The Youth of Excellence Scheme of China Program is the China Scholarship Council’s (CSC) answer to the idea that tomorrow’s global‑governance leaders need more than a textbook education. It’s a master‑level, fully‑funded program, geared toward people who already have a few years of real‑world experience and a taste for bureaucratic‑level problem‑solving.

You’ll study in English, chase a master’s in anything from international law to AI‑driven big data, and pay nothing for tuition, housing or health insurance. The program caps enrolment at 200 scholars per year, and it’s open only to non‑Chinese citizens under 45 who can prove they’re in good health.

Applicants must already hold a Bachelor’s (or higher) and have at least three years of work experience. The council gives preference to those whose resumes read like a mini‑CV of senior‑government, senior‑management, university‑administration or international‑organisation experience. A pre‑admission letter from the host university is mandatory; it should spell out your personal details, start date and programme.

In practice the scheme runs for 12 months. Some tracks follow a “1 + 1” model: a full year of coursework in China, then a second year back home to finish the dissertation. A degree is awarded once you’ve defended successfully.

Program Details

• Host Institutions: Chinese universities that have signed up for the scheme (see the full list below).
• Fields of Study: Every discipline except Chinese language study.
• Duration: 12 months (or 1 + 1 years if you opt for the split‑track).
• Teaching language: English.
• Target group: Citizens of any country except the People’s Republic of China.

Youth of Excellence Scholarship Benefits

Those who make the cut will enjoy full funding for the whole duration of the program, which includes:

1. Tuition: completely waived.
2. Accommodation: free on‑campus housing.
3. Living stipend: a monthly allowance (the exact figure varies by sub‑programme).
4. Medical insurance: comprehensive coverage for the duration of your stay.

Universities & Sub‑Programs for Youth of Excellence Scholarship

Below is the full list of eligible universities & sub‑programs for the Youth of Excellence Scheme of China Program:

1. Peking University – Yenching Academy “China Studies” master’s programme
2. Peking University – Master’s in International Relations
3. Peking University – Master’s in “Laws of China”
4. Beihang University – Executive Master of Global Outstanding Management Talents
5. Beihang University – Master of AI and Big Data
6. Beihang University – Master of Space Information Engineering
7. Beijing Institute of Technology – Master’s in Mechanical Engineering
8. Beijing Institute of Technology – Master’s in Computer Science and Technology
9. Beijing Institute of Technology – Master’s in International Organizations & Global Governance
10. Beijing Normal University – International Degree Programme in Chinese Philosophy
11. Beijing Normal University – Education Leadership & Policy Projects
12. Dalian University of Technology – Mechanical Engineering Global High‑Talent MSc (English‑taught)
13. Dalian University of Technology – Excellent Talent Software Engineering MSc (English‑taught)
14. Dalian University of Technology – Excellence Programme – Materials Science & Engineering MSc
15. University of Electronic Science & Technology of China – Master of Digital Public Governance for Developing Countries
16. University of Electronic Science & Technology of China – Master of Computer Capability Upgrading for Developing Countries
17. University of Electronic Science & Technology of China – Advanced Studies in Scientific Instrumentation for Developing Countries
18. Southeast University – English‑language MSc in Global Public Health
19. University of International Business & Economics – MSc in International Economic Cooperation
20. University of International Business & Economics – MSc in International Finance
21. University of International Business & Economics – International MSc in Public Administration
22. Fudan University – Programme in Chinese Business Law
23. Fudan University – MSc in Global Public Policy
24. Harbin Institute of Technology – Belt & Road Industry & Economic Development Leading Talent MBA
25. Harbin Institute of Technology – Smart Transportation Leadership Talent MSc (Transportation Engineering)
26. East China Normal University – Master’s in Education for Developing Countries
27. East China Normal University – Master’s in International Business (China Studies focus)
28. East China Normal University – Excellent Creative Design Practice Talents Programme
29. East China University of Political Science & Law – LL.M. in International Economic Law
30. East China University of Political Science & Law – Master’s in Public Management & Social Governance
31. South China University of Technology – MBA for Developing Countries
32. Huazhong University of Science & Technology – International Master of Public Administration
33. Huazhong University of Science & Technology – Master of International Economics & Business
34. Jilin University – Northeast Asia Legal Talents Programme
35. Lanzhou University – MSc in Agricultural Ecology
36. Lanzhou University – MSc in Public Health
37. Lanzhou University – MSc in International Relations
38. Nanjing University – The Changing Chinese Society (MSc Sociology, English‑taught)
39. Nanjing University – Information Management & Big Data Analysis (MSc, English‑taught)
40. Nanjing University – MSc in International Relations
41. Nankai University – International Affairs & Public Policy Global Elite Training Programme
42. Tsinghua University – International Master of Public Health (IMPH)
43. Tsinghua University – Master of Law (Chinese Law), etc.

Please click on the official page button below to see the full list of universities and programs.

Youth of Excellence Scholarship Eligibility

To apply for the Youth of Excellence Scheme of China Program, applicants must meet the following conditions:

• You must be a non‑Chinese citizen, under 45 years old, and in good physical and mental health.
• Hold a bachelor’s degree or higher.
• Have at least three years of relevant work experience.
• Fall into one of the four categories listed in the original guidelines (government official, senior manager, university/research administrator, or international‑organisation professional).
• Secure a pre‑admission letter from a participating Chinese university; the letter must contain personal data, admission date and programme details.

How to Apply for the Youth of Excellence Scholarship

Interested applicants must follow steps below to submit their applications for this government scholarship:

• Step 1 – Get the pre‑admission letter: contact one of the host universities below and obtain the official letter before you start the CSC application.
• Step 2 – Online application:
  • Log in to the CSC portal at https://studyinchina.csc.edu.cn/#/login.
  • Select “Type A” as the scholarship type, enter agency code 1563, and look for “Youth of Excellence Scheme of China”.
  • Upload every required document (personal statement, CV, recommendation letters, proof of degree, health certificate, etc.).
• Step 3 – Review: the CSC will first screen applications, then a panel of experts will conduct a second review.
• Step 4 – Notification: successful candidates receive an admission notice, after which they apply for a study visa (deadline varies by university).

All materials must be submitted by 23:59 GMT+8 on 31 March 2026. After that the CSC reviews in May, announces results in June, and successful scholars apply for visas in July‑August. Classes start in September. All dates are subject to change. Check the host university’s own page for the exact deadline, visa instructions and any extra paperwork.

The application deadline is March 31, 2026 . For further details on the Youth of Excellence Scheme of China Program, please visit the official website.