If you're planning to study in Shanghai, you may have questions about the Chinese Government Scholarship (CGS), including funding levels, eligibility, required materials, and application channels.

To help you navigate the process and increase your chances of securing the scholarship, this practical guide answers some frequently asked questions.

1. What is CGS and its categories?

To promote mutual understanding, international cooperation, and exchange across various fields, China has established a series of scholarship programs to sponsor international students, teachers, and scholars to study and conduct research at Chinese universities.

The China Scholarship Council is responsible for the enrollment and administration of Chinese Government Scholarship programs. Currently, 289 designated Chinese universities offer a wide variety range of academic programs for international students at all levels.

CGS programs include various categories: Bilateral Programs (Type A), University Programs (Type B), Designated Scholarship Programs, such as the Great Wall Program, EU Program, AUN Program, PIF Program, and WMO Program, and Student Exchange Program.

(I) Bilateral Program (Type A)

The program accords with the cooperation and exchange agreements or consensus reached by the Chinese government and the governments and institutions of other nations. It is open to undergraduates, postgraduates, and general and senior scholars. An applicant shall file an application with the dispatching department of their home countries.

If you are applying to the Bilateral Program, you may refer to the guide below:

Guide to applying for the Chinese Government Scholarship Bilateral Program

(II) University Program (Type B)

The University Program is the most common program. This type is designed to finance the study of talented international students in China who are directly educated and recommended by designated Chinese universities. The supporting student categories are various which is subject to the requirements of each of these universities. An applicant shall file an application with Chinese universities undertaking this program.

For more information, you may visit the China Scholarship Council website at www.csc.edu.cn.

(III) Designated Scholarship Programs

These programs are set up in accordance with cooperation agreements between China and international organizations and institutions. An applicant shall file an application with the international organizations and institutions concerned.

 

 

(IV) Student Exchange Program

The program, launched in accordance with exchange and cooperation agreements between Chinese universities and their foreign partners, is designed to support general and senior scholars for a training period of no more than 12 months. An applicant shall file an application with Chinese universities and their foreign partners.

 

2. Where can I find the most up-to-date information on the CGS?

Visit the official website "Study in China" of China Scholarship Council at

https://www.campuschina.org/index.html. Click "Scholarships — Chinese Government Scholarships" to find more information on the CGS.

You can also contact Chinese embassies, consulates, or the universities you are applying to for more information.

 

3. Who is eligible for the scholarship and what is its duration?

(1) Eligibility

The CGS is open to undergraduate, master's, and doctoral students, as well as general and senior scholars.

To be eligible, an applicant must:

- be a citizen of a country other than the People's Republic of China and in good health both mentally and physically;

- be an academically excellent holder of high school diploma or its equivalent under the age of 25 when applying for an undergraduate program;

- be an academically excellent holder of a bachelor's degree or its equivalent under the age of 35 when applying for a master's program;

- be an academically excellent holder of a master's degree or its equivalent under the age of 40 when applying for a doctoral program;

- be a holder of a high school diploma (or higher) under the age of 45 when applying for a general scholar program;

- be a master's degree holder or an associate professor (or above) under the age of 50 when applying for a senior scholar program;

- take the China Scholastic Competency Assessment and upload a valid score report when applying for bachelor programs;

- have passed the HSK (Level 3) when applying for a Chinese-taught general scholar program (excluding Chinese language majors);

- have passed the HSK (Level 3) when applying for a Chinese-taught senior scholar program;

- have passed the HSK (Level 4) when applying for a Chinese-taught master's or doctoral program;

- meet the admission requirements of the university of preference in terms of language proficiency and academic ability, among others, when applying for a program taught in a language other than Chinese.

Note: Be sure to check the specific criteria with the institution to which you're applying.

(2) Duration

The CGS covers both academic major study and Chinese language (preparatory) study. The language courses last for one year, whereas the duration of the scholarship for academic major study conforms to that as required.

