Chinese Government Scholarship 2026-2027
If you dream of walking across a Chinese campus as a fully sponsored international student in 2026, then Type B – the Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) 2026-2027 cohort is the main path you should focus on.
Unlike embassy routes that depend on your home country’s quotas, Type B CSC Scholarship 2026-2027 batch will let you apply directly to 280+ eligible Chinese universities. You choose the Chinese university, you choose the major, and the university decides whether to nominate you for the China scholarship council award. For many serious Master’s and PhD applicants (and some Bachelor’s), this is the most strategic and powerful way into China’s higher education system.
This guide is written only for Type B applicants who want to study BS, MS, or PhD in China for free in 2026—in a descriptive, easy-to-understand way that you can almost follow like a roadmap.
What Is CSC Type B Scholarship (Chinese University Program)?
The Chinese Government Scholarship has several categories, and Type B is the one managed jointly by CSC and individual universities.
In Type B:
- The funding comes from CSC.
- The selection happens at the university level.
- You submit your documents to the university, not to the embassy.
The process is simple to imagine: you choose a university, the university reviews your application, and if they are impressed, they send your name to CSC. CSC then makes the final scholarship decision. This means that your relationship with the university is central; your application is read by the faculty and offices that may later become your academic home.
Type B is widely used for Master’s and PhD programs, and some universities also offer Type B places to Bachelor students.
What Does CSC Type B Cover for International Students in 2026?
The main attraction of CSC Type B is that it allows you to study in China almost completely free at any of the 280+ Chinese universities and if you are selected, you normally receive:
- Full tuition waiver for the entire duration of your degree.
- Free or fully subsidized on-campus accommodation, usually in international student dormitories.
- A monthly living stipend, which is higher for postgraduate students and slightly lower for undergraduates. The typical pattern is that Master’s students receive more than undergraduates and PhD students receive the highest stipend.
- Basic medical insurance for international students, so your essential health needs are covered during your stay.
You usually pay for your air ticket yourself, but once you arrive in China, most of your major study and living costs are taken care of. This is why many students call CSC a “fully funded” opportunity.
Who Can Apply for Type B CSC Scholarship 2026?
Although every university publishes its own admission guide, there is a common core of eligibility rules that appear across most Chinese Government Scholarship Type B calls. And similarly if you wish to apply for this CSC scholarship at
You must be a non-Chinese citizen, in good physical and mental health, and you must not already be funded by another Chinese Government scholarship at the same time.
Your academic background and age should match Chinese Professors research area and the level you are applying for. For a Bachelor’s degree, you are expected to have completed high school and be in the typical undergraduate age range. For a Master’s degree, you need a completed Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. For a PhD, you must already hold a Master’s degree or an equivalent qualification, again in a related discipline.
Language is another key part of eligibility. If you choose a Chinese-taught program, you are usually required to provide an HSK certificate showing that you can study in Chinese. If you choose an English-taught program, you normally need an English test such as IELTS or TOEFL, unless the university specifically exempts you because your previous degree was taught in English.
For the 2026 intake, many Bachelor applicants will also be expected to sit the China Scholastic Competency Assessment (CSCA), a national test designed for international undergraduates. If you are targeting a Type B undergraduate place, you should assume that the CSCA score may be part of your application file, depending on the university’s policy.
Why Type B Is Especially Attractive for Master’s and PhD?
While Bachelor applicants can also benefit from Type B in some universities, the Chinese University Program is particularly powerful for Master’s and PhD candidates.
There are several reasons for this:
-
Direct academic evaluation
Your file is examined by the same departments and professors who might later supervise your thesis. They are looking for academic fit, research potential, and alignment with their ongoing projects. -
More tailored applications
You can customise your study plan and research proposal to match the focus of a particular school or faculty. This is much harder under embassy routes where you cannot target a specific department as precisely. -
Longer-term collaboration
For PhD especially, contacting potential supervisors, reading their research, and proposing a connected topic can transform your application from generic to compelling.
In short, Type B is ideal for students who are ready to take control of their academic journey and design a clear, targeted plan.
Last Date to Apply for China Government Scholarship 2026 by CSC
For the 2026–2027 academic year, most universities follow a similar calendar for Type B:
In November 2025, Universities in China begin to publish their scholarship guides and application notices for Chinese Government Scholarship Type B. These documents describe available majors, language of instruction, deadlines, and the application process.
