Fully funded

King's-China Scholarship Council PhD Scholarship (K-CSC)

King's College London, United Kingdom

Scholarship overview

King's College London and the China Scholarship Council (CSC) jointly fund Chinese students to take research degrees (PhDs) at King's. Awards are offered in the 2027-28 competition for any subject.

King's waives full international tuition fees, and the CSC pays a monthly living allowance, health cover, return airfare and visa fees for up to four years. Scholars must also follow the CSC's own terms and sign a legally binding agreement with the CSC before taking up the award.

Applicants apply to King's for a PhD with the funding code 2728-KCSC. King's nominates selected candidates, who then apply separately to the CSC, which makes the final decision. An online information session was held on 14 October 2026.

Award Information

  • Be a citizen and permanent resident of the People's Republic of China, holding a valid Chinese passport.
  • Be due to start a full-time MPhil/PhD research degree at King's in 2027-28 (from October 2027 and no later than June 2028), intending to complete a PhD.
  • Meet the CSC's own criteria, for example on age, education and employment.
  • Agree to return to China after completing your studies or research.
  • Apply to King's by 1 January 2027 and complete all admissions documents, references and English language requirements by 15 January 2027.
  • Complete the separate CSC application by the CSC's deadlines.
  • Domestic applicants (in China) must be final-year undergraduates or master's students at a Chinese institution, or in-service staff in China, and hold an MPhil/PhD offer from King's for 2027-28.
  • Overseas applicants must be completing a master's abroad in 2027, or have completed one at an overseas university within one year, and hold a King's MPhil/PhD offer for 2027-28. Final-year undergraduates studying outside China cannot apply to the CSC.
  • Not eligible: students who have already started a doctorate at King's; part-time study; visiting/non-award PhDs; distance learning; professional doctorates (such as MD(Res) and DClinPsy); joint PhD programmes; anyone who does not apply to both King's and the CSC.
  • Full international tuition fees waived by King's College London.
  • CSC annual living allowance, currently £1,200 to £1,350 per month.
  • Overseas student health cover (CSC).
  • Return airfare to London (CSC).
  • Visa application fees (CSC).
  • No bench fees: these are waived or covered by the supervisor, department or faculty.
  • Duration: up to four years.
  • Information webinar: 14 October 2026, 9:00-10:00 (UK time).
  • Applications open: 20 October 2026.
  • King's admissions application with code 2728-KCSC: 1 January 2027, 23:59 UK time.
  • Supporting documents, English language evidence and references: 15 January 2027, 23:59 UK time.
  • Faculty shortlists to King's Doctoral College: 3 March 2027.
  • King's nominations submitted to the CSC and nomination letters issued: on or just after 9 March 2027.
  • CSC application period: normally 10-31 March 2027 (institutions in China may set different deadlines).
  • CSC confirms successful recipients: expected June 2027.
  • Start: between October 2027 and June 2028.
  1. Find a suitable doctoral programme with the postgraduate course finder and contact a potential King's supervisor; your programme normally sits in the supervisor's department.
  2. By 23:59 UK time on 1 January 2027, apply through King's Apply for a full-time MPhil/PhD starting in 2027-28 and name your proposed supervisor.
  3. In the Funding section, tick Item 5 (Award Scheme Code or Name) and enter exactly 2728-KCSC. Applicants who have deferred to 2027-28 must add this code to their existing application by the same deadline.
  4. By 23:59 UK time on 15 January 2027, upload all supporting documents, meet the English language requirement and make sure your referees have submitted references.
  5. If King's nominates you, use the Confirmation of Nomination letter and your offer letter to apply to the CSC through its 'Collaborative channel' (not the 'personal channel'), following local procedures in China or via a Chinese Embassy if abroad.
  6. If the CSC selects you, sign the CSC agreement before taking up the scholarship.

Official links

Documents you will need

  • Official degree transcripts and certificates, with professional or university-made translations; holders of Chinese degrees must also provide a graduation certificate.
  • Proof of English language proficiency (a test taken within two years of the programme start date; TOEFL Home Edition and IELTS Online are accepted, Pearson PTE Academic Online is not).
  • One or two references, depending on the programme.
  • Where the programme requires it: personal statement, writing sample and/or research proposal.
  • King's Confirmation of Nomination letter and admissions offer letter for the CSC application.
  • Qualifications and English tests are subject to King's Qualification Check if an offer is made.

How selection works

  • The Admissions Office and King's Doctoral College check eligibility of all applications using code 2728-KCSC and send eligible ones to faculties.
  • Faculties assess the strength of academic qualifications (minimum an undergraduate 2:1 and/or a higher degree, plus relevant professional qualifications or experience), the strength of the research project and the fit with the proposed supervisor.
  • Faculties submit ranked shortlists by 3 March 2027; King's Doctoral College decides the final nominee list.
  • Only candidates who hold an admissions offer and meet the English requirement can be nominated. An offer or shortlisting does not guarantee nomination.
  • The CSC runs its own selection and makes the final decision; an award needs support from both King's and the CSC.

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