The Shanghai Maritime University CSC Scholarship 2027 is a fully funded Chinese Government Scholarship under the Ministry of Education’s “High-Level Graduate Program” at Shanghai Maritime University (SMU) — founded in 1909, co-sponsored by the Shanghai Municipal Government and China’s Ministry of Transport, one of the world’s top maritime universities (ranked #7 among global maritime schools), and a global powerhouse with Marine & Ocean Engineering ranked #17 in the ARWU subject rankings. The scholarship supports outstanding international students for graduate-level studies (Master’s and PhD), with applications through both the CSC system and SMU’s own portal by 1 February 2027. Heads-up: SMU also offers the Shanghai Government Scholarship (SGS) until 30 April 2027 and self-financed places until 30 May 2027.

🏛️ About SMU

Shanghai Maritime University, founded in 1909, is a municipal public university in Shanghai co-sponsored by the Shanghai Municipal People’s Government and China’s Ministry of Transport — one of the world’s leading maritime institutions (ranked #7 in the 2025 global maritime universities ranking) and the “cradle of international shipping specialists”, with a 98.7% employment rate. SMU owns the 48,000-ton training bulk vessel Yuming, counts 52 bachelor’s and 64 master’s programs, places Marine & Ocean Engineering #17 in the world (ARWU) with Transportation Science & Engineering 76–100 and Oceanography 101–150, holds engineering in the global ESI top 1%, runs a joint International Transport & Logistics program with Sweden’s World Maritime University, and ranks #171 in the 2026 Best Chinese Universities Ranking and #1197 in the CWUR 2026 world list (top 5.7%).

📅 Deadlines: CGS vs SGS vs Self-financed (Master’s)

All applications open on 1 December 2026; the academic term begins each September (exact date in the Admission Letter).

✅ Eligibility Requirements

1. Bachelor’s degree or above, under 35 years of age, in good health (Master’s); doctoral applicants follow the PhD program guide.
2. Former Chinese citizens who emigrated must hold a valid foreign passport/nationality for at least 4 years and provide proof of having lived abroad for at least 2 years.
3. Language:
   • Chinese-taught programs: HSK 5 certificate (exempt: native Chinese speakers; applicants whose previous program was taught in Chinese);
   • English-taught programs: IELTS 6.0 / TOEFL 80 / Cambridge English B2 or above (dated within the recent 2 years). Exempt: native English speakers; applicants whose previous program was taught in English; other equivalent certificates subject to SMU review and approval.

📄 Application Documents

• ✔️ Application Form — apply via http://gjy.shmtu.edu.cn/login; for CGS also via studyinchina.csc.edu.cn.
• ✔️ Self-introduction video — max 5 minutes, covering your personality, hobbies, performance and awards (in Chinese for Chinese-taught programs / in English for English-taught programs).
• ✔️ Degree certificate or official proof of expected graduation — in Chinese or English, with official school stamp or embassy notarization.
• ✔️ Transcripts — in Chinese or English, stamped or notarized.
• ✔️ Two recommendation letters from Associate Professors/Professors (Chinese or English; referees’ contact information required).
• ✔️ Language credentials — per the requirements above.
• ✔️ Study Statement — about 1,000 words: study/work experience, academic qualifications, research plan, and career goals after graduation.
• ✔️ List of academic writings — copies of published papers (if any) or other proof of academic ability.
• ✔️ Supervision Intention Letter (SIL) — optional, but applicants who proactively contact supervisors and obtain an SIL get priority consideration. (Not an official admission document; SMU may adjust supervisors later.)
• ✔️ Passport bio-data page — clear scan with all details; if validity is less than 10 months from January 2027, renew your passport.
• ✔️ Medical Examination Report — covering all Foreigner Physical Examination Form items; valid 6 months.
• ✔️ Certificate of Non-Criminal Conviction — usually issued within 6 months before submission.
• ✔️ Statement of Financial Support (template on the website).
• ✔️ Receipt of application fee payment (see “HOW TO PAY” on the website).

🚀 How to Apply — 4 Steps

Scholarship results are notified in late May.

📌 Scholarship Review Policy

• The scholarship committee conducts a comprehensive annual review of recipients — academic records, learning attitude, overall performance, awards and disciplinary actions.
• Students who fail to meet the required standards may have their scholarship suspended or revoked.
• SMU reserves the right to assess international applicants through one or more written examinations or interviews.

☎️ Official Contact

❓ FAQs — Shanghai Maritime University CSC Scholarship 2027

1. What is the CGS deadline?

1 February 2027, with the SGS deadline on 30 April 2027 and self-financed places open until 30 May 2027. All open 1 December 2026.

2. Is there an application fee?

Yes — RMB 400 (≈ USD 60), non-refundable and non-transferable. Applications without the fee are not reviewed.

3. Is the SMU CGS fully funded?

The CSC High-Level Graduate Program is a full scholarship established by the Ministry of Education covering tuition, accommodation, a living allowance (standard CSC rates: CNY 3,000/month Master’s, CNY 3,500/month PhD) and comprehensive medical insurance.

4. Do I need to contact a supervisor?

A Supervision Intention Letter (SIL) is optional — but applicants who obtain one receive priority consideration. Supervisor information is on the website and in the “Information on Master’s Supervisors” pdf.

5. What language certificates are accepted?

Chinese-taught: HSK 5. English-taught: IELTS 6.0 / TOEFL 80 / Cambridge B2+ (within 2 years), with exemptions for native speakers and English-medium graduates.

6. What makes SMU special?

SMU (founded 1909) owns the 48,000-ton training ship Yuming, ranks #17 worldwide in Marine & Ocean Engineering, is a top-7 global maritime university, and reports a 98.7% employment rate with industry giants.

🏁 Conclusion

The Shanghai Maritime University CSC Scholarship 2027 is a flagship gateway into the global shipping and maritime industry: full CSC funding, a legendary training fleet, world #17 marine engineering, and three deadline tiers (CGS → SGS → self-financed) so you always have a route in. The must-dos: pay the RMB 400 application fee, apply on both portals before 1 February 2027, record your 5-minute self-introduction video in the right language, and chase an optional-but-powerful Supervision Intention Letter. If the sea is calling, answer before February. Good luck!

🔗 All Important Links

1️⃣ Official CGS Notice (SMU)

2️⃣ SMU Online Application System (Step 1 — mandatory, deadline 1 Feb 2027)

3️⃣ CSC Application System (Step 1 — Type B)

4️⃣ Program Guides & University Website

📚 Source: Official notice “Chinese Government Scholarship – High-Level Graduate Program”, Shanghai Maritime University (released 26 October 2026) + SMU Master’s Degree Programs Application Guide — en.shmtu.edu.cn