China Scholarship Council Doctoral Scholarships

applying to csc for scholarship funding

• CSC online application system (in simplified Chinese): http://apply.csc.edu.cn (application period is from March 10-31, 2026, Beijing time)
• Application process: https://www.csc.edu.cn/chuguo

Applying to UBC as a Full Doctoral Student

• Determine which PhD program you would like to apply to and visit the program’s website to learn more.
• Collect the required transcripts and reference letters
• Take the TOEFL or IELTS test, and ensure your test results are sent to the University of British Columbia (institution code: 0965)
• Investigate faculty members in the graduate program you intend to apply to. Many graduate programs recommend that before applying, you make contact via email with a faculty member in the department under whose mentorship you would like to study. This person may be able to support your application in the selection process
• Apply online and arrange to have your transcripts and letters sent to the graduate program you are applying to. You must indicate on the application that you will apply for the CSC scholarship
• Once you have received an offer of admission from UBC, apply to the CSC doctoral scholarship program via your current university. For more information, see: https://www.csc.edu.cn/chuguo
• Ensure your UBC academic unit/graduate program completes the UBC nomination process. See Nomination Procedures listed below.

Applying to UBC as a Visiting Doctoral Student

• Research the UBC website and identify one or two UBC professors that you believe would be a good match for your research interests. A searchable database of faculty members and their research areas can be found at: https://www.grad.ubc.ca/prospective-students/research-supervisors
• Write a short summary of your research project or interests, and your reasons for wanting to come to UBC as a visiting doctoral student
• Contact the professors via email and send your research summary. Ask whether they will accept you as a visiting student. Be sure to mention that you will be applying for a CSC scholarship to cover your expenses. The professor may ask you to send transcripts or letters of reference, or to provide TOEFL test results
• If a supervisor agrees to accept you, you will need to apply to come to UBC as a Visiting International Research Student (VIRS). Details of the application process, etc. can be found on the VIRS website
• A letter of invitation from a UBC supervisor or a letter of admission will be sent to you
• Once you receive this letter, apply for the CSC visiting doctoral student scholarship. For more information, see: https://www.csc.edu.cn/chuguo
• As there is a fee associated with the VIRS process applicants may prefer to use the supervisor’s letter of invitation as part of their application. Please be aware, however, that all successful applicants for funding must ensure they complete the VIRS process in a timely manner once the results of the competition are known. Delays in doing so may impact a student’s ability to apply for, and receive, a study permit/student visa in time for September
• Remember to ensure your UBC host supervisor, or a member of your host UBC academic unit/graduate program, completes the required UBC nomination process. See Nomination Procedures listed below.