Central South University CSC High-Level Graduate Scholarship 2027 | Fully Funded Master’s & PhD in China

Central South University (CSU), China, has announced the 2027 Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) – High-Level Graduate Student Program for international students.

The scholarship provides opportunities for outstanding international students to pursue Master’s and Doctoral degrees at Central South University in Changsha, Hunan Province, China.

The full scholarship covers tuition fees, on-campus accommodation, medical insurance and monthly living allowances.

Applicants can choose from different postgraduate academic disciplines, including science, engineering, humanities, social sciences and medical fields, according to the university’s official 2027 Graduate Programs catalogue.

Application Deadline: February 15, 2027

1. Scholarship Overview

• University: Central South University (CSU)
• Location: Changsha, Hunan Province, China
• Scholarship: Chinese Government Scholarship
• Program: High-Level Graduate Student Program
• Scholarship Category: Type B
• Academic Year: 2027
• Degree Levels: Master’s and PhD
• Master’s Duration: 3 Years
• PhD Duration: 4 Years
• CSC Agency Number: 10533
• Application Deadline: February 15, 2027
• Application Systems: CSU and CSC online systems
• Application and Review Fee: 500 RMB (after passing initial review)

2. Scholarship Benefits

Central South University offers full scholarship coverage under the High-Level Graduate Student Program.

The full scholarship includes:

• Tuition Fees: Fully covered.
• Accommodation: On-campus accommodation fees covered.
• Medical Insurance: Comprehensive medical insurance.
• Monthly Living Allowance: Provided according to the applicable scholarship arrangements.

The 2027 High-Level Graduate Student Program announcement does not specify the exact monthly stipend amount. Applicants should confirm the final financial support through their Admission Notice.

Important: The university’s general 2027 graduate admission guide also lists partial scholarship arrangements. Therefore, applicants should check the final financial support category stated in their Admission Notice.

3. Available Degree Programs

Central South University is accepting applications for the following postgraduate degree categories:

Master’s Degree

• Standard study duration: 3 years.
• Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification.

Doctoral Degree (PhD)

• Standard study duration: 4 years.
• Applicants must hold a Master’s degree or equivalent qualification.

Available Majors

CSU has published a separate Excel catalogue containing the available 2027 Graduate Programs and their respective teaching languages.

Applicants can explore different academic disciplines, including:

• Science and Engineering.
• Humanities.
• Social Sciences.
• Medical Programs.
• Other postgraduate research disciplines listed in the official catalogue.

Download the Official 2027 Graduate Programs Catalogue:

Click Here to Download 2027 Graduate Programs in CSU (Excel)

Important: Some majors have additional admission requirements. Applicants must carefully read the notes in the official catalogue before selecting their preferred program.

4. Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

1. Must be citizens of countries other than the People’s Republic of China.
2. Must have an excellent academic background.
3. Must be in good physical and mental health.
4. Must have no criminal record.
5. Must demonstrate strong research and scientific innovation abilities.
6. Must not have received funding from other organizations or institutions under the stated scholarship conditions.
7. Must submit a declaration confirming their funding status.

Master’s Degree Applicants

• Must hold a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification.
• Must be under 35 years of age.

PhD Applicants

• Must hold a Master’s degree or equivalent qualification.
• Must be under 40 years of age.

5. Language Requirements

Applicants must meet the language requirements according to their selected program.

A. English-Taught Programs

Applicants must provide one of the following:

• IELTS: Minimum 6.0.
• TOEFL: Minimum 85.
• TOEFL new 1–6 scale: Minimum 4.0.

Applicants whose native language is English or who have completed a previous degree program taught in English may be exempted from IELTS or TOEFL after verification by CSU.

B. Chinese-Taught Programs

The university has specified different HSK requirements according to academic discipline.

Academic Discipline	HSK Requirement
Science and Engineering	HSK Level 4 – Minimum 180
Humanities and Social Sciences	HSK Level 4 – Minimum 210
Medical Programs	HSK Level 4 – Minimum 210

Some individual majors may have additional language requirements specified in the program catalogue.

Applicants whose native language is Chinese or who completed a previous degree taught in Chinese may be exempted from HSK requirements after verification by CSU.

6. Required Application Documents

Applicants must prepare the following documents for the 2027 CSC High-Level Graduate Student Program.

Complete Document Checklist

1. Passport Copy

• Clear copy of the passport biodata page.
• Passport must have more than one year of remaining validity.
• Only applicants holding a valid ordinary passport will normally be accepted for study visa and residence procedures in China.

2. Highest Academic Degree Certificates

Applicants must submit a complete chain of academic degree certificates from Bachelor’s level onwards.

For Master’s applicants:

• Bachelor’s graduation certificate.
• Bachelor’s degree certificate.

