In a major announcement for the upcoming academic year, the China University of Petroleum (Beijing) has officially opened applications for the 2026 September intake under the prestigious Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC).
As China continues to expand its global influence in research, technology, petroleum engineering, and sustainability sciences, this fully funded scholarship stands as one of the most competitive routes for international students to build high-level expertise in Asia’s rising academic powerhouse. With comprehensive financial coverage, access to world-class laboratories, and pathways to join China’s rapidly growing scientific and engineering sectors, the 2026 CSC cycle offers tremendous opportunities for students, researchers, and future leaders worldwide.
CUP (Beijing), a “Double First Class” and “Project 211” national key university, is widely recognized for its strength in petroleum engineering, geological sciences, computer science, finance, and chemical engineering. With academic collaborations spanning 196 universities and global industry partners, the university is among the elite institutions entrusted by the China Scholarship Council to train high-caliber international talent across bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. The Chinese Government Scholarship offers both Type-A (Bilateral Program) and Type-B (University Program) opportunities, creating multiple entry channels for students worldwide.
What this Scholarship Offers at CUP University?
The Chinese Government Scholarship at CUP provides one of the most generous financial packages available to international students. It includes:
- Full tuition fee waiver for the entire duration of study
- Free on-campus accommodation, or a monthly off-campus housing allowance (RMB 700 for bachelor’s/master’s students and RMB 1,000 for PhD students)
- Monthly living stipend:
- 2,500 RMB/month for undergraduates
- 3,000 RMB/month for master’s students
- 3,500 RMB/month for PhD students
- Comprehensive medical insurance fully covered (RMB 800/year)
These benefits ensure that outstanding global students can focus entirely on academic and research excellence without financial burden.
Subjects and Degree Offering Overview
CUP (Beijing) hosts a wide portfolio of programs for CSC applicants across Type-A and Type-B categories.
Undergraduate Programs (Chinese-taught): Resource Exploration Engineering, Finance, Computer Science and Technology, Petroleum Engineering.
Postgraduate Programs (Master’s & PhD): All disciplines offered by CUP are open for the High-level Postgraduate Program, including:
- Geological Resources and Geological Engineering
- Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering (Well Engineering, Field Engineering, Storage & Transportation, Offshore Oil & Gas)
- Chemical Engineering and Technology
- Management Science and Engineering
- Computer Science (Chinese-taught), Finance (Chinese-taught), and other specialized majors
Both Chinese-taught and English-taught options are available depending on program requirements.
Who Can Apply?
The 2026 CSC opportunity at CUP is open to non-Chinese citizens in good physical and mental health. Eligibility varies slightly by degree level and scholarship type:
- Undergraduate applicants: High school graduate, under 25 years
- Master’s applicants: Bachelor’s degree holder, under 35 years
- Doctoral applicants: Master’s degree holder, under 40 years
- Language Requirements:
- Chinese-taught programs require HSK 4 or 5 (depending on program level)
- English-taught programs require IELTS 6.5, TOEFL 80, or proof of English-medium instruction
- Silk Road Program: Only for citizens of Belt & Road countries.
Each program’s specific requirements must be met at the time of application.
How to Apply?
Students applying for the CSC Type-A Bilateral Program must first submit their application to the dispatching authority (such as the Chinese Embassy or Ministry of Education in their home country). After securing recommendation or nomination, applicants must create a CSC account at studyinchina.csc.edu.cn, select Program Type A, and upload all required documents. Applicants are also encouraged to apply on CUP’s official portal to obtain a Pre-admission Letter, strengthening their final application.
For the CSC Type-B University Program (Agency Number 11414), applicants must apply both on the CUP portal (https://cie-registration.cup.edu.cn) and the CSC Portal. Choose Type B, enter the Agency Number 11414, upload academic transcripts, study plan, recommendation letters, passport, physical exam form, and—if available—a supervisor acceptance letter. PhD applicants must submit a supervisor-approved research plan and acceptance confirmation.
Deadline for 2026 September Intake
For the 2026 September intake, applicants must follow specific timelines depending on the scholarship category. For the Bilateral Program (CSC Type-A), the application window runs from early January to early March 2026, though the exact deadline varies by country and should be confirmed with your local dispatching authority.
For the Silk Road Program (CSC Type-B), undergraduate applicants must submit their materials by 15 May 2026, while postgraduate applicants have until 30 May 2026 to complete their submissions. Meanwhile, the High-Level Postgraduate Program (CSC Type-B) follows an earlier schedule, with all applications due by 1 March 2026.