EduAsiaNews, Beijing – Amid intensifying global competition to attract young talent, the Chinese government is once again rolling out the red carpet for students from Southeast Asia. A fully funded postgraduate scholarship program—covering master’s and doctoral degrees—has been opened, offering competitive monthly stipends. The deadline is drawing near: February 16, 2026.
The scheme is exclusively designed for graduate students.
Master’s candidates are eligible for funding for up to three academic years, while doctoral candidates may receive support for up to four years. Beyond covering major academic studies, the program also finances Chinese language training when necessary—an essential provision for those enrolling in Chinese-taught programs.
Applications must be submitted online through the scholarship management system administered by the China Scholarship Council at its official website, campuschina.org. Through the portal, applicants can explore available universities and academic programs, and upload required documents via the CGS Information Management System.
In terms of financial coverage, the package is comprehensive. It includes full tuition fees, free on-campus accommodation or a housing subsidy, and comprehensive medical insurance valued at 800 yuan per person per year (or 400 yuan for programs lasting less than six months). The monthly stipend remains a key attraction: 3,000 yuan for master’s students and 3,500 yuan for doctoral candidates.
Yet the door does not open without conditions. Applicants must be citizens of ASEAN member states and be in good physical and mental health. For master’s programs, candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) and be under 35 years old at the time of application. Doctoral applicants must possess a master’s degree (or equivalent) and be under 40.
Language requirements are firm. Those applying to Chinese-taught programs must have passed HSK Level 4. Applicants to English-taught programs are required to submit IELTS or TOEFL scores. In addition, each university retains the authority to impose its own academic and language standards in accordance with institutional policies.
For prospective applicants, timing is critical. After completing the online application, all required documents must be uploaded in digital format no later than February 16, 2026.
In the increasingly competitive landscape of international scholarships, this scheme underscores China’s ambition to deepen its academic ties with Southeast Asia—while inviting the region’s brightest minds to study and conduct research at its universities. (**)
