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Shanghai Government Scholarship (SGS)
Program insights
Date posted
October 23, 2025
Deadline
October 23, 2026
Study location
Shanghai
Tuitions
2,500¥ - 3,500¥/month
Level
Non-Degree or Special Programs Postgraduate Secondary or Pre-University Undergraduate
Qualification
High school diploma
Gender
All
Description
The Shanghai Government Scholarship (SGS) is a prestigious program established by the Shanghai Municipal Government to attract outstanding international students and scholars to study and conduct research in Shanghai’s top universities. It aims to enhance international education exchange, develop Shanghai into a global education hub, and cultivate future leaders with international perspectives.
Scholarship Categories
The SGS is divided into two types:
- Type A (Full Scholarship)
Covers tuition, accommodation, comprehensive medical insurance, and a monthly living stipend (approximately CNY 2,500 for undergraduates, CNY 3,000 for master’s students, and CNY 3,500 for PhD students). - Type B (Partial Scholarship)
Covers tuition and medical insurance only.
Eligible Institutions
More than 30 universities in Shanghai participate in the SGS program, including:
- Fudan University
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University
- East China Normal University
- Tongji University
- Shanghai University
- Shanghai International Studies University
Each institution sets its own admission timeline and application portal.
Application Period
Applications generally open between January and May every year (depending on the university).
Students are encouraged to apply early, as some programs close their SGS applications before the university’s general admission deadline.
Eligibility
To qualify for the Shanghai Government Scholarship, applicants must:
- Be non-Chinese citizens in good health.
- Have a valid passport.
- Meet educational background requirements:
- Bachelor’s applicants: high school diploma
- Master’s applicants: bachelor’s degree
- Doctoral applicants: master’s degree
- Meet age limits (usually under 25 for bachelor’s, under 35 for master’s, under 40 for PhD).
- Not be recipients of other Chinese government scholarships at the same time.
- Demonstrate academic excellence and language proficiency (Chinese-taught programs require HSK; English-taught programs require IELTS/TOEFL or equivalent).
Application Process
- Apply online through the Shanghai Government Scholarship portal or directly through your chosen university’s international student application system.
- Submit the required documents, typically including:
- Application form for SGS
- Highest diploma and transcripts
- Study plan or research proposal
- Recommendation letters (usually 2)
- Health certificate
- Language test results (HSK/IELTS/TOEFL)
- Wait for university and municipal education authority review.
- Successful applicants will receive the Admission Notice and Visa Application Form (JW201).
Tips for Applicants
- Emphasize academic achievements and research interests in your study plan.
- Contact your potential supervisor early if applying for a postgraduate program.
- Ensure your documents are translated into Chinese or English and notarized.
- Apply to more than one Shanghai university to increase your chances.
Duration of Scholarship
- Bachelor’s: 4–5 years
- Master’s: 2–3 years
- Doctoral: 3–4 years
The scholarship is subject to annual review, and recipients must maintain good academic standing to continue receiving support.
Official Website

Video
Overview
To strengthen mutual understanding and friendship between China and other nations, and to promote international cooperation and exchange in education and research, the Chinese Government offers scholarships to outstanding international students and scholars for study and research in Chinese universities.
The China Scholarship Council (CSC), under the Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China, is responsible for managing applications, enrollment, and the overall administration of these scholarships.
I. Scholarship Categories and Application Channels
- Bilateral Program
- Based on cooperation and exchange agreements between the Chinese Government and other countries or institutions.
- Open to undergraduates, postgraduates, general scholars, and senior scholars.
- Apply through: The dispatching authority in your home country.
- University Program
- For talented international students directly recommended by designated Chinese universities.
- Student categories vary by institution.
- Apply through: The designated Chinese university.
- Designated Scholarship Programs
- Established through partnerships between China and international organizations or institutions.
- Apply through: The relevant international organization or institution.
- Student Exchange Program
- For short-term study or training (up to 12 months) under university-level exchange agreements.
- Apply through: Partner universities participating in the exchange.
II. Supported Levels, Duration, and Fields
- Levels: Undergraduate, Master’s, Doctoral, General Scholar, Senior Scholar.
- Duration:
- One-year preparatory Chinese language course (if required).
- Major study period as defined by the program or degree.
- Fields of Study:
Science, engineering, agriculture, medicine, economics, law, management, education, history, literature, philosophy, and fine arts.
Visit www.campuschina.org for the full list of universities and majors.
III. Scholarship Coverage
- Tuition Fees: Fully covered.
- Accommodation: Free on-campus housing or a monthly subsidy.
- Monthly Stipend:
- Undergraduates: CNY 2,500/month
- Master’s / General Scholars: CNY 3,000/month
- Doctoral / Senior Scholars: CNY 3,500/month
- Medical Insurance:
- CNY 800/year (for programs over six months)
- CNY 400 (for programs under six months)
IV. Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be non-Chinese citizens in good health (physically and mentally).
- Meet the following academic qualifications and age limits:
- Undergraduate: High school diploma, under 25
- Master’s: Bachelor’s degree, under 35
- Doctoral: Master’s degree, under 40
- General Scholar: High school diploma or higher, under 45
- Senior Scholar: Master’s degree or associate professorship, under 50
- Meet the required Chinese language proficiency:
- HSK Level 3 for undergraduate/general/senior scholars
- HSK Level 4 for postgraduate programs
- Satisfy additional university-specific requirements for English-taught or bilingual programs.
V. Application Procedure
- Research universities and programs at www.campuschina.org.
- Obtain admission or pre-admission documents from your target university.
- Apply through your home country’s receiving agency for recommendation.
- Complete the Online Application Form for Chinese Government Scholarship on the CSC Information System.
- The recommending agency submits shortlisted candidates to CSC.
- CSC and universities jointly evaluate eligibility and academic performance.
- Final results are communicated to the recommending agency and then to applicants.
VI. Required Documents
- Completed CSC Online Application Form
- Passport information page (valid ?12 months)
- Notarized diploma/certificate of highest education
- Academic transcripts (Chinese/English translation if needed)
- Language proficiency certificate (HSK/IELTS/TOEFL)
- Admission or invitation letter (if available)
- Study/Research Plan:
- 200+ words (undergraduate)
- 500+ words (general scholar)
- 1,000+ words (postgraduate)
- Two recommendation letters (for postgraduates/senior scholars)
- Portfolio (for arts/design majors)
- Guardian documents (if under 18)
- Foreigner Physical Examination Form (within 6 months)
- Certificate of Non-Criminal Record (within 6 months)
VII. Contact Information
| Region | Phone | |
|---|---|---|
| Asia | +86-10-66093584 | asia-admission@csc.edu.cn |
| Africa | +86-10-66093924 | africa-admission@csc.edu.cn |
| Europe | +86-10-66093921 | europe-admission@csc.edu.cn |
| Americas & Oceania | +86-10-66093578 | americas-admission@csc.edu.cn / oceania-admission@csc.edu.cn |
Fax: +86-10-66093972
Website: www.campuschina.org
Address:
Division of International Students Admission and Cooperation Programs
China Scholarship Council
Level 13, Building A3, No. 9 Chegongzhuang Avenue
Beijing, P.R. China, 100044
Categories
Founded in
1996
Location
Beijing
Phone
Interested in this Program?
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