China Government Scholarship 2027-2028 for Master’s | Youth of Excellence Program, Fully Funded
China has opened applications for the “Youth of Excellence Scheme of China,” a fully funded government scholarship program for master’s study in 2027-2028. It is run by the China Scholarship Council (CSC) and aims to train global governance talents with a broad international perspective, high overall quality, strong leadership ability, and a multicultural background. This article explains the scholarship details, eligibility requirements, application steps, timeline, and participating universities.

China Government Scholarship Overview
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Program name | Youth of Excellence Scheme of China |
| Organizing body | China Scholarship Council (CSC) |
| Level of study | Master’s |
| Number of places | 200 |
| Language of instruction | English |
| Duration | 12 months (in principle) |
| Coverage | Full scholarship |
| Application deadline | March 29, 2027, 23:59 (GMT+8) |
| Study begins | September 2027 |
What Is the Youth of Excellence Scheme of China?
It is a program implemented by the China Scholarship Council to train global governance talents. It offers 200 master’s scholarships to experienced professionals and is taught entirely in English at leading Chinese universities.
Study System and Duration
In principle, the program leads to a master’s degree and lasts 12 months. Some programs follow the “1+1” model, which works as follows:
- First year: Full-time study of core courses and research at Chinese universities, while completing preparation for the dissertation.
- Second year: Working in the student’s home country and completing the dissertation based on study and actual work experience.
- Defense: Traveling to China to defend the dissertation as required by the university. The degree is awarded to those who pass the defense successfully.
The information indicates that the official list contains 92 subprograms (the illustrated summary mentions 91 programs; the official list is the more accurate reference).
Eligibility Requirements
- The applicant must be a citizen of a country other than China, be under 45 years of age, and be in good mental and physical health.
- The applicant must hold at least a bachelor’s degree and have a minimum of three years of work experience. Preference is given to those with professional training or experience related to the chosen program.
- The applicant must fall into one of the following four categories:
- A government official at the division chief level (or equivalent) or above.
- A senior manager of an institution or enterprise.
- An administrator of a university or scientific research institution.
- A person with employment or internship experience in international organizations.
- The applicant must obtain a pre-admission letter from the university containing all necessary registration information, such as personal details, admission date, and major information. It must not contain any reference to having received or being promised a Chinese government scholarship.
How to Apply, Step by Step
- Choose a program: Browse the list of universities and subprograms (the final section of this article) and choose one that suits your field.
- Apply to the university: Submit your application through the university following its own procedures, and obtain the pre-admission letter.
- Apply through the scholarship system: Log in to the Chinese Government Scholarship System at https://studyinchina.csc.edu.cn/#/login and submit your documents before 23:59 on March 29, 2027.
- Application details: Select scholarship type “Type A,” enter the agency code 1563, and choose the “Youth of Excellence Scheme of China” program.
The China Scholarship Council accepts individual applications directly, reviews the submitted materials, and then arranges an expert review.
Assessment and Enrollment Stages
- Preliminary examination: Conducted by the China Scholarship Council on the application materials.
- Second review: Arranged by the Council through a panel of experts. Final enrollment results are announced after the expert review.
Scholarship Timeline
| Stage | Date | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Application preparation | January – March 2027 | Prepare documents and obtain the pre-admission letter |
| Online application | March 29, 2027 | Register through the Chinese Government Scholarship System |
| Document review | May | Expert panel determines who is enrolled |
| Enrollment announcement | June | Results published and admission documents sent |
| Visa application | July – August | Visit Chinese embassies or consulates to obtain a study visa |
| Start of study | September | Arrive at the university, register, and obtain residence permits |
Participating Universities and Programs
The program includes 92 subprograms at leading Chinese universities, including:
- Peking University: “China Studies” at Yenching Academy, International Relations, and “Laws of China.”
- Tsinghua University: International Public Health and Master of Law (Chinese Law).
- Fudan University: Chinese Business Law and Global Public Policy.
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University: International Business, Chinese Law, and China’s Politics and Economy.
- Zhejiang University: Energy and Power Engineering, China Studies, and Chinese Economy.
- Renmin University of China: Global Journalism and Communication, Chinese Economy, and Business Administration.
- Nanjing University: Sociology, Information Management and Big Data Analysis, and International Relations.
- Sun Yat-sen University: Public Administration in Chinese Governance and International Business Administration.
- China Agricultural University: China-Africa agricultural cooperation and science and technology programs.
- Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan University, Sichuan University, and Tianjin University: Programs in public administration, public health, engineering, business administration, and more.
- Beihang University and Beijing Institute of Technology: AI and Big Data, Space Information Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Computer Science.
The programs cover diverse fields including law, public administration, business, economics, international relations, public health, engineering, agriculture, environmental science, and communication.
Note: Some program pages are described in the official list as “under construction,” so you may need to check the relevant university’s website later.
Conclusion
The “Youth of Excellence Scheme of China” is a strong opportunity for experienced professionals in leadership or administrative roles, or with experience in international organizations, to complete a fully funded master’s degree at leading Chinese universities. Since the deadline is March 29, 2027, it is best to start early by choosing a program, preparing your documents, and obtaining the pre-admission letter from the university.
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