Affiliation must continue during the visit
The 2026 China Link framework requires full-time student status or full-time academic employment at a listed overseas partner at application and throughout the intended stay. It also requires acceptance from a participating Chinese university. A degree from a partner university does not by itself establish current affiliation.
General scholars include current undergraduate and graduate students and must be under 45; senior scholars include current doctoral candidates or academic staff and must be under 50. The scheme covers academic fields other than Chinese-language study. It is not a substitute for a general Mandarin-course scholarship.
A latest start date does not give permission to apply at the last moment
The visit lasts one to twelve months and must start no later than 31 August 2027 under the cited framework. Chinese universities submit nominations at least two months before arrival, with results notified through the receiving university. The application system being open throughout the year does not remove university review time.
Illustration: a proposed August arrival needs the host to complete its nomination at least two months beforehand. That does not establish a personal June deadline, because the university may need additional time before nomination. The receiving institution’s review date must still be obtained.
Put this guide into practice
Create a short record for your intended programme. Add the relevant notice or document beside each item; leave unpublished details marked “to confirm”.
- Home-institution affiliation and host acceptance
- Actual course duration and enrolment category
- Rules on holding another award at the same time
The package is for the approved visit, not a whole degree
The named support includes tuition waiver, on-campus accommodation, insurance and monthly living support of CNY 3000 for general scholars or CNY 3500 for senior scholars. A six-month general-scholar visit with six full eligible payments would imply CNY 18000 in living support by arithmetic, not a payment before travel.
The proposed activity should specify achievable courses or research, dates and the link to the applicant’s overseas study or employment. A plan to obtain a complete master’s degree falls outside a short visit merely because the same university offers that degree.
An academic visit, not a full degree award
General scholars include eligible current undergraduate or graduate students; senior scholars include current doctoral candidates or faculty. The programme covers fields other than Chinese-language study. English or Chinese can be used depending on the host. Its purpose is academic exchange, so identify a feasible course or research project and an institution able to receive you.
Overseas affiliation and host acceptance matter
The 2026 rules require appropriate current affiliation at an eligible overseas partner institution and a Chinese host acceptance or invitation. General and senior categories have distinct age and affiliation criteria. Verify the published partner lists rather than assuming every overseas university qualifies. A proposed visit must fit your current enrolment or employment responsibilities and the host’s academic capacity.
FAQ
Can China Link pay for an entire master’s degree?
No. It is a short-term study or research exchange route with its own duration and affiliation requirements. A full degree needs the corresponding admission and funding arrangement.