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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

China Scholarship Council (CSC) and Durham University jointly fund up to 25 outstanding Mainland Chinese students each year to undertake PGR study at Durham University. Scholarship applicants are required to complete a two-stage nomination process: first, nomination by their academic department and faculty at Durham University, and second, submission of an application to the CSC for consideration.

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 2027
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

Please note:

  • Students who have already commenced their doctoral degree at Durham are not eligible
  • The scholarship cannot be held on a part-time basis
  • Successful candidates are required to return home upon completion of their studies

Eligibility

Applicants must:

  • Applicants must be citizens and permanent residents of Mainland 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 or a conditional offer with the only condition being “receiving final degrees” (not language) for a full-time PhD programme at Durham
  • Satisfy entry requirements as outlined by CSC at the time of application

For any further questions regarding this scholarship, you may contact international.scholarships@durham.ac.uk

How to apply

  1. Apply for a course by 15 January 2027

    Please ensure you have submitted an academic application and provided all relevant documents, including transcripts, study certificates, academic references and English Language certificates, to Durham University by 15 January 2027.

     

    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 'PGR-China Scholarship Council - Durham Joint Award' from the drop-down menu.

     

    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 requirements 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 before March 2027 and directed to make a separate scholarship application to the China Scholarship Council. Please assume your application is unsuccessful if you do not receive the nomination email. 

     

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

     

    CSC will announce the scholarship outcome in late June or early July 2027.

    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 will 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 international.scholarships@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.