For those seeking a world-class education in China, the Central South University (CSU) Scholarship 2026 offers a prestigious pathway. This fully funded program allows international students to study at a top-tier research institution without the pressure of financial costs. The university prioritizes both academic achievement and personal integrity, currently supporting a global community of more than 1,600 international students from over 100 countries.
CSU maintains an extensive international network, collaborating with over 200 institutions in nations like the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Japan. This diverse academic environment provides students with profound cross-cultural connections and research opportunities.
Scholarship Overview
- Study Level: Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD
- Host Institution: Central South University (CSU)
- Location: Changsha, China
- Academic Fields: Wide range across Science, Engineering, Medicine, Arts, and Social Sciences.
- Duration: Bachelor’s (4-5 years), Master’s (3 years), PhD (4 years).
- Application Deadline: * CSC Type B (High-Level Graduate Program): February 15, 2026.
- University Scholarship: May 31, 2026.
Financial Benefits
Central South University provides two tiers of support:
- Full Scholarship: Covers the entirety of tuition, on-campus housing, and comprehensive medical insurance. Recipients also receive a monthly living allowance: CNY 3,000 for Master’s candidates and CNY 3,500 for PhD candidates.
- Partial Scholarship: Focuses primarily on tuition coverage and medical insurance.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for these awards, applicants must meet the following standards:
- Citizenship: Must be a non-Chinese citizen in good physical and mental health with a clean criminal record.
- Age Requirements: * Undergraduate: Between 18 and 25 years old.
- Master’s: Under 35 years old.
- PhD: Under 40 years old.
- Language Proficiency:
- Chinese-Taught: Minimum score of 260 in HSK4 for non-medical programs; 200 in HSK4 for medical programs.
- English-Taught: Minimum score of 6.0 in IELTS or 85 in TOEFL.
- Exemptions: Native speakers or those who previously earned a degree taught entirely in Chinese or English may be exempt.
- Academic Standing: Strong background with innovative research potential is required for graduate applicants.
Application Process
- System Registration: Create an account on the CSU International Student Service System. Fill out the forms accurately.
- Document Submission: Upload the following required materials:
- Passport Copy: Valid for more than one year.
- Notarized Diploma and Transcripts: Highest degree achieved (or a pre-graduation certificate) with official translations if not in English or Chinese.
- Medical Form: A photocopy of the Foreigner Physical Examination Form dated after October 1, 2025.
- Non-Criminal Record: Officially stamped and issued after October 1, 2025.
- Reference Letters: Two letters from professors or associate professors (for graduate applicants only).
- Study Plan: A document of at least 800–1000 words detailing research goals.
- Acceptance Letter: For graduate levels, a letter from a CSU supervisor is mandatory.
- Application Fee: Once you pass the preliminary screening, a non-refundable fee of RMB 500 must be paid within two weeks.
- Academic Review and Admission: The university evaluates research potential and academic history. Final results are sent via email.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is an Acceptance Letter mandatory? Yes, for Master’s and PhD applicants, obtaining an acceptance letter from a CSU professor is essential for the application to proceed.
- Can undergraduate students apply? Yes, the university scholarship is open to undergraduates. For 2026, undergraduate applicants for government-funded tracks must also take the new CSCA (China Scholastic Competency Assessment).
- Are results reviewed annually? Yes, all recipients must undergo an annual review of their grades and conduct to maintain their funding for the following year.
