The 2026 Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) “Top-level Graduate” Program at Lanzhou University offers an exceptional opportunity for talented students worldwide to pursue fully funded Master’s or PhD degrees in China. This prestigious scholarship is awarded through the Ministry of Education and hosted by Lanzhou University, one of China’s oldest and most respected institutions. The program provides complete tuition coverage, free on-campus accommodation, a generous monthly stipend, and full medical insurance—making it a life-changing pathway for international students aiming for advanced education and global research exposure.

Lanzhou University’s long-standing academic reputation, strong research ecosystem, and inclusion in China’s Double First-Class Initiative make it a prime destination for students who want to study in a globally ranked university. With multiple majors across 12 disciplines, including chemistry and ecology ranked in the top 1‰ of ESI, this scholarship empowers students to learn from leading scholars while participating in impactful scientific research. Whether you aspire to build a research career, pursue high-level academic training, or gain international exposure, the 2026 CSC scholarship at Lanzhou University provides a strong foundation for your future.

About Lanzhou University

Founded in 1909, Lanzhou University (LZU) is a national key university under China’s Ministry of Education. It is part of China’s 985 Project, 211 Project, and is a Double First-Class University, signifying its status among the country’s elite higher education institutions.

The university excels in scientific research and comprehensive academic programs. Currently, 17 academic disciplines fall within the top 1% of ESI global rankings, with Chemistry and Ecology ranked in the top 1‰ worldwide. LZU offers full-degree programs for international students, supported by modern research laboratories, advanced facilities, and a strong focus on interdisciplinary learning.

Its location in Gansu Province offers international students a unique cultural, historical, and research environment—particularly beneficial for earth sciences, environmental studies, agriculture, and engineering fields.

Overview of Lanzhou University CSC Scholarship 2026

Category	Details
Scholarship Name	Chinese Government Scholarship “Top-level Graduate” Program 2026
Host Institution	Lanzhou University
Program Type	Fully Funded
Degree Levels	Master’s and Doctoral Programs
Duration	Master’s: 2–3 years; PhD: 4 years
Deadline	February 28, 2026
Language Options	English-taught & Chinese-taught
Host Country	China
Funding Provider	China Scholarship Council (CSC)

Scholarship Benefits

Successful applicants receive a comprehensive funding package that covers both academic and living expenses.

• Full tuition fee waiver
• Free on-campus accommodation (double room)
• Monthly stipend (as per CSC standard)
• Comprehensive medical insurance
• Eligibility to apply for all majors offered to international students
• Access to campus facilities and laboratories
• Opportunity to study Chinese language for up to one year (if required)

Note: Students must purchase third-party liability insurance (RMB 100/semester or RMB 200/year).

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following conditions:

• Non-Chinese nationality and in good physical and mental health
• For Master’s programs: Bachelor’s degree and under age 35
• For Doctoral programs: Master’s degree and under age 40
• Excellent academic performance and strong research potential
• Must not hold another Chinese government-funded scholarship
• For Chinese-taught programs: HSK Level 4 (180+)
• For English-taught programs: IELTS 5.5+, TOEFL 80+, or proof of English proficiency
• Applicants who previously studied in Chinese medium at a Chinese university may be exempt from HSK
• Native English speakers do not require an English test score

Required Documents

• Chinese Government Scholarship Application Form
• Passport home page
• Notarized diploma and degree certificate
• Academic transcripts
• Valid language proficiency certificate (HSK/IELTS/TOEFL)
• Pre-admission letter or supervisor acceptance letter
• Study plan or research proposal (minimum 1,000 words)
• Recommendation letters from two professors/associate professors
• Research achievements (if available)
• Foreigner Physical Examination Form
• Non-criminal record certificate

Application Process (Step-by-Step)

• Step 1: CSC Online Application: Visit the official website.
  • Program Category: B
  • Agency Number: 10730
  • Fill in the application, upload documents, and submit.
• Step 2: Lanzhou University Online Application: Visit the online portal.
  • Complete the application and upload scanned copies of all documents.
• Step 3: Pre-admission and Document Review: After document approval, Lanzhou University may contact applicants for additional materials or interviews.
  • The university will issue pre-admission documents.
• Step 4: Upload Updated Documents to CSC System: Re-upload the pre-admission documents to the CSC portal.
• Step 5: Final Review and Selection: CSC will conduct expert evaluation and finalize scholarship recipients.
  • Final results expected by July 15, 2026.
• Step 6: Registration in China: Enrollment typically begins in early September 2026.

Comparison of Lanzhou University vs Similar CSC Programs

Feature	Lanzhou University (LZU)	Wuhan University	Shandong University
Scholarship Type	CSC Top-Level Graduate	CSC Type B	CSC Type B
Accommodation	Free double room	Free dormitory	Free dormitory
Language Course	Up to 1 year	Up to 1 year	Up to 1 year
ESI Ranking Strength	17 disciplines in top 1%	15 disciplines in top 1%	12 disciplines in top 1%
Pre-admission Required	Yes	Not always	Not always
Research Intensity	Very High	High	High
Deadline	Feb 28, 2026	Usually March	Usually March

FAQs About Lanzhou University CSC Scholarship 2026

1. What is the 2026 CSC Top-level Graduate Program at Lanzhou University? It is a fully funded Master’s and PhD scholarship sponsored by the CSC and hosted by Lanzhou University.
2. Is the scholarship fully funded? Yes, it covers tuition, accommodation, stipend, and medical insurance.
3. What is the application deadline? February 28, 2026.
4. Do I need a pre-admission letter? Yes, Lanzhou University requires a pre-admission or supervisor acceptance letter.
5. Is HSK required for English-taught programs? No, HSK is only required for Chinese-taught programs.
6. Can native English speakers apply without IELTS/TOEFL? Yes, native English speakers do not need language certificates.
7. What are the age limits? Master’s: under 35; PhD: under 40.
8. Are all majors available for international students? Yes, all majors open to international applicants are eligible.
9. How long is the degree duration? Master’s: 2–3 years; PhD: 4 years.
10. When will I get the results for the Lanzhou University scholarship? By July 15, 2026.

If you aim to pursue postgraduate studies in one of China’s leading research universities, this fully funded opportunity at Lanzhou University should be your top priority. Begin your application early, secure your pre-admission letter, and ensure all documents are complete before the deadline. A well-prepared application increases your chances significantly. APPLY NOW.

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