CSC and Confucius Scholarships in China 2026–2027
What are the main China scholarships for 2026–2027?
China scholarships help international students lower the cost of studying in China. For 2026–2027, two major routes are the Chinese Scholarship Council scholarship and the International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarship. For many applicants, CSC is the main government scholarship in China for full degree study.
Many students still call the second option the Confucius Scholarship. However, the current official name is International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarship.
These two China scholarships support different goals. CSC is better for degree study and research. The Confucius route is better for Chinese language study, language development, and Chinese language education.
Why do international students choose China scholarships?
Many international students choose China because it offers:
- strong universities in China
- lower tuition than many Western countries
- degree and non-degree programs
- Chinese language study options
- scholarship support from the Chinese government
- access to Chinese culture, cities, and career networks
China also has many scholarship routes. Therefore, students studying in China can compare CSC, university scholarships, city scholarships, and language-focused learning programs before applying. This helps each foreign student choose a route that fits their study goal.
- What are the main China scholarships for 2026–2027?
- Why do international students choose China scholarships?
- 1. What is the Chinese Scholarship Council scholarship?
- What does the CSC scholarship usually cover?
- Who should choose the CSC route?
- What are the basic CSC requirements?
- What documents do CSC applicants need?
- What is the International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarship?
- 2. What is the International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarship?
- What programs are available under the Confucius Scholarship?
- What does the Confucius Scholarship usually cover?
- Which universities offer these China scholarships?
- How can students apply for CSC?
- How can students apply for the Confucius Scholarship?
- What are the 2026–2027 deadlines?
- CSC vs Confucius Scholarship: which one is better?
- Final thoughts on China scholarships
- FAQs about China scholarships
- Related Articles
1. What is the Chinese Scholarship Council scholarship?
The Chinese Scholarship Council scholarship is the main Chinese government scholarship program under China’s Ministry of Education. It is also one of the best-known government scholarship in China options for international applicants. It supports students who want to study at selected Chinese universities.
CSC can support:
- bachelor’s programs
- master’s programs
- PhD programs
- general scholar programs
- senior scholar programs
This route is useful for students who want a full degree. It also suits students with a clear research plan or academic study plan.
Applicants should check the official CampusChina portal and the university’s own notice before applying.
What does the CSC scholarship usually cover?
CSC is usually a full scholarship route. Coverage can include:
- tuition
- accommodation
- medical insurance
- monthly living support
However, international travel is not always included. Because rules can differ by country and channel, applicants should check the notice from their local Chinese embassy or target university.
Who should choose the CSC route?
Choose CSC when the main goal is long-term academic study.
It is usually a good fit for students who want to study:
- science
- engineering
- medicine
- economics
- law
- management
- education
- literature
- history
- philosophy
- fine arts
CSC is broader than the Confucius route. Therefore, it gives students more choices across different fields.
What are the basic CSC requirements?
Common CSC requirements include:
- Applicants must be non-Chinese citizens.
- Applicants must be in good physical and mental health.
- Applicants must meet the age rule for their study level.
- Applicants must meet the university’s academic rules.
- Applicants must meet the language rules for the chosen program.
Common age limits are:
- Bachelor’s: under 25
- Master’s: under 35
- PhD: under 40
- General scholar: under 45
- Senior scholar: under 50
For Chinese-taught programs, HSK is often required. In many notices, HSK 3 is required for Chinese-taught general scholar or senior scholar programs. HSK 4 is often required for Chinese-taught master’s and PhD programs.
For 2026–2027, bachelor applicants also need a valid CSCA score report.
What documents do CSC applicants need?
Most CSC applicants need to prepare:
- passport copy
- diploma or proof of study
- academic transcripts
- language certificates
- study plan or research proposal
- recommendation letters, if required
- medical form
- non-criminal record report
- pre-admission document, if required by the route
A strong study plan matters. It should explain your academic goal, chosen major, and reason for studying in China.
What is the International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarship?
The International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarship is the current name for the scholarship many students call the Confucius Scholarship.
This scholarship supports students and teachers who want to study Chinese language education. It focuses on International Chinese Language Education, Chinese language study, and teacher training programs. Unlike Chinese students who grew up using the language, many international applicants use this route to improve the language learned in class and build stronger Chinese skills.
It is a better fit for students who want to:
- study Chinese in China
- improve their language skills
- understand each Chinese character more clearly
- prepare for Chinese teaching work
- join short-term or long-term language learning programs
- build a future in Chinese language education
2. What is the International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarship?
The International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarship is the current name for the scholarship many students call the Confucius Scholarship.
This scholarship supports students and teachers who want to study Chinese language education. It focuses on International Chinese Language Education, Chinese language study, and teacher training programs.
It is a better fit for students who want to:
- study Chinese in China
- improve their language skills
- prepare for Chinese teaching work
- join short-term or long-term language programs
- build a future in Chinese language education
What programs are available under the Confucius Scholarship?
