Chinese Government Scholarship Short-Term Research Exchange Program

I. Introduction

To deepen academic friendship, exchange and mutual learning among young people from China and other countries and create an exchange platform for young research talent worldwide, the China Scholarship Council (CSC) continues the Chinese Government Scholarship Short-Term Research Exchange Program, known as China Link, in 2026.

II. Funding plan

1. Categories:

   General scholars: currently enrolled undergraduate and master’s students.

   Senior scholars: currently enrolled doctoral students and faculty or staff.

2. Duration: 1-12 months. Study in China must begin no later than August 31, 2027.

3. Language: English or Chinese, according to the Chinese host institution’s programs.

4. Fields: all subjects except Chinese language.

III. Coverage

A full scholarship during the stay in China, including tuition and on-campus accommodation fee waivers and comprehensive medical insurance expenses. Monthly living allowances follow Chinese Government Scholarship standards: RMB 3000 for general scholars and RMB 3500 for senior scholars.

IV. Eligibility

1. Be a non-citizen of the People’s Republic of China and in good physical and mental health.
2. General scholar applicants: no older than 45. Senior scholar applicants: no older than 50.
3. Throughout application and participation, be a full-time student or faculty/staff member of an overseas CSC partner institution. See Attachment 1 for the list.
4. Have obtained admission eligibility at a Chinese institution. See Attachment 2 for the list.

V. Procedure

1. Contact a Chinese institution in advance and obtain admission eligibility. Consult its international admissions office early to confirm its application deadline, which may vary by institution.
2. Complete the scholarship application through the Chinese Government Scholarship information system at . After submission, contact the host’s international admissions office by email or its designated channel, clearly stating: “My name + CSC application serial number + application for the China Link Scholarship.” The scholarship application portal remains open year-round.
3. Chinese hosts process their China Link applications and must submit candidate lists to CSC at least 2 months before arrival.
4. CSC sends admission results to Chinese hosts regularly each month.
5. The Chinese host informs applicants of results.

Attachments

1. Overseas partner institutions

2. Chinese institutions

3. China Link applicant system guide