 

4. When is the application period?

Applications typically open in September and close by the end of March of the following year. However, specific dates may vary. You are advised to confirm with the relevant institution in advance.

 

5. What academic programs are available?

Scholarships cover diverse fields such as science, engineering, agriculture, medicine, economics, law, management, education, history, literature, philosophy, and the arts. You may visit the "Study in China" website at https://www.campuschina.org/index.html for further information about designated Chinese universities and majors they offer, as well as the language requirements.

 

6. What is the application process?

> Do your research on the programs and universities you intend to apply to on the "Study in China" website. You may select a different language based on your requirements.

> Obtain pre-admission materials from the universities you are applying to.

> Secure a recommendation from the relevant institution for the application.

> Complete and submit your application via the "Chinese Government Scholarship Online Application System" at https://studyinchina.csc.edu.cn/#/login.

Note: First-time users will need to create an account before logging in.

> Monitor your email and phone for updates on your application status.

 

7. How do I access the online application system and fill in the 'Program Category' and 'Agency Number' fields?

> Go to https://www.campuschina.org/index.html and click on "Scholarship Application for Students".

> First-time users will need to first create an account to log in.

"Program Category" and "Agency Number" are essential in the online application system. Consult your application institution for the correct details. The system will display the institution's name after the "Agency Number" is entered.

 

8. What are the key points when completing the application?

> Ensure the "Program Category" and "Agency Number" are correct to avoid application failures.

> Apply for: Select the appropriate student category.

> Majors: Use the standard major names provided by the universities.

> Preferences of Institution: Choose eligible universities from the dropdown menu.

> Duration of the Study: Match the study duration with the standard period for your category.

> Modify your application if needed before submitting by clicking "Withdraw" and resubmitting.

 

9. How can I check my application results?

Result releases differ by scholarship program. The specific timeline and notification method will be announced by the institution to which you applied.

Typically, you will receive an email notification or a phone call. You may also check the online application system regularly for updates.

Note: If you have not heard back by the expected date, you may contact the admissions or scholarship office directly for clarification.

 

10. What are the required application materials?

Whether you are a new applicant or a current student wishing to continue your studies in China, you should ensure that all necessary documents are well prepared, which is crucial to a successful CGS application.

Verify that you meet the basic criteria for your chosen CGS category and prepare the required materials. The general materials required include:

(1) Chinese Government Scholarship application form

Log in to the "Chinese Government Scholarship Information System" to complete the application online. After submission, download the system-generated application form.

(2) Scanned copy of passport information page

Submit the electronic information page of your valid passport. If your passport's remaining validity is less than 12 months from your intended study start date, you should apply for a new passport and use the renewed one for your scholarship application.

Note: If you are unable to obtain a passport before submitting your application due to compelling reasons, you may, with the approval of the admitting institution, submit another valid identification document or certificate that includes your name (English), gender, nationality, and date of birth.

(3) Highest diploma obtained

Current students should provide a certificate of expected graduation or an enrollment certificate from their institution.

(4) Academic transcripts of the highest degree

Notarized translations in Chinese or English must accompany documents in languages other than Chinese or English.

(5) Language proficiency certificate

- For programs taught in Chinese, you must submit a valid Chinese Proficiency Test (HSK) certificate that meets the language requirement for your intended level of study. Please ensure that your HSK certificate is valid at the time of application.

- For programs taught in a foreign language, you must provide the language proficiency certificate specified by the institution. Commonly accepted certificates include IELTS or TOEFL score reports.

(6) CSCA certificate

Applicants to a bachelor's degree program are required to register for the China Scholastic Competency Assessment (CSCA) and obtain a valid score report before the application deadline. The required test subjects for your intended major can be confirmed with the institution you plan to apply to.

For more details, please visit the official CSCA website at https://csca.cn/home.

(7) Pre-admission documents

- Submit all pre-admission documents issued by the institution you are applying to, including admission notices, pre-admission letters, or invitation letters from supervisors.

