List of China Government Scholarships 2026-2027 for International Students (BS, MS, PhD Admissions)
Dreaming of studying in China in 2026? You’re in luck! More than 280+ Chinese universities will be opening their doors to international students through government-funded scholarships in the 2026–2027 academic year. These opportunities range from national-level fully funded scholarships to provincial and city government awards, covering almost every field of study.
The best part? Most of these scholarships don’t require IELTS if you can provide proof of English-medium education or meet other alternative requirements. For Chinese-taught programs, the HSK proficiency test is accepted instead.
Why apply?
These scholarships typically include:
- Full tuition fee waivers
- Monthly stipends to cover living costs
- Free or subsidized accommodation
- Health insurance coverage
- Research & networking opportunities across Asia’s most dynamic economy.
With so many options, students from South Asia, Africa, Europe, and beyond should not limit themselves to just one application—apply for multiple scholarships to maximize your chances of success.
Below is your complete, organized guide to the China Government Scholarships 2026, designed to help you find the right fit and secure a place in one of China’s top universities.
List of China Government Scholarships 2026-2027 for BS, MS, PhD
Following list of scholarships will be offered in China for September 2026 intake to international students for undergrad and postgrad admissions. These Chinese government scholarship programs are merit-based, covering full tuition, on-campus housing, monthly living stipends, and medical insurance, making it the most comprehensive and prestigious scholarship route in China
1# China Government CSC Scholarship 2026-2027
(High Level Postgrad Scholarship in China for 2026 Admissions)
The China Government Scholarship (CSC / CGS) is the flagship scholarship program offered directly by the Chinese Ministry of Education to international students. With the highest number of available seats across more than 280 top universities in China, this scholarship is the most popular pathway for overseas students pursuing Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD degrees.
CSC Scholarship 2026 Benefits: Recipients enjoy a comprehensive funding package, including:
-
- Full or partial tuition fee coverage
- Free or subsidized on-campus accommodation
- Monthly living stipend (BS 2500 RMB, MS 3000 RMB, and PhD 3500 RMB /month)
- Additional residence allowance of 500 CNY for BS, 700 CNY for MS, and 1000 CNY for PhD)
- Comprehensive medical insurance.
Language Requirement: Most Chinese universities waive off IELTS/TOEFL requirement for CSC (high level postgrad) scholarship applicants if applicants can provide proof of previous education in English. For programs taught in Chinese, students are required to provide HSK certificates at the required level.
Application Timeline for CSC High Level Postgraduate Scholarship 2026 Intake
Applications for the CSC High Level Postgraduate Scholarship September 2026 intake will open in November 2025 across different Chinese universities. Whereas, the final application deadline of China government CSC Scholarship is expected to fall before April 30, 2026, though exact dates vary depending on the university or the Chinese embassy channel in each applicant’s home country. And the acceptance letter for CSC scholarship is optional which will strengthen your application among other competitors.
2# ANSO Scholarship 2026-2027
(Alliance of International Science Organizations)
The ANSO Scholarship is one of China’s most prestigious international research-focused programs, jointly offered by the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), and the University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS). It is designed specifically for Master’s and PhD students in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), attracting top research talent from around the world (Ref).
ANSO Scholarship Benefits: Successful applicants are awarded a generous funding package, including:
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- Full tuition fee coverage
- Monthly stipends for living expenses (Around CNY 6000-7000/month)
- Full room facility for residence
- Comprehensive health insurance
- One-time travel allowance to China.
Language Requirement: Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English or Chinese, but IELTS is not mandatory if they can provide other recognized evidence of English-medium education or equivalent certification.
Special Requirement: An acceptance letter from a CAS supervisor or host institute is mandatory for this scholarship. Securing a professor’s support is a crucial part of the application process and significantly strengthens the applicant’s chances of success.
Application Timeline for 2026 Intake of ANSO scholarship: Applications for the 2026–2027 intake are expected to open in early January 2026 and will close around March 2026. Applicants should start contacting CAS supervisors well in advance to secure their acceptance letters before submitting their scholarship applications
3# CAS-TWAS / UNESCO Scholarships 2026
The CAS–TWAS/UNESCO Scholarship is a prestigious PhD program jointly offered by the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS), and UNESCO, targeting talented students from developing countries. It is designed to promote global South collaboration in advanced science and research, offering full tuition coverage, research support, and a living allowance to selected scholars.
- Level: PhD (for students from developing countries)
- Funding: Living allowance, tuition coverage, and research support.
