China Agricultural University (CAU) in Beijing is now accepting applications from international students for Master’s and PhD programs in 2027.
It is the No. 1 university in the world for Agricultural Sciences, and the Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) application is open now.
📍 Beijing, China🎓 Master’s & PhD🏆 Project 985 / 211 / Double First-Class📅 CSC deadline: 28 Feb 2027
🏆 China Agricultural University Ranking
CAU is one of the strongest universities in the world for agriculture, food and life sciences. Here are its latest rankings:
#1
World – Agricultural Sciences
(U.S. News 2027)
#5
World – Agriculture & Forestry
(QS Subject 2026)
#24
In China
(Best Chinese Universities 2026)
#192
World – Overall
(U.S. News 2027)
#477
World – Overall
(QS 2027)
151–200
World – Overall
(ARWU / Shanghai 2026)
Rankings change every year. Figures are from the latest published editions as of November 2026.
About China Agricultural University
CAU is the birthplace of modern agricultural higher education in China. Its history goes back to 1905, when the Agricultural College of Peking University was founded.
- A member of China’s top university projects: Project 211, Project 985 and Double First-Class.
- 9 “First-Class” disciplines: Biology, Agricultural Engineering, Food Science & Engineering, Crop Science, Agricultural Resources & Environment, Plant Protection, Animal Husbandry, Veterinary Science and Grass Science.
- Partnerships with 260+ universities and institutions in 50+ countries, with 497 cooperation agreements.
- A member of the A5 Agri-Food Alliance with Wageningen University, UC Davis, Cornell University and the University of São Paulo.
- Leads a Belt and Road agricultural education network of 75 universities from 29 countries, with 11 international joint research centers.
📅 Application Deadlines 2027
| Scholarship / Category | Application Period |
|---|---|
| CSC – High-Level Graduate Program (Type B) | 1 November 2026 – 28 February 2027 |
| CSC – Silk Road Program (Type B) | March – May 2027 |
| CSC – Type A (through Chinese Embassy) | According to your Chinese Embassy’s notice |
| Beijing Government Scholarship | November 2026 – May 2027 |
| Other Scholarships & Self-Funded | November 2026 – June 2027 |
Final dates are confirmed on the CAU admission website.
✅ Who Can Apply? (Eligibility)
- A non-Chinese citizen with a valid ordinary passport.
- In good health (physically and mentally), and able to pass the medical check for a Chinese visa.
- No criminal record, and willing to follow Chinese laws and university rules.
- Master’s: a Bachelor’s degree, and under 35 years old.
- PhD: a Master’s degree, and under 40 years old.
Language Requirements
| Program Type | Requirement |
|---|---|
| English-taught | IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL iBT 90, or proof that your previous degree was taught in English |
| Chinese-taught | HSK Level 5 (valid certificate) |
Good news: English-taught students do not need any Chinese language score to apply. The university will teach you Chinese during your studies, and you should reach Chinese Level 3 by graduation.
If you apply for a scholarship, check that scholarship’s own language requirement as well.
📄 Documents Required
- Passport photo page (valid after December 2027).
- Highest degree certificate (notarized). Final-year students can submit an Expected Graduation Certificate.
- Academic transcripts from Bachelor’s onwards, sealed by your university.
- Two recommendation letters from associate professors or professors (signed; no fixed format).
- CV with your study and work experience.
- Study or research plan in English or Chinese (at least 1,000 words).
- Language certificate: IELTS/TOEFL for English-taught, or HSK 5 for Chinese-taught.
- Foreigner Physical Examination Form, completed and signed by a doctor.
- Non-criminal record certificate from the police.
- Visa page (only if you are already in China).
- Publications, patents or awards (if you have any).
Important: All documents must be in English or Chinese. Documents in any other language need a notarized translation.
📝 How to Apply (Step by Step)
- Choose your major from CAU’s 2027 graduate program list on the admission website.
- Prepare all documents and scan them as clear PDF files.
- Create an account on the CAU online application system and fill in your details.
- Upload your documents and pay the RMB 400 application fee (non-refundable).
- Track your application regularly in the system and in your email.
- Attend the exam or interview if your college invites you (you’ll be told 1–2 weeks before).
- Receive your Admission Notice and JW201/JW202 form (usually in July).
- Apply for an X1 student visa at the Chinese Embassy, then register at CAU on time.
CAU Admission Website Apply Online Physical Exam Form (PDF)
Tip for CSC applicants: Apply as early as possible, and try to get an acceptance letter from a CAU professor in your field. It greatly improves your chance of getting the scholarship.
⏳ Study Duration
- Master’s degree: 2–3 years
- PhD degree: 3–4 years
💰 Fees (For Self-Funded Students)
| Item | Cost (RMB) |
|---|---|
| Application fee (non-refundable) | 400 |
| Tuition – Master’s (per year) | 26,000 |
| Tuition – PhD (per year) | 30,000 |
| On-campus shared room (per month) | 1,000 – 1,600 |
| Medical insurance (per year) | 800 |
If you win the CSC scholarship, it normally covers tuition, accommodation, insurance and a monthly stipend.
🎁 Scholarships Available
- Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC): High-Level Graduate Program, Silk Road Program, and Type A
- Beijing Government Scholarship
CAU publishes each scholarship notice on its admission website when the application opens.
📞 Contact Information
| Office | International Office, China Agricultural University |
| Address | Room 412, Main Building, No. 17 Qinghua Donglu, Haidian District, Beijing 100083, China |
| Phone | +86-10-6273 7815 |
| Fax | +86-10-6273 7704 |
| cauie@cau.edu.cn |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is China Agricultural University good for international students?
Yes. CAU is ranked No. 1 in the world for Agricultural Sciences (U.S. News 2027) and is one of China’s top Double First-Class universities. It also has strong international partnerships.When is the CAU CSC scholarship deadline for 2027?
For the CSC High-Level Graduate Program (Type B), applications run from 1 November 2026 to 28 February 2027.Do I need HSK for English-taught programs?
No. English-taught students only need IELTS 6.0, TOEFL 90, or proof of an English-medium degree.What is the age limit?
Under 35 for Master’s programs and under 40 for PhD programs.How much is the application fee?
RMB 400, and it is not refundable.
Good luck with your application! 🌱 If you have any questions, leave a comment below, and share this post with friends who want to study in China.
Source: China Agricultural University, International Student Graduate Admission Information 2027 (released 3 September 2026).
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