Want to Study in China? Ministry Lists Requirements for 15 Scholarship Places

Kenyan students hoping to study in China have just over a week to compete for 15 government-funded scholarships covering undergraduate, master’s and PhD programmes for the 2027/2028 academic year.

The Ministry of Education has invited applications following an offer communicated by the Chinese Embassy in Kenya. But securing one of the places will require more than submitting academic certificates.

Applicants must first identify a Chinese university, obtain a pre-admission document and complete an online scholarship application. They must then submit a separate set of documents to the Ministry of Education for preliminary screening.

The Ministry has set November 18, 2026, as the deadline for receiving applications. Its notice gives a closing time of 5pm, although applicants should confirm the time directly with the Ministry because a separate listing has reportedly displayed an earlier deadline.

The Ministry will act as Kenya’s official dispatching agent. Shortlisted candidates will face further assessments, including written examinations and interviews organised by the Chinese Embassy.

Who qualifies for the 15 scholarships?

The opportunities are open to applicants at three academic levels, with different age and qualification requirements.

For undergraduate programmes, candidates must have a KCSE mean grade of at least B (Plain), or an equivalent qualification.

They must be below 25 years old and should have completed secondary school within the previous three years. Strong performance in subjects related to their intended course is also required.

Those seeking master’s degrees must hold a bachelor’s qualification with at least Second-Class Upper Division and be below 35 years.

PhD applicants must have a relevant master’s degree from a recognised university and be below 40.

Meeting these conditions does not guarantee selection. Applicants must also satisfy the academic, language and admission requirements of their chosen Chinese universities.

Undergraduate applicants face an additional examination

Students applying for bachelor's degree programmes must sit the China Scholastic Competence Assessment (CSCA) and submit a valid score report.

The Kenyan scholarship notice identifies December 19, 2026, as the examination date.

The online assessment includes compulsory Chinese Language and Mathematics papers, alongside Physics and Chemistry tests where required.

Applicants have been advised to contact their preferred universities before registering to establish which subjects are needed for their intended courses.

The CSCA requirement applies to undergraduate applicants. Candidates seeking master’s and doctoral places do not have to sit this particular examination under the scholarship notice.

Applicants must secure university pre-admission first

One of the most important steps is obtaining a pre-admission document from a preferred Chinese university.

Candidates should use the China Scholarship Council's university directory to identify institutions and programmes that match their academic interests. They must then contact the institutions and follow their admission procedures.

Only after identifying a suitable university and obtaining the required pre-admission documentation should applicants complete the scholarship application.

The online application is made through the China Scholarship Council's portal at www.campuschina.org.

Applicants must create an account, select Programme Category Type A and enter Agency Number 4041.

They should check that the details entered match their academic documents and intended course before submitting the application.

Documents required

Applicants must prepare several documents for the online application.

These include:

A valid passport copy.
Certified or notarised academic certificates and transcripts.
A pre-admission document from the chosen Chinese university.
A study plan or research proposal.
A completed Foreigner Physical Examination Form.
A valid Certificate of Good Conduct.
A valid CSCA score report for undergraduate applicants.

Undergraduate candidates must provide a study plan of at least 200 words.

Master’s and PhD applicants are required to submit a research proposal of at least 800 words. They must also provide two recommendation letters from professors or associate professors.

The Ministry has a separate submission requirement. Applicants must send a copy of their completed online scholarship application, the standard scholarship application form, a copy of the medical examination form and certified copies of their identification and academic documents.

These include national identity cards, academic and professional certificates, transcripts, birth certificates and passports.

Postgraduate applicants must also include their study plans or research proposals and recommendation letters.

Candidates who obtained academic qualifications from foreign institutions must ensure their certificates are recognised by the Commission for University Education (CUE).

Where and how to submit applications in Kenya

The Ministry requires the supporting documents to be addressed to:

The Director, Higher Education
Ministry of Education
Telposta Towers
P.O. Box 9583–00200
Nairobi

Applicants may also deliver the documents physically to the Ministry's offices at Telposta Towers, 27th Floor, Room 2701.

The deadline stated in the scholarship advert is November 18, 2026, at 5pm. Given the reported difference between the advert and the online listing, applicants should contact the Ministry and avoid waiting until the final hours.

Importantly, completing the online application alone does not replace the Ministry's local submission process. All applicants must go through the Ministry's preliminary selection before their names can be considered for the scholarship.

Embassy warns applicants against middlemen

The Chinese Embassy has cautioned applicants against relying on agents or intermediaries who claim they can secure scholarship places.

It said the Ministry of Education is the only authorised dispatching agent for the programme in Kenya, while the China Scholarship Council portal is the official source for scholarship application information.

The Embassy also warned that applicants would be responsible for the accuracy of the information and documents they submit. Applications found to contain fraudulent information could be permanently rejected.

Applicants with stronger Chinese-language skills may receive preferential consideration, although they must still meet the admission and selection requirements.

What the scholarship covers

The Chinese Government Scholarship programme is designed to support international students with major study costs. Official guidance for the same 2027/2028 scholarship cycle in another country lists tuition, accommodation, a living allowance and comprehensive medical insurance among the benefits.

However, international travel expenses are not included. Kenyan applicants should confirm the precise benefits and conditions attached to their award before making financial or travel plans.

For the 15 available places, competition is likely to be strongest among candidates who meet the academic requirements, secure university pre-admission early and submit complete applications through both the Chinese scholarship system and Kenya's Ministry of Education.

The immediate priority for interested students is to begin the process now rather than wait until the November 18 deadline.

About the Author

Maureen Onyango is a journalist passionate about storytelling, life coaching and spiritual lessons. She studied at the Kenya Institute of Management and enjoys telling stories that inform, inspire and empower communities.