- Review the admission information for the institution you are applying to, or contact the institution to understand the procedures for obtaining a pre-admission letter before submitting your scholarship application.

(8) Study or research plan

Detail your study or research plan in China, tailored to your research field and interests, including your research topic, methodology, and expected outcomes.

The length of the study or research plan varies by institution and program. Generally, undergraduate applicants need to submit a plan of at least 200 words, visiting scholars at least 500 words, and graduate applicants at least 800 words. The plan should be written in either Chinese or English.

You may refer to the passage below for guidance on writing a study plan.

How to write a study plan for the Chinese Government Scholarship

(9) Recommendation letters

Applicants for master's or doctoral degrees or other advanced studies must provide two letters of recommendation from professors or associate professors. The letters can be written in Chinese or English.

A strong recommendation letter should highlight your unique qualities, including academic achievements, research potential, and teamwork skills, to provide the institution with a comprehensive understanding of your strengths and increase your chances of success.

You may refer to the passage below for guidance on obtaining recommendation letters from supervisors.

How to obtain supervisor recommendation letters for Chinese Government Scholarship

(10) Personal works

Applicants for arts or design-related programs must submit a portfolio showcasing their artistic skills, professional abilities, and aesthetic vision, in addition to the standard application materials.

Follow the guidelines in the intended institution's admission brochure to ensure that the content and presentation meet the requirements.

You may refer to the passage below for guidance on preparing music and fine arts portfolios.

Guide to preparing music and fine arts portfolios for university applications

(11) Legal documents for applicants under 18

Applicants under 18 need to submit legal documents proving their relationship to their legal guardian in China.

(12) Physical examination form

Applicants planning to study in China for more than six months must submit a valid physical examination form. The results of the examination are valid for six months.

Note: The form is invalid if

- Any section is incomplete.

- It lacks a photograph or the photograph is not stamped.

- It lacks the signature and stamp of the physician and hospital.

(13) Non-criminal record certificate

Applicants need to submit a valid non-criminal record certificate issued by local police authorities, dated within six months of the application submission.

(14) Research achievements, awards, and related materials

Submit detailed materials on research projects you have participated in or led, as well as published research achievements, including but not limited to academic papers, participation in academic conferences, research awards, and patents or publications related to your research.

You can also submit award and honor certificates if necessary.

These materials demonstrate your professional knowledge and skills and are crucial for evaluating your research background.

 

11. Scholarship coverage

(1) Tuition fees;

(2) Free university dormitory or accommodation subsidy;

(3) Stipend:

- Undergraduates: 2,500 yuan per month;

- Master's students/general scholars: 3,000 yuan per month;

- Doctoral students/senior scholars: 3,500 yuan per month.

(4) Comprehensive medical insurance:

- 800 yuan per person per year;

- 400 yuan per person (for programs lasting less than six months)

 

12. List of Chinese Government Scholarship institutions in Shanghai

Click the to view the list of institutions in Shanghai eligible to apply for the CGS.

 

13. Contact information

(1) Asia

Tel: 0086-10-66093584

E-mail: asia-admission@csc.edu.cn

(2) Africa

Tel: 0086-10-66093924

E-mail: africa-admission@csc.edu.cn

(3) Europe

Tel: 0086-10-66093921

E-mail: europe-admission@csc.edu.cn

(4) America & Oceania

Tel: 0086-10-66093578

E-mail:

americas-admission@csc.edu.cn

oceania-admission@csc.edu.cn

Fax: 0086-10-66093972

 

Website:

https://www.campuschina.org/index.html

Address:

Division of International Students Admission and Cooperation Programs, China Scholarship Council

Level 13, Building A3, No 9 Chegongzhuang Avenue, Beijing

Postcode：100044

 

Sources: Official WeChat account of the China Scholarship Council (ID: "gh_afaa09c3e5f3"); Shanghai Municipal Commission of Education; official website of "Study in China"

 

(20260729)