The University of Sussex, in collaboration with the China Scholarship Council (CSC), is pleased to announce 5-10 joint scholarships for outstanding PhD students and visiting scholars from China for the academic year 2025. This initiative aims to support Chinese students by providing comprehensive funding for doctoral studies and research opportunities at the University of Sussex.
Scholarship Benefits
The University of Sussex will cover full tuition and bench fees for the selected scholars. In addition, the CSC will provide a living allowance for the duration of the scholarship. These scholarships are intended for both PhD candidates (up to three years) and visiting scholars (for up to 12 months), ensuring recipients have the necessary support for their academic journey in the United Kingdom.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the CSC-Sussex Scholarship, applicants must:
- Meet the CSC’s eligibility criteria.
- Begin their studies in the UK in either September 2025 or January 2026.
- Be citizens of the People’s Republic of China, either residing in China or studying overseas (applicants working overseas are ineligible).
- Be classified as international fee-paying Chinese students.
- Agree to return to China upon completion of their studies.
- Meet the University of Sussex’s English language requirements (higher for Arts and Humanities subjects). Note that candidates with a conditional PhD offer based solely on obtaining English language qualifications are ineligible, while those with conditions based on undergraduate or Master’s results may apply.
For Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences Applicants: Must hold, by September 2025 or January 2026, the UK equivalent of a first-class honours degree and a Master’s degree.
For Science and Engineering Applicants: Must hold, by the same dates, the UK equivalent of a first-class honours degree and preferably a relevant postgraduate qualification, typically a Master’s degree.
Important Dates and Application Process
- Deadline: 10 February 2025 (12:00 GMT) for both the Sussex PhD application and the Sussex CSC Scholarship register of interest form.
- Results: Scholarship results will be announced in late February/early March 2025.
- CSC Applications: The CSC portal opens in March 2025 for applications, with results expected in mid-May 2025.
Applicants must secure both a PhD offer from Sussex and CSC funding to qualify. While it is possible to apply to Sussex after 10 February 2025, timely consideration for the CSC competition may not be guaranteed.