The 2026–2027 admissions cycle for the prestigious Chinese Government Scholarship – High Level Postgraduate Program at Southwest University (SWU) is officially open, creating a golden opportunity for outstanding international students seeking fully funded master’s and doctoral studies in China. This program, authorized by the Ministry of Education and administered by the China Scholarship Council (CSC), is designed to support highly promising postgraduate students with strong academics, professional skills, and remarkable future potential.
With its generous financial coverage, wide spectrum of academic disciplines, and a reputation for excellence, SWU offers one of the most attractive postgraduate opportunities in China for 2026. The application deadline is 15 February 2026, making this the perfect time for global candidates to prepare and submit high-quality applications.
What Is the SWU High Level Postgraduate Program?
The “High Level Postgraduate Program” is a specialized sub-category of the Chinese Government Scholarship, following the principle of “individual application, institutional recommendation, expert assessment and merit-based selection.” This ensures that only the best-qualified candidates are selected.
It is a full-time postgraduate program, available for:
- Master’s degree candidates
- PhD/Doctoral degree candidates
All selected students will be enrolled in the September 2026 intake at Southwest University, Chongqing.
Available Majors at Southwest University
SWU offers a diverse range of disciplines delivered in both Chinese-taught and English-taught formats. Applicants must check the official program lists for 2026–2027:
These lists include programs in agriculture, education, engineering, science, humanities, economics, and several interdisciplinary areas.
Eligibility Criteria for SWU-CSC Scholarship for 2026 Intake
To qualify for the 2026 intake of the Southwest University Chinese Government Scholarship High-Level Postgraduate Program, applicants must fulfill a clear set of academic and personal requirements designed to identify the most capable and motivated international students.
Candidates must be non-Chinese citizens in good physical and mental health and must be applying specifically for the September 2026 admission session. For master’s degree applicants, a four-year bachelor’s degree is required, and the age limit is set at under 35 years. PhD applicants must already hold a master’s degree and be under 40 years of age at the time of application.
Since SWU offers both Chinese- and English-taught programs, language proficiency is essential. Applicants choosing Chinese-medium programs must present an HSK Level 5 certificate with a minimum score of 180, while those applying for English-taught programs must meet standardized English language benchmarks: master’s applicants need TOEFL 80 (with no section below 20) or IELTS 6.0 (with no band below 5.5), and doctoral applicants require TOEFL 85 (with no section below 21) or IELTS 6.5 (with no band below 6.0).
Beyond language and academic background, the scholarship places strong emphasis on academic excellence—hence, applicants are expected to demonstrate a minimum GPA of 3.3 out of 4.0, or a weighted average score of at least 83 out of 100, ensuring only high-achieving students progress through the selection stage.
Full CSC Scholarship Coverage at SWU in 2026
The Chinese Government Scholarship provides complete financial support, which includes:
- Tuition Fee Waiver: All academic tuition fees are fully covered.
- Free On-Campus Accommodation: Students will be placed in university dormitories at no cost.
- Monthly Stipend: Master’s students: CNY 3,000/month, and PhD students: CNY 3,500/month
- Comprehensive Medical Insurance: Full medical insurance for international students during their stay in China.
This makes the program 100% fully funded, significantly reducing financial barriers for international scholars.
How to Apply for SWU-CSC Scholarship 2026 Cohort?
Ready to secure your fully funded master’s or PhD spot at Southwest University? The application journey is straightforward—but only if you follow each step with precision. Here’s exactly how to navigate the SWU–CSC application like a pro:
Step 1: Begin Your Online Application Journey
Your first task is to submit your application through two (02) official platforms—both are mandatory. Start by filling out the CSC application at https://www.campuschina.org, selecting Program Category: Type B, and entering the SWU Agency Number: 10635. Then proceed to the Southwest University system at https://swu.17gz.org, where you will upload all required documents. Double-check every entry for accuracy before hitting Submit, as the system does not allow edits later.
Step 2: Watch for Your Examination Invitation
Once your documents pass the initial review, your application moves into the assessment phase. SWU’s faculties will reach out via email with your exam or evaluation details. This is why it’s crucial to provide a correct email address and check your inbox—and spam folder—regularly. Missing this email means missing your chance.
Step 3: Confirm Your Admission and Prepare to Register
You can track your admission results directly in the CSC system. If accepted, you must report to Southwest University on the assigned date with all original documents for final verification, including transcripts, diploma, physical examination form, language certificates, and non-criminal record.
Application Deadline
The last date to apply for the Southwest University Chinese Government Scholarship (High Level Postgraduate Program) 2026–2027 is 15 February 2026.