The Canada-China Scholars’ Exchange Program (CCSEP) 2026-2027 is now open for applications, offering Canadian students, faculty, researchers, and mid-career professionals a unique opportunity for a fully funded academic and cultural exchange in China. Established in 1973 by Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau and Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai, the CCSEP is Canada’s longest-running bilateral scholarship program. For over five decades, it has fostered mutual understanding, academic collaboration, and meaningful cultural exchange between Canada and China. To date, more than 1,400 scholars have participated, gaining invaluable international experience and advancing their academic and professional careers.
This prestigious scholarship is administered by Global Affairs Canada through the Academic Relations program in collaboration with China’s Ministry of Education. The program allows recipients to undertake post-secondary studies, research, or Chinese language training at top Chinese institutions. Its core aim is to cultivate future leaders with expertise in China while strengthening academic and professional ties between the two nations.
Who Can Apply?
The Canada-China Scholars’ Exchange Program is open to:
- Canadian Citizens
- Individuals with a strong interest in China Studies
- Applicants across disciplines, including Chinese language, literature, linguistics, history, arts, journalism, politics, international relations, sociology, business, economics, law, geography, education, communications, public administration, environmental studies, architecture, public/global health, and related fields
Applicants must also demonstrate strong academic or professional records and proficiency in the language of instruction (English, French, or Chinese). For Chinese-instructed programs, HSK level 3 is required for undergraduate studies and HSK level 4 for graduate-level studies.
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Eligibility by Applicant Type
- Students – Non-Degree Seeking: Enrolled in a Canadian college or university and plan to take courses in China without pursuing a degree. Duration: 4–12 months.
- Students – Degree Seeking: Must hold or be completing a degree in Canada and pursue graduate-level studies in China leading to a Chinese degree. Duration: 12–24 months.
- Faculty/Researchers: Full-time teaching or research staff, or postdoctoral fellows at recognized Canadian institutions. Duration: 1–12 months.
- Mid-Career Professionals: Employed in government, media, education, or cultural organizations with at least three years of experience in managerial or decision-making roles.
Scholarship Benefits
The CCSEP is a fully funded scholarship with two main components:
- Chinese Government Scholarship:
- Tuition fees at participating Chinese institutions
- Monthly stipend: 2,500 Yuan for undergraduates, 3,000 Yuan for master’s students/general scholars, and 3,500 Yuan for doctoral/senior scholars
- On-campus accommodation or accommodation subsidy
- Comprehensive medical insurance
- Global Affairs Canada Travel Support:
- Round-trip airfare from Canada to China via the most cost-effective route
Scholarship funds are disbursed by the Ministry of Education of China, while travel arrangements are coordinated by Global Affairs Canada. Note: Government employees are not eligible for the travel component.
Application Process
Applicants must complete a two-step process:
- Apply on the My EduCanada portal
- Apply on the China Scholarship Council (CSC) portal
Applications are evaluated based on professional or academic merit, feasibility of the proposed study or research, relevance to China, and a demonstrated commitment to sharing experiences with the Canadian public. Priority is given to applicants who have not previously received a CCSEP scholarship.
Key Dates
- My EduCanada Application Deadline: January 12, 2026
- CSC Portal Application Deadline: March 1, 2026
- Pre-Selection Notification: February 23, 2026
- Final Selection Announcement: Summer 2026
- Scholarship Tenure: September 2026 – August 2027 for short-term exchanges; up to August 2028 for degree-seeking students
Conditions of the Scholarship
Recipients must:
- Enroll at the host Chinese institution for the approved period
- Return to Canada upon completion of the program
- Not concurrently hold other scholarships offering similar benefits
- Apply for an X1 or X2 visa and maintain a valid Canadian passport
- Hold appropriate medical insurance
- Focus solely on studies, research, or language training in China
- Avoid paid employment during the scholarship
Failure to comply with these conditions may result in cancellation of the award.
Additional Information
- Scholarships cannot be deferred or renewed
- Subject to government funding availability
- Non-taxable for both recipients and Canadian institutions
- No appeal process is available for unsuccessful applicants
For a list of eligible Chinese institutions and programs, visit the Campus China website.
