PhD scholarships available for Chinese students at Queen’s University

Ireland is becoming increasingly popular among international students. With the UK out of the European Union, it could now attract even more students who want to study in an English-speaking country. This is an opportunity many students in Asia seek as a pathway to a global career. So if you’re a Chinese student looking for a PhD opportunity abroad, these scholarships to Queen’s University in Belfast could be your golden ticket. 

The Queen’s University/China Scholarship Council Awards offers 20 full PhD scholarships for candidates starting in 2021-22. Here’s what you need to know about it.

Who is eligible?

You must be a citizen of the People’s Republic of China to qualify for this PhD scholarship to Queen’s University; you should either be permanently residing there or studying overseas. Those working overseas are not eligible. Neither are citizens of Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan. Bear in mind that you will be expected to return to China once you finish your studies.

Applicants should have a bachelor’s or master’s degree, which will be considered on a case-by-case basis, as well as a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 or 90 (online). You must also have registered at Queen’s to earn this scholarship, and maintain satisfactory progress throughout your PhD to keep it. Besides that, first-year PhD students at Queen’s may also apply if they meet all other requirements, as long as they started the programme after Sept. 1, 2020. Check specific academic and language requirements here.

What research can I do at Queen’s University?

This opportunity is open to doctorate candidates of all interests. Applicants to all postgraduate research areas will be considered, as long as there is a fitting supervisor available. You can find out more about research opportunities on the university’s official website.

What does the scholarship cover?

Free tuition may be the main draw, but it’s certainly not the only one. Yes, this scholarship will cover your full-time international PhD fees for three years, as well as support you during one year of thesis writing. Additionally, you will receive a stipend from the China Scholarship Council, one economy class return ticket from China to the UK, and funding to cover visa application fees.

How to apply?

First, apply for admission to the PhD programme of your choice by Jan. 26, 2021 via the online portal, specifying that you will be applying for the Queen’s/CSC Joint Scholarship Scheme. Remember to attach academic transcripts and certificates, English language test certificate, two academic references, and confirmation that the faculty can support your research project.

If your PhD application is successful, you will receive an offer letter, after which you may apply for funding. Then, submit your formal application for the Queen’s University/CSC Scholarship to intl.student@qub.ac.uk by Jan. 26, 2021. Shortlisted candidates will be informed and required to confirm their acceptance by March 2021. Finally, you must submit a separate application to the CSC following local application procedures and deadline in China (likely to be between March 10 and 31). Check if you meet CSC requirements here.