China’s Ministry of Education has begun accepting applications for the 2026/2027 academic year of the Chinese Government Scholarship program, according to a notice published by the Chinese Embassy in a foreign country. The scholarship aims to foster international understanding and collaboration in education, science, technology, and culture.
Beginning in 2026, all international students applying for undergraduate programs at the 306 Chinese universities participating in the scholarship program will be required to take the China Standardized University Admission Test (CSCA), a unified entrance examination. The CSCA was introduced by the Chinese Ministry of Education as a standardized testing system for international student admissions. Details regarding the CSCA test, including registration procedures, are available on the official website, www.csca.cn. Prospective applicants should consult with their chosen universities regarding specific exam subjects.
The scholarship program offers several avenues for international students. Applicants pursuing master’s or doctoral degrees are generally expected to demonstrate Chinese language proficiency equivalent to at least HSK Level 4. Those achieving HSK Level 5 or higher may be eligible to directly enter their chosen academic programs. Applicants who do not meet the HSK Level 5 requirement can apply for a one-year preparatory Chinese language course, with admission to their degree program contingent upon achieving the required proficiency level after completing the course.
The Chinese Government Scholarship program includes a Type A category, as detailed in a recruitment brochure from Wuhan University. The Nanjing University also offers scholarships, including the Chinese Government Scholarship, the Nanjing City Government Scholarship, and awards for international Chinese teachers and those participating in the Confucius Fresh Hanxue Plan. More than 253 scholarships are currently available for international students, including 117 fully-funded options, encompassing government scholarships, Confucius Institute scholarships, and university-specific awards. Students can filter scholarship options by type, degree level, and country of origin.
Interested applicants can find more information about scholarship projects, application procedures, and Chinese universities on the “Study in China” website.
