Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) 2027 for Pakistani Students

The Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) is the largest of the Chinese scholarships for Pakistani students: free tuition, free dormitory or a housing subsidy, medical insurance and a monthly stipend of CNY 2,500 (bachelor’s), CNY 3,000 (master’s) or CNY 3,500 (PhD). Pakistanis apply either through HEC (Type A, 75 seats in 2026–27, HEC deadline 5 January 2026) or directly to a Chinese university (Type B, often December to February). For the 2027 intake, expect the HEC call around November 2026, and note that bachelor’s applicants must now sit the new CSCA test.

Last checked: 20 October 2026. Sources are linked in the text.

Chinese scholarships for Pakistani students: what CSC pays

The Chinese Embassy’s 2026/2027 guideline lists the standard coverage (Chinese Embassy guideline, PDF), and Xiamen University’s 2026 guide gives the same stipend figures (XMU).

HEC’s eligibility page uses the same age limits, counted at the time of application (HEC CGSP eligibility). The standard coverage list does not include airfare, so budget for your own ticket.

CSC scholarship 2027: the two routes for Pakistanis

Type A: through HEC and the Chinese Embassy

Under Type A, HEC is Pakistan’s nominating agency. For 2026–27, HEC offered 75 seats (35 bachelor’s, 25 master’s, 15 PhD) with a portal deadline of Monday 5 January 2026 at 4:00 pm PST (HEC Chinese Government Scholarship Programme).

HEC’s conditions include:

• Pakistani or AJK national, no dual nationality.
• Degree complete by the closing date; no other scholarship currently held.
• Bachelor’s: 12 years of education (FSc, FA, ICS, A-level). Master’s: 16 years. PhD: MS or MPhil.
• Minimum 50 out of 100 in USAT (bachelor’s) or HAT (master’s, PhD). HAT is valid for two years, USAT for one.

You must apply twice: on the HEC scholarship portal and on the CSC application system, choosing Program Category Type A. ProPakistani reported in November 2025 that the agency number to select for HEC is 5861 and that missing either application leads to disqualification (ProPakistani). Confirm the number in the official HEC advertisement for the 2027–28 round.

Type B: directly through a Chinese university

Under Type B, you apply to a university that holds CSC seats. The university nominates you to CSC. You apply on the CSC system and usually on the university’s own portal too.

Example: Xiamen University’s 2026 Type B call ran from 1 December 2025 to 15 February 2026, with agency number 10384, on studyinchina.csc.edu.cn and application.xmu.edu.cn (XMU). Each university sets its own dates, so treat this as a pattern, not a rule.

HEC is clear that Type B applicants handle their own applications and correspondence. HEC does not track them.

How to find a university’s agency number

1. Open the university’s international admissions website and search “Chinese Government Scholarship” plus the year.
2. Find the “Agency No.” in the call. It is usually a five-digit code (for example 10384 for Xiamen).
3. Enter that number on the CSC system when it asks for the agency. A wrong number sends your file to the wrong place.
4. If the number is not on the website, email the international admissions office before you submit.

Avoid copying agency numbers from blogs. Universities occasionally change programmes, and only the university’s own call is reliable.

Type A or Type B: which suits you?

For master’s and PhD, an email from a Chinese professor agreeing to supervise you (a pre-admission letter) strengthens either route. Write to two or three professors whose recent papers match your research plan, with a short proposal and CV attached.

New in 2026: the CSCA test for bachelor’s applicants

From the 2026 intake, the China Scholastic Competency Assessment (CSCA) is mandatory for undergraduate applicants at Chinese Government Scholarship universities. Shanghai’s official FAQ says the requirement covers the 2026 and 2027 academic years (Shanghai government FAQ).

• Mathematics is mandatory for all programmes.
• Professional Chinese is waived for fully English-taught programmes.
• Science, engineering, agriculture and medicine applicants must take physics or chemistry.
• Fee: CNY 450 for one subject, CNY 700 for two or more. Online proctored or centre-based.
• Sessions in January, March, April, June and December.

HEC’s 2026–27 notice said CSCA applies to bachelor’s applicants under both Type A and Type B, with registration at www.csca.cn. Book an early session so your score report is ready before the deadline.

Documents checklist

The embassy guideline and HEC notices point to this set. Check your route’s call for the final list.

1. Passport information page, valid at least 12 months from the expected start date.
2. Notarised highest degree and transcripts, with translations if not in Chinese or English. Get them HEC-attested; see our HEC degree verification guide.
3. Study plan or research proposal (word count set by level).
4. Two recommendation letters for master’s and PhD.
5. Language certificate: HSK (HSK 4 for Chinese-taught master’s and PhD) or IELTS/TOEFL for English-taught.
6. CSCA score report (bachelor’s).
7. Pre-admission letter from a supervisor or university, if you have one.
8. Non-criminal record certificate, issued within six months of submission (police character certificate).
9. Foreigner Physical Examination Form.
10. For Type A: HAT or USAT score report and the HEC portal application.

The Foreigner Physical Examination Form

This is China’s standard medical form for foreigners staying longer than six months. The embassy guideline says it is valid for only six months, so get it done close to the application window, not months before. Follow the form’s own instructions on which tests and stamps are needed. You will use it again with your admission notice and JW201 form when applying for the X1 student visa.

Deadlines and timeline

For the 2027–28 round, watch HEC’s scholarship page from November 2026. If you are weighing China against other countries, compare with Türkiye Burslari and our list of fully funded scholarships for Pakistani students.

Mistakes that sink applications

• Submitting on the CSC system but forgetting the HEC portal (Type A), or the reverse.
• Choosing Type A but entering a university’s agency number.
• Getting the medical form done too early, so it expires before review.
• Uploading an unsigned study plan or recommendation letters without letterhead.
• Applying for a bachelor’s place without a CSCA score.

Frequently asked questions

How much is the China scholarship for Pakistani students per month?

CNY 2,500 for bachelor’s, CNY 3,000 for master’s and CNY 3,500 for PhD, plus tuition, housing and insurance.

When will CSC scholarship 2027 open for Pakistanis?

Last year HEC published the Type A call in November and closed it on 5 January. Expect a similar pattern for 2027–28, but go by HEC’s official notice.

Is IELTS required for the Chinese government scholarship?

For English-taught programmes the embassy guideline lists IELTS or TOEFL among language certificates. Chinese-taught programmes need HSK instead.

What is the difference between CSC Type A and Type B?

Type A goes through HEC and the Chinese Embassy. Type B goes directly through a Chinese university using that university’s agency number.

Can I apply to both Type A and Type B?

Rules change each year, so check the current HEC notice and the CSC system instructions before submitting more than one application.

Does the CSC scholarship pay for the air ticket?

The standard coverage lists tuition, housing, stipend and insurance, not airfare. Plan to buy your own ticket.

Sources

• HEC: Chinese Government Scholarship Programme 2026–27
• HEC: CGSP eligibility criteria
• Chinese Embassy: Chinese Government Scholarship application 2026/2027
• Xiamen University: 2026 CGS University Program guide
• Shanghai government: CSCA FAQs
• ProPakistani: China announces scholarships for Pakistani students (November 2025)