CSC Scholarships (China)

Overview

The China Scholarship Council (CSC) Scholarships are prestigious awards offered by the Chinese government to international students, teachers, and scholars to study and conduct research in Chinese universities. Established in 1996, the CSC is a non-profit organization affiliated with the Ministry of Education of China. These scholarships aim to promote mutual understanding and cooperation between China and other countries, enhance educational and cultural exchanges, and strengthen friendship among nations. The CSC offers various scholarship programs, with the Chinese Government Scholarship (CGS) being the most comprehensive and widely recognized.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Age:
    • For undergraduate programs: Applicants must be under 25 years of age
    • For master's programs: Applicants must be under 35 years of age
    • For doctoral programs: Applicants must be under 40 years of age
    • For general scholar programs: Applicants must be under 45 years of age
    • For senior scholar programs: Applicants must be under 50 years of age
  • Academic Background:
    • For undergraduate programs: Completed high school education with good academic standing
    • For master's programs: Bachelor's degree with good academic standing
    • For doctoral programs: Master's degree with good academic standing
    • For general scholar programs: Completed at least two years of undergraduate study
    • For senior scholar programs: Master's degree or higher, associate professor position or higher
  • Nationality: Applicants must be non-Chinese citizens in good health.
  • Language Proficiency:
    • For programs taught in Chinese: HSK Level 3 or above (HSK Level 4 or above for certain majors)
    • For programs taught in English: Sufficient English proficiency (IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL 80)
    • Chinese language preparatory courses are available for those who do not meet the Chinese language requirements
  • Health: Applicants must be in good health and must submit a physical examination form.

Types of CSC Scholarships

The CSC offers several types of scholarships for international students:

1. Chinese Government Scholarship (CGS) - Bilateral Program

Based on educational exchange agreements between the Chinese government and governments of other countries. Applications are submitted to the education office of the Chinese embassy in the applicant's home country.

2. Chinese Government Scholarship - University Program

Directly offered and recruited by Chinese universities. Applications are submitted directly to the host university.

3. Chinese Government Scholarship - Great Wall Program

Offered to UNESCO member countries. Applications are submitted through the National Commission for UNESCO in the applicant's home country.

4. Chinese Government Scholarship - AUN Program

Offered to ASEAN University Network (AUN) member countries. Applications are submitted through AUN Secretariat.

5. Chinese Government Scholarship - PIF Program

Offered to Pacific Island Forum (PIF) member countries. Applications are submitted through PIF Secretariat.

6. Chinese Government Scholarship - MOFCOM Program

Offered by the Ministry of Commerce of China to developing countries. Applications are submitted through the Economic and Commercial Counsellor's Office of the Chinese Embassy.

Application Process

The application process for CSC Scholarships involves the following steps:

  1. Choose the appropriate scholarship program and check the specific requirements.
  2. Select your preferred Chinese universities and programs (you can choose up to three universities).
  3. Prepare the required documents:
    • Application form (completed online through the CSC Online Application System: https://studyinchina.csc.edu.cn)
    • Notarized highest diploma
    • Academic transcripts
    • Study or research plan (minimum 800 words)
    • Two recommendation letters from professors or associate professors
    • Foreigner Physical Examination Form (completed within the last six months)
    • Copy of valid passport
    • Language proficiency certificates (HSK for Chinese-taught programs, IELTS/TOEFL for English-taught programs)
    • Acceptance letter from a Chinese university (if available, not mandatory)
    • Published academic papers or other academic achievements (if available)
    • Non-criminal record certificate (required by some universities)
  4. Submit your application through the appropriate channel based on the scholarship type:
    • For Bilateral Program: Submit to the education office of the Chinese embassy in your home country
    • For University Program: Submit directly to the host university
    • For other programs: Submit through the designated organizations
  5. Wait for the review and selection process.
  6. If selected, you will receive an Admission Notice and Visa Application Form for Study in China (JW201/JW202).
  7. Apply for a Chinese student visa (X1 or X2) at the Chinese embassy or consulate in your home country.

Deadlines

The application deadlines for CSC Scholarships vary depending on the type of scholarship and the receiving agency:

  • For applications through Chinese embassies/consulates: Generally between January and April (varies by country)
  • For applications through Chinese universities: Generally between December and June (varies by university)
  • For applications through other designated organizations: Please check with the specific organization

Note: It is recommended to start preparing your application at least 3-6 months before the deadline. Check the official CSC website or contact the Chinese embassy/consulate in your country for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Benefits

The CSC Scholarships provide comprehensive financial support to international students, including:

Full Scholarship

  • Tuition Waiver: Full coverage of tuition fees.
  • Accommodation: Free university dormitory or accommodation subsidy.
  • Stipend: Monthly living allowance:
    • Undergraduate students: CNY 2,500 per month
    • Master's students: CNY 3,000 per month
    • Doctoral students: CNY 3,500 per month
    • General scholars: CNY 3,000 per month
    • Senior scholars: CNY 3,500 per month
  • Medical Insurance: Comprehensive medical insurance.
  • One-time Settlement Subsidy: CNY 1,500 for students staying in China for one academic year or more.

Partial Scholarship

May include one or more items of the full scholarship.

Top Chinese Universities

CSC Scholarships are accepted at numerous prestigious Chinese universities, including:

  • Peking University
  • Tsinghua University
  • Fudan University
  • Shanghai Jiao Tong University
  • Zhejiang University
  • University of Science and Technology of China
  • Nanjing University
  • Wuhan University
  • Beijing Normal University
  • Renmin University of China
  • Harbin Institute of Technology
  • Xi'an Jiaotong University
  • Sun Yat-sen University
  • Huazhong University of Science and Technology
  • Tongji University

Popular Fields of Study

CSC Scholarships cover a wide range of academic disciplines, including:

  • Chinese Language and Literature
  • Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, etc.)
  • Medicine (Western Medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine)
  • Economics and Business Administration
  • Computer Science and Information Technology
  • International Relations
  • Law
  • Education
  • Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology, etc.)
  • Agriculture
  • Arts and Design
  • Philosophy
  • History

Contact Information

For more information about CSC Scholarships, you can contact:

China Scholarship Council
Level 13, Building A3, No.9 Chegongzhuang Avenue
Beijing, 100044, P.R. China
Tel: +86-10-66093900
Email: webmaster@csc.edu.cn
Website: www.csc.edu.cn/studyinchina or https://studyinchina.csc.edu.cn

You can also contact the Education Office of the Chinese Embassy or Consulate in your country for more specific information.

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