Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) 2026 – Fully Funded | Complete Guide for Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD

The Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) is one of the world’s largest fully funded scholarship programs, offering thousands of seats every year for international students. It covers full tuition, accommodation, stipend, and medical insurance, making China one of the most affordable destinations for higher education.

This blog provides a complete, updated, and detailed guide for the 2026 intake, including eligibility, programs, application steps, deadlines, and essential tips.

What is the Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC)?

The CSC (Chinese Government Scholarship) is funded by the Ministry of Education of China to support international students for:

• Bachelor’s Degree (4–5 years)
• Master’s Degree (2–3 years)
• PhD / Doctorate (3–4 years)
• One-year language program (for selected applicants)

Under CSC, students can study at 275+ Chinese universities offering programs in English or Chinese.

Eligibility Criteria for 2026 Intake

General Eligibility

• Applicants must be non-Chinese citizens.
• Must be in good physical and mental health.
• Should not currently hold any other Chinese scholarship simultaneously.

Age Requirements

• Bachelor’s: Under 25
• Master’s: Under 35
• PhD: Under 40

Academic Requirements

• Bachelor’s: High school education with strong grades
• Master’s: A recognized bachelor’s degree
• PhD: A recognized master’s degree

Language Requirements

• IELTS is not required for most universities
• English-medium programs accept:
  • English Proficiency Certificate (EPC)
  • Medium of Instruction letter (MOI)

For Chinese-medium:

• HSK 4 or HSK 5 may be required (depends on university)

Financial Benefits of CSC 2026

The CSC scholarship is fully funded, covering:

1. Tuition Fees

• 100% waived for the entire duration of the program

2. Monthly Stipend (2026 Estimated Rates)

• Bachelor’s: 2,500 RMB per month
• Master’s: 3,000 RMB per month
• PhD: 3,500 RMB per month

3. Accommodation

• Free dormitory room on campus
• Or a monthly accommodation stipend (limited universities)

4. Medical Insurance

• Comprehensive medical insurance worth up to 800 RMB per year

5. Registration and Application Fees

• Some universities charge an application fee:
  • Range: 300 RMB – 800 RMB
• HEC (Pakistan) charges no fee for Type A, but attestation costs apply:
  • Attestation per degree/document: approx. 1,000–2,000 PKR

Types of CSC Applications: Type A and Type B

Type A – Through Embassy (HEC in Pakistan)

• Apply via HEC portal + CSC website
• Covers all fields
• Higher competition
• Recommended for PhD applicants

Advantages

• Higher funding priority
• Embassy nomination increases selection chances

Disadvantages

• Limited seats per country
• Longer processing time

Type B – Direct University Application

• Apply directly to the Chinese university portal + CSC website
• Many universities accept direct applicants
• Better for Bachelor’s and Master’s

Advantages

• Higher acceptance rate
• Can apply to 3 universities simultaneously

Disadvantages

• Some universities require application fee

Programs Available Under CSC

Bachelor’s Programs

• Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Software)
• MBBS (limited seats under CSC)
• Business Administration
• International Relations
• Economics
• Architecture
• Environmental Sciences
• Computer Science
• Chinese Language & Literature

Master’s and PhD

• All engineering programs
• Medicine (non-clinical & research-based)
• Artificial Intelligence
• Data Science
• Agriculture & Forestry
• Law
• History
• Physics, Chemistry, Biology
• International Trade
• Public Administration
• Islamic Studies (available in selected universities)

Document Requirements for CSC 2026

Mandatory Documents

1. Valid passport (minimum 2-year validity)
2. CSC application form
3. Highest degree and transcripts (attested by HEC)
4. Two recommendation letters
5. Study Plan / Research Proposal
6. Medical examination form (Foreign Physical Examination Form)
7. English Proficiency Certificate OR IELTS/PTE
8. Police clearance certificate
9. CV (Academic Resume)
10. Application form of chosen university (for Type B)

For PhD Applicants

• Acceptance letter from professor (strongly recommended)
• Published research papers (optional but helpful)

Application Timeline for 2026 Intake

Below is the expected schedule for 2026:

Process	Expected Time
CSC Online Application Opens	October–December 2025
HEC (Pakistan) Opens Online Portal	November 2025
University Type B Applications Open	November 2025 – January 2026
Application Deadline (General)	December 2025 – March 2026
Evaluation & Interview	March – June 2026
Final Results	May – July 2026
Visa Processing	July – August 2026
Classes Begin	September 2026

Note: Each university sets its own deadline.

Step-by-Step Application Procedure (2026 Intake)

Step 1: Choose Scholarship Category

• Type A (through embassy)
• Type B (direct university)
• Type C (recommended by institutions, limited)

Step 2: Select Universities Accepting CSC

Search the list of CSC-designated universities.

Step 3: Prepare Documents

Attest degrees from HEC
Prepare a strong study plan
Collect recommendation letters

Step 4: Complete CSC Online Application

Open the official CSC portal
Enter Agency Number for selected university
Upload required documents
Submit the form and download the PDF

Step 5: Apply on University Website (for Type B)

Fill the university application
Upload the same documents
Pay application fee (if applicable)

Step 6: Submit Application via HEC (for Type A)

Step 7: Wait for the Evaluation and Interview

Shortlisted candidates may be interviewed.

Step 8: Receive Pre-admission or Final Admission Notice

Step 9: Apply for Visa (X1 Student Visa)

Is IELTS Required?

• For English-taught programs, most universities accept an English Proficiency Certificate (EPC).
• For Chinese-taught programs, HSK is required.

Tips to Increase Your Chances for 2026

• Apply early (December to January gives highest chances)
• Contact professors for acceptance letters (especially for PhD)
• Write a strong research proposal
• Choose less competitive universities for Type B
• Ensure your documents are complete and well-formatted

Top CSC Universities for 2026 (English-Taught Programs)

• Tsinghua University
• Zhejiang University
• Shanghai Jiao Tong University
• Beijing Institute of Technology
• Nanjing University
• Southeast University
• Wuhan University
• Harbin Institute of Technology
• Beijing University of Technology
• China University of Geosciences

Conclusion

The Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) is one of the best opportunities for Pakistani and international students to study abroad fully funded. With thousands of seats offered every year, the 2026 intake provides a great chance for students aiming to pursue Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD degrees in China.

Applying early, choosing the right universities, and preparing documents correctly will significantly increase your chances of selection.