Chinese Government Scholarship 2026: Application Guide for the “Youth of Excellence Scheme” – Fully Funded

Are you looking for an opportunity to pursue a Master’s degree in China? Discover the details of the “Youth of Excellence Scheme of China” program for 2026. A fully funded scholarship for leaders, government employees, and executives. Learn about the conditions, specializations, and application method before the deadline on March 31, 2026.

Program Overview and Background

In line with its efforts to train global talents in governance with a broad international perspective, exceptional leadership, and a multicultural background, the Chinese Scholarship Council (CSC) has announced the opening of applications for the “Youth of Excellence Scheme of China Program” for the 2026-2027 academic year.

This program is one of the most prestigious scholarship programs offered by the Chinese government, aiming to attract 200 outstanding students from around the world to study for an English-taught Master’s degree at top Chinese universities.

Program Details and Key Features

The program aims to provide high-quality education for international employees and future leaders. Here are the key features of the scholarship:

• Academic Degree: Master’s Degree.
• Number of Seats Available: 200 scholarships.
• Language of Instruction: English.
• Financial Coverage: Full scholarship.

Study Duration and Program Structure

The program offers 91 Master’s specializations within two main categories:

1. 12-month Master’s: Intensive study completed in one year.
2. “1+1” Model:
   • Year One: Full-time coursework and research at Chinese universities, along with thesis preparation.
   • Year Two: Return to the home country to work and complete the thesis based on studies and actual work, then return to China to defend the thesis (viva voce) to obtain the degree.

Eligibility and Admission Requirements

To apply for this competitive scholarship, the applicant must strictly meet the following conditions:

1. Nationality: Be a citizen of a country other than the People’s Republic of China.
2. Age and Health: Must not exceed 45 years of age and be in good physical and mental health.
3. Academic Qualification and Experience:
   • Hold a Bachelor’s degree or higher.
   • Possess at least 3 years of practical work experience.
   • Priority is given to those with professional training or work experience related to the chosen program.
4. Target Groups (Applicant must belong to one of the following categories):
   • Government Officials: At the level of Division Chief or equivalent and above.
   • Senior Managers: In institutions or companies.
   • Academic Administrators: In universities or scientific research institutions.
   • International Staff: Those with work or training experience in international organizations.

Required Documents: Preliminary Admission Letter

One of the most important conditions of this program is obtaining a Preliminary Admission Letter (Pre-admission letter) from the Chinese university you wish to study at.

• The letter must contain necessary enrollment data (personal information, admission date, specialization).
• Important Note: The letter must not contain any promise of obtaining a Chinese Government Scholarship, as the scholarship is granted by the CSC and not directly by the university.

Steps and How to Apply

The application is completely electronic via the Chinese Scholarship Council system. Follow these steps to ensure a correct application:

1. Access the Website: Visit the application portal: http://studyinchina.csc.edu.cn.
2. Create an Account: Log in and fill in the data.
3. Choose Scholarship Type: Select “Type A” in the “Scholarship Type” field.
4. Agency Code: Enter the code 1563.
5. Choose the Program: Find and activate the “Youth of Excellence Scheme of China” option.
6. Upload Documents: Upload all required documents, including the Preliminary Admission Letter, before the deadline.

Application Deadline

• Applications close on: March 31, 2026 (23:59 Beijing Time GMT+8).

Program Timeline for 2026

For proper planning, here is the expected timeline:

Time Period	Step	Details
January – March 2026	Preparation & Preliminary Admission	Prepare documents and contact universities to obtain the Preliminary Admission Letter.
March 31, 2026	Application Deadline	Last date to submit the online application.
May 2026	Application Review	Review by experts at the Chinese Scholarship Council (CSC).
June 2026	Results Announcement	Announcement of successful candidates.
July – August 2026	Visa Procedures	Obtain a student visa.
September 2026	Start of Studies	Travel to China and begin the program.

Tips to Increase Your Chances of Acceptance

• Career Relevance: In your Statement of Purpose, focus on how this Master’s will contribute to developing your career path and serving your country upon return.
• Early Application: Do not wait until the last minute; start contacting universities immediately.
• Data Accuracy: Ensure you select the correct code (1563) and scholarship type (Type A) to avoid technical rejection.

Link to Available Universities and Specializations:

To view the list of available universities and sub-programs, please visit the official link:
Campuschina.org – Program Details

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