The Central University of Finance and Economics (CUFE) offers the Chinese Government High-Level Postgraduate Program, fully funded by the Chinese Ministry of Education. This scholarship provides a comprehensive study opportunity for international students wishing to pursue full-time graduate studies in China.
CUFE is one of China’s leading universities, directly supervised by the Ministry of Education and jointly supported by the central government and the Beijing Municipal Government, including the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Finance. It is listed under Project 211 and was among the first universities to join the Project 985 Innovation Platform, which aims to strengthen dual first-class disciplines and build world-class academic clusters.
The university is also included in the Double First-Class Initiative, and its Applied Economics discipline was rated A+ by the Ministry of Education in the Fourth National Academic Discipline Evaluation.
CUFE is known as the cradle of finance and management experts in China, having trained more than 190,000 high-level professionals who have contributed significantly to national economic and social development. It is the first university of finance and economics established by the Chinese government after the founding of the People’s Republic of China.
The university currently offers 16 academic master’s programs, 21 professional master’s programs, and 7 doctoral programs, and is located in Beijing with easy access to the city center.
Available Programs
Master’s Programs
| Language | School/Institute | Major | Duration (Years) |
| English | Chinese Academy of Finance and Development | Finance* | 2 |
| School of Public Finance and Public Policy | Public Finance | 3 | |
| China Center for Human Capital and Labor Market Research | Labor Economics | — | |
| National Academy of Economic Strategy | Regional Economics (Chinese Economy) | 2 | |
| School of Management Science and Engineering | Investment | — | |
| School of Law | International Law | 3 | |
| Chinese | School of Finance | Finance* | 2 |
| School of International Trade and Economics | International Business* | — | |
| School of Management Science and Engineering | Engineering and Project Management | — | |
| School of Law | Law* | — | |
| School of Economics | Digital Economy* | — |
*Professional Master’s Programs
Doctoral Programs
| Language | School/Institute | Major |
| English | National Academy of Economic Strategy | Regional Economics (Chinese Economy) |
| School of Public Finance and Public Policy | Public Finance |
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants must be non-Chinese citizens in good physical and mental health.
- Age limits: under 35 for master’s applicants / under 40 for PhD applicants.
- Must comply with the requirements of Document No. 12 (2020) issued by the Chinese Ministry of Education concerning CUFE universities.
Application Period
From November 1, 2025 to March 6, 2026
Application Timeline
| Date | Stage |
| March 6 | Application Deadline |
| March 11 | Preliminary Document Review |
| March 12–22 | Academic Evaluation + Online Interview + Upload of Initial Admission List |
| March 23–25 | Upload of Preliminary Admission Notice to CSC System |
| March 31 | Interview Results Announcement & Data Submission to CSC |
| Mid-April | CSC Expert Review |
| Late April | Final Scholarship Results Announcement |
Funding Provided
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Full tuition waiver.
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Free university accommodation or a monthly housing allowance.
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Monthly stipend:
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Master’s students: 3,000 RMB per month
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PhD students: 3,500 RMB per month
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Comprehensive medical insurance for the entire study period in China.
Application Steps
- Apply through the Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) System:
🔗 http://studyinchina.csc.edu.cn- Scholarship Type: Type B
- CUFE Agency Number: 10034
- Scholarship Type: Type B
- Apply through CUFE International Student System:
🔗 https://cufe.17gz.org/ - Pay the Application Fee:
- Amount: 600 RMB (via online system only)
- Accepted methods: WeChat, Alipay, International Cards
- Bank transfers are not accepted
- Payment Guide: https://sice.cufe.edu.cn/info/1064/5374.htm
- Amount: 600 RMB (via online system only)
- Preliminary Document Review
- Academic Evaluation + Online Interview
- Upload Preliminary Admission Notice to CSC System
- Submit Nominee List to CSC
- Announcement of Final Results
Required Documents
- CSC Application Form
- CUFE Application Form (generated online and must be signed and scanned)
- Passport Copy
- Bachelor’s/Master’s Degree Certificate or Enrollment Certificate with Expected Graduation Date
- Academic Transcripts
- Language Proficiency Certificate:
- Chinese-taught programs: HSK Level 5 (score ≥ 210)
- English-taught programs: IELTS/TOEFL/TOEIC/Duolingo or equivalent proof of proficiency
- Chinese-taught programs: HSK Level 5 (score ≥ 210)
- Research Proposal (800–1000 words)
- Master’s Thesis or Academic Paper (PhD only)
- Two Recommendation Letters from Associate Professors or higher
- Foreigner Physical Examination Form
- Non-Criminal Record Certificate
Important Notes
- All documents must be in Chinese or English; otherwise, notarized translations are required.
- No documents or fees will be returned regardless of the outcome.
- CUFE reserves the right to withdraw admission in case of any false information.
Evaluation & Admission
- After reviewing the documents, shortlisted applicants will be invited for an online interview.
- Applicants must use a valid, personal email address throughout the process.
- After interviews, the best candidates will be recommended to CSC for final evaluation.
- CUFE reserves the right to cancel admission if any document irregularities are discovered.
