Silk Road Scholarships Offering Universities in China for September Intake 2026

The Silk Road Scholarship program under the China Scholarship Council (CSC) is one of the most popular fully funded study opportunities for international students planning to study in China. For the September intake, many top Chinese universities are offering master’s and PhD programs under this initiative, making it a strong option for students from Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and other developing regions.

This scholarship supports academic cooperation between China and Belt and Road partner countries and focuses mainly on high-demand fields such as engineering, science, technology, economics, agriculture, and international development.

Scholarship Summary

• Scholarship Name: CSC Silk Road Scholarship (China Government Scholarship)
• Host Country: China
• Funding Authority: China Scholarship Council
• Intake: September admission cycle
• Degree Levels: Master’s and PhD programs
• Study Mode: Full-time, on-campus
• Funding Type: Fully funded (varies by university and program)
• Target Region: International students (Belt and Road countries prioritized)

Successful applicants may receive:

• Full tuition fee waiver
• Monthly living stipend
• Free or subsidized accommodation
• Medical insurance coverage
• Access to advanced laboratories and research facilities
• Opportunity for international academic collaboration
• Exposure to industry-linked research and projects

The scholarship is available for:

• Master’s degree programs
• PhD (doctoral) programs

The CSC Silk Road Scholarship supports a wide range of academic disciplines, including:

• Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Transportation)
• Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence
• Environmental Sciences
• Agriculture and Biotechnology
• Economics and Finance
• International Trade and Relations
• Law and Public Administration
• Energy and Water Resources Engineering
• Earth Sciences and Geosciences

Many universities also offer English-taught programs to support international students.

The program is open to:

• International students worldwide
• Priority given to students from Belt and Road Initiative countries
• Applicants from developing countries are highly encouraged

Applicants generally must:

• Hold a bachelor’s degree for master’s programs
• Hold a master’s degree for PhD programs
• Have strong academic performance
• Submit a study plan or research proposal
• Provide recommendation letters
• Meet English or Chinese language requirements (depending on program)
• Be in good health and meet CSC medical requirements

Required Documents

Applicants typically need:

• Valid passport
• Academic transcripts and degree certificates
• Updated CV or resume
• Study plan or research proposal
• Recommendation letters
• Language proficiency certificate (IELTS/TOEFL or equivalent if required)
• Physical examination form
• Passport-size photographs

Some universities may also require separate online applications in addition to CSC submission.

List of Universities Offering Silk Road Scholarships (September Intake)

Several Chinese universities participate in the CSC Silk Road Scholarship program. Commonly listed institutions include:

• Zhejiang University of Science and Technology
• Nanjing University of Science and Technology
• Shanghai University
• China Agricultural University
• Tianjin University
• Southwest Jiaotong University
• China University of Geosciences
• Hohai University
• Sun Yat-sen University
• Zhongnan University of Economics and Law
• Southwest University
• Guizhou University

Why Apply for the Silk Road Scholarship?

The CSC Silk Road Scholarship is becoming increasingly popular due to:

• Fully funded study opportunities in China
• High-quality education and modern research facilities
• Strong focus on engineering and technology fields
• Affordable living costs compared to Western countries
• Increasing number of English-taught programs
• Global career and research opportunities after graduation

Application Process

1. Select a participating Chinese university and program
2. Apply through the university admission portal
3. Submit CSC scholarship application online
4. Upload required documents
5. Await university review and CSC evaluation
6. Receive admission and scholarship results
7. Apply for student visa (X1/X2) after acceptance