Under the Chinese Government Scholarship Program (CGSP) for 2024–2025, Pakistani and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) nationals are invited to apply for BS, MS, and Ph.D. programs at the Higher Education Commission (HEC).

The China Scholarship Council (CSC) and the Chinese Education Ministry jointly oversee the CGSP, which seeks to give gifted Pakistani students the opportunity to study and carry out research at prestigious Chinese universities.

These are the key points about CGSP 2024–25 that you should be aware of:

Programs Available

The CGSP 2024–25 is offering scholarships for below programs:

1. Undergraduate
2. Post-Graduate
3. Doctoral Research

Throughout the duration of the study or research, the required 1-2 years of preparatory Chinese language instruction will also be provided.

Subjects of Study

Eligibility Criteria

Bachelors Scholarship Criteria

• Candidates must be citizens of AJK and Pakistan, as well as long-term residents of both countries. Dual citizens are not accepted.
• By the deadline, applicants for BS scholarships must have completed 12 years of study or have an appropriate qualification (intermediate, A-level, FA, or FSc). The applicants have to be under 25 years old on the closing date.

Masters Scholarship Criteria

• Candidates must be under 35 by the closing date or before for Master Scholarship.
• By the deadline, candidates for MS scholarships must have a first-class, relevant degree (BS or 16 years of education).

Ph.D Scholarship Criteria

• The students must have to be under 40 years old on the closing date or earlier.
• All applicants must meet the CSC application requirements as well as the admission requirements of the various Chinese universities.
• By the deadline, candidates for Ph.D. scholarships must have a first-class, relevant degree (MS, MPhil).
• Candidates who are awaiting results or who are in the process of receiving another scholarship are not eligible to apply.
• Each candidate must provide the results of the HAT or USAT test. The applicant's HAT or USAT score must have been at least 50 out of 100.
• Applicants may post their test results on the HEC site for consideration if they took the HAT or USAT exam on or after January 1, 2023.
• Applications won't be considered for further consideration if they don't include the required minimum HAT or USAT test score (50 out of 100). ‏

How to apply
Online applications must be submitted through the HEC and CSC portals. Applications submitted by any other method won't be accepted. Applications won't be taken into consideration if candidates don't apply through both portals.

Additionally, it is recommended that applicants submit all supporting documentation in the format specified. Their applications requests will be denied if they don't follow the prescribed format.

HEC Web Portal

Through the HEC Online Portal, candidates can apply for the CGSP 2024–25 after registering and filling out their profiles.

CSC Portal

By choosing program Type: A and Agency No. 5861 on the CSC Online Portal, candidates can apply for the CGSP 2024–25. Candidates may also use this portal to submit their applications.

Documents Required

Only those who have made the shortlist must submit the following documents:

• A signed copy of the application forms that were downloaded from the CSC and HEC online portals, together with the original deposit slip and receipt for payment.
• Copies of all degrees from accredited institutions, CNIC/B-form, domicile certificates, and equivalency certificates from HEC or IBCC.
• A research proposal or study plan that is 200 words long for a BS, 500 words long for an MS, and 800 words long for a Ph.D. Copies of accomplishments and research papers are restricted to Ph.D. candidates.
• Two original letters of recommendation or reference from associate professors or professors from prior universities (only candidates for the MS and Ph.D.)
• Certifications of language competency or, if relevant, an IELTS, TOEFL, or HSK score.
• A passport copy that is good until March 1, 2025
• A copy of the government-certified doctor's medical examination
• A copy of your most recent six-month police clearance certificate.
• A NOC is required from your institution.

Benefits

Under the CGSP 2024–25, a stipend of CNY 2,500 will be awarded to undergraduate students, CNY 3,000 to master's students, and CNY 3,500 to doctoral students.

The payment of tuition, administrative fees, health insurance, and other costs associated with supporting academic activities will fall under the purview of Chinese universities.

However, all CGSP 2024–25 awardees are required to cover their own travel expenses.

Deadline

The deadline for submitting an application for the CGSP 2024–25 is Thursday, December 28, 2023 (23:59 PM Pakistan Standard Time), for both the HEC and CSC portals.