The Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) is a prestigious, fully-funded award administered by the China Scholarship Council in cooperation with host universities and national dispatching authorities (in Pakistan the HEC and Chinese Embassy). It supports degree studies (Undergraduate, Master’s, PhD) and attracts students worldwide to study in China’s universities.
Who can apply?
- Pakistani citizens (including AJ&K nationals) who meet the academic, age and health requirements.
- Applicants who do not already hold Chinese citizenship and are in good mental and physical health.
Requirements (documents & eligibility)
Below are the common requirements for CSC applications (requirements may vary slightly by university/program — always check the chosen university + HEC instructions):
- Valid Pakistani passport (copy).
- Relevant degree/diploma and official transcripts (Bachelor’s for Master’s applicants, Master’s for PhD applicants).
- Recent passport-size photographs.
- Study plan (for Master’s) / Research proposal (for PhD).
- Two (or more) academic recommendation letters.
- Health certificate (as required by CSC).
- Language proof: HSK for Chinese-taught programs or IELTS/TOEFL for English-taught programs if requested by the university.
- Age limits (typical guideline): Under ~25 for Bachelor’s; under ~35 for Master’s; under ~40 for PhD (confirm exact limits for each intake/university).
Pakistan-specific procedural requirement: simultaneous submission to both (a) the CSC / Study in China portal (Type A/Type B as applicable) and (b) the HEC online portal for the Chinese Government Scholarship Program (CGSP). Missing either submission may disqualify an applicant.
Deadline (important — check yearly updates)
- For the Pakistan HEC-nominated CGSP, the HEC online application deadline for the 2025-26 intake was listed as (this is the typical window — HEC publishes the exact closing date each year). Always confirm the current year’s deadline on the HEC CGSP page before applying.
- For direct university / CSC Type-B applications, many Chinese universities set internal deadlines that often fall between December and February (dates vary by university). Check both the CSC portal and your chosen university’s admission page.
What the scholarship offers (at a glance)
| Item | Typical Coverage |
|---|---|
| Tuition | Full tuition waiver for the duration of the degree. |
| Accommodation | Free on-campus dormitory or accommodation subsidy (depends on university). |
| Monthly Stipend | Monthly living allowance (approx. CNY ~2,500–3,500 depending on level undergrad/masters/PhD; amounts vary by year). |
| Medical Insurance | Comprehensive medical insurance for international students (standard). |
| Other | Some categories include travel allowance or settlement subsidy — consult program notice. |
How to apply step-by-step (Pakistan pathway)
- Decide category: Choose CSC Type A (bilateral) via your dispatching authority (HEC/Embassy) or Type B (university-based) via a university’s agency number.
- Prepare documents: Collect attested transcripts, degree certificates, passport, photos, study plan/research proposal, recommendation letters, health certificate, language scores (if needed).
- Apply on the CSC portal: Register and submit your application on the CSC/Study in China portal selecting Type A or Type B as required.
- Apply on HEC portal (for HEC-nominated seats): Fill and submit the HEC CGSP application form on HEC’s scholarship portal before the HEC deadline. Both submissions are mandatory for the Pakistan bilateral program.
- University pre-admission (if required): For some master’s/PhD applications, obtain pre-admission or an admission letter from the target university to strengthen the application.
- Wait for nomination/selection: Shortlisted candidates are nominated by HEC/Embassy to CSC/universities; final confirmation and admission notices typically arrive between late spring and summer (timing varies).
Tips to strengthen your application
Tailor a clear, realistic study plan / research proposal — reviewers value specific objectives and methodology.
- Secure strong academic referees who can comment on your research potential/academic record.
- If applying for a Chinese-taught program, start HSK preparation; for English programs, ensure IELTS/TOEFL scores are valid and competitive.
- Double-check the agency number and scholarship Type (A or B) required by your chosen university. Selecting the wrong category is a common mistake.
Quick FAQ
Q — Can I hold another scholarship at the same time?
A — Usually double funding is not allowed; check CSC/HEC rules for the specific intake.
Q — When will I get the admission/award letter?
A — Timelines vary: many university notifications and CSC final approvals happen between May–August for the following academic year. Watch the CSC and university portals for updates.
veiw for more scholarshipshttps://dares2dream.com/