Skip to main content
Postgraduate Scholarships
A group of students chatting

Summary

Chinese Scholarships Council

These important scholarships are available thanks to a partnership with the China Scholarships Council. The scholarships are open to applicants from Mainland China wishing to study for a PhD at Durham. Details of the eligibility criteria along with information specific to applicants applying for this joint scheme are included below for information.

Scholarship provides 

Full payment of tuition fees

Annual allowance

Overseas student health cover

Return airfare

Visa application fees
Year of Entry Applicants for programmes commencing in 2025
Number of awards available 25 awards are available in all disciplines
Level of study PhD
Mode of study Full-time
Programmes All PhD programmes
Duration Funding is available for a maximum of 48 months

Eligibility

Applicant must:

  • Be citizens and permanent residents of the People's Republic of China at the time of application. Chinese students studying overseas may also be eligible for application subject to CSC policies
  • Hold either an unconditional offer for a full-time PhD programme at Durham, or a conditional 
    offer with the only condition being “receiving final degrees” (not language). 
  • Satisfy entry required as outlined by the CSC at the time of application
  • Successful candidates are required to return home upon completion of their studies

Please note:

  • Students who have already commenced their doctoral degree at Durham are not eligible
  • These scholarships cannot be held on a part-time basis

Not sure if you're eligible? Contact us for advice.

How to apply

  1. Apply for a course

    Submit an academic application to Durham University. In response to the question how you plan to fund your studies, you must indicate that you wish to be considered for a China Scholarship Council - Durham Joint Award. (Please select 'other' from the drop-down menu and insert China Scholarship Council - Durham Joint Award in the text box).

     

    Please ensure that you submit your academic application and provide all relevant documents including transcripts, study certificates, academic references and English Language certificates to Durham University as soon as possible and no later than 23:59 on 15th January 2024.

     

    More information on our research degrees.

     

    Durham will then evaluate all candidates and will make recommendations to the China Scholarship Council. Candidates must have a strong academic background and satisfy the relevant academic entry requirement set by Durham University.

    Durham University Applicant Portal

  2. Complete a scholarship application

    Candidates selected for nomination in stage one are informed in March and directed to make a second, separate scholarship application to the China Scholarship Council. The application guidance will be published on the CSC official website. Please note that there will be a deadline for submission to apply for funding. Candidates must inform Durham of the progress of their CSC application and interview date. Durham will inform all recommended candidates of the final outcome of their applications. 

     

    Application deadline

    To be confirmed - please visit official website for information

    CSC Official Website

  3. Ask Us

    All application queries should be raised with the academic department in the first instance.

     

    Please direct any further queries to the University's International Office: international.scholarships@durham.ac.uk 

    Academic Departments

Guidance

More about this scholarship

  • Stipend as specified by the Chinese Government
  • Return international airfare between China and the UK
  • Funding to cover passport and visa fees
  • Tuition fees will be covered by the University

Durham University makes every effort to ensure that the information published or contained on its website is accurate. However, the University cannot guarantee the information may not subsequently be altered owing to circumstances beyond the University's reasonable control. Such circumstances include (but are not limited to) changes in Government policy or change of law. Whilst any changes will be incorporated into the University's website any person wishing to clarify the details of a particular scholarship/s should contact the University at scholarships.advice@durham.ac.uk .

 

Get in touch

If you have any questions about whether you are eligible for a scholarship or the application process, get in touch with our Scholarships and Student Funding Office:

Scholarships and Student Funding Office

Durham University

Palatine Centre

Stockton Road

DH1 3LE, UK