Complete Guide to CSC Scholarships 2026

The Chinese Government Scholarship, administered by the China Scholarship Council (CSC), is the most prestigious and comprehensive scholarship available to international students seeking to study in China. This guide covers everything you need to know about applying for and winning a CSC scholarship in 2026.

What Does the CSC Scholarship Cover?

A full CSC scholarship is one of the most generous in the world. It typically covers:

Full tuition waiver for your entire program duration
Free accommodation on campus (or an accommodation allowance)
Monthly stipend: CNY 2,500 for undergraduate students, CNY 3,000 for Master’s students, and CNY 3,500 for PhD students
Comprehensive medical insurance under the Chinese Government Scholarship scheme

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for a CSC scholarship, you must:

Be a citizen of a country other than China
Be in good health and meet the physical examination requirements
Meet the age requirements: under 25 for Bachelor’s, under 35 for Master’s, under 40 for PhD
Hold the appropriate academic qualifications for your chosen program
Not be currently receiving any other Chinese government scholarship

Application Timeline

The CSC scholarship application cycle for Fall 2026 intake typically follows this timeline:

November–December 2025: Research universities and programs
January 2026: Application portal opens
February–April 2026: Submit applications through the CSC online system
May–June 2026: Review and selection process
July 2026: Results announced
August–September 2026: Visa processing and arrival

How to Apply

The application process involves two main channels: applying through a Chinese embassy or directly to a university.

Embassy Route: Contact the education section of the Chinese embassy or consulate in your country. They will guide you through the country-specific application process and may have additional requirements.

University Route: Many universities have pre-admission agreements. If a university accepts you first, your CSC application is significantly strengthened. This is where working with an experienced education consultancy like Asia Scholastic Centre can make a critical difference.

Tips for a Strong Application

Having helped hundreds of students win CSC scholarships, we recommend:

Start your research early — at least 6 months before the application deadline
Choose a program that aligns with your country’s development needs
Write a compelling study plan that shows clear academic and career goals
Obtain strong recommendation letters from professors or employers
Prepare all documents well in advance to avoid last-minute errors