have completed their undergraduate degree in order to qualify. Both master’s and doctoral programs are offered focusing on agriculture. Instruction is mainly in English or bilingual (Chinese and English).
The Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences international scholarship covers the application fee, tuition costs, housing, and insurance.
CSC Scholarship Benefits: Tuition, Living Expenses, and Healthcare Coverage
Whenever pursuing higher education, any type of funding can help to alleviate stress. Especially when studying abroad, gaining scholarships is important, as you won’t be able to work while pursuing your degree. And, often when studying abroad, there are numerous unexpected costs that can arise.
The China Scholarship Council provides scholarships for Asians as well as other international students. Their scholarships cover tuition and often provide a living stipend. Additionally, many of these scholarships offer health insurance, as it’s typically required of a university. Application and registration fees are also covered through the China Scholarship Council. It’s important to note that accommodations will generally require students to live on campus.
China Scholarship Council vs. Other International Scholarship Programs
When looking for a China scholarship, you might wonder how China Scholarship Council awards compare to other top international scholarship programs. Let’s take a look at some other internationally recognized scholarships for reference.
Fulbright Program
This is a merit-based scholarship that provides about 9,000 scholarships to qualifying applicants each year. The Fulbright Program was founded in 1946 to increase mutual understanding and support peaceful relations between the US and the world. The program has partnerships in more than 160 countries.
The exact amount of the scholarship varies according to each program. However, full or partial tuition and a stipend to cover living expenses is provided at the very least. Round-trip travel and orientation costs are also covered. Some grants may even cover book and research allowances, enrichment activities, and language study programs.
Chevening Scholarships
Offered to outstanding leaders wishing to pursue a one-year master’s in the UK, Chevening scholarships are fully-funded scholarships. Specifically, tuition, flights, and accommodation are all covered.
Applicants should be passionate, innovative, and motivated to create a better future. There are no exact criteria. However, these scholarships are competitive, so you’ll need to make your application stand out by showing your academic achievements and leadership qualities.
Australia Awards Scholarships
Administered by the Department of Foreign Affairs and trade, the Australia Awards Scholarships support students from developing countries for undergraduate or graduate education in Australia. A full list of participating countries is available on the program website.
These scholarships fully cover tuition fees, airfare, living allowance, and health care. They also provide a one-time payment for purchasing class materials and moving in. An academic orientation program as well as a pre-course English program (if necessary) is also provided.
Tips to Strengthen Your CSC Scholarship Application
Your scholarship search is an important part of pursuing higher education. A merit-based scholarship can help to alleviate the costs of studying abroad. However, gaining a free scholarship to study in China can be competitive. Therefore, you’ll want to craft your best application possible. Here are three tips to help your CSC application stand out:
3 Tips to Make Your Application Stand Out
1. Research scholarships and ensure you meet all eligibility requirements.
Do a deep scholarship search when looking for a free scholarship to study in China. Each program will have different requirements, so make sure you meet them all before taking the time to complete an application.
2. Be thorough with your documents.
Whether you’re applying for scholarships for Asians or any international scholarships, you’ll need to have all the required materials. Especially when studying abroad, gathering these materials can be exhausting. Stay organized and give yourself plenty of time to obtain and submit the correct documents. Different programs may require varying items such as letters of recommendation — keep that in mind when planning your timeline.
3. Review samples of application materials.
When applying to a merit-based scholarship through the CSC, you may encounter steps that are new to you. It may be your first time gaining the approval of a professor before applying, or submitting an English proficiency certificate. Check out samples of these materials in order to get what you need and make your application stand out.
China Scholarship Council – Final Takeaways
If you’re interested in studying abroad in China, then understanding the China Scholarship Council and their role in educational funding is important. In this article, we looked at what the CSC does as well as different types of scholarships they provide. We also looked at how these scholarships compare to other international scholarships. Additionally, we went through the eligibility requirements, required documents, and application process for several CSC scholarships.
Remember that CollegeAdvisor can help you with your scholarship search and applying as an international student. Whether looking for scholarships for Asians, creating your best college list, or writing essays, our expert advisors can guide you through the process. You can also take advantage of our online resources to help you along your admissions journey. There are plenty of options when it comes to funding your study abroad experience. Get started in your search today for the educational and cultural experience of a lifetime!
This article was written by Sarah Kaminski. Looking for more admissions support? Click here to schedule a free meeting with one of our Admissions Specialists. During your meeting, our team will discuss your profile and help you find targeted ways to increase your admissions odds at top schools. We’ll also answer any questions and discuss how CollegeAdvisor.com can support you in the college application process.