From late 2025 to early 2026, the main application window opens. During this period, you prepare your documents, complete your online forms, and submit them to both the CSC system and your chosen university’s portal. Many universities set their deadlines between January and early March 2026, although some may close earlier and a few may extend slightly later.
In March and April 2026, universities review the applications. Some will conduct online interviews with shortlisted candidates, especially for graduate programs. At the end of this review phase, each university sends its recommended candidate list to CSC.
From May to July 2026, CSC carries out the central review and confirms the final scholarship awards. Successful students receive admission and visa documents, usually via the university’s international office. Finally, in September 2026, you travel to China, register at the university, move into your dorm, and start your degree.
What Documents Do You Need to Apply for CSC Scholarship in 2026?
The Type B China Government Scholarship application is document-heavy, and it is worth planning early so you are not rushing at the last minute. While every university has its own exact checklist, most of them ask for a core set of materials.
You will need an online CSC application form completed under the Type B category, plus a passport copy with sufficient validity. You must provide your degree certificates or, if you have not yet graduated, official proof that you are expected to graduate before the program begins. Alongside this, you upload official transcripts for all previous levels of education that are relevant to the degree you are applying for.
Language proof is crucial. If your chosen program is taught in Chinese, you attach your HSK certificate. For English-taught programs, you attach your English language test report or the document that proves your program exemption if the university allows one.
Another core component is your study plan or research proposal. This is normally a structured document in which you explain who you are academically, what you want to study or research, why you have chosen China and that particular university, and how the program connects with your future goals. For Master’s degrees, this often reads like a detailed study motivation letter. For PhDs, it looks more like a formal research outline with topics, questions, and basic methodology.
You also submit recommendation letters from academic staff, usually two letters written by professors or associate professors who know your work. A Foreigner Physical Examination Form and a non-criminal record certificate are needed as evidence of your health and legal standing. If you are a Bachelor applicant and your university or country requires it, you will also prepare your CSCA score report. Some universities ask for extra documents such as a supervisor’s pre-acceptance letter or a portfolio for arts and design programs.
How to Apply for CSC Type B in 2026: A Simple Flow
You can think of the Type B application as a sequence of clear steps.
First, you research and shortlist Chinese universities where CSC scholarship 2026 is being offered. You look for institutions that offer your desired major, in your preferred language of instruction, and explicitly state that they accept Chinese Government Scholarship Type B applicants for 2026. It helps to choose a mix of very competitive universities and more moderate ones to balance your chances.
Second, you study the official guides on each university’s website. These guides tell you exactly which documents they want, how to submit them, and the deadlines you cannot miss. This becomes your rulebook for that particular institution.
Third, you prepare your academic profile. You update your CV, draft a convincing study plan or research proposal, and request recommendation letters well in advance. If you plan to apply for a PhD, you may also start contacting potential supervisors, share a short version of your research idea, and ask whether they might be willing to host you if you are awarded the scholarship.
Fourth, you complete the CSC online form. In the CSC system, you select Type B, enter the agency number of your chosen university, and fill in all sections carefully. You then upload the required documents and submit the form. It is important to download and save a copy of your completed CSC form for later use.
Fifth, you apply through the university portal. Most universities require that you create an account in their own application system and upload the same set of documents there. Some ask you to upload the CSC form as part of their internal file. You follow their instructions step by step and submit before the deadline.
After submission, you wait for the university to review your application. They may reach out to you for clarification, additional documents, or an online interview. If the university decides to recommend you, they forward your information to CSC for final approval. Once CSC confirms the scholarship, the university sends you your admission notice and visa documents, and you begin preparing for your move to China.
Conclusion: Why Type B Is Worth Your Effort in 2026
The Chinese Government Scholarship Type B is more than a funding scheme; it is a direct entrance into China’s university system, shaped around your choice of institution. It lets you approach a university almost like a partner: you bring your academic potential, they bring academic resources and a scholarship, and CSC provides the financial backbone.
For students who are willing to research options, prepare strong documents, and engage with universities professionally, Type B can turn the dream of studying in China for free in 2026 into a very real offer. With careful planning and a thoughtful application, you are not just applying for a scholarship; you are designing the next chapter of your academic life.