Scholarship Guides MOFCOM Scholarship (China): How to Apply
China (developing countries) · Application Guide
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 3 September 2026
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).
Assemble the MOFCOM application form, degree certificates and transcripts, a study plan or research proposal, passport copy, physical examination report, and English proficiency evidence.
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.
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).
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.
Admitted scholars complete visa formalities (X1 visa) and enroll in September, starting the English-taught program.
Dates move every year — always confirm on the official portal before planning around them.