CSC at Waikato
Waikato partners with the China Scholarship Council to support Chinese PhD students with tuition, a living stipend, and full doctoral support in a welcoming research environment.
The University of Waikato is proud to partner with the China Scholarship Council (CSC) to support scholars from China to study in New Zealand. Through these scholarships, outstanding students have the opportunity to pursue their PhD studies in Hamilton or Tauranga, working alongside world-leading researchers in a welcoming, culturally rich environment.
The University of Waikato will support up to 20 new CSC PhD scholars per year.
The CSC provides financial support to Chinese students undertaking doctoral study overseas. Successful applicants who choose Waikato will benefit from:
- Tuition fees covered by the University of Waikato for up to 48 months.
- A living allowance provided by the China Scholarship Council.
- Access to Waikato’s comprehensive doctoral support services and vibrant international student community.
Eligibility
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be a citizen of the People’s Republic of China.
- Meet the entry requirements for doctoral study at the University of Waikato.
- Follow the PhD and Doctoral Application process, including being invited to apply to study by a Waikato academic supervisor and ultimately receive an offer of place.
- Meet the conditions set by the China Scholarship Council.
How to apply
- Apply for the University of Waikato CSC Scholarship through the CSC website (opens in a new tab)
- Apply for admission to doctoral study at the University of Waikato. You’ll need to identify and confirm a potential supervisor.
- Complete the Expression of Interest form (opens in a new tab) (EOI) stating your intent to apply for CSC funding so we can keep track of your application.
- If awarded, your CSC scholarship will cover tuition fees from University of Waikato and provide a living stipend from the CSC.
Key dates
You can apply to study at the University of Waikato and complete your EOI at any time. However, the CSC has it’s own deadlines for applications (opens in a new tab).
1. Apply for the University of Waikato CSC Scholarship through the CSC website by 2.00pm, Wednesday, 30 September 2026.
2. Apply for the University of Waikato doctoral programme by 30 September 2026 to receive an offer of place in early October 2026.
3. CSC will undertake its selection process during October and provide a list of nominated applicants to the University of Waikato.
4. The University of Waikato will undertake its selection process during October 2026.
5. CSC will announce successful scholarship recipients in November/December 2026.
Note: Applicants are not required to provide an offer of place or evidence of their English language test results before applying for the CSC Scholarship.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
You should apply for the China Scholarship Council (CSC) Scholarship first and then apply for admission to doctoral study at the University of Waikato (UoW). Please check the deadlines for applications as for 2026 both the CSC Scholarship and the UoW Doctoral programme applications have the same deadline of 30 September 2026.
Completing an expression of interest helps us to track your application to meet CSC deadlines.
The University of Waikato will waive your tuition fees for up to 48 months. The CSC provides your living allowance and, in some cases, support for travel and health insurance. The Student Services Fee is not covered by this scholarship.
No. CSC scholarships are awarded for full-time doctoral study only.
We recommend contacting a potential supervisor and starting your Waikato application at least 3 months before the doctoral programme application deadline.
Follow the instructions on the PhD and Doctoral Application process. You’ll need to contact potential supervisors directly to discuss your proposed research.
You may still be able to take up your doctoral place at Waikato, but you would need to secure alternative funding to cover your tuition and living costs.
For details on CSC’s requirements you should consult the CSC website (opens in a new tab).
No. If you are offered both, you will need to select and accept only one.
Yes. If you are studying for a PhD in China but your research would benefit from time spent in New Zealand, then a supervisor at the University of Waikato may be willing to host you. If they are, the relevant Division/Faculty will send you a letter of invitation, and you can use that letter to apply for CSC funding and for your visa. As you will not be an enrolled student at the University of Waikato, you do not need to complete an online application for admission. We suggest you ask your supervisor in China to first contact the potential Waikato supervisor so they know that your Chinese supervisor is supportive of you spending time overseas during your studies.
Contact us
If you have any questions about applying for a CSC–Waikato doctoral scholarship, please contact us.