The International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarship can include:
- Doctor’s degree in International Chinese Language Education
- Master’s degree in International Chinese Language Education
- Bachelor’s degree in International Chinese Language Education
- one-year study program
- one-semester study program
- four-week study program
The one-year and one-semester routes are popular with students who want structured Chinese language study. In addition, the degree routes are useful for students who want to become Chinese language teachers.
What does the Confucius Scholarship usually cover?
This scholarship often covers:
- tuition
- accommodation
- medical insurance
- living allowance for most categories
Four-week programs may not include the same living allowance. Therefore, applicants should always check the host university’s latest notice.
Which universities offer these China scholarships?
CSC works with a large group of designated Chinese universities. Students can use CampusChina to check available universities, majors, and teaching languages.
Well-known CSC host universities often include:
- Tsinghua University
- Peking University
- Fudan University
- Zhejiang University
- Nanjing University
For the International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarship, host universities may include schools with strong language programs, such as:
- Beijing Language and Culture University
- Beijing Normal University
- East China Normal University
- Shanghai International Studies University
- Fudan University
- Nanjing University
However, students should not rely only on old lists. Always check the official host institution list before applying.
How can students apply for CSC?
The CSC process is easier when handled step by step.
First, choose a university and major. Next, check whether the program is open under CSC. Then, prepare your documents and contact the university when pre-admission is needed.
The basic process is:
- Check the official CSC or CampusChina guide.
- Choose the correct university and major.
- Prepare your documents.
- Write a clear study plan.
- Upload the application online.
- Submit through the correct embassy, agency, or university route.
- Track the result in the system.
Applicants should avoid unofficial agents. Use official platforms and university notices instead.
How can students apply for the Confucius Scholarship?
For the International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarship, the process is also online.
Students usually need to:
- Choose the study category.
- Check HSK and HSKK requirements.
- Choose a host university.
- Find a recommending institution.
- Upload documents on the official scholarship website.
- Track the review result online.
- Register at the host university after admission.
HSK and HSKK scores are very important for this scholarship. As a result, students should plan their test dates early.
What are the 2026–2027 deadlines?
CSC deadlines depend on the country, embassy, university, and application route. Many 2026–2027 windows opened in late 2025 and closed in early 2026.
The International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarship uses intake-based deadlines. Common 2026 dates include:
- April 15 for July intake
- May 15 for September intake
- September 15 for December intake
- October 31 for March 2027 intake
Still, each host university may have its own review steps. Therefore, applicants should confirm the exact date with the official platform and the chosen university.
CSC vs Confucius Scholarship: which one is better?
Neither scholarship is better for everyone. The better choice depends on your study goal.
Choose CSC for:
- a full degree
- wider subject choices
- research study
- long-term study at Chinese universities
Choose the International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarship for:
- Chinese language study
- Chinese teaching preparation
- International Chinese Language Education
- short-term or one-year language programs
- stronger language development
In simple terms, CSC is broader. The Confucius route is more language-focused.
| Scholarship route | Best for | Main study focus | Typical strength |
| CSC Scholarship China | Degree-seeking students and researchers | Broad academic majors | Better for full degrees and wider subject choice |
| Confucius Scholarship/ International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarship | Language-focused students | Chinese language and language education | Better for structured Chinese study and teaching-related preparation |
Final thoughts on China scholarships
China scholarships can make studying in China more affordable. However, students should choose the route that matches their goal.
CSC is best for broad academic study and is one of the most important government scholarship in China routes. The International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarship is best for students who want to study Chinese, improve language skills, understand each Chinese character, or prepare for Chinese teaching work.
Before applying, check the official notice, confirm the deadline, prepare your study plan, and contact the host university early. This will make your application clearer and stronger.
For more scholarship options, you can visit Apply for China’s articles on Chinese University scholarships and how to get a 100% scholarship in China.
FAQs about China scholarships
No. CSC is a broad Chinese government scholarship route. The Confucius Scholarship is now commonly linked to the International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarship, which focuses more on Chinese language education.
You can explore different scholarship routes, but you should check each program carefully because some rules may limit holding multiple awards at the same time.
Prepare your passport, transcripts, diploma or proof of study, language scores, study plan, and recommendation letters. Then check the official deadline.
Yes. Students can also explore university scholarships, provincial scholarships, city scholarships, and the Great Wall Fellowship, depending on their background and study goals.
It depends on the program. CSC depends on the teaching language. The International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarship usually places stronger weight on HSK and HSKK scores.
Yes, some CSC programs may be taught in English. However, students must meet the university’s language rules and program requirements.
The International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarship is usually better for Chinese language study. It has one-year, one-semester, and four-week options.
CSC is usually better for a full degree in a broad academic field. It supports bachelor’s, master’s, PhD, general scholar, and senior scholar routes.
The Confucius Scholarship is stronger for short-term language study because it includes one-year, one-semester, and four-week options.