Looking for fully funded scholarships in China 2027? Check CSC and other scholarships, monthly stipend, eligibility, documents, deadlines and a step-by-step guide to apply.. China now hosts hundreds of thousands of foreign students, and its government, provinces and top universities offer funded places every year for bachelor’s, master’s and PhD programs.
A fully funded award normally covers three big costs: your tuition fees, your accommodation, and a monthly living allowance. Many also include medical insurance. In this guide you will learn which scholarships are worth applying for, who is eligible, what documents you need, and exactly how to apply, step by step. Whether you want to study engineering in Beijing, medicine in Shanghai or business in Guangzhou, this article will help you plan your application with confidence.
Before you start, one important point: scholarship rules, quotas and deadlines change from year to year and differ by country. Always confirm the final details on the official website of the scholarship and on your local Chinese embassy page.
Top Fully Funded Scholarships in China at a Glance
The table below compares the most popular funded options so you can shortlist quickly.
| Scholarship | Offered By | Levels | What It Usually Covers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) | China Scholarship Council | Bachelor, Master, PhD | Tuition, accommodation, monthly stipend, insurance |
| Provincial and City Government Scholarships | Beijing, Shanghai, Zhejiang, Jiangsu and others | Mostly Master, PhD | Tuition, housing, stipend (varies by province) |
| University Scholarships | Individual Chinese universities | Bachelor, Master, PhD | Full or partial tuition, housing, stipend |
| Schwarzman Scholars | Tsinghua University | Master (Global Affairs) | Tuition, housing, travel, stipend |
| Yenching Academy | Peking University | Master | Tuition, housing, stipend |
The CSC scholarship is the largest and most competitive of these, so let us look at it first.
Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC): Benefits and Eligibility
The Chinese Government Scholarship, also called the CSC or CGS scholarship, is the flagship program for international students. It is run by the China Scholarship Council and is open to students from most countries. Applications are made through the official CSC portal at campuschina.org, and some programs also accept applications directly through universities.
CSC Scholarship Benefits
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Tuition fees | Fully waived by the host university |
| Accommodation | On-campus housing or a housing subsidy |
| Medical insurance | Comprehensive insurance for international students |
| Monthly stipend, Bachelor | 2,500 RMB |
| Monthly stipend, Master | 3,000 RMB |
| Monthly stipend, PhD | 3,500 RMB |
The stipend figures above are the commonly published rates (source). Note that international airfare is generally not covered, as stated in the official Chinese consulate notice.
CSC Eligibility Criteria
- You must be a non-Chinese citizen in good health.
- Bachelor’s applicants: high school graduate, under 25 years old.
- Master’s applicants: bachelor’s degree holder, under 35 years old.
- PhD applicants: master’s degree holder, under 40 years old.
- Language: English-taught programs require IELTS, TOEFL or an equivalent set by each university. Chinese-taught programs usually need HSK 3 or HSK 4 depending on the level.
- Bachelor’s applicants must also take the CSCA exam and upload the score report.
You must also meet the admission requirements of the university you choose, and you cannot hold another Chinese government-funded scholarship at the same time.
Other Fully Funded Scholarships in China
CSC is not your only route. If you miss its deadline or want more chances, apply to these as well.
1. Provincial and City Government Scholarships
Several regions run their own programs to attract talented students, including Beijing, Shanghai, Zhejiang and Jiangsu. They are mostly aimed at master’s and PhD students at universities in that region. Benefits and quotas differ, but most cover tuition, housing and a monthly allowance. Applications often go through the university or a separate provincial portal, so check each university’s international office page.
2. University Scholarships
Top institutions such as Tsinghua University, Peking University, Zhejiang University, Fudan University and Shanghai Jiao Tong University offer their own funded places. Some are full scholarships, while others cover only part of the costs. Strong grades, research experience and a solid study plan improve your chances a lot.
3. Schwarzman Scholars and Yenching Academy
These are prestigious one-year master’s programs at Tsinghua and Peking University. They are fully funded and highly selective, with a strong focus on leadership, academic record and understanding of China. If you have a strong profile, they are worth a try alongside CSC.
