Chinese Government Scholarship CSC Program 2025-26: A Step-by-Step Guide

CSC Chinese Scholarship Guide

The Chinese Government Scholarship Program 2025-26 offers an exceptional chance for Pakistani students to study in China with full financial support. This guide explains the eligibility, application process, required documents, and benefits of the program, ensuring you are fully prepared to apply successfully.

What Is the Chinese Government Scholarship Program 2025-26?

The Chinese Government Scholarship Program 2025-26 is organized by the Chinese Scholarship Council (CSC) under the Ministry of Education, People’s Republic of China. It allows Pakistani students to pursue undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs in various Chinese universities. The Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan acts as the nominating body for the program.

Key Features of the Program

  • Provides scholarships for undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral studies.
  • Covers tuition, accommodation, and monthly stipend.
  • Supports Pakistani students in enhancing their educational opportunities abroad.

Why Apply for the Chinese Government Scholarship Program 2025-26?

Tuition Coverage:

Tuition fees, administrative costs, and health insurance are fully covered.

Accommodation:

Scholarship recipients get free dormitory accommodation or a housing subsidy.

Monthly Stipend:

Financial support is provided to cover living expenses:

  • Undergraduate students: 2,500 RMB.
  • Master’s students: 3,000 RMB.
  • Doctoral students: 3,500 RMB.

Comprehensive Health Insurance:

Ensures financial assistance for medical needs during the study period.

Note: Travel expenses are not included in the scholarship.​

Eligibility Criteria for Chinese Government Scholarship Program 2025-26

To qualify, applicants must meet the following requirements:

General Eligibility

  • Be a Pakistani or AJ&K national.
  • Dual nationality holders are not eligible.
  • Must be in good health.

Educational Eligibility

Undergraduate Programs

  • Minimum qualification: Intermediate/A-level/FA-FSC (12 years) of education.
  • Age limit: Under 25 years.

Master’s Programs

  • Minimum qualification: Bachelor’s degree (16 years) of education.
  • Age limit: Under 35 years.

PhD Programs

  • Minimum qualification: Master’s degree (MS/MPhil) (Keyword #8).
  • Age limit: Under 40 years.

HAT or USAT Test Requirements

Applicants must provide a valid HAT (obtained after December 9, 2022) or USAT score (obtained after December 9, 2023) with a minimum score of 50 out of 100.

How to Apply for Chinese Government Scholarship Program

The application process involves two major steps: applying on the HEC portal and the CSC portal.

Step 1. Apply on the HEC Portal

HEC Online Studet Portal
  • Register at HEC Portal.
  • Select “Learning Opportunities Abroad.”
  • Complete and submit your application.
  • Keep a signed printed copy for your records.
  • ImportantDeadline: December 9, 2024, at 4:00 PM PST.

Step 2. Apply on the CSC Portal

CSC website page for login
  • Visit Campus China or CSC Portal.
  • Select Program Type A and enter Agency No. 5861.
  • Complete the application and download a signed copy for your records.

Documents Required

Prepare the following documents before applying:
 
HEC Application Form:
Submit a signed spiral-bound copy with no attachments.
 
CSC Application Form:
Include the following:
 
  • Attested educational certificates.
  • CNIC/B-form and domicile.
  • Language proficiency certificates (IELTS/TOEFL/HSK).
  • Passport copy valid until March 2026.
  • Physical Examination Record.
  • Police clearance certificate.
  • Two recommendation letters (for master’s/PhD).
  • Pre-admission notice (if available for master’s/PhD).
  • No Objection Certificate (NOC) (for employed applicants).
  • Guardianship documents (if under 18 years).

Study Plan/Research Proposal:

  • 200 words for undergraduates.
  • 500 words for non-degree students.
  • 800 words for postgraduates.

Key Dates and Deadlines

  • Ensure all documents are ready before the deadline.
  • HEC Deadline: December 9, 2024.
  • CSC Deadline: Check the CSC Portal for details.

