China-AUN Scholarship 2026: Full Guide for ASEAN Students

China-AUN Scholarship 2026: Complete Guide for ASEAN Students

If you're a student from an ASEAN country dreaming of pursuing graduate studies in China, the China-AUN Scholarship could be your golden ticket. Established in 2008 under the ASEAN-China Academic Cooperation and Exchange Programme, this prestigious scholarship has been opening doors for talented ASEAN students to study at China's top universities for nearly two decades.

The China-AUN Scholarship is a fully funded program that covers your tuition, accommodation, monthly living stipend, and medical insurance. With 30 scholarships awarded annually, it's one of the most accessible pathways for ASEAN students to experience world-class education in China.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know — from eligibility and benefits to the step-by-step application process, deadlines, and insider tips. Let's get you ready to apply.

Quick Overview: China-AUN Scholarship 2026

Provider: Ministry of Education of China / China Scholarship Council (CSC)
Partner: ASEAN University Network (AUN) Secretariat
Established: 2008
Degree Levels: Master's (up to 3 years) & Doctoral (up to 4 years)
Number of Awards: 30 scholarships annually
Coverage: Full tuition, accommodation, monthly stipend (¥3,000–¥3,500), medical insurance
Application Deadline: February 16, 2026
Official Website: aunsec.org

What Is the China-AUN Scholarship?

The China-AUN Scholarship is a full scholarship program established by the Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China specifically for the ASEAN University Network (AUN). It's designed to support students, teachers, and scholars from ASEAN nations to study in China and to enhance academic exchange and mutual understanding between China and ASEAN countries.

This scholarship is part of the broader Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) program. In the CSC application system, the China-AUN Scholarship falls under Type A (Bilateral Program) with the specific Agency Number 00005. This means you apply through the AUN Secretariat rather than directly through a Chinese embassy or university.

The program is a flagship initiative that plays an important role in strengthening educational cooperation and people-to-people connectivity between ASEAN and China, while supporting the development of high-quality human capital in the region.

Types of China-AUN Scholarship Programs

The China-AUN Scholarship focuses exclusively on graduate-level programs. Here's what you need to know:

Master's Degree Program

Duration: No more than 3 academic years
Coverage: Major study plus Chinese language study
Age Limit: Under 35 years old when applying
Degree Requirement: Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Doctoral Degree Program

Duration: No more than 4 academic years
Coverage: Major study plus Chinese language study
Age Limit: Under 40 years old when applying
Degree Requirement: Master's degree or equivalent

💡 Pro Tip from LetsTern

The China-AUN Scholarship is one of the few CSC scholarships that does not require you to secure a pre-admission letter before applying through the AUN Secretariat. However, applicants who do obtain a pre-admission letter from their target university receive priority consideration. Platforms like LetsTern can help you discover and compare universities that participate in this program.

What Does the China-AUN Scholarship Cover?

The China-AUN Scholarship provides a comprehensive, fully funded package that covers almost all expenses associated with studying in China. Here's exactly what you get:

China-AUN Scholarship Benefits

Benefit	Coverage
Tuition Fee	Full tuition waiver
Accommodation	Free university dormitory or accommodation subsidy
Monthly Stipend (Master's)	¥3,000 per month
Monthly Stipend (Doctoral)	¥3,500 per month
Medical Insurance	¥800 per year (¥400 for programs under 6 months)
Total Annual Value	Approximately ¥74,200 – ¥99,800

⚠️ Important Note

The China-AUN Scholarship does not include international travel expenses. You'll need to arrange and fund your own travel to and from China. However, the generous monthly stipend can help cover these costs if you plan ahead.

Eligibility Requirements for China-AUN Scholarship 2026

Before you start your application, make sure you meet all the eligibility criteria. The requirements are clearly defined and strictly enforced.

