Master's and PhD Scholarships in Chinese Universities for 2025/2026

Master's and PhD Scholarships in Chinese Universities for 2025/2026

Introduction:

China has emerged as a premier destination for international students seeking quality education coupled with cultural immersion. With numerous universities offering fully funded scholarships for master's and PhD programs, the 2025/2026 academic year presents ample opportunities. This guide provides detailed information on available scholarships, application deadlines, intake periods, and application procedures to assist prospective students

1. Chinese Government Scholarship (CGS) Programs:

The Chinese Government Scholarship (CGS) is a fully funded initiative by the China Scholarship Council (CSC) that supports international students pursuing undergraduate, master's, and PhD degrees across various Chinese universities. The scholarship covers tuition, accommodation, monthly stipends, and comprehensive medical insurance.

Application Deadline: Varies by university; generally between February 15 and March 31, 2025.
Next Intake: September 2025.

Application Procedure:

Online Application:

Visit the CSC application portal at https://studyinchina.csc.edu.cn
Select the appropriate program category (usually "Type B" for university programs).
Enter the agency number of your chosen university.
Fill in the application form and submit the required documents.

University Application:

Apply directly to the chosen university through its official international student admission portal.
Pay attention to specific application requirements and deadlines.

Document Submission:

Submit all required documents, including academic transcripts, study plans, recommendation letters, and proof of language proficiency.

Selection and Notification:

Universities will review applications and nominate candidates to the CSC.
Final scholarship decisions are typically announced by late June 2025.

Note: Some universities may require an application fee; verify specific details on the respective university's website.

2. University-Specific Scholarships:

Several Chinese universities offer their own scholarships for international students. Below is a selection of notable programs:

a. University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS) Scholarship:

Programs: Master's and PhD degrees in various scientific disciplines.
Application Deadline: March 31, 2025.
Next Intake: September 2025.
Application Portal: UCAS International Students Admission
Contact Email: admission@ucas.ac.cn

Application Procedure:

Online Application:

Complete the UCAS online application form.
Submit the CSC application form if applying for the CGS through UCAS.

Document Submission:

Provide academic transcripts, research proposals, recommendation letters, and proof of language proficiency.

Supervisor Acceptance:

Secure a provisional acceptance letter from a UCAS supervisor.

Submission:

Submit all materials via the UCAS admission portal before the deadline.

b. Chongqing University (CQU) Scholarship:

Programs: Master's and PhD degrees in engineering, science, and other fields.
Application Deadline: February 15, 2025.
Next Intake: September 2025.
Application Portal: CQU International Students Admission
Contact Email: admissions@cqu.edu.cn

Application Procedure:

CSC Online Application:

Complete the CSC application form using CQU's agency number.

University Application:

Apply through CQU's international student application system.

Document Submission:

Submit required documents, including a study plan, recommendation letters, and proof of language proficiency.

Selection and Notification:

CQU reviews applications and nominates candidates to the CSC.
Final results are communicated via email by late June 2025.

c. Harbin Institute of Technology, Shenzhen (HITSZ) Scholarship:

Programs: Master's and PhD degrees in engineering and technology.
Application Deadline: March 15, 2025.
Next Intake: September 2025.
Application Portal: HITSZ International Students Admission
Contact Email: Admissions@hit.edu.cn

Application Procedure:

Online Application:

Complete the CSC application form with HITSZ's agency number.
Apply through HITSZ's admission portal.

Document Submission:

Provide academic transcripts, research proposals, recommendation letters, and proof of language proficiency.

Interview:

Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview.

3. Additional Noteworthy Scholarships in Chinese Universities:

Apart from the widely known CSC and university-specific scholarships, several other prestigious scholarships are available for international students seeking admission in China for the 2025/2026 academic session.

Here are some more opportunities:

a. Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) Scholarship:

Programs: Master’s and PhD degrees in engineering, business, medicine, and social sciences.
Application Deadline: March 31, 2025.
Next Intake: September 2025.
Application Portal: SJTU International Students Admission
Contact Email: isc@sjtu.edu.cn

b. Zhejiang University (ZJU) Scholarship:

Programs: Master’s and PhD degrees in science, technology, engineering, agriculture, and humanities.
Application Deadline: March 10, 2025.
Next Intake: September 2025.
Application Portal: ZJU International Students Admission
Contact Email: admissions@zju.edu.cn

c. Tsinghua University International Scholarship:

Programs: Master’s and PhD degrees in environmental science, engineering, economics, and international relations.
Application Deadline: February 28, 2025.
Next Intake: September 2025.
Application Portal: Tsinghua University Admissions
Contact Email: grad@tsinghua.edu.cn

4. General Eligibility Criteria for Scholarships in China:

Although specific eligibility criteria may vary depending on the university and program, most scholarships follow these general requirements:

Academic Excellence: Applicants must have a strong academic background (minimum 75% or equivalent).
Language Proficiency:

For English-taught programs, IELTS (≥6.5) or TOEFL (≥90) may be required.
For Chinese-taught programs: HSK Level 4 or higher.

Research Proposal (for PhD Applicants): A well-structured research proposal is essential.
Recommendation Letters: At least two letters from academic or professional referees.
Health Certificate: A medical examination report is usually required.

5. How to Apply for Chinese Scholarships?

Step 1: Research and Choose a University & Program:

Visit the official website of the desired university.
Check available programs and scholarship options.

Step 2: Prepare Required Documents:

Academic transcripts & degree certificates.
Research proposal (for PhD applicants).
Language proficiency test scores.
Passport copy & recent passport-sized photos.

Step 3: Apply Online:

Fill out the CSC or university scholarship application form.
Upload necessary documents and submit the application before the deadline.

Step 4: Follow Up & Wait for Results:

Check your email regularly for interview invitations.
Final results are announced by June–July 2025.

6. Final Words:

Applying for master’s and PhD scholarships in China is a fantastic opportunity for students worldwide. China's top universities offer fully funded programs, enabling students to focus on academics without financial concerns. Make sure to start your application early, meet the deadlines, and prepare a strong application.

For any queries, feel free to contact the university representatives mentioned above.