Chinese Government Scholarship Type A – Bilateral Program: Complete Guide for International Students

The Chinese Government Scholarship (CGS) Type A — Bilateral Program is one of the most popular and highly competitive scholarship schemes offered by the Chinese Government through the China Scholarship Council (CSC). Designed to promote educational cooperation, cultural exchange, and global collaboration, the Bilateral Program provides fully funded opportunities for outstanding international students to pursue undergraduate, master’s, doctoral, and language studies in China.

This guide provides an in-depth explanation of the scholarship, eligibility requirements, funding benefits, application procedures, required documents, selection criteria, and expert tips to help you submit a strong and successful application.

1. What Is the Chinese Government Scholarship Type A – Bilateral Program?

The Bilateral Program (Type A) is a scholarship established by the Chinese government in partnership with individual countries, embassies, educational ministries, and other international organizations. It is called “bilateral” because the scholarship agreement is based on cooperation between China and the applicant’s home country.

Under this program:

• Applicants submit their scholarship applications through their home country’s Chinese Embassy or the Ministry of Education, not directly to Chinese universities.

• Each country determines its own eligibility rules, quotas, nomination procedures, and deadlines.

• The final selection is made by the CSC in China after reviewing country-nominated candidates.

The Bilateral Program remains the most accessible and fully funded CGS route, covering all levels of study.

2. Levels of Study Covered

Eligible academic levels include:

1. Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor’s Degree)

Duration: 4–5 years (including 1 year of Chinese language preparation, if required)

2. Master’s Degree Programs

Duration: 2–3 years

3. Doctoral (PhD) Programs

Duration: 3–4 years

4. General Scholar Programs

Non-degree: 1–2 years (e.g., short-term exchange, research visits)

5. Senior Scholar Programs

Non-degree: 1–2 years (usually for researchers, lecturers, associate professors, or professionals)

3. Scholarship Benefits (Fully Funded)

The CSC Bilateral Program is fully funded and covers all major academic and living expenses:

✔ Full Tuition Coverage

CSC pays full tuition fees directly to the host institution.

✔ Free On-Campus Accommodation

• Free university dormitory
  or

• Monthly housing subsidy if off-campus (depending on university policy)

✔ Monthly Living Allowance (Stipend)

Typical stipend rates:

• Undergraduates: ¥2,500 per month

• Master’s students: ¥3,000 per month

• PhD students / Senior Scholars: ¥3,500 per month

✔ Comprehensive Medical Insurance

Covers:

• Outpatient care

• Inpatient services

• Accidents

• Hospitalization

✔ Registration and Laboratory Fees

Paid by the CSC for supported programs.

✔ Chinese Language Year (Optional)

If required, CSC funds one preparatory year of Mandarin to equip non-Chinese speakers for academic coursework.

Overall, the Bilateral Program removes the financial burden of studying in China, making it one of the world’s most generous government scholarships.

4. Eligibility Requirements

Eligibility varies by country, but general CSC guidelines include:

1. Nationality

Applicant must be a non-Chinese citizen.

2. Health Requirements

• Must be in good physical and mental health

• Must submit a medical examination form (Foreigner Physical Examination Form)

3. Educational Background & Age Requirements

• Undergraduate applicants:
  High school diploma; under 25 years old

• Master’s applicants:
  Bachelor’s degree; under 35 years old

• PhD applicants:
  Master’s degree; under 40 years old

• General scholars:
  Must hold at least a bachelor degree; under 45 years old

• Senior scholars:
  Must hold a master degree or be associate professors / senior professionals; under 50 years old

4. Language Requirements

Depending on the program:

• Chinese-taught programs require HSK

• English-taught programs may require IELTS/TOEFL (waived in some cases)

5. Clean Academic & Disciplinary Record

Applicants must demonstrate strong academic performance and no history of academic violations.

5. Documents Required for Application

Documents may vary by country or embassy, but standard requirements include:

Mandatory Documents

• CSC Application Form (online)

• Highest education diploma (notarized)

• Academic transcripts

• Study plan / Research proposal (800–1,500 words)

• Two recommendation letters (for postgraduate applicants)

• Passport copy (valid)

• Photographs (passport-size)

• Foreigner Physical Examination Form

• Non-criminal record certificate

Additional Documents (depending on the program)

• HSK certificate

• IELTS/TOEFL certificate

• Supervisor acceptance letter (highly recommended for Type A)

• Portfolio (for arts/design applicants)

• Work experience certificates (if relevant)

A complete and well-organized document package significantly improves your selection chances.

