The Chinese Government Scholarship (CGS) supports international students pursuing studies in China through various programs. The CGS Bilateral Program is offered under educational cooperation and exchange agreements, or other arrangements reached between the Chinese government and foreign governments or institutions.

If you are planning to study in China, you may be wondering how to apply for the CGS Bilateral Program. This guide answers frequently asked questions, including:

- What are the funding categories and duration?

- What are the eligibility requirements?

- What is the application process?

- What application materials are required?

I. What are the funding categories and duration?

The CGS Bilateral Program provides scholarships for undergraduate students, master's students, doctoral students, general scholars, and senior scholars. For specific details, please consult the relevant authorities in your home country.

The scholarship covers both Chinese-language preparatory study and the standard duration of the academic program.

- Chinese-language preparatory study: Typically one year.

- Degree studies: Standard duration of the program.

For detailed funding standards, please visit the official Study in China website at www.campuschina.org.

 

II. What are the eligibility requirements?

Before applying, please ensure whether you meet the following requirements.

1.  Nationality and health

Applicants must be non-Chinese citizens and in good health.

2.  Educational background and age

- Bachelor's degree applicants: Hold a high school diploma or equivalent, have an excellent academic record, and generally be under the age of 25.

- Master's degree applicants: Hold a bachelor's degree or equivalent, have an excellent academic record, and generally be under the age of 35.

- Doctoral degree applicants: Hold a master's degree or equivalent, have an excellent academic record, and generally be under the age of 40.

- General scholar applicants: Hold a high school diploma or above, and generally be under the age of 45.

- Senior scholar applicants: Hold a master's degree or above, or have an associate professorship or above, and generally be under the age of 50.

3.  Language proficiency

According to relevant regulations, applicants for a bachelor's degree must take the China Scholastic Competency Assessment (CSCA).

For Chinese-taught programs: general and senior scholars (except those majoring in Chinese language) should have at least HSK Level 3; master's and doctoral applicants should have at least HSK Level 4.

Applicants for master's, doctoral, general scholar, or senior scholar programs taught in non-Chinese languages must meet the language proficiency requirements specified by their chosen university.

4.  Academic requirements

Applicants must meet the admission requirements of their chosen university in terms of academic qualifications and other criteria.

III. What is the application process?

The application timeline depends on the specific notice issued by the relevant authorities in your home country. The overall process includes the following steps:

1.  Choose a university and make contact

After searching for and selecting your preferred universities and programs through the Study in China website or other channels, you can contact the universities directly to obtain relevant admission materials.

Chinese universities under the CGS program offer a wide range of disciplines, including science, engineering, agriculture, medicine, economics, law, management, education, history, literature, philosophy, and the arts.

2.  Obtain nomination or recommendation

Contact the relevant agency in your home country to obtain the required nomination or recommendation.

3.  Apply online

Register and log in to the CGS information system at https://studyinchina.csc.edu.cn/, then fill in and submit the application form online.

4.  Submit application materials

Prepare and submit all required application materials according to the system's instructions.

Generally, these materials include a passport, academic certificates, transcripts, language proficiency certificates, and a study plan.

IV. What application materials are required?

1.  Application form for Chinese Government Scholarship

2.  Copy of passport information page

Provide a clear scanned copy of your passport information page. If your current passport is valid for less than 12 months from the planned study start date, please renew it before applying.

If you cannot obtain a passport before submitting your application due to objective reasons, you may submit a valid identification document or certificate containing your full English name, gender, nationality, and date of birth, with permission from relevant institutions.

3.  Notarized copy of the highest diploma or degree certificate

Current students must submit an official letter of expected graduation or a certificate of enrollment issued by their institution.

4.  Academic transcripts

Transcripts in languages other than Chinese or English must be accompanied by notarized Chinese or English translations.

5.  Language proficiency certificate

Applicants for master's, doctoral, general scholar, or senior scholar programs taught in Chinese must provide a valid HSK report that meets the corresponding requirements. Applicants for programs taught in other languages must provide corresponding proof of language proficiency, such as IELTS or TOEFL, as required by the university.

6.  CSCA score transcript

Applicants for a bachelor's degree must register for and take the CSCA before the application deadline and obtain a valid score report.

For required test subjects related to your chosen program, please contact the university for further details.

7.  Admission materials

Applicants for master's, doctoral, general scholar, or senior scholar programs should provide admission materials issued by the university, including admission letter, pre-admission letter, or supervisor's invitation letter.

8.  Study or research plan

The study or research plan should be written in either Chinese or English. It should be no less than 200 words for undergraduates, 500 words for scholars, and 1000 words for postgraduates.

9.  Recommendation letters

If you are applying for a master's, doctoral, or senior scholar program in China, you are required to submit two recommendation letters written in either Chinese or English from professors or associate professors.

10. Personal portfolio

If you are applying for majors such as art or design, you are required to submit a personal portfolio, such as video works or paintings.

The guide to preparing music and fine arts portfolios for university applications provides essential insights and key points to help you prepare your submissions effectively.

11. Foreigner Physical Examination Form

If your planned study period in China is more than six months, you must submit a copy of the Foreigner Physical Examination Form and keep the original yourself.

The form is uniformly issued by China's health and quarantine authorities and must be completed in English. All required fields must be filled out in strict accordance with the instructions. The examination result is valid for six months.

Note: Forms missing any of the following: photo, cross-page seal on the photo, signature or seal from the physician and hospital will be considered invalid.

12. A certificate of no criminal record

Applicants are required to submit a valid certificate of no criminal record issued by the local public security authority. Typically, it should be issued within six months of submission.

13. Other required materials

Applicants under the age of 18 are required to submit relevant legal documents regarding their legal guardian in China.

Dear students, please carefully review the application requirements to ensure your materials are complete and accurate. We wish you a fulfilling, exciting academic journey in China!

 

Source: Official WeChat account of the China Scholarship Council (ID: "gh_afaa09c3e5f3")