You want a fully funded master’s or PhD in China without breaking the bank. The Qingdao University CSC Scholarship delivers exactly that. It covers your tuition, housing, medical insurance, and a monthly living stipend so you can focus on your studies in one of China’s most livable coastal cities.
This is a top pick for international students who want strong academics plus a great lifestyle by the sea. The Chinese Government Scholarship at Qingdao University is open to qualified foreigners from around the world. If you aim to start in the 2026/2027 academic year, now is the time to prepare and apply.
Qingdao University CSC Scholarship at a Glance
Key Item
Details
Scholarship
Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) – University Program at Qingdao University
Host
Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
Level
Master’s and PhD
Funding
Fully Funded for international students
Coverage
Tuition waiver, on-campus housing or housing subsidy, monthly stipend, medical insurance
Teaching language
Chinese or English, depending on program
Intake
2026/2027
Who can apply
Non-Chinese citizens meeting academic, health, and language criteria
Application channels
CSC online system + Qingdao University international admissions portal
Deadline
Visit the official website for the current deadline
Why this scholarship stands out
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The Chinese Government Scholarship is one of the most generous awards in Asia. At Qingdao University you get the benefits of a comprehensive research university plus a safe, international city on the Yellow Sea. Think modern labs, solid supervision, coastal climate, and a diverse student community. Foreigners Welcome.
It is fully funded. You get a tuition waiver, campus accommodation or a housing allowance, a living stipend set by CSC, and medical insurance. You can study in English for many programs or in Chinese if you have the language level. It is a smart route to build a global profile and access China’s growing research and industry networks.
What the scholarship covers
Tuition waiver for the full duration of the program as approved by CSC and the university.
Accommodation on campus or a housing subsidy according to university arrangements.
Monthly stipend set by CSC standards. Typical reference amounts are around CNY 3,000 for master’s and CNY 3,500 for PhD students. Final amounts follow CSC policy for the year.
Comprehensive medical insurance for international students as required by CSC.
Note: Coverage terms follow CSC and university rules for the 2026/2027 cycle. Stipend levels and housing arrangements are subject to official updates.
Who can apply: eligibility
Criterion
Requirement
Nationality
Non-Chinese citizen, in good health
Academic background
Master’s applicants need a bachelor’s degree. PhD applicants need a master’s degree.
Age guideline
Master’s typically up to 35 years. PhD typically up to 40 years, per common CSC practice.
Language
For Chinese-taught programs: HSK as required by the department. For English-taught programs: proof of English proficiency or a waiver if your previous degree was in English, as the program specifies.
Discipline fit
Meet the academic prerequisites for your chosen program and research area at Qingdao University.
Scholarship status
Not holding any other Chinese government scholarship at the same time.
Conduct and health
No criminal record. Pass the Foreigner Physical Examination Form as required.
Supervisor match
Strongly recommended for research degrees to contact a potential supervisor and secure interest.
Documents you should prepare
Valid passport bio page
Degree certificates and transcripts for all higher education completed
Study Plan or Research Proposal that fits the program focus
Two academic recommendation letters on letterhead with signatures
Language proof: HSK for Chinese-medium or IELTS/TOEFL/official English proficiency letter for English-medium as required
Foreigner Physical Examination Form with attached tests as required
Non-criminal record certificate
CV or academic resume
Published papers, awards, portfolio, or other evidence of research potential if available
Supervisor pre-acceptance or email confirmation if you have one
Any additional forms requested by Qingdao University or the CSC portal
Tip: Use consistent file names and a single PDF per category where allowed. Make sure scans are clear and in color.
How to apply
Check programs and eligibility on Qingdao University’s official website for international students. Confirm whether your target program is taught in English or Chinese in 2026/2027.
Prepare your documents following the lists above and the exact instructions on both the CSC system and the university portal.
Create a CSC account on the official system at studyinchina.csc.edu.cn. Choose the Scholarship Category and select the University Program. Use the Qingdao University Agency Code exactly as listed on the university’s CSC page.
Complete the CSC application with accurate program details, upload all materials, and submit. Download and save the completed CSC form.
Apply on Qingdao University’s portal for international admissions at istudy.qdu.edu.cn or the current portal linked from the official site. Create an account, fill in your application, and upload the same documents plus any extras required by the department.
Pay any portal fee if required by the university. CSC does not charge an application fee.
Track your status. The university conducts academic review and may shortlist or pre-admit candidates before recommending to CSC.
Wait for CSC review. Final scholarship decisions are made by CSC for the 2026/2027 cycle.
Receive your result. If awarded, follow the instructions to accept the offer and collect admission and visa documents.
Apply for a student visa. For programs longer than 6 months, apply for the X1 visa at the nearest Chinese embassy or consulate using your admission and JW201 or equivalent forms.
Selection timeline
University review and CSC review run within the 2026/2027 cycle. Exact dates vary by department and year. Always follow the dates on the official pages and your applicant dashboard.
Program duration
Master’s: generally 2 to 3 years depending on the field
PhD: generally 3 to 4 years depending on research requirements
Tips to strengthen your application
Align your Research Proposal with the interests of a Qingdao University supervisor. Show clear methods and feasibility.
Keep your Study Plan specific. Map courses and labs you plan to engage with and the outcomes you aim to achieve.
Show impact. Quantify achievements like publications, projects, patents, competition results, or community leadership.
Proofread everything. Small errors weaken strong profiles.
Submit early. Popular programs fill fast and give priority to complete, high quality files.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Qingdao University CSC Scholarship fully funded?
Yes. It usually includes a tuition waiver, housing on campus or a housing subsidy, a monthly stipend, and medical insurance under CSC rules for the 2026/2027 cycle.
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What are the stipend amounts?
CSC sets the rates each year. Typical reference levels are around CNY 3,000 per month for master’s and CNY 3,500 per month for PhD students. Confirm the current amounts on the official pages.
Do I need IELTS or HSK?
For Chinese-taught programs you will need HSK at the level set by the department. For English-taught programs you should provide IELTS, TOEFL, or an official English-medium instruction letter as specified by the program.
Do I need an acceptance letter from a supervisor?
It is not always mandatory but strongly recommended for research degrees. A supervisor’s interest can significantly boost your chances.
Is there an application fee?
CSC does not charge a fee. The university portal may have an application fee depending on the program. Check the Qingdao University portal for the latest rule.
Can final-year students apply?
Yes, if you can submit an expected graduation letter and later provide your final degree and transcripts before enrollment as required.
Where do I find the Agency Code?
It is published on Qingdao University’s official CSC instructions page. Use only the code listed there for the current cycle.
Deadline and how to plan your timeline
Application window: The CSC University Program typically accepts applications once per year.
Deadline: Visit the official website for the current deadline.
Start preparing now for the 2026/2027 intake to gather documents, contact supervisors, and complete tests if needed.
Always confirm program availability, language of instruction, eligibility, and deadlines on the official pages for 2026/2027 before you apply.
Ready to apply?
This is a strong, fully funded route to a master’s or PhD in China. If you are serious about studying abroad in 2026/2027, lock in your documents, contact a supervisor, and submit both the CSC and Qingdao University applications early. Apply Now and secure your place in Qingdao.
