In an important update for aspiring Chinese researchers, King’s College London has officially opened the application window for the King’s–China Scholarship Council (K-CSC) PhD Scholarship Programme for the 2026–2027 academic year. This highly competitive and fully funded opportunity enables talented Chinese citizens to pursue full-time PhD studies at one of the UK’s leading research universities. The scheme will remain open until early 2026, giving prospective candidates enough time to prepare their supervisors, documents, and CSC requirements.
This article explains what this opportunity offers, who can apply, what academic paths are available, and the critical deadlines all applicants must follow.
What Type of Opportunity Is This?
The K-CSC is a jointly funded PhD scholarship programme designed specifically for Chinese citizens who wish to undertake full-time MPhil/PhD research degree programmes at King’s College London. The scholarship provides full tuition coverage, a living stipend, international travel support, and up to four years of financial and academic assistance.
The programme is aimed at strengthening academic collaborations between King’s and the China Scholarship Council while enabling scholars to contribute to China’s future scientific, academic, and professional development.
What This Scholarship Article Covers?
This news brief outlines:
- The subject areas you can study
- The benefits and funding package
- Eligibility checks applicants must meet
- Step-by-step application deadlines for King’s College London and the CSC
The goal is to help interested candidates prepare accurately and on time.
What the K-CSC Scholarship Offers?
The 2026–2027 K-CSC programme provides one of the most generous funding packages available for Chinese PhD candidates studying abroad:
- Full international tuition fee waiver provided by King’s College London
- Monthly living stipend from CSC (currently £1,200–£1,350 per month, subject to CSC updates)
- Return international airfare to London
- Overseas student health coverage
- Visa application fees covered
- No bench fees required — departments or supervisors must waive these
The award supports scholars for up to four years, covering the entire duration of most PhD programmes at King’s.
Academic Fields Available at King’s College
Applicants may pursue PhD research across a wide range of disciplines at King’s, including:
Arts, Culture & Media; Biomedical & Life Sciences; Chemistry; Computer Science; Conflict & Security; Dentistry; Education Policy; Engineering; Finance; Geography & Environment; History; Imaging Sciences; International Affairs; Literature; Law; Management; Mathematics; Medicine; Natural Sciences; Nursing & Midwifery; Pharmacy & Forensic Science; Philosophy; Physics; Policy; Politics & Economics; Psychiatry & Neuroscience; Public Health; Therapeutic Health, among others.
Almost all research departments at King’s are included, provided the applicant can secure a suitable supervisor.
Eligibility Checks for the K-CSC PhD Programme
To qualify, applicants must satisfy all of the following eligibility conditions:
- Must be a citizen and permanent resident of the People’s Republic of China.
- Must apply for and be ready to begin a full-time MPhil/PhD at King’s between October 2026 and June 2027.
- Must meet all CSC eligibility requirements related to age, qualifications, employment status, and return-to-China obligations.
- Must agree to return to China after the completion of the PhD.
- Must apply to King’s College London by 1 January 2026 (23:59 UK time) including the required funding code: 2627-KCSC.
- Must submit all supporting documents, English language test results, and references to King’s by 14 January 2026 (23:59 UK time).
- Must complete the separate CSC application during the CSC’s announced timeline (normally 10–31 March).
Who Is NOT Eligible
- Students already enrolled in a King’s PhD programme
- Part-time candidates
- Distance learning or non-award PhD pathways
- Professional doctorates (MD(Res), DClinPsy)
- Joint PhD programmes.
Application Deadlines for the 2026–2027 K-CSC Programme
Applications for the King’s–China Scholarship Council PhD Scholarship will officially open on 16 October 2025, and all applicants must submit their full PhD application to King’s College London—along with the required funding code 2627-KCSC—no later than 1 January 2026 at 23:59 UK time. Only applications submitted by this deadline will be considered for nomination.
After submitting the main application, candidates must ensure that all supporting documents—including academic transcripts, degree certificates, references, research proposals (if required), and valid English language test results—are uploaded by 14 January 2026 at 23:59 UK time. Applications that remain incomplete after this date will not proceed to assessment.
If shortlisted, candidates will receive a Confirmation of Nomination from King’s around 9 March 2026, which is required to begin the China Scholarship Council’s separate application process. The CSC application window typically runs from 10 March to 31 March 2026, though exact deadlines may vary slightly depending on whether the applicant is applying from within China or from overseas.