China has once again demonstrated its commitment to making quality education accessible to the world. In a joint announcement, the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Education confirmed that the Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) system has been officially adjusted to increase both funding standards and sponsor support for international students.
This means higher annual financial support for undergraduate, master’s, and PhD students studying in China; reflecting the country’s continuous effort to attract and empower exceptional talent from around the world.
A Renewed Commitment to Global Education
The Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) is one of the most respected international funding programs globally. It supports non-Chinese nationals; including undergraduates, graduates, doctoral students, and visiting scholars; to pursue degree studies or academic research in Chinese universities.
These scholarships are granted under various bilateral and multilateral educational exchange agreements, Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs), and institutional partnerships between China and other countries, regions, and international organizations.
By expanding this program and raising the funding standard, China reinforces its role as a global hub for education, research, and international cooperation.
Updated Scholarship Funding Standards
The annual scholarship funding for international students has been raised across all academic levels.
The new sponsorship levels are divided into three categories based on the field of study:
| Category | Subject Area | Undergraduate (CNY/year) | Master’s (CNY/year) | PhD (CNY/year) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category I | Philosophy, Economics, Law, Education, Literature (except Arts), History, Management | 59,200 | 70,200 | 87,800 |
| Category II | Science, Engineering, Agriculture | 62,200 | 74,200 | 92,800 |
| Category III | Literature (Arts), Medicine | 66,200 | 79,200 | 99,800 |
Additionally, students enrolled in English-taught programs are eligible for an extra annual allowance of 5,000 CNY to support their studies.
Why This Matters for International Students
This policy marks a major improvement in China’s international education landscape. By increasing scholarship amounts, the government aims to:
Attract top global talent in diverse academic disciplines.
Ease financial pressure on international students and researchers.
Encourage academic excellence and innovation through better research funding.
Promote cross-cultural understanding and exchange between China and the world.
For African students and others from developing regions, this move opens even greater access to fully funded study opportunities in China; whether at the bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral level.
A Reflection of China’s Educational Vision
This scholarship reform is not just about numbers; it reflects China’s long-term vision of global education leadership. By investing in international talent and fostering inclusive academic collaboration, China continues to strengthen its bridge between nations through learning, culture, and shared progress.