- Highlight: Focused on global South collaboration in science and research.
- Language Requirement: Proof of English/Chinese; IELTS waiver possible.
4# Chinese Provincial & Municipal Government Scholarships 2026 List
China’s provinces and cities will also be offering international scholarships for September 2026 intake to attract international students. These Chinese undergrad and postgrad scholarship programs often cover partial or full tuition, and some also provide living allowances.
Here’s the comprehensive list of 2026 provincial and city government scholarships in China for international students:
- Shanghai Government Scholarship
- Nanjing Municipal Government Scholarship
- Zhejiang Provincial Government Scholarship
- Jasmine Jiangsu Government Scholarship
- Henan Provincial Government Scholarship
- Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Government Scholarship
- Guangdong Government Scholarship
- Guizhou Provincial Government Scholarship
- Liaoning Government Scholarship
- Jilin Provincial Government Scholarship
- Tianjin Government Scholarship
- Jinan Municipal Government Scholarship
- Fujian Provincial Government Scholarship
- Anhui Government Scholarship
- Yunnan Provincial Government Scholarship
- Ningbo Municipal Government Scholarship
- Hangzhou Government Scholarship
- Chongqing Municipal Government (Mayor) Scholarship
- Guangxi Government Scholarship
- Heilongjiang Provincial Government Scholarship
- Inner Mongolia Government Scholarship
- Jiangxi Provincial Government Scholarship
- Shandong Government Scholarship
- Hubei Provincial Government Scholarship
- Sichuan Provincial Government Scholarship
Each of these China scholarships has its own eligibility rules, quotas, and deadlines. Most offer full or partial tuition fee waivers; some also include living stipends.
5# University-Specific Scholarships
Many top Chinese universities combine national, provincial, and university-funded scholarships. These opportunities are highly competitive but worth applying for:
- Shanghai University Scholarships (CSC + Shanghai Gov)
- Zhejiang University of Technology Scholarships (Zhejiang Gov + CSC)
- Hebei Normal University (Hebei Provincial Gov Scholarship)
- Peking University, Tsinghua University, Fudan University (via CSC and local scholarships)
Universities often allow you to apply simultaneously for CSC and provincial scholarships, increasing your chances of funding.
Do You Need IELTS to Apply for China Government Scholarships in 2026?
The simple answer is no, IELTS is not always required to apply for China Government Scholarships in 2026. Most Chinese universities and scholarship programs, including the CSC Scholarship, ANSO Scholarship, CAS–TWAS/UNESCO Scholarship, and many Provincial Government Scholarships, accept alternative proofs of English proficiency. For example, if your previous degree was taught in English, you can usually submit a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate from your university instead of IELTS or TOEFL.
However, if you are applying for programs taught in Chinese, you will need to provide HSK (Chinese language proficiency test) results at the required level. Some top universities may still recommend IELTS or TOEFL scores to strengthen your application, but they are not mandatory for most scholarship pathways.
Bottom line: For the 2026–2027 intake, international students from Asia, Africa, Europe, and beyond can apply for multiple China Government Scholarships without IELTS, as long as they meet the alternative language proof requirements.
China Governments Scholarships 2026 Application Timeline (Universal)
| Scholarship Type | Application Opening | Deadline (Approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| CSC Scholarship (China Government Scholarship) | December 2025 | April 2026 (varies by university or embassy) | Main national-level scholarship with the widest availability across 280+ universities. |
| ANSO / CAS–TWAS Scholarships | January 2026 | March 2026 | Focused on STEM and research programs; acceptance letter often required. |
| Provincial & Municipal Scholarships | February 2026 | May 2026 | Dates differ by province or city; typically for autumn 2026 intake. |
| University-Specific Scholarships | As per university admission calendar | Varies | Check each university’s website for program-specific deadlines. |
Final Thoughts
China in 2026 is offering one of the widest ranges of scholarships in the world—from CSC to provincial and university programs. Whether you’re aiming for a PhD in science under ANSO/CAS-TWAS, a Master’s in Shanghai, or a Bachelor’s in Jiangsu, there’s a fully funded opportunity waiting.
And here’s the best part: IELTS is not always required. With the right documents proving English-medium education (or HSK for Chinese-taught programs), you can secure admission and funding without the IELTS hurdle.
So, if studying in China has been your dream, 2026 is the year to turn it into reality. Start preparing your documents now and keep an eye on the opening dates.
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