SOOCHOW UNIVERSITY
Soochow University Chinese Government Scholarship
full · masters, phd
- Full tuitionTuition fully covered
- Free on-campus housingAccommodation provided
- Monthly allowanceLiving stipend (~RMB 3,000+/month (est.))
- Founded 1900Over 120 years old
- Top 30 in ChinaNational ranking
- All nationalitiesWho may apply
At a glance
full
Funding
€14k
Max amount
Feb 28, 2027
Deadline
Open to all nationalities (non-Chinese citizens)
Country
Soochow University
Provider
The Soochow University Chinese Government Scholarship offers fully funded master's and doctoral study at Soochow University in Suzhou, China, for international students of all nationalities. Soochow University was founded in 1900, making it over 120 years old, was the first Western-style university in China, and is ranked among the top 30 universities in the country; it works with more than 200 universities across over 30 countries. The award covers tuition in full, on-campus accommodation, a monthly living allowance and comprehensive medical insurance, and is open across all subject areas including liberal arts, science and engineering, medicine and the arts. Master's applicants must be non-Chinese citizens holding a bachelor's degree with good grades, preferably under 35, and doctoral applicants must hold a master's degree with strong results, preferably under 40; neither may already hold another Chinese government or university scholarship. Language proof is required: HSK 5 or higher for Chinese-taught programmes, or TOEFL 80 / IELTS 6.0 for English-taught programmes. Applicants apply through Soochow University's International Student Service System and submit on the China Scholarship Council platform using the university agency number 10285. Self-funded applicants who miss the scholarship can still enrol, with master's tuition around RMB 14,000 to 20,000 and PhD tuition around RMB 16,000 to 25,000 per semester. Because award numbers, allowance levels and the exact 2027 deadlines change each cycle, confirm the current figures on Soochow University's official admissions page before you apply.
What's covered
- Tuition fees — Full tuition for the master's or doctoral programme is covered for the standard duration of study.
- Accommodation — Free on-campus accommodation is provided, removing rent costs during the programme.
- Monthly living allowance — A monthly stipend is paid for living expenses, with CSC-level master's allowances of roughly RMB 3,000 per month (~EUR 390 (est.)) and higher for doctoral students.
- Medical insurance — Comprehensive medical insurance covers doctor visits and treatment if the recipient falls ill during study.
- Self-funded fallback — Applicants not selected can still enrol as self-sponsored students, with master's tuition around RMB 14,000-20,000 (~EUR 1,800-2,600 (est.)) per semester.
How to apply
Applicants apply both on Soochow University's International Student Service System and on the China Scholarship Council platform using the university agency number 10285, then submit the required documents.
- Apply on the university system — Complete the scholarship application form on Soochow University's International Student Service System and select your programme and level.
- Apply on the CSC platform — Submit your application on the China Scholarship Council website using Soochow University's agency number 10285.
- Prepare and notarise documents — Assemble a valid passport, notarised diplomas and transcripts, language certificate, recommendation letters, study plan, health certificate and non-criminal record report.
- Submit before the deadline — Submit the CSC application by around 28 February 2027 and the university application by around 15 April 2027 for the autumn intake.
- Await results — Pre-qualification results are released around mid-March, with final results announced in late May.
Eligibility
Nationality and healthMust be a non-Chinese citizen in good health with a valid passport.
Master's requirementsHold a bachelor's degree (or equivalent) with good grades and preferably be under 35 years old.
Doctoral requirementsHold a master's degree (or equivalent) with strong academic results and preferably be under 40 years old.
No other Chinese scholarshipMust not already hold another scholarship from the Chinese government or a Chinese university.
Language proof is required: HSK 5 or higher for Chinese-taught programmes, or TOEFL 80 / IELTS 6.0 for English-taught programmes.
Eligible countries
Open to all nationalities (non-Chinese citizens)
Deadlines
Autumn 2027 intake (CSC)~28 February 2027 (est.)
Autumn 2027 intake (university)~15 April 2027 (est.)
Selection
Applications are assessed on academic record, the quality of the study plan (at least 1,000 words), language proficiency, recommendation letters and overall fit with the chosen programme. Soochow University conducts a pre-qualification review before final selections are confirmed under the Chinese Government Scholarship framework.
Verified sources
- Soochow University - International Admissions and Scholarshipseng.suda.edu.cnofficial
- China Scholarship Council (CSC) Study in Chinacampuschina.orgofficial
About the provider
Soochow University is a public research university in Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China, founded in 1900 as the first Western-style university in the country. It is ranked among the top 30 universities in China, is strong in science and social-science research, and partners with more than 200 universities across over 30 countries.
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 can apply for the Soochow University scholarship?
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Non-Chinese citizens in good health with a valid passport: master's applicants need a bachelor's degree (preferably under 35) and doctoral applicants need a master's degree (preferably under 40).
What does the scholarship cover?
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It covers full tuition, free on-campus accommodation, a monthly living allowance and comprehensive medical insurance.
What degree levels are funded?
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Both master's and doctoral programmes are funded across all subject areas.
Is there an age limit?
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Master's applicants should preferably be under 35 and doctoral applicants under 40 years old.
What language requirements apply?
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Chinese-taught programmes require HSK 5 or higher; English-taught programmes require TOEFL 80 or IELTS 6.0.
Can I hold another Chinese scholarship at the same time?
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No. Applicants must not already hold another scholarship from the Chinese government or a Chinese university.
How do I apply?
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Apply on Soochow University's International Student Service System and on the China Scholarship Council website using agency number 10285.
What documents do I need?
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A passport, notarised diplomas and transcripts, language certificate, two recommendation letters, a study plan of at least 1,000 words, a health certificate, a non-criminal record report and a financial guarantee letter.
What are the 2027 deadlines?
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The CSC deadline is estimated around 28 February 2027 and the university deadline around 15 April 2027; confirm the exact dates officially.
What if I am not selected?
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You can still enrol as a self-sponsored student, with master's tuition around RMB 14,000-20,000 and PhD tuition around RMB 16,000-25,000 per semester.
How long are the programmes?
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Programme length depends on the degree, typically 2-3 years for master's and 3-4 years for doctoral study.
Where can I confirm the current figures?
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Check Soochow University's official international admissions page, as award numbers, allowance levels and deadlines change each cycle.