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CSC-UT Scholarship Program

Empowering Your Academic Journey at the University of Tennessee

The CSC-UT Scholarship is a joint initiative between the China Scholarship Council (CSC) and the University of Tennessee (UT) that provides a unique opportunity for Chinese students to pursue doctoral and master’s programs at UT.

Who is Eligible?

Selection Quotas

    • Up to 10 candidates for PhD programs are selected annually.
    • Up to 10 candidates for Master’s programs are selected annually.

UT Participating Programs

Click to see a list of participating programs at UT for the entry term Fall 2025.

How to Apply?

The application schedule, including dates and deadlines, is set by the CSC each year. To stay updated and ensure you don’t miss any important deadlines, please visit the CSC website. You’ll find all the necessary information and guidance on the application process there.

  • Candidates apply through the CSC website.
  • Post-application, CSC begins the nomination process and subsequently shares the list of nominated candidates with UT.

Candidates nominated by CSC must complete and submit their applications to the University of Tennessee.

  • UT’s Graduate School and Departments review candidate applications, making admission and funding decisions.
  • UT and CSC jointly announce the results and inform the candidates of their decisions.

Candidates are required to confirm their decisions, accepting or declining the offer, with both CSC and UT.
2016 CSC Scholars Enjoyed Cultural & Historical Outreach Activities

2016 CSC Scholars Enjoyed Cultural & Historical Outreach Activities

Scholarship Details

Doctoral Scholarship Recipients

CSC will provide each scholarship recipient with the in-state tuition total for up to 48 months, one round-trip international airfare and visa application fees. UT will provide the out-of-state tuition total and provide a graduate assistantship including a funding package equivalent to the cost of living stipend and health insurance during the selected student’s study at UT for up to 48 months.

Master scholarship Recipients

CSC will provide each scholarship recipient with the in-state tuition total for up to 24 months, a round-trip international airfare and visa application fees. UT will provide the out-of-state tuition total and provide a graduate assistantship including a funding package equivalent to the cost of living stipend and health insurance during the selected student’s study at UT for up to 24 months.

CSC-UT Scholars Candidate Interview in Shenyang

CSC-UT Scholars Candidate Interview in Shenyang

Contact and Additional Information

For further inquiries and detailed information, please contact the Global Research, Innovation, and Partnerships Office (GRIP) at ut_grip@utk.edu.

Program History

  • 2013 MOU signed, received support from then Senator Lamar Alexander
    • Program focus was Food, Engergy, Water and Socio-Economy​ with 10 participating departments
  • August 2014 Three students recruited as pilot test​
  • December 2014 CSC officially funded the program: 10 students/year for 3 academic years (2015-2017). ​
  • 2015 Renewed MOU for  3 years (2018-2020): 15 students/year​
    • As of Oct. 2021, 39 students participated in the program

      CSC Scholar Yuchuan Fan

      CSC Scholar Yuchuan Fan

  • 2022 Start the discussion with CSC with MOU renewal and funding model change to expand access of the scholarship to include master students and more programs
  • May 2024 Renewed the program MOU for 5 years (2024 – 2029) to support 20 students/year, updated the funding model, and expanded the program inclusion to more than 50 programs at UT​

Program Alumni Accolades

  • Xiaolong Liang – 2018 Chancellor’s Honor Awarded
  • Yuchuan Fan – First Place Winner of Poster Award by Soils & Environmental Quality Division of SSSA​