Tips to Maximize Your Chances of Success!

Applying for the Chinese Government Scholarship Program 2025-26 requires attention to detail, preparation, and strategy. Follow these enhanced tips with practical examples to boost your chances of securing this prestigious scholarship.

Meet All Eligibility Criteria

Before starting your application, ensure you meet all the eligibility requirements, including educational qualifications, age limits, and test scores.
Example:
If you are applying for an undergraduate program, verify that you have completed FA/FSc or A-levels (12 years of education) and are under 25 years of age. Similarly, if you are applying for a master’s program, ensure you have a bachelor’s degree and a valid HAT test score of at least 50.
Tip: Review the eligibility section on both the HEC portal and CSC website to avoid any disqualification.

Prepare Documents in Advance

Proper documentation is critical for your application. Gather all required documents early to avoid last-minute stress. Translate non-English or non-Chinese documents into the required language and get them notarized.
Practical Steps:
Educational Certificates: Ensure all certificates are attested by HEC and IBCC (if applicable).
Physical Examination Record: Schedule your medical examination at least two months before the deadline to allow time for retests if necessary.
Study Plan: Begin drafting your study plan at least three weeks before the deadline.
Example:
Ali, a master’s applicant, missed the deadline because his police clearance certificate wasn’t ready. Don’t let this happen to you—apply for such documents well in advance.

Write a Strong Study Plan

Your study plan or research proposal is your chance to stand out. Focus on your academic goals, future aspirations, and reasons for choosing China as your study destination.
What to Include:
Your Motivation: Why do you want to study in China? Highlight its academic reputation, advanced research facilities, or cultural diversity.
Academic Goals: Describe how the program aligns with your career goals.
Future Contribution: Explain how you plan to use your education to benefit Pakistan after returning.
Example:
A strong study plan might begin with:
“Studying Environmental Engineering at Tsinghua University will equip me with cutting-edge skills to address Pakistan’s water crisis. My aim is to develop sustainable solutions by leveraging China’s advanced research in this field.”

Secure Language Proficiency Proof

Language skills are often a deciding factor for admission. If your program is taught in Chinese, you may need HSK Level 3 or above. For English-taught programs, IELTS or TOEFL scores are required.
Practical Advice:
If you don’t have a valid HSK certificate, enroll in a preparatory Chinese language course.
Schedule your IELTS/TOEFL test at least three months in advance to leave room for retakes if needed.
Example:
Sara, a PhD applicant, improved her IELTS score from 6.0 to 7.5 by attending a crash course. This significantly boosted her chances of being accepted into her desired program.

Apply for Pre-Admission Notices

While not mandatory, obtaining a pre-admission notice from your target university can strengthen your application. This demonstrates your commitment and increases the likelihood of selection.
Steps to Get a Pre-Admission Notice:

  • Visit your target university’s website to identify faculty members or programs matching your research interests.
  • Email professors, introducing yourself and sharing your research proposal.
  • Request a pre-admission letter politely.
    Example:
    Ahmad, a prospective PhD student, emailed three professors at Beijing University and received a pre-admission letter from one, significantly enhancing his scholarship application.

Submit Early

Last-minute submissions can lead to errors or technical issues. Aim to complete your application at least one week before the deadline to allow time for revisions.
Practical Steps:

  • Double-check your applications on both the HEC portal and CSC portal.
  • Keep digital backups of all your documents in case of system errors.
    Example:
    Fatima submitted her application on December 8th and realized she had uploaded an incomplete study plan. Thanks to her early submission, she had time to rectify the error.

The Bottom Line

The Chinese Government Scholarship Program 2025-26 is a unique opportunity for Pakistani students to pursue higher education in China with full financial support. By following the outlined steps and ensuring your documents are complete, you can increase your chances of success. Start your application today and take a step toward achieving your academic dreams. For updates, visit the HEC Portal or Campus China. And for Other Scholarhip related guides and updates please visit our Scholarships Page.