CHINA SCHOLARSHIP COUNCIL (CSC), HOSTED BY CENTRAL SOUTH UNIVERSITY
China Link Scholarship at Central South University (CSC)
full · masters, phd
- ~CNY 3,000-3,500 / month (est.)Living allowance
- Full tuition waiverTuition covered
- 1 to 12 monthsProgram duration
- Free campus housingAccommodation
- All subjectsFields of study
- ChinaWhere you study
At a glance
full
Funding
€8k
Max amount
Apr 30, 2027
Deadline
Open to students and scholars from CSC-partner institutions worldwide
Country
China Scholarship Council (CSC), hosted by Central South University
Provider
The China Link Scholarship, run by the China Scholarship Council (CSC) and hosted by Central South University in Changsha, funds short-term academic and research stays in China for students and scholars from CSC-partner institutions worldwide. The program supports visits of between 1 and 12 months, with the latest start date on or before 31 August 2026, and courses are available in Chinese or English depending on the program selected. It is open to two groups: general scholars, who are currently enrolled undergraduate or master's students under 45 years old, and senior scholars, who are current PhD students or full-time academic staff under 50 years old. The scholarship is fully funded and includes a full tuition fee waiver, free on-campus accommodation, comprehensive medical insurance, and a monthly living allowance of CNY 3,000 for general scholars or CNY 3,500 for senior scholars. Applicants must first obtain a pre-admission letter from Central South University, then apply through the CSC online portal under Program Type B using agency number 10533. Confirm the exact current-cycle figures, allowances and deadlines on the official CSC Study in China portal before you apply.
What's covered
- Tuition fee waiver — Full waiver of tuition fees at Central South University for the duration of the funded study or research visit.
- On-campus accommodation — Free accommodation provided on the Central South University campus for the period of the program.
- Monthly living allowance — A monthly living allowance of about CNY 3,000 (est.) for general scholars and CNY 3,500 (est.) for senior scholars.
- Medical insurance — Comprehensive medical insurance coverage in China for the duration of the scholarship.
- Program duration funding — Support for stays from 1 to 12 months; over a full year the living allowance alone is worth roughly CNY 36,000-42,000 (~$5,000-6,000 est.).
How to apply
Applicants first secure a pre-admission letter from Central South University, then apply through the CSC online portal and submit the full application to the university.
- Obtain a pre-admission letter — Complete the online questionnaire (via the QR code on the official site) and upload your physical examination record and non-criminal record certificate to obtain a pre-admission letter from Central South University.
- Apply via the CSC online portal — Register and apply at studyinchina.csc.edu.cn selecting Program Type B and entering agency number 10533, then upload all documents listed in the official call.
- Submit to Central South University — Send the full application to Central South University at least 3 months before your planned start date.
- Await notification — Central South University reviews applications, notifies successful candidates and sends official admission documents.
Eligibility
Nationality and healthMust be a non-Chinese citizen in good health with a strong academic background.
Institutional linkMust be currently enrolled or employed full-time at a CSC-partner university.
Age - general scholarsGeneral scholars (currently enrolled undergraduate or master's students) must be under 45 years old.
Age - senior scholarsSenior scholars (current PhD students or full-time academic staff) must be under 50 years old.
Pre-admissionMust obtain a pre-admission letter from Central South University before submitting the CSC application.
The program start date must be on or before 31 August 2026, and visits may last from 1 to 12 months. Required documents include a physical examination record and a non-criminal record certificate.
Eligible countries
Open to students and scholars from CSC-partner institutions worldwide
Deadlines
2026 intake~April 2026 (est.)
Latest start date31 August 2026
Selection
Central South University and the China Scholarship Council review applications on academic background, the strength of the proposed study or research plan, and the institutional link with a CSC-partner university. A valid pre-admission letter and complete documentation, including the physical examination and non-criminal record certificates, are required. Successful candidates receive official admission documents from the university.
Verified sources
- Study in China - China Scholarship Council (CSC)studyinchina.csc.edu.cnofficial
- Central South University - International Studentsen.csu.edu.cnofficial
About the provider
The China Scholarship Council (CSC) is a public institution affiliated with China's Ministry of Education that administers government scholarships for international study in China. Central South University, the host institution in Changsha, is a national public research university and a Double First-Class university.
Frequently asked questions
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
Who funds the China Link Scholarship?
+
It is fully funded by the China Scholarship Council (CSC) and hosted by Central South University in Changsha, China.
What kind of program is it?
+
It is a short-term academic and research scholarship for stays of 1 to 12 months, aimed at students and scholars from CSC-partner institutions.
Who can apply?
+
Non-Chinese citizens in good health: general scholars (enrolled undergraduate or master's students under 45) and senior scholars (PhD students or full-time academic staff under 50).
What does the scholarship cover?
+
A full tuition fee waiver, free on-campus accommodation, comprehensive medical insurance, and a monthly living allowance of CNY 3,000 or CNY 3,500.
How much is the living allowance?
+
General scholars receive about CNY 3,000 per month (est.) and senior scholars about CNY 3,500 per month (est.).
How long can the program last?
+
Stays last from a minimum of 1 month to a maximum of 12 months, and must start on or before 31 August 2026.
What language are courses taught in?
+
Courses are available in Chinese or English, depending on the specific program selected.
Do I need a pre-admission letter?
+
Yes. You must obtain a pre-admission letter from Central South University before submitting your CSC application.
What is the CSC program type and agency number?
+
Apply under Program Type B with agency number 10533 on the CSC Study in China portal.
When should I submit my application?
+
Submit the full application to Central South University at least 3 months before your planned start date.
What documents are required?
+
Key documents include a pre-admission letter, a physical examination record, a non-criminal record certificate, transcripts, a passport copy and a study or research plan.
Where do I confirm the details?
+
Confirm the exact current-cycle figures, allowances and deadlines on the official CSC Study in China portal at studyinchina.csc.edu.cn before applying.