The China Link Scholarship 2026 in China is a fully funded short-term scientific exchange program offered by the China Scholarship Council (CSC). It aims to deepen academic friendship and mutual understanding between Chinese and foreign young generations, providing a platform for scientific research talent exchange worldwide.
The China Scholarship Council (CSC) is a non-profit institution affiliated with the Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China. It is responsible for organizing, managing, and providing scholarships for Chinese citizens to study abroad and for international students to study in China, fostering global educational cooperation.
China Link Scholarship Benefits
- Full scholarship from CSC during stay in China
- Tuition waiver
- Free on-campus accommodation
- Comprehensive medical insurance
- Monthly stipend: CNY 3,000 for general scholars; CNY 3,500 for senior scholars
China Link Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
- Be a citizen of a country other than the People’s Republic of China and be in good health both mentally and physically
- Be under 45 for general scholars; under 50 for senior scholars
- Register as full-time student or employed as full-time academic staff at CSC’s foreign partner university by the time of application and throughout the proposed stay in China
- Have obtained admission qualification from the host Chinese university for the next intake
How to Apply for China Link Scholarship?
- Contact the host Chinese university in advance to obtain admission qualification
- Log in to the Chinese Government Scholarship Information System (https://studyinchina.csc.edu.cn/#/login) to complete CSC online scholarship application
- After submission, contact the host university’s international student admission department via email or the institution’s designated channel, and inform them of: Full Name + CSC Serial Number + Application for China Link Scholarship
- Host Chinese universities process applications and submit the scholarship nomination list to CSC at least 2 months before the students’ arrival in China
- CSC notifies Chinese host universities of scholarship award results on a monthly basis
- Host Chinese universities notify scholarship award results to applicants
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the China Link Scholarship. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply.
What is the China Link Scholarship?
The China Link Scholarship is a fully funded short-term scientific exchange program by the China Scholarship Council (CSC) for international students and scholars to study or conduct research in China for 1 to 12 months.
Who can apply for the China Link Scholarship?
Applicants must be citizens of a country other than China, in good health, and either full-time students or full-time academic staff at CSC’s foreign partner universities. General scholars must be under 45, senior scholars under 50.
What does the China Link Scholarship cover?
The scholarship is fully funded and includes tuition waiver, free on-campus accommodation, comprehensive medical insurance, and a monthly stipend (CNY 3,000 for general scholars; CNY 3,500 for senior scholars).
How long is the China Link Scholarship duration?
The scholarship duration is 1 to 12 months. The study in China must start no later than August 31, 2027.
What fields of study are available under the China Link Scholarship?
All disciplines other than Chinese language study are available. The working language can be English or Chinese, depending on the program provided by the host Chinese university.
How do I apply for the China Link Scholarship?
First, contact a host Chinese university to obtain admission. Then complete the online application on the Chinese Government Scholarship Information System. After submission, inform the host university of your application details.
Is there a deadline for the China Link Scholarship?
The CSC application portal is open all year round. However, host universities have their own deadlines, so applicants should consult the host university’s international student admission department early.
Can I apply if I am not from a partner university?
No, applicants must be registered as full-time students or employed as full-time academic staff at one of CSC’s foreign partner universities. The list of partner universities is available in the appendix.
What is the difference between general scholar and senior scholar?
General scholars are current undergraduates or graduates (under 45). Senior scholars are current PhD candidates or faculties (under 50). The monthly stipend is higher for senior scholars (CNY 3,500 vs CNY 3,000).
How will I know if I am awarded the scholarship?
CSC notifies host Chinese universities of results on a monthly basis, and then the host universities notify the applicants.
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