Soochow University has officially released its 2026–2027 Application Notice for International Graduate Students, opening admissions for Master’s and Doctoral degree programs with access to fully funded and partially funded Chinese Government High Level Postgraduate CSC Scholarship options. This announcement is especially important for foreign students looking to study in China with full tuition coverage, monthly living stipends, free accommodation, and medical insurance under Chinese Government and university-backed funding schemes.
As one of China’s earliest Western-style universities and a Double First-Class institution, Soochow University continues to attract outstanding international talent across science, engineering, medicine, humanities, and interdisciplinary fields for the 2026 academic year.
Available Scholarships at Soochow University for 2026-2027 Intake
International applicants to Soochow University graduate programs can be considered under two major scholarship routes:
1# Chinese Government “High-Level Graduate Students” Scholarship
This is a full scholarship funded by the Chinese Government, designed to support outstanding international students pursuing Master’s or PhD degrees at Chinese universities.
2# Soochow University International Student Scholarship
Applicants who meet CSC standards but are not ultimately approved at the national level are automatically considered for this university-funded scholarship, without submitting a separate application.
Both routes significantly reduce or eliminate the financial burden of studying in China.
What these Chinese Scholarship Covers?
Successful scholarship recipients for these Soochow university scholarships for September 2026 cohort can expect to receive:
- Full tuition waiver for the entire study period
- On-campus accommodation or housing subsidy
- Monthly living stipend (aligned with Chinese Government Scholarship standards)
- Comprehensive medical insurance for international students in China
- Continued funding subject to annual academic review
This structure allows international students to focus on academics and research rather than financial constraints.
Degree Levels and Majors Offered
Soochow University offers a wide range of English-taught and Chinese-taught Master’s and Doctoral programs for international students. These include disciplines in:
- Science and Engineering
- Medicine and Health Sciences
- Liberal Arts and Social Sciences
- Interdisciplinary and emerging research fields
Specific major lists for Master’s and Doctoral programs are published annually and may be adjusted depending on departmental arrangements and supervisor availability.
Basic Eligibility Requirements
Soochow University applies clear and transparent criteria for international applicants:
- Must be a non-Chinese citizen holding a valid ordinary foreign passport
- Must be in good physical and mental health
- Master’s applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent, preferably under 35 years of age
- Doctoral applicants must hold a Master’s degree or equivalent, preferably under 40 years of age
- Must not be receiving another long-term Chinese government or university scholarship
- Strong academic background and research potential
Language proficiency requirements apply depending on whether the chosen program is taught in Chinese or English.
Language Requirements (Important for Foreign Students)
- Chinese-taught programs: HSK Level 5 with a score of 180 or above
- English-taught programs: IELTS 6.0+, TOEFL 80+, or other recognized proof of English proficiency
- Applicants whose prior education was taught in Chinese or English may be eligible for exemptions upon verification
All language certificates must remain valid beyond June 15, 2026.
How to Apply for CSC Scholarship at Soochow University in 2026?
The application process for the 2026–2027 intake is structured in stages:
-
Apply to Soochow University
Submit your online application through the Soochow University International Student Service System, selecting “Chinese Government Scholarship” as the financial source and uploading all required documents. -
CSC System Submission (for nominated candidates)
Applicants recommended by the university must submit a second application in the China Scholarship Council system using Agency Number 10285 and selecting Program Category Type B. -
Automatic Scholarship Consideration
Applicants not approved under CSC Type B are automatically considered for the Soochow University International Student Scholarship if academically eligible.
Doctoral applicants are strongly advised to secure a supervisor acceptance letter, as it significantly strengthens the application.
Important Application Deadlines for 2026–2027
The last date to apply for the Chinese Government “High-Level Graduate Students” Scholarship (CSC Type B) at Soochow University is February 28, 2026, with final scholarship results expected in late May 2026.
For the Soochow University International Student Scholarship, the application deadline is April 15, 2026, while self-funded applicants may apply until June 15, 2026. Applicants should note that deadlines may change slightly due to review schedules and quota adjustments.