China–African Union Scholarship – 2027 Intake Expected (2026 Round Closed 29 June 2026)
The China–African Union Scholarship is a joint initiative backed by the Chinese Government and facilitated through the African Union, offering fully funded postgraduate study (Master’s and PhD) at Chinese universities for students from African Union member states — including Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, the DRC, South Sudan, and nearly every other African country.
What it covers: Full tuition fees, free or subsidised on-campus accommodation, a monthly living stipend, comprehensive health insurance, and in many cases a one-off settlement allowance and travel support.
Eligibility: Citizens of African Union member states who meet the academic requirements of their chosen Chinese university and programme (a relevant Bachelor’s degree for Master’s applicants, or a relevant Master’s degree for PhD applicants), are within the programme’s age limits, and meet language requirements (English-taught programmes are widely available, though some require basic Chinese proficiency).
The 2026 intake has closed (deadline was 29 June 2026). Chinese Government Scholarship routes typically reopen annually between February and June, with the exact date set independently by each route — embassy/dispatching-authority deadlines and individual university deadlines can differ. The 2027 intake is expected to open in this window; applicants should start preparing transcripts, recommendation letters, a study/research plan, and a medical exam report well ahead of time.
How to apply: Applications are coordinated through the Chinese Government Scholarship system (campuschina.org) and partner Chinese universities — start there or at your nearest Chinese embassy/consulate education office for current application links and required documents.
Detailed Eligibility Checklist
- Citizen of an African Union member state
- For Master’s: hold a relevant Bachelor’s degree with strong academic results
- For PhD: hold a relevant Master’s degree
- Meet the age limits set by the Chinese Government Scholarship programme (typically under 35 for Master’s, under 40 for PhD, though this varies by route)
- Meet the language requirement of your chosen programme (English-taught options widely available; HSK level required for Chinese-taught programmes)
- In good health, per the required medical examination
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Identify your application route — through your home country’s dispatching authority/embassy (Type A) or directly through a Chinese university (Type B); each has its own deadline.
- Select a university and programme using the Study in China portal or your target university’s international admissions page.
- Prepare transcripts, a study/research plan, recommendation letters, and a medical examination report — the medical report often takes the longest to arrange, so start early.
- Submit both online (via campuschina.org) and to your dispatching authority or university, as required by your route.
- Await nomination and final CSC approval, with results typically confirmed months after the application deadline.
Why This Scholarship Is Competitive
China has become one of the largest hosts of international students from Africa, and the CSC programme’s broad coverage (tuition, accommodation, stipend, insurance) combined with growing university quality makes it highly sought after. Because Type A and Type B routes have different deadlines and requirements, many strong candidates miss out simply from applying through the wrong channel — confirming your correct route early is one of the most important steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between Type A and Type B? Type A applications go through your country’s embassy or a designated dispatching authority; Type B applications go directly to the Chinese university. Quotas and deadlines differ between the two.
Do I need to speak Chinese? Not for English-taught programmes, which are common at Master’s and PhD level; Chinese-taught programmes require an HSK certificate.
Is the scholarship renewable each year of study? Yes, subject to satisfactory academic progress, for the full duration of your programme.