6. How to Apply (Step-by-Step Guide)

Unlike Type B (university-applied), Type A is nominated through your home country. The process has three major stages:

STEP 1 — Apply to the Chinese Embassy or Your Home Country’s Ministry of Education

Each country announces annual CSC Bilateral Program calls on:

• Chinese Embassy website

• Country’s Ministry of Education website

• Scholarship or study abroad boards

You must follow your country’s:

• Eligibility rules

• Deadline

• Document submission method

Some countries require physical document submission; others accept online applications.

STEP 2 — Complete the CSC Online Application Form

Go to the CSC platform:

👉 https://studyinchina.csc.edu.cn
(English interface available)

Fill in:

• Personal details

• Academic history

• Preferred universities (up to three choices)

• Study plan

Choose Type A (Agency Number of Embassy).
Each embassy has its own unique agency number, which you must enter correctly.

STEP 3 — Submit Documents to Embassy or Authority

Submit:

• Printed CSC form

• All required documents (as listed above)

• Application form specific to your country

The embassy will:

• Review your documents

• Conduct interviews (some countries)

• Create a shortlist of nominated candidates

• Forward nominations to the CSC in China

STEP 4 — CSC and University Final Review

After receiving nominations, CSC:

• Reviews eligibility

• Assigns candidates to universities

• Makes the final selection decision

Universities may contact candidates for:

• Verification

• Additional information

• Pre-admission interview

STEP 5 — Scholarship Results Released

Results are usually announced:

• May to August each year

• Via email or embassy notice

Winners receive:

• Admission Letter

• CSC Scholarship Certificate (JW201/JW202 form)
  These are required for the student visa (X1) application.

7. Selection Criteria (How You Are Evaluated)

CSC uses several key criteria:

1. Academic Performance

High GPA and strong educational background increase competitiveness.

2. Study Plan / Research Proposal Quality

Clear and meaningful proposals are strongly favored.

3. Recommendation Letters

Strong endorsements from professors or employers are crucial.

4. Major Relevance

Your proposed field should align with China’s development priorities:

• Engineering

• Computer science / AI

• Medicine

• Agriculture

• Environmental science

• International relations

• Economics
  (These fields often have more quota space.)

5. Country Quota

Each country has a different number of CSC slots.

6. Diversity

CSC prefers diverse national representation.

7. Acceptance Letter (Bonus)

A pre-admission letter from a Chinese professor/university significantly boosts your chances.

8. Advantages of Choosing the Bilateral Program (Type A)

• Most fully funded option with the highest number of slots

• Applicants can select multiple universities (up to 3)

• Priority consideration is given to embassy-nominated candidates

• Opportunity to study at top-ranked Chinese universities

• Strong government-to-government support simplifies visa and admission processes

• Offers language preparation year for non-Chinese speakers

• Supports non-degree exchange and research visits

It is widely regarded as the most flexible and accessible CSC route for international students worldwide.

9. Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting incomplete documents

• Not following country-specific embassy guidelines

• Poorly written study plan

• Missing signature/stamp on medical form

• Using expired passport

• Ignoring the agency number requirement

• Applying late (slots are limited and embassy reviews take time)

10. Tips to Strengthen Your Application

✔ Secure an Acceptance Letter Early

Contact professors with:

• CV.  Mycvcreator.com

• Research proposal

• Academic transcripts

• Motivation letter

✔ Make Your Study Plan Stand Out

Include:

• Clear goals

• Research ideas

• Relevance to China/global issues

• Future plans after graduation

✔ Maintain High Academic Scores

Strong grades increase your chances of embassy nomination.

✔ Apply Before the Deadline

Early submissions reflect seriousness.

✔ Prepare a Clean and Professional Document Package

Neatly organized files = better impression.

11. Application Timeline (Typical)

Deadlines vary by country — always follow your local embassy’s timeline.

12. Final Thoughts

The Chinese Government Scholarship Type A – Bilateral Program is one of the world’s most generous and accessible international scholarship opportunities. It provides full financial support for students and scholars at all academic levels while promoting cultural exchange and academic collaboration between China and the rest of the world.

Whether you’re pursuing a bachelor’s degree, master’s program, PhD research, or short-term training, the Bilateral Program offers unmatched academic opportunities, world-class facilities, and a transformative global learning experience.

With careful preparation, a strong study plan, and timely submission, you can significantly boost your chances of becoming a CSC scholar.