Brunel University of London, in partnership with the China Scholarship Council (CSC), is offering 20 fully funded PhD scholarships for academically outstanding Chinese students for the 2027/28 academic year. The scholarships cover full tuition fees and provide financial support for living costs, international travel, medical insurance and visa expenses.
The programme is open to PhD applicants across all disciplines available at Brunel University of London, with successful scholars expected to commence their studies in October 2027 or January 2028. Applications for admission and scholarship consideration must be submitted by 8 January 2027.
About the Brunel- CSC PhD Scholarship
The Brunel University of London and China Scholarship Council Joint Scholarship Scheme provides an opportunity for eligible Chinese students to undertake doctoral research in the UK.
A total of 20 scholarships are available. Brunel University will cover full PhD tuition fees for up to 48 months, while the China Scholarship Council will provide the scholarship stipend and other approved financial support.
The scholarships are available across the University’s eligible PhD programmes, allowing candidates to pursue research in a broad range of academic disciplines.
Scholarship Benefits
Each successful scholarship recipient will receive support from both Brunel University and the China Scholarship Council.
The scholarship package includes:
- Full tuition fees from Brunel University for up to 48 months.
- A CSC-funded monthly stipend for living expenses.
- Medical insurance as part of the CSC living-cost support.
- One international round-trip economy-class airfare between China and the UK.
- Reimbursement of one-off visa application fees.
The combined package is intended to support eligible scholars throughout their doctoral studies, subject to the applicable Brunel and CSC conditions.
Eligible Applicants
The scholarship is primarily intended for citizens of the People’s Republic of China. Overseas Chinese students may also be eligible, depending on the CSC policies applicable at the time of application.
Applicants must demonstrate a strong academic background and satisfy Brunel University’s academic and English-language entry requirements for doctoral study. They must also meet the relevant eligibility conditions established by the China Scholarship Council.
Applicants will need the appropriate UK visa to undertake their studies in the United Kingdom.
Current Brunel PhD students may also be considered. Students who commenced their PhD after January 2026 can apply, with CSC funding beginning from the second year if they are successful.
Research Areas and PhD Programmes
The scholarships are available across disciplines offered through Brunel’s eligible PhD programmes. Applicants should identify a suitable research area and potential supervisor before submitting their application.
Prospective candidates can review Brunel’s available research degrees and contact academic staff whose research expertise aligns with their proposed doctoral project.
How to Apply
Applicants must first apply for and receive an offer to study on an eligible PhD programme at Brunel University before applying directly to the China Scholarship Council.
The application process involves several stages:
- Identify a potential supervisor: Candidates should contact the relevant Brunel department or academic staff member to identify a suitable supervisor whose research interests match the proposed PhD project.
- Apply for PhD admission: The applicant must submit an online PhD application to Brunel University by 8 January 2027. Early applications are recommended.
- Select the correct funding option: During the Brunel application process, applicants should indicate that they intend to apply for the BUL/CSC Joint Scholarship Scheme. Under the Fees and Funding section, applicants should select the funded option and choose China Scholarship Council (CSC) as the funding source.
- Current first-year PhD students: Existing first-year Brunel PhD students must provide a personal statement of no more than 750 words explaining their research topic and naming their supervisor. They must also submit a supervisor recommendation confirming successful completion of the nine-month progress review.
- Brunel nomination: Brunel University expects to select candidates for nomination to CSC by the end of February 2027. Successful nominees will receive a Brunel offer letter.
- CSC application: Nominated candidates must then submit an application directly to CSC during its expected March 2027 application window.
- Final selection: Brunel expects to receive the list of successful CSC scholarship recipients in late May or early June 2027.
- PhD commencement: Successful scholars are expected to begin their doctoral studies in October 2027 or January 2028.
Application Deadline
The deadline for the Brunel University PhD application and scholarship consideration is 8 January 2027 at 12:00 a.m. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible because they must obtain a Brunel offer before proceeding with the CSC application.
Important Application Advice
Applicants should begin identifying potential supervisors well in advance and ensure that their proposed research aligns with the expertise available at Brunel University. Academic qualifications, English-language requirements and CSC eligibility should also be reviewed before submission.
Candidates should ensure that the scholarship option is correctly selected on the Brunel application form and that all required supporting documentation is submitted before the deadline.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should review the available PhD programmes, identify a suitable supervisor and submit their doctoral admission application to Brunel University before the 8 January 2027 deadline. Applicants nominated by Brunel will subsequently need to complete the separate CSC application process.