For PhD applicants:

• Bachelor’s graduation certificate.
• Bachelor’s degree certificate.
• Master’s graduation certificate.
• Master’s degree certificate.

Applicants graduating in the current year may submit an official pre-graduation certificate or certificate of enrolment.

Documents in languages other than Chinese or English must include notarized translations.

3. Academic Transcripts

• Complete academic transcripts from Bachelor’s level onwards.
• Must cover the first to last semester of each relevant degree.
• Must be issued and stamped by the academic affairs office, graduate school or student management department.
• Documents in languages other than Chinese or English must include notarized English translations.

4. Language Proficiency Certificate

Applicants must provide the appropriate language certificate:

• HSK Level 4 with 180 points for science and engineering programs.
• HSK Level 4 with 210 points for humanities, social sciences and medical programs.
• IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL 85 for English-taught programs.
• Accepted language exemption certificate, where applicable.

5. Study Plan / Research Proposal

Applicants must submit a study plan in Chinese or English.

Requirements:

• Minimum 1,000 words.
• Must explain the intended research direction.
• Must include the research topic.
• Must explain research objectives and methodology.
• Must describe expected research outcomes.
• Should demonstrate the applicant’s understanding of the selected academic field and previous research achievements.

Additional PhD Requirement: Doctoral applicants must have their research proposal signed by their intended supervisor at Central South University.

The university has provided an official Study Plan for International Graduates template.

6. Supervisor Acceptance Letter – Mandatory

Applicants must submit an Acceptance Letter from an international student supervisor at Central South University.

This document is mandatory for the High-Level Graduate Student Program.

The university has provided an official Acceptance Letter template.

Applicants can also consult the official CSU Professors Directory to identify potential supervisors.

7. Foreigner Physical Examination Record

Applicants must submit a completed Foreigner Physical Examination Record together with blood test reports.

Important requirements:

• All required medical examinations must be completed.
• Form must be filled in Chinese or English.
• Applicant’s photograph must carry the hospital’s official stamp.
• Must contain the final medical examination opinion.
• Must include the physician’s signature and hospital stamp.
• Examination date must be after October 1, 2026.

Applicants must also provide the original:

• Chest X-ray report.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG).
• HIV laboratory report.
• Syphilis laboratory report.
• Hepatitis B laboratory report.

The original reports must be brought to the university upon registration.

8. Non-Criminal Record Certificate

• Must be issued by the local public security authority.
• Must carry an official stamp.
• Must be in Chinese or English.
• Issue date must be after October 1, 2026.

9. Two Recommendation Letters

Applicants must submit two recommendation letters.

Requirements:

• Written by professors or associate professors.
• Must be written in Chinese or English.
• Should explain the applicant’s study objectives in China.
• Must evaluate the applicant’s comprehensive academic abilities and future potential.
• Must include the recommenders’ contact information.
• Must be issued after October 1, 2026.

10. Published Academic Papers

Applicants who have published academic papers should submit their research publications.

If there are multiple papers:

• Attach a list of publications.
• Include the first page of each paper.
• Full texts of high-level journal papers may also be included.
• Merge the publication list, first pages and relevant full texts into one PDF.
• Only one combined publication document should be submitted per applicant.

11. Personal Statement Video

Applicants must prepare a short video introducing their educational and research background and demonstrating their research potential.

Requirements:

• Duration: Approximately 1 minute.
• Maximum file size: 40 MB.
• Format: MP4.
• Applicants who hold HSK certificates must introduce themselves in Chinese.

12. Statement of Not Receiving Other Scholarships

Applicants must provide a declaration confirming that they have not obtained other scholarships or forms of funding.

The university has provided an official declaration template.

13. Pre-Admission Letter

Applicants must first submit their application through the CSU International Student Service System.

After reviewing the application, CSU will issue pre-admission letters to selected candidates.

The pre-admission letter must be uploaded to the CSC online application system.

14. Other Supporting Documents

Applicants may also submit:

• Updated CV.
• Academic awards.
• Certificates.
• Research achievements.
• Other relevant supporting documents.

7. Application Procedure

Applicants must complete applications through BOTH Central South University’s online application system and the Chinese Government Scholarship system.

Step 1: Apply Through Central South University’s Online System

Visit:

https://csu.17gz.org/member/login.do

• Register an account.
• Complete your personal information.
• Select Chinese Government Scholarship.
• Choose the High-Level Graduate Student Program.
• Select your preferred Master’s or PhD program.
• Upload all required documents.
• Submit your application.

Important: Completing the CSU application system is mandatory. Applicants who do not submit an application through this system will not be considered.

Step 2: Wait for Initial University Review

The university will review:

• Applicant’s identity and qualifications.
• Academic background.
• Language proficiency.
• Physical and mental health.
• Supporting documents.

