The Great Britain-China Educational Trust (GBCET) is a charity set up to support Chinese students studying in Britain and British students studying in China. They offer Chinese Student Awards for the final year of PhD study in the UK.
The GBCET Trustees meet twice a year, in spring and autumn, to discuss support for:
- Chinese students in Britain through the Chinese Student Awards
- British PhDs research on China grant
- The study of Chinese language through the Chinese Language Awards
Table of Content
Summary
- Application DeadlineApril 26, 2026
- Value£3,000
- Study LevelMasters , PhD
- SponsorGreat Britain-China Centre (GBCC)
- Eligible CountryIndia , United Kingdom
Subscribe for Scholarship Alert!
Benefits
Requirements
Chinese Student Awards
Eligibility requirements:
- Chinese nationality (from the PRC inc. Hong Kong) studying for a PhD in any subject at a UK university. Students must have started their third year before they are eligible to submit their application.
- Applicants must have attended at least one institution of higher education in China.
- Students may apply twice for the award, but must wait a year before trying again. Successful awardees cannot apply again. Awards are not renewable.
The Trustees will not consider applications from:
- Undergraduates, or postgraduates enrolled on a taught course e.g. MA & MSc, or students requiring funding for the first two years of a PhD.
- Chinese nationals attending or giving papers at conferences, conducting fieldwork or taking research trips
The Trustees will also not consider requests for funding intended for research materials (e.g. books, lab equipment, software). The awards are meant to contribute towards applicants’ university tuition fees, and living expenses.
British PhDs Researching China
- This award is intended for British PhD students who need a top-up grant to help them through the final stages of their degree, especially during the writing-up period.
Chinese Language Awards
