China Scholarship Council – Durham PhD 2026

The China Scholarship Council (CSC) 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.

Summary:

1. Application Deadline: 16 January 2026
2. Value: Fully Funded (tuition, allowance, health cover, airfare, visa)
3. Study Level: PhD
4. Sponsor: Durham University
5. Host Country: UK
6. Eligible Countries: China

Eligibility Criteria for China Scholarship Council – Durham PhD 2026

1. 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
2. Hold either an unconditional offer or a conditional offer with the only condition being “receiving final degrees” (not language) for a full-time PhD programme at Durham.
3. Satisfy entry requirements as outlined by the CSC at the time of application.

Not sure if you are eligible? Contact Durham University for advice.

Please note:

1. Students who have already commenced their doctoral degree at Durham are not eligible
2. The scholarship cannot be held on a part-time basis
3. Successful candidates are required to return home upon completion of their studies

Benefits of China Scholarship Council – Durham PhD 2026

1. 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
2. Hold either an unconditional offer or a conditional offer with the only condition being “receiving final degrees” (not language) for a full-time PhD programme at Durham.
3. Satisfy entry requirements as outlined by the CSC at the time of application.

How to Apply

Apply for a course by 16th January 2026

1. Please ensure you have submitted an academic application and provide all relevant documents, including transcripts, study certificates, academic references and English Language certificates to Durham University via the postgraduate online application portal by 16th January 2026.
2. Please note: When completing your online academic application form for your programme of study, In the section of Funding, please answer 'Yes' to the question 'Have your either applied or are going to apply for a scholarship?' Then select 'other' from the drop-down menu and insert China Scholarship Council - Durham Joint Award in the text box.
3. Additionally, inform your provisional supervisor and your department about your intention to apply for the CSC scholarship, as they will advise on the selection process and materials needed for the scholarship application. Durham will 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 requirements set by Durham University.
4. Durham University Applicant Portal

Submit a scholarship application to CSC

1. Candidates selected for university nomination in stage one will be notified via email in March 2026 and directed to make a separate scholarship application to the China Scholarship Council. Please assume your application is unsuccessful if you have not received the nomination email from us by this date.
2. The scholarship application guidance will be published on the CSC official website. Please visit the CSC website for information on the deadline for scholarship application. Once you submit your scholarship application, please inform Durham University via email.
3. The outcome of the scholarship will be announced in mid-June directly by CSC.
4. CSC Official Website

Ask Us

1. All application queries should be raised with the academic department in the first instance.
2. Please direct any further queries to the University's International Office: international.scholarships@durham.ac.uk
3. Academic Departments

For more details, visit Durham University Scholarship webpage

Application Deadline

January 16, 2026

Application Link(s)

• Apply for China Scholarship Council – Durham PhD 2026