Applicants who pass the initial review will receive a notification through the application system and registered email.

Step 3: Pay the Application and Review Fee

After passing the initial review, applicants must pay:

Application and Review Fee: 500 RMB

Payment instructions:

• Payment must be completed within seven days of receiving the system notification and email.
• Payment is made through the CSU Campus Unified Payment Platform.
• Accepted payment methods include WeChat Pay, Alipay and UnionPay.

Applicants who fail the initial review do not need to pay.

Applicants who fail to pay within the specified period will be considered to have withdrawn their applications.

The fee is non-refundable.

Step 4: Academic Evaluation

Relevant academic schools will conduct a detailed evaluation of applicants.

The assessment will consider:

• Academic background.
• Scientific research ability.
• Research achievements.
• Innovation potential.
• Suitability for the selected program.

Step 5: Obtain the Pre-Admission Letter

After the university’s academic review, successful applicants may receive a pre-admission letter.

Important: A pre-admission letter does not constitute final admission to the Chinese Government Scholarship.

Step 6: Apply Through the CSC Online System

Visit:

https://studyinchina.csc.edu.cn/#/login

Complete the CSC application and enter the following information:

• Scholarship Category: Type B.
• University: Central South University.
• Agency Number: 10533.

Complete the online application, upload the required documents and submit the form.

Applicants must upload the pre-admission letter in the CSC application system.

Step 7: Final CSC Evaluation

Central South University will recommend selected candidates to the China Scholarship Council.

The final scholarship admission decision will be made by CSC.

Applicants should regularly check their CSU and CSC application accounts and registered email addresses.

8. Application Deadline

<badge color=”danger”>February 15, 2027</badge>

The application period for the 2027 High-Level Graduate Student Program is open until February 15, 2027.

Applicants must complete their CSU online applications and CSC applications according to the university’s instructions.

9. Admission and Enrollment

According to the university’s announcement:

• CSU will conduct the initial and academic reviews.
• Pre-admission letters will be issued to selected candidates.
• CSU will recommend successful candidates to CSC.
• Final scholarship selection will be determined by CSC.
• Admission notices and visa application forms will normally be sent through email.
• Registration is expected at the end of August or beginning of September 2027.

Important: Applicants recommended by CSU to CSC are not automatically guaranteed a Chinese Government Scholarship. The final financial support must be confirmed through the Admission Notice.

Candidates who do not obtain the CSC scholarship may be recommended for other university programs. Applicants should carefully check the financial support category stated in their final Admission Notice.

10. Important Instructions for Applicants

1. Applicants must complete both CSU and CSC online application systems.
2. CSC Scholarship Category must be Type B.
3. The correct CSC Agency Number is 10533.
4. The Supervisor Acceptance Letter is mandatory.
5. PhD research proposals must be signed by the CSU supervisor.
6. Study plans must contain at least 1,000 words.
7. A one-minute MP4 personal statement video is required.
8. The video file must not exceed 40 MB.
9. Applicants must submit a statement confirming they have not received other scholarships or funding.
10. The 500 RMB application and review fee is payable only after passing the initial review.
11. Applicants who fail the initial review do not need to pay the fee.
12. Applicants cannot change their university, major or study duration after admission.
13. Scholarship recipients must participate in the annual scholarship review.
14. Students cannot simultaneously receive other Chinese local government or university scholarships under the stated CSC rules.

11. Official Documents and Download Links

2027 Graduate Programs Catalogue:

Download 2027 Graduate Programs in CSU (Excel)

Official 2027 Graduate Admission Guide:

https://intl.csu.edu.cn/info/1140/4042.htm

CSU International Student Application System:

https://csu.17gz.org/

CSC Online Application System:

https://studyinchina.csc.edu.cn/#/login

Official CSU Scholarship Announcement:

https://intl.csu.edu.cn/info/1143/4044.htm

The official announcement also provides downloadable templates for the Study Plan, Supervisor Acceptance Letter, Physical Examination Form and declaration of no other scholarship funding.

12. University Contact Information

School of International Education, Central South University

For Non-Medical Programs:

• Email: admissions@csu.edu.cn
• Telephone: +86-731-88836410
• Address: Office 214, Library, Yuelushan Campus, 932 Lushan South Road, Changsha, Hunan, China.

For Medical Programs:

• Email: csuglobal@csu.edu.cn
• Telephone: +86-731-89667206
• Address: Office 708, Xiaoqian Building, Xinglin Campus, 172 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, Hunan, China.

General Scholarship Contact:

• Email: csc@csu.edu.cn
• Fax: +86-731-88836737

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Click Here to Get the Official Advertisement – Central South University High-Level Graduate Scholarship 2027

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