Chinese Government Scholarship – Youth of Excellence Scheme (YES China) 2026

The Youth of Excellence Scheme of China (YES China) is a flagship Chinese Government Scholarship designed to develop future leaders with strong international vision and professional expertise. Wuhan University, a top-ranked national university in China, offers two English-taught master’s programs under this scheme. The scholarship targets mid-career professionals and emerging leaders who aim to contribute to global governance, public health, and advanced technology development.

Scholarship Overview

The YES China Scholarship is funded by the Chinese Ministry of Education and administered by the China Scholarship Council (CSC). It provides full financial support for selected international students to pursue postgraduate education in China while maintaining professional engagement with their home countries.

Degree Level

• Master’s degree (Postgraduate)
• Study mode: Full-time
• Language of instruction: English
• Program length: Two years
• Study structure: 1+1 model

Programs and Majors

• Geospatial Information Technology Program
  • Major: Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing
• Public Health Program
  • Major: Public Health

Program Structure and Duration

• Total duration: Two academic years
• Year one:
  • Full-time coursework
  • Academic research training
  • Thesis topic selection and proposal development
  • On-campus study at Wuhan University
• Year two:
  • Thesis research based on professional work experience
  • Research primarily conducted in the home country
  • Final thesis defense conducted in China
• Degree awarded after completion of credits, thesis, and defense

Scholarship Benefits

• Full tuition coverage
• Free accommodation or housing subsidy
• Monthly living allowance
• Comprehensive medical insurance
• Access to university libraries, laboratories, and research facilities

Eligibility Requirements

• Non-Chinese citizenship
• Age under 45 at the time of application
• Good physical and mental health
• Bachelor’s degree or higher
• Minimum of three years of full-time work experience
• Academic or professional background related to the chosen major preferred

Eligible professional categories:

• Government officials at division chief level or above
• Senior managers in public or private organizations
• University or research institution administrators
• Professionals with experience in international organizations

Language Proficiency Requirements

• TOEFL score of 80 or higher, or
• IELTS score of 6.0 or higher
• Language certificate exemption applies if:
  • Native language is English
  • Previous degree was taught entirely in English

Required Application Documents

• Passport biographical page (valid beyond March 2027)
• Notarized highest academic degree certificate
• Undergraduate academic transcripts
• Proof of English language proficiency
• Employment certificate or proof of work experience
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Research proposal (minimum 1000 words, English)
• Two recommendation letters
• Foreigner Physical Examination Form (valid for 6 months)
• Non-criminal record certificate (issued within 6 months)

Important Dates

• Wuhan University online application deadline: March 1, 2026
• CSC online application deadline: March 31, 2026
• University interview and review period: After initial submission
• Final admission results: Announced by China Scholarship Council

Step-by-Step Application Process

• Step 1:
  • Register on Wuhan University International Student Application System
  • Select “Chinese Government Scholarship”
  • Choose the Youth of Excellence Scheme of China program
  • Upload all required documents
  • Submit before March 1, 2026
• Step 2:
  • Participate in document review and interview
  • Receive pre-admission letter from Wuhan University if approved
• Step 3:
  • Log in to the Chinese Government Scholarship system
  • Select scholarship type: Type A
  • Enter agency code: 1563
  • Choose program: Youth of Excellence Scheme of China
  • Submit application before March 31, 2026
• Step 4:
  • CSC conducts expert evaluation
  • Final scholarship decision released by CSC

Selection Criteria

• Academic background and degree relevance
• Professional experience and leadership capacity
• Quality and feasibility of research proposal
• Recommendation letters and career potential
• Interview performance

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Is the YES China Scholarship fully funded?
  • Yes, it covers tuition, accommodation, stipend, and medical insurance.
• Is Chinese language proficiency required?
  • No, all courses are taught in English.
• Can recent graduates apply?
  • No, a minimum of three years of work experience is required.
• Is a pre-admission letter mandatory?
  • Yes, it is required before applying through the CSC system.
• Can more than one program be selected?
  • Applicants should choose one program aligned with their background.
• Where is the thesis defense conducted?
  • The final defense must be completed in China.
• Is there an age limit?
  • Yes, applicants must be under 45 years old.

Conclusion

The Chinese Government Scholarship – Youth of Excellence Scheme of China offers a unique opportunity for experienced professionals to earn a prestigious master’s degree in China while strengthening global leadership skills. With full financial support, English-taught programs, and strong academic resources, Wuhan University provides an ideal environment for future global leaders.

For more information and registration, visit the official website of Wuhan University.

Official Website

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