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Chinese Scholarship Council

A full tuition fee scholarship towards Doctoral students in partnership with the Chinese Scholarships Council.

Postgraduate Scholarships
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Summary

The China Scholarship Council (CSC) scholarships are available thanks to a partnership with the China Scholarships Council. The scholarships are open to applicants from Mainland China wishing to study for a PhD at Durham. Details of the eligibility criteria along with information specific to applicants applying for this joint scheme are included below for information.

Scholarship provides 

Full payment of tuition fees

Annual allowance

Overseas student health cover

Return airfare

Visa application fees
Year of Entry Applicants for programmes commencing in 2025
Number of awards available 25 awards are available in all disciplines
Level of study PhD (More information on our research degrees.)
Mode of study Full-time
Programmes All PhD programmes
Duration Funding is available for a maximum of 48 months

Eligibility

Applicant must:

  • Be citizens and permanent residents of the People's Republic of China at the time of application. Chinese students studying overseas may also be eligible for application subject to CSC policies
  • Hold either an unconditional offer for a full-time PhD programme at Durham, or a conditional 
    offer with the only condition being “receiving final degrees” (not language). 
  • Satisfy entry required as outlined by the CSC at the time of application
  • Successful candidates are required to return home upon completion of their studies

Please note:

  • Students who have already commenced their doctoral degree at Durham are not eligible
  • These scholarships cannot be held on a part-time basis

Not sure if you're eligible? Contact us for advice.

How to apply

  1. Apply for a course by 15th January 2025

    Please ensure you have submitted an academic application and provide all relevant documents including transcripts, study certificates, academic references and English Language certificates to Durham University via the postgraduate online application portal by 15th January 2025.

     

    Please note: When completing your online academic application form for your programme of study: In the section of Funding please answer 'Yes' to the question 'Have your either applied or are going to apply for a scholarship?’ Then select 'other' from the drop-down menu and insert China Scholarship Council - Durham Joint Award in the text box.

     

    Additionally, inform your provisional supervisor and your department about your intention to apply for the CSC scholarship, as they will advise on the selection process and materials needed for the scholarship application. Durham will evaluate all candidates and will make recommendations to the China Scholarship Council. Candidates must have a strong academic background and satisfy the relevant academic entry requirement set by Durham University.

     

    Durham University Applicant Portal

  2. Submit a scholarship application to CSC

    Candidates selected for university nomination in stage one will be notified via email in March 2025 and directed to make a separate scholarship application to the China Scholarship Council. Please assume your application is unsuccessful if you have not received the nomination email from us by this date. 

     

    The scholarship application guidance will be published on the CSC official website. Please visit the CSC website for information on the deadline for scholarship application. Once you submit your scholarship application, please inform Durham University via email.

     

    The outcome of the scholarship will be announced in mid-June directly by CSC. 

    CSC Official Website

  3. Ask Us

    All application queries should be raised with the academic department in the first instance.

     

    Please direct any further queries to the University's International Office: international.scholarships@durham.ac.uk 

    Academic Departments

Guidance

Durham University makes every effort to ensure that the information published or contained on its website is accurate. However, the University cannot guarantee the information may not subsequently be altered owing to circumstances beyond the University's reasonable control. Such circumstances include (but are not limited to) changes in Government policy or change of law. Whilst any changes will be incorporated into the University's website any person wishing to clarify the details of a particular scholarship/s should contact the University at scholarships.advice@durham.ac.uk .

 

Get in touch

If you have any questions about whether you are eligible for a scholarship or the application process, get in touch with our International Office.