2026 Chinese Government Scholarship (Type A): Application Guide for International Students

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2026 Chinese Government Scholarship (Type A): Application Guide for International Students


Applications for the 2026 Chinese Government Scholarship (CGS) Type A, also known as the Bilateral Program, are handled through the designated authorities of applicants’ home countries. The scholarship supports international students pursuing higher education and academic exchange in China through full or partial financial assistance.


1. Eligible Programs and Duration

The scholarship supports the following categories:


  • Bachelor’s degree: 4 years, with 1–2 years of Chinese preparatory study if required.
  • Master’s degree: 2 years, with 1–2 years of Chinese preparatory study if required.
  • Doctoral degree: 4 years, with 1–2 years of Chinese preparatory study if required.General scholars: Up to 1 year of study.
  • Senior scholars: Up to 1 year of study.

Undergraduate students must enroll in Chinese-taught credit courses. Graduate and non-degree students may apply for Chinese-taught or English-taught programs, subject to university requirements.

2. Scholarship Benefits

Full scholarships may include:

  • Full tuition waiver.
  • Free university accommodation or a monthly accommodation subsidy, where applicable.
  • Monthly living allowance:
    • Bachelor’s students: CNY 2,500
    • Master’s students and general scholars: CNY 3,000
    • Doctoral students and senior scholars: CNY 3,500
  • Comprehensive medical insurance.


Accommodation subsidies are generally CNY 700 per month for undergraduate and master’s students, and CNY 1,000 per month for doctoral students and senior scholars, where off-campus accommodation is permitted. Partial scholarships cover one or more components of the full scholarship.


3. Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must be non-Chinese citizens in good health and meet the following age and academic requirements:

  • Bachelor’s: High school graduate, under 25 years old.
  • Master’s: Bachelor’s degree holder, under 35.
  • Doctoral: Master’s degree holder, under 40.
  • General scholar: Under 45, with a high school diploma or higher.
  • Senior scholar: Under 50, with a master’s degree or associate professor rank or above.

4. Required Application Documents


Applicants should prepare the following documents:


1. Chinese Government Scholarship application form, completed in Chinese or English.

2. Notarized highest diploma or official proof of expected graduation.

3. Academic transcripts from all relevant study levels.

4. Study or research proposal: at least 200 words for undergraduate, 500 words for non-degree, and 800 words for graduate applicants.

5. Two recommendation letters from professors or associate professors for graduate and senior scholar applicants.

6. Legal guardian documents in China, if the applicant is under 18.

7. Foreigner Physical Examination Form for studies exceeding six months.

8. University pre-admission letter.

9. Language proficiency certificate:

  • Chinese-taught programs: generally HSK 4 or above for undergraduate and HSK 5 or above for graduate programs.
  • English-taught programs: TOEFL 86, IELTS 6.0, or an accepted equivalent, subject to program requirements. An official certificate confirming the previous degree’s language of instruction may also be accepted.

10. Valid police clearance or non-criminal record certificate, generally issued within six months before application submission.


Documents not in Chinese or English must include the required notarized translation. Applicants should follow the relevant authority’s and university’s specific document requirements.


5. Application Procedure and Deadline


Applications are normally accepted between early January and early April, although deadlines vary by country.

1. Contact the designated scholarship dispatching authority in your home country to confirm eligibility, available categories, deadlines, and the required agency number.

2. Complete the online application through the China Scholarship Council (CSC) International Student Scholarship Application System and print the completed form.

3. Apply for a university pre-admission letter if required, submitting the same supporting documents used for the CSC application.

4. Applicants who pass the preliminary review may receive a pre-admission letter.

5. Submit the required admission materials through the CSC system and await the final scholarship decision.


All required documents must be uploaded to the CSC system; paper copies are not accepted by the university under this guide.


Important Notes

  • Final scholarship awards are subject to university review, interviews where applicable, and approval by the China Scholarship Council.
  • Applicants may receive no more than one Chinese Government Scholarship.
  • Scholarship recipients generally cannot change their host university, field of study, or study duration without giving up the scholarship.
  • Failure to register by the university’s deadline may result in the scholarship being forfeited.
  • The Foreigner Physical Examination Form is valid for six months; plan the examination accordingly.

Interested in studying in China? Contact the designated scholarship authority in your country for the official 2026 application schedule and country-specific requirements before submitting your application.