The China Scholarship Council Joint Scholarship 2026 at the University of Galway supports Chinese postgraduate researchers to pursue a full-time PhD (doctoral) degree in Ireland. This scholarship brings together funding from the China Scholarship Council and University of Galway to cover tuition, living costs, and travel — enabling talented candidates from China to complete advanced research in a wide range of academic fields.

About the China Scholarship Council Joint Scholarship

University of Galway participates in a joint CSC scholarship programme that awards up to 15 PhD tuition-fee waivers to eligible Chinese nationals. While the CSC provides funding for living costs and flights, the University of Galway waives the PhD tuition fee for selected candidates.

To qualify, you must find an appropriate research supervisor at the University of Galway who agrees to supervise your doctoral project. You then work with that supervisor to prepare your research plan and CSC application, which you submit through the CSC online system once approved.

Why Choose The China Scholarship Council Joint Scholarship?

This joint scholarship programme allows you to conduct high-impact research in Ireland with financial support that covers both tuition and your living costs. You will:

  • Study at the University of Galway, a top-ranked research university in Ireland with a global academic community.
  • Pursue a full-time PhD with funding support through the China Scholarship Council.
  • Receive a tuition-fee waiver from the University of Galway and a living stipend plus travel support from CSC.
  • Develop advanced research skills under expert academic supervision.
  • Strengthen your academic and professional profile in your chosen field.

China Scholarship Council Joint Scholarship Summary

  • Host Country: Ireland
  • Host Institution: University of Galway
  • Scholarship Name: University of Galway – China Scholarship Council Joint Scholarship
  • Study Level: Doctoral (PhD)
  • Coverage: Tuition-fee waiver from University of Galway; living costs and flight support from CSC
  • Application Deadline: Internal college submission typically before 27 February 2026 (followed by CSC submission 10 – 31 March 2026)
  • Programme Start: September 2026
  • Eligible Applicants: Students holding a Chinese passport who meet the University’s PhD admission criteria

Scholarship Benefits

  • 100 % tuition-fee waiver for your PhD at the University of Galway.
  • Living allowance and travel support from the China Scholarship Council (covers living costs and flights).
  • Opportunity to pursue advanced research in an internationally recognised academic environment.
  • Support from a qualified supervisor at the University of Galway throughout your PhD.

Note: The CSC funding usually covers a monthly living stipend and a travel allowance. Specific amounts and conditions are determined by the CSC application and approval process.

Eligibility Criteria

You must meet all of the following:

  • Be a citizen of the People’s Republic of China (Chinese passport holder).
  • Meet the University of Galway’s PhD admission requirements for your chosen research programme.
  • Identify and secure a supervisor at the University of Galway willing to support your research proposal and CSC application.
  • Submit a competitive research project plan that satisfies both the university and CSC standards.

Required Documents

Prepare and submit the following (subject to both University and CSC requirements):

  • Research plan/project proposal developed with your supervisor.
  • Academic transcripts and degree certificates.
  • Evidence of English language proficiency is required by the University.
  • Supervisor’s 1-page CV.
  • Any additional materials required by the University of Galway and CSC (e.g., CV, references).

You must work with your supervisor to compile the full application package, including the documents needed for submission to the China Scholarship Council portal.

Application Process & Timeline

  1. Find a potential supervisor at the University of Galway and agree on a research project.
  2. Prepare your research plan with your supervisor.
  3. Supervisor submits the research plan to the relevant College by the internal deadline (typically late February 2026).
  4. The university’s CSC scholarship committee evaluates and prioritises candidates.
  5. The University of Galway issues a conditional offer to shortlisted candidates.
  6. You translate the research plan into Chinese and submit your application through the CSC online portal (10 – 31 March 2026).
  7. CSC announces the final scholarship results around May/June 2026.
  8. Upon CSC approval, apply directly for admission to the University’s PhD programme.
  9. Start your PhD at the University of Galway in September 2026.