Fully funded scholarships for Chinese PhD students
The University of Manchester-China Scholarship Council Joint Scholarships for Chinese PhD students cover fees and living expenses for three years, thanks to a joint scheme between the University and the China Scholarship Council (CSC).
About the partnership
The China Scholarship Council is an organisation that provides financial support to Chinese citizens wishing to study abroad and for foreign students wishing to study in China.
The University of Manchester is pleased to continue the formal partnership with the China Scholarship Council to develop high calibre research collaborations between the UK and Chinese universities and research institutions.
You can find general details and background information about the scholarship scheme on the University's country-specific page for China.
What the scholarship includes
Tuition fees
The University of Manchester covers your full tuition fees for the period of the relevant programme, as outlined in your offer letter (usually three years).
Living allowances
CSC will provide living allowances as prescribed by the Chinese Government. This includes round-trip international airfare for students from China to the United Kingdom, visa and passport application fees.
Projects
Pursue your research passion.
Browse all live projects from across the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health and find a self-funded project you’re passionate about.
Alternatively, use our research explorer to find a supervisor working in your area of interest and contact them about proposing your own project or working with them on proposing a project.
Eligibility
Eligibility criteria
To apply for this scholarship you must be a citizen and permanent resident of the People's Republic of China when you apply.
Overseas Chinese students may be eligible for application subject to CSC policy at the time (CSC publicises the policy in October or November every year).
You must also:
- return to China upon completion of your studies and/or research;
- hold an Upper Second class UK honours undergraduate degree (or international equivalent) from a reputable institution;
- hold an unconditional offer letter from The University of Manchester;
- ideally hold a master's-level qualification at merit or distinction (or international equivalent);
- have a track record of engaging with research, which may include contributions to publications/articles, promoting your research to a wider audience, prizes for research or project work;
- satisfy CSC's selection criteria.
How to apply
Step-by-step guide to applying
Applications for this programme will open on 1 September 2025.
Find out what you need to do before you apply and how to apply with our step-by-step guide below.
Ensure you meet the entry requirements for this programme and check you have the skills and characteristics we’re looking for in our postgraduate researchers on our ‘Eligibility and entry requirements’ page.
Browse all of our self-funded projects, and discover one you're passionate about which matches your interests, ambitions and goals.
Alternatively, if you’d like to propose your own project or work with a specific researcher, use our research explorer to find a supervisor working in your area of interest.
Found a project you're interested in? Contacting your potential supervisor and speaking to them about their project is your next step and is one of the most important things you need to do before you apply.
When you speak to the supervisor, you’ll need to mention you’re interested in the 'UoM-China Scholarship Council Joint Scholarship' so they can nominate you.
Before you complete your application you'll need to prepare the following supporting documents:
- Supporting statement;
- Reference details;
- Degree certificates and final/interim transcripts (If you are currently enrolled in a Master's programme and do not yet have an interim transcript, please provide alternative proof of enrolment, such as an offer letter.);
- Official English language certificates (if applicable);
- Curriculum Vitae (CV).
A research statement is not required for this programme.
All supporting documents must be uploaded as part of the formal online application. Applications submitted without the required documentation will be considered incomplete and will not be processed.
Found a self-funded project and contacted the listed supervisor?
When applications re-open for 2026/27 entry you'll be able to apply via our application portal using the following details:
- Level of study: 'Postgraduate Research'
- Entry year: ‘2026/27’
- Intake: 'September'
For the funding section you should select:
- Funding: 'Yes' from the drop-down
- Type of funding: 'Uni of Manchester scheme'
- Awarding body: UoM-CSC Award
- Status of funding: Awarded
- Funding covers: Fully Funded
- Leave the remaining boxes blank
To be eligible for the scholarship you must already hold an unconditional offer for the PhD project you applied for.
Once you have an unconditional offer, you will work with your primary supervisor to complete a nomination form, which needs to be submitted to the Faculty's Doctoral Academy.
All nominations will be reviewed internally and a shortlist of candidates will be selected to apply to the CSC directly.
We award six scholarships – two per School within the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health.
Key dates
Dates for 2026 entry
- Applications open: Monday 1 September 2025
- Applications close: Monday 12 January 2026 at 23:59
- Nomination deadline: Friday 13 February 2026
- Selected candidates apply to CSC: Monday 9 March 2026
- Studentship begins: October 2026
Applications must be submitted by the deadline. Late and incomplete applications will not be considered.
Keep up-to-date
Sign up for updates
Be the first to hear about funded programmes and funding opportunities when they launch.
You’ll receive our monthly newsletter for prospective applicants which includes updates on featured projects, our latest events and application tips.
Contacts
Have any questions? Get in touch.
For enquires to the China Scholarship Council, please contact Miss Zou Dongyun, Project Officer by email dyzou@csc.edu.cn or telephone +86-(0)10 6609 3977.
If you have any questions regarding studying at Manchester, please contact the Doctoral Academy Admissions team.
Good luck and we hope to see you soon.
祝你好运，我们希望尽快见到