4. Bilateral and Special Programs
Some countries have special agreements with China. For example, the China-Indonesia Scholarship program offers 20 places for fields like marine science, medicine, tourism and education. Ask your local Chinese embassy whether your country has a similar program, because these often have smaller applicant pools.
Required Documents
Keep clean PDF scans of the following ready before you open the application form:
- Application form filled online (Chinese or English)
- Passport scan, valid for at least 12 months after your planned start date
- Highest degree certificate (notarized) and academic transcripts
- Language certificate: IELTS/TOEFL for English programs, HSK for Chinese programs
- Two recommendation letters from professors or associate professors (Master’s and PhD)
- Study plan or research proposal: about 200 words for bachelor’s, 800 words for postgraduate
- Foreigner Physical Examination Form, valid for 6 months
- Non-criminal record certificate, usually issued within the last 6 months
- CSCA score report (bachelor’s applicants only)
Documents not in English or Chinese need a notarized translation.
How to Apply Step by Step
- Choose your category. Type A goes through your Chinese embassy, Type B through a university, and Type C through bilateral or institutional programs.
- Pick your university and program. You can usually select up to three universities, so choose English-taught programs if you do not speak Chinese.
- Find your Agency Number. Enter your country’s agency number correctly in the form, because it decides where your file goes.
- Register on the CSC portal. Create an account at campuschina.org and complete the online form.
- Upload your documents. Attach all scans in PDF format.
- Apply to the university directly if required. Some universities ask for a separate online application.
- Submit before the deadline. Late files are not accepted, so aim to submit a week early.
- Wait for results. Winners receive the Admission Notice and JW201 form, usually between June and August, and then apply for an X1 student visa.
Important Dates
The 2026/2027 deadlines have already passed, but they show how early you need to prepare. Dates for the 2027/2028 intake are not yet confirmed, so watch your embassy’s website from December onwards.
| Event | Typical Timing |
|---|---|
| Applications open | Winter, often between January and March |
| Embassy deadlines (2026/27 examples) | Early February to April 2026, depending on the country |
| Embassy forwards files to CSC | February to March |
| Results announced | July to August |
| Classes start | September |
For reference, Indonesia’s 2026/27 embassy deadline was February 8, 2026 (official notice). Many other countries set theirs in March or April.
Tips to Win a Scholarship
- Start early. Gather documents, notarization and medical forms 3 to 4 months ahead.
- Write a strong study plan. Explain why you chose this program, this university and China, with clear goals.
- Contact professors. For master’s and PhD, an email to a potential supervisor can help your application a lot.
- Apply to multiple scholarships. Try CSC, a provincial scholarship and a university scholarship together.
- Check every detail. Wrong agency numbers, missing signatures or expired documents are common reasons for rejection.
- Beware of scams. Real scholarships never ask for application fees. Apply only through official portals.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are scholarships in China really fully funded?
Yes, many are. The CSC covers tuition, accommodation, medical insurance and a monthly stipend, though airfare is generally not included.
Can I apply without IELTS or HSK?
For Chinese-taught programs you usually need HSK. For English-taught programs, universities generally ask for IELTS, TOEFL or proof that your earlier study was in English, but rules vary by university.
What is the age limit for the CSC scholarship?
Typically under 25 for bachelor’s, under 35 for master’s and under 40 for PhD applicants.
Can I apply for more than one scholarship?
Yes. You can apply to several, but you cannot hold two Chinese government scholarships at the same time.
Is the CSCA exam compulsory?
It is required only for bachelor’s applicants. Master’s and PhD applicants do not need it.
Conclusion
Fully funded scholarships in China can remove the cost barrier to a world-class education while giving you valuable international experience. Compare the CSC with provincial and university options, prepare your documents early, write a convincing study plan and apply before the deadline. Visit campuschina.org and your local Chinese embassy page for the latest official information, and good luck with your application!