Scholarship Guides MOFCOM Scholarship (China): How to Apply
China (developing countries) · Application Guide
MOFCOM Scholarship (China): How to Apply
The MOFCOM Scholarship (MOFCOM Scholarship-CSC Program) is a full scholarship from China's Ministry of Commerce for students and professionals from developing countries. It funds English-taught master's and doctoral degrees at designated Chinese universities in fields such as economics, trade, public administration and engineering. You do not apply to the university or the CSC portal directly. The application goes through the Chinese Embassy (or relevant authority) in your home country, which submits candidates to the program.
Administered by: The Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China (MOFCOM), administered through the China Scholarship Council (CSC) and designated Chinese universities
Written by Zain Aqdas, Founder and lead researcher, Scholarships AtlasLast updated 30 October 2026
What it covers
- Full tuition and teaching/material fees
- Free on-campus accommodation
- Monthly living allowance for the duration of study
- One-time settlement fee on arrival
- Comprehensive medical insurance
- Round-trip international airfare (economy) per the program rules
Eligibility
- A citizen of a developing country with diplomatic relations with China (MOFCOM-eligible countries list)
- Age limits per level (typically under 45 for master's and under 50 for doctoral programs)
- For master's: a bachelor's degree; for doctoral: a master's degree (in relevant fields)
- Good health (medical examination required)
- Meet the English proficiency requirements for the chosen program (English-taught)
- Not currently holding a Chinese government scholarship
Application — step by step
- 1
Confirm your country is MOFCOM-eligible and check your embassy's announcement
The MOFCOM scholarship is country-based: your home country must be on the eligible list, and the Chinese Embassy or the relevant national authority in your country issues the call for applications with its own internal deadline (commonly March-May).
- 2
Prepare your application documents
Assemble the MOFCOM application form, degree certificates and transcripts, a study plan or research proposal, passport copy, physical examination report, and English proficiency evidence.
- 3
Submit to the Chinese Embassy in your country
Submit your completed documents to the Chinese Embassy (or the designated authority) in your home country by its deadline. The embassy does the first screening and nomination.
- 4
Embassy nomination and CSC review
The embassy nominates candidates to the program; the CSC and MOFCOM review the nominations and allocate places at the designated Chinese universities (universities also review academic fit).
- 5
Interview (if required) and pre-admission
Some cycles include an interview (in person or online) arranged through the embassy or the receiving university. Successful candidates receive pre-admission letters from the assigned university.
- 6
Enroll at the assigned Chinese university
Admitted scholars complete visa formalities (X1 visa) and enroll in September, starting the English-taught program.
Typical documents needed
- MOFCOM Scholarship application form
- Photocopy of highest diploma (notarized where required)
- Photocopy of academic transcripts
- A study plan or research proposal
- Passport copy
- Physical examination record / medical certificate
- English proficiency certificate (where required by the program)
Annual cycle
Dates move every year — always confirm on the official portal before planning around them.
- March to May
- Country-level application window via Chinese embassies (deadlines vary by country)
- May to June
- Embassy nomination and CSC/MOFCOM review
- June to July
- Interviews (where applicable) and university placement
- August
- Pre-admission letters and visa formalities
- September
- Program begins in China