Youth of Excellence Scheme

I. Program Overview

The China Scholarship Council (CSC) implements the Youth of Excellence Scheme of China Program under the Chinese Government Scholarship to cultivate global governance professionals with broad international perspectives, strong overall capabilities, outstanding leadership potential and cross-cultural experience.

II. Program Format

In principle, the participating programs are one-year master's degree programs with a duration of 12 months. Certain programs follow a 1+1 model:

1. During the first academic year, students complete full-time foundation coursework, field visits and research at the Chinese host institution and prepare their master's thesis.
2. During the second academic year, students return to their home countries and complete the thesis in connection with their professional responsibilities.
3. Students return to China to defend the thesis in accordance with the host institution's requirements. Those who pass the defence are awarded the degree.

III. Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

1. Be citizens of a country other than the People's Republic of China, be no more than 45 years old, and be in good physical and mental health.
2. Hold at least a bachelor's degree and have no fewer than three years of professional experience. Priority is given to applicants with an academic or professional background relevant to the proposed program.
3. Belong to one of the following four groups:
   • Government officials at division level or above, or at an equivalent level, in the applicant's home country.
   • Senior managers of institutions, enterprises or other organizations.
   • Administrative personnel at universities or research institutions.
   • Professionals with employment or internship experience in an international organization.
4. Obtain a pre-admission letter from the international student admissions office of the proposed institution. The letter must include the applicant's personal information, intended enrolment date, proposed program and other information required for university registration. It must not state that the applicant has received, or has been promised, a Chinese Government Scholarship.

IV. Application Procedure

Online Application

Applicants must complete an online application through the Chinese Government Scholarship Information System and submit the required application materials to CSC.

Before applying online, an applicant must have obtained a pre-admission letter for one of the participating programs listed below. In the application system, select:

Application Processing

CSC accepts individual applications directly. It reviews the submitted materials and organizes expert evaluation.

V. Review and Admission

1. CSC conducts a preliminary review of the application materials.
2. CSC organizes expert evaluation. Final admission decisions are determined after the expert review.

VI. Application Schedule

Applicants must verify the schedule for the relevant application year through the current official notice before acting.

VII. Participating Institutions and Programs