CSC scholarship guide奖学金
CSC scholarship for Indian students: who can apply and how
The Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) pays tuition, accommodation, insurance and a monthly stipend. Here is who qualifies, what you need, and the two ways to apply.
Last checked October 2026 against a 2026/27 Chinese embassy notice and a university scholarship page. The embassy example is for another country, so confirm Indian-specific details before you apply.
Two routes类型
Type A and Type B
Type A: through your country's channel
Places are allocated by country and handled by an official channel, usually the Chinese embassy or your education authority. You also choose universities on the CSC system. Deadlines are set by that channel, typically between January and March. Check this year's notice from the Chinese Embassy in India.
Type B: directly through a university
You apply to the university and on the CSC system, quoting its agency number. Each university sets its own programmes and deadlines. Many awards go to graduate students.
Eligibility资格
Who can apply
The embassy and university notices we checked give the same limits.
| Level | You need | Age limit |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's | High school graduate | Under 25 |
| Master's | Bachelor's degree | Under 35 |
| PhD | Master's degree | Under 40 |
- Not a Chinese citizen, and in good physical and mental health.
- Chinese-taught master's or PhD: HSK 4 in the notices we checked. Chinese-taught general scholar programmes ask for HSK 3.
- English-taught postgraduate programmes: each university sets its own requirement. One example asks for IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 80, or a letter confirming English-medium study.
- Bachelor's applicants need a valid CSCA score report (China Scholastic Competency Assessment) in the 2026 notice we checked. Confirm whether your target year still requires it.
What you get覆盖范围
What a full award covers
| Item | Amount stated by the university |
|---|---|
| Tuition | Fully waived |
| Accommodation | Free dormitory, or RMB 700 a month if you live off campus (RMB 1,000 for PhD) |
| Monthly living stipend | RMB 2,500 bachelor's · 3,000 master's · 3,500 PhD |
| Health insurance | RMB 800 a year |
Source: a university's CSC page. Universities can differ, and some schemes include international travel while others don't.
Documents材料
What you'll be asked for
A typical 2026/27 checklist from a Chinese embassy notice.
Identity
Passport scan. A passport valid for under 12 months from your start date may need renewing first.
Academic
Notarised highest diploma, transcripts, and the university's pre-admission letter where required.
Language
HSK for Chinese-taught courses. IELTS, TOEFL or similar for English-taught ones.
Study plan
At least 200 words for bachelor's and 800 words for postgraduate. Make it specific.
References
Two recommendation letters from professors or associate professors for graduate applicants.
Health and record
Foreigner physical examination form (valid six months) and a non-criminal record certificate, usually issued within six months.
How to apply步骤
Five steps
Choose universities and programmes
Check each programme's language of instruction, entry requirements and whether it hosts a CSC place.
Prepare documents early
Notarisation, translations, references and medical forms take weeks. Start before the notices appear.
Apply to the university
Many programmes need a separate university application, and some want a professor's acceptance letter.
Submit the CSC online application
Use the CSC system (campuschina.org), choosing Type A or Type B and the right agency number. Upload every document clearly.
Wait for results
In the cycle we checked, results were published in the system in July and August, followed by the admission notice and visa form.
Sources: 2026/27 CSC notice from a Chinese embassy (country-specific example) · China University of Petroleum (Beijing) CSC page
FAQ常见问题
CSC scholarship questions Indian students ask
Can Indian students apply for the CSC scholarship?
Yes, if you are not a Chinese citizen and meet the level, age and language rules in the eligibility table above. You choose between Type A, through your country's channel, and Type B, directly through a university.
Is the CSC application free?
Yes. The application on the official CSC system is free, and no agent can guarantee an award.
What does a full CSC scholarship cover?
In the university page we checked: full tuition waiver, free dormitory accommodation, health insurance and a monthly stipend. Amounts differ by university, so confirm them with your target university.
How much is the monthly stipend?
The university page we checked states RMB 2,500 for bachelor's, RMB 3,000 for master's and RMB 3,500 for PhD students. Treat these as an example and check your own university.
Do I need HSK or IELTS?
Chinese-taught master's and PhD programmes asked for HSK 4 in the notices we checked. English-taught programmes set their own English requirement, so read the programme page.
What are the age limits?
Under 25 for bachelor's, under 35 for master's and under 40 for PhD, in the notices we checked.
Do bachelor's applicants need the CSCA?
The 2026 notice we checked required a valid CSCA score report for bachelor's applicants. Confirm whether your target year still requires it.
When should I start preparing?
As early as you can. Notarised documents, references and medical forms take weeks, and Type A deadlines are set by the official channel. See the scholarship timeline.
Not sure which route fits you?
Send us your marks, field and budget. Dr Li will tell you which scholarship routes are realistic.