Nationality Requirement

You must be a citizen of an ASEAN member country
ASEAN member countries include: Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam

Health Requirement

You must be in good physical and mental health

Academic & Age Requirements

Master's applicants: Must hold a Bachelor's degree or equivalent and be under 35 years old when applying
Doctoral applicants: Must hold a Master's degree or equivalent and be under 40 years old when applying

Language Requirements

Chinese-taught programs: Must have passed HSK (Level 4)
English-taught programs: Must have acquired IELTS or TOEFL scores
You must also meet the admission requirements of your preferred university in terms of language proficiency and academic ability

China-AUN Scholarship Application Process (Step-by-Step)

The application process is straightforward but requires careful attention to detail. Here's your step-by-step roadmap:

Step 1: Research Universities and Programs

Visit www.campuschina.org to search for universities and programs that interest you. The China-AUN Scholarship allows you to select your preferred institutions during the application process.

Step 2: Consider Getting a Pre-Admission Letter

While not mandatory, obtaining a pre-admission letter from your target university can significantly boost your chances. Applicants with pre-admission letters receive priority consideration. To get one, you'll need to contact professors in your field at Chinese universities and secure their agreement to supervise you.

Step 3: Complete the CSC Online Application

Complete the online application procedure at the Chinese Government Scholarship Information System (CGSIS):

Visit www.campuschina.org
Click "Scholarship Application for Students" to create an account
Program Category: Select Type A
Agency Number: Enter 00005 (AUN's unique code)
Once you enter the correct Agency Number, the agency name will automatically appear
Fill in the application form and upload all required documents

Step 4: Submit Documents to AUN Secretariat

After completing the online application, you must submit all softcopy documents through the AUN online registration link by the deadline. AUN only accepts applications in English.

Step 5: Wait for Results

Only applications of candidates recommended by the AUN Secretariat will be considered. No individual applications sent directly to CSC will be considered. Successful candidates are typically informed by email.

⏰ Critical Deadline Warning

The application deadline for the China-AUN Scholarship 2026 is February 16, 2026. Late applications are not accepted. Start preparing your materials at least 2-3 months in advance to avoid last-minute issues.

Required Documents for China-AUN Scholarship Application

Missing or incorrect documents are one of the most common reasons for rejection. Here's the complete checklist:

📋 Complete Document Checklist

Application Form: Chinese Government Scholarship Application Form (completed online and printed)
Passport Copy: Scanned copy of the information page of your valid ordinary passport
Notarized Highest Degree Certificate: Bachelor's for Master's applicants; Master's for Doctoral applicants
Official Academic Transcripts: From all post-secondary institutions attended
Study Plan or Research Proposal: Typically 800-1000 words in Chinese or English
Two Recommendation Letters: From professors or associate professors
Language Proficiency Certificate: HSK (Level 4) for Chinese-taught programs; IELTS or TOEFL for English-taught programs
Pre-Admission Letter: From a Chinese university (if available — highly recommended)
Foreigner Physical Examination Form: Valid within 6 months
Non-Criminal Record Certificate: Issued within 6 months

⚠️ Important Document Notes

All documents must be in Chinese or English. If they're in other languages, you must attach notarized translations.
You need to submit both the online application through CGSIS and softcopy documents through the AUN registration link.
If you haven't graduated yet, provide a pre-graduation certificate proving you'll graduate before the program starts.
Keep hard copies of all documents until further notice.

China-AUN Scholarship Application Timeline 2026

Here are the key dates you need to know for the 2026 application cycle:

Application Timeline for China-AUN Scholarship 2026

Event	Date
Application Opens	November – December 2025
Pre-Admission Letter (Recommended)	October – December 2025
Application Deadline	February 16, 2026
University Review & AUN Nomination	March – May 2026
CSC Final Approval	June – July 2026
Results Announced	August 2026
Program Starts	September 2026 (Fall semester)

Tips to Strengthen Your China-AUN Scholarship Application

Competition for the China-AUN Scholarship can be intense. Here's how to stand out:

1. Secure a Pre-Admission Letter

This is one of the most powerful things you can do. Contact professors in your field at Chinese universities and express your interest in working with them. A pre-admission letter significantly boosts your chances of success.

2. Meet or Exceed Language Requirements

While HSK4 is the minimum for Chinese-taught programs, scoring higher (HSK5 or HSK6) can make your application more competitive. For English-taught programs, aim for IELTS 6.5+ or TOEFL 90+.

3. Write a Strong Study Plan

Your study plan should demonstrate clear research goals, innovation, and relevance to your chosen field. Show how studying in China will benefit both you and your home country.

4. Get Strong Recommendation Letters

Choose recommenders who know you well and can provide specific examples of your academic abilities and research potential.

5. Submit Complete Documents

Missing or incorrect documents are a common reason for rejection. Double-check everything before submitting.

6. Apply Early

While the deadline is February 16, submitting early gives you time to address any issues that may arise.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are the most frequent errors that derail China-AUN Scholarship applications:

Mistake 1: Missing the February 16 Deadline

This is a hard deadline. Late applications are not accepted. Submit at least one week early to avoid technical issues.

Mistake 2: Applying with Insufficient Language Proficiency

Make sure your HSK (Level 4), IELTS, or TOEFL scores meet the minimum requirements.

Mistake 3: Submitting Incomplete or Untranslated Documents

All documents must be in Chinese or English. Translations must be notarized.

Mistake 4: Using the Wrong Agency Number

The correct Agency Number for the China-AUN Scholarship is 00005. Entering the wrong number will direct your application to the wrong channel.

Mistake 5: Not Submitting Through Both Channels

You must complete both the CSC online application and the AUN softcopy submission. Missing either step means your application won't be considered.

Mistake 6: Applying Directly to CSC

Individual applications sent directly to CSC will not be considered. You must apply through the AUN Secretariat.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the China-AUN Scholarship and the Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC)?

The China-AUN Scholarship is a specific program under the CSC umbrella. It's a Type A (Bilateral Program) scholarship with a dedicated Agency Number (00005). While all China-AUN scholars are CSC scholars, not all CSC scholars are China-AUN scholars. The China-AUN Scholarship is exclusively for ASEAN students and is administered through the AUN Secretariat rather than through Chinese embassies.

How many China-AUN Scholarships are awarded each year?

Currently, 30 scholarships are offered annually. In earlier years (2008-2011), the program offered 20 scholarships, but it has since expanded to 30.

Do I need a pre-admission letter to apply for the China-AUN Scholarship?

No, it's not mandatory. However, applicants with pre-admission letters receive priority consideration. If you can secure a pre-admission letter from a Chinese university, your chances of success increase significantly.

Can I choose my university and program?

Yes. During the online application process on campuschina.org, you can select your preferred universities and programs. Candidates with pre-admission letters will be placed in their chosen university. Those without pre-admission letters should accept CSC's placement.

Does the China-AUN Scholarship cover international travel?

No. The scholarship does not include international travel expenses. You'll need to arrange and fund your own travel to and from China. However, the monthly stipend of ¥3,000–¥3,500 can help cover these costs if you budget carefully.

What happens if I don't complete my degree on time?

The scholarship supports master's students for no more than 3 academic years and doctoral students for no more than 4 academic years. If you cannot complete your degree within this period, you may need to self-fund any extension.

Which universities have accepted China-AUN scholars?

China-AUN scholars have been placed at some of China's most prestigious universities, including Tsinghua University, Peking University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Tongji University, Fudan University, Wuhan University, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, and Zhejiang University. The range of institutions continues to expand each year.

Conclusion

The China-AUN Scholarship is a life-changing opportunity for ASEAN students to pursue graduate studies in China with full financial support. With 30 scholarships awarded annually, comprehensive coverage including a monthly stipend of up to ¥3,500, and access to China's top universities, it's one of the most attractive scholarship programs available to ASEAN students.

The application deadline for the 2026 cycle is February 16, 2026. Start preparing your materials now — research universities, contact potential supervisors, refine your study plan, and gather your documents. Remember to secure a pre-admission letter if possible — it can make all the difference.

The China-AUN Scholarship has been building bridges between ASEAN and China since 2008. Could you be the next scholar to carry forward this legacy of academic exchange and mutual understanding? Start your application today.

Your journey to studying in China begins with a single step — a well-prepared, compelling application. Good luck!