Vietnam and China are neighbors with deep educational ties. Vietnamese students regularly study in China, and the CSC scholarship is the main fully funded route. Proximity is a big advantage: cheaper travel, familiar food options in southern China, and universities that are experienced in hosting Vietnamese students.
How many slots does Vietnam get?
Vietnam receives approximately 100-150 CSC slots per year through the embassy channel. This is one of the larger allocations in Southeast Asia. The university channel adds further opportunities without a country limit.
Application channels
Type A (Embassy): Apply through the Chinese Embassy in Hanoi. The Vietnamese Ministry of Education and Training (MOET) may coordinate some applications.
Type B (University): Apply directly to Chinese universities. Many Vietnamese students succeed through this route.
Required documents
- Valid Vietnamese passport
- Degree certificates and transcripts (notarized)
- Study plan or research proposal
- Two recommendation letters
- English or Chinese proficiency proof
- Foreigner Physical Examination Form
- Police clearance from local authorities
- Acceptance letter from a Chinese professor (recommended)
Tips for Vietnamese applicants
Southern China is a natural fit. Universities in Guangxi, Yunnan, and Guangdong have strong connections with Vietnam. Guangxi University and Yunnan University, among others, are familiar with Vietnamese students and have programs tailored for the region.
Location affects your experience. The city you study in determines your daily life, job prospects, and research opportunities. Read our guide on how city selection affects scholarship chances for a broader perspective.
Don’t just chase the top 10. Everyone targets the most famous universities. But universities ranked in the top 50-100 in China offer strong programs with significantly less competition. Our guide to choosing universities beyond rankings has the data you need.
Chinese language skills give you an edge. Many Vietnamese students study Chinese before applying, and this is an advantage. If you have HSK 4 or higher, you can access Chinese-taught programs, which are less competitive and more numerous. Even basic Mandarin helps with daily life in China.
Trade-related fields are strong. Vietnam-China trade is enormous. Research proposals connected to trade, economics, logistics, or supply chain management align with the bilateral relationship.
Chinese embassy in Vietnam
Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Vietnam
- Address: 46 Hoang Dieu, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi
- Phone: +84-24-38453736
Frequently asked questions
Do I need HSK to apply?
Only if you choose a Chinese-taught program. English-taught programs do not require HSK. But having HSK is a bonus even for English-medium applications.
Is travel to China expensive from Vietnam?
No. Flights from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City to southern Chinese cities are short and affordable. Some students even take trains or buses to Nanning from Hanoi.
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