China · Various Chinese universities
Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC)
IELTS Requirement & Application Guide
- IELTS
- 6
- Components
- L 5.5 / R 5.5 / W 5.5 / S 5.5
- Level
- UG, PG, PhD
- Deadline
- November–April
Last verified: 2026-03
About Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC)
The Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) is China's flagship international scholarship programme, managed by the China Scholarship Council. It funds undergraduate, master's, and doctoral study at universities throughout China, covering tuition, accommodation, a monthly stipend, and comprehensive medical insurance.
IELTS Required
| Overall | L | R | W | S |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 |
Accepts: Academic ✓ / General ✗
Also accepted: TOEFL iBT 70, HSK 4
Tips for Meeting the Requirement
- 1CSC requires IELTS Academic 6.0 overall with 5.5 in each component. Focus on meeting the component minimums first — many applicants lose out on Writing, so dedicate extra practice to Task 2 essay structure.
- 2Apply through your country's Chinese embassy or directly to Chinese universities. Each route may have slightly different IELTS requirements, so verify with both the embassy and your target university.
- 3If you also have HSK (Chinese language) certification, highlight it in your application. HSK 4 or above can strengthen your candidacy even for English-taught programmes, as it demonstrates cultural commitment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What IELTS score do I need for the CSC Scholarship?
The Chinese Government Scholarship requires IELTS Academic 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each component (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking). Some top-tier universities may set higher requirements for specific programmes.
Does CSC accept TOEFL instead of IELTS?
Yes, CSC accepts TOEFL iBT with a minimum score of 70. HSK 4 (Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi) is also accepted as an alternative, particularly for programmes taught in Chinese.
Can I apply for CSC without IELTS?
For English-taught programmes, you need either IELTS or TOEFL. For Chinese-taught programmes, HSK certification can replace English proficiency requirements. Some bilateral scholarship agreements may have different language requirements.
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