If you’re an ambitious international student aiming to pursue a fully funded Master’s or PhD degree in China, this is your moment. Central South University (CSU) has officially opened its 2026 fully funded Chinese Government Scholarship High Level Graduate Student Program, a top-tier scholarship opportunity designed for future researchers, innovators, and global leaders.
The application window of CSU-CSC scholarship is open now until February 15, 2026, giving you a limited but crucial period to prepare a compelling and complete application. This guidance-style news brief walks you through the scholarship benefits, eligibility expectations, and key deadlines—so you know exactly how to position yourself for success.
Your Opportunity: What This Scholarship Offers?
As an applicant, you’re not just applying to a degree program—you’re competing for a full-ride scholarship that covers every major educational expense. That means you can focus entirely on your research and academic growth at one of China’s leading research universities.
Here’s what you receive if selected:
- Full Tuition Coverage: You will not be responsible for any academic fees.
- Free On-Campus Accommodation: Housing costs are fully waived.
- Medical Insurance Included: Your health coverage is provided throughout your study period.
- Monthly Living Stipend: CNY 3000 for Master’s students, and CNY 3500 for PhD students.
This package is designed to support you completely—academically, financially, and personally—throughout your graduate journey.
Are You Eligible for CSU-CSC Scholarship? Your Self-Check Guide
Before you enter the application process, take a moment to assess whether you meet the essential eligibility requirements for the 2026 CSU High Level Graduate Student Program. This self-check guide is designed to help you quickly determine your fit and avoid wasting time preparing documents if you do not meet the criteria.
To begin with, you must confirm your academic and personal background aligns with the program’s expectations. Only non-Chinese citizens with strong academic performance, good physical and mental health, and a clean criminal record are considered. CSU values applicants who show both academic discipline and personal responsibility.
Next, review the age and degree requirements that apply to your intended study level. If you are applying for a Master’s degree, you must already hold a bachelor’s degree and be under the age of 35. Doctoral applicants must hold a master’s degree and be under 40. These age limits are strictly enforced, so ensure you fall within the correct category before applying.
You must also satisfy the funding eligibility condition. CSU requires a signed personal statement confirming you are not receiving financial support from any organization. If you currently hold any type of scholarship or sponsorship, you are not eligible for this program, and your application will be rejected at the initial review stage.
Your language proficiency is another key requirement and depends on the teaching language of your chosen program. For Chinese-taught programs, you must present a minimum HSK4 score of 260. For English-taught programs, you must submit an IELTS score of at least 6 or a TOEFL score of 85. You may be exempt from providing these scores if your native or official language is Chinese or English, or if your previous degree was completed entirely in one of these languages.
Finally, CSU places strong emphasis on your research potential. You must demonstrate a clear academic direction, a well-defined study plan, evidence of past research experience, and the ability to innovate. This is not just a formality—your research proposal and academic background heavily influence your evaluation. Most importantly, securing an Acceptance Letter from a CSU professor is mandatory. Without this letter, your application cannot proceed, regardless of how strong your profile may be.
Scholarship Timeline: Don’t Miss This Window
To stay on track, note the official timeline:
The 2026 CSU High Level Graduate Student Program is open now and will close on February 15, 2026.
It is strongly recommended that you begin contacting professors, preparing documents, and completing both application systems well before the deadline. The earlier you submit, the smoother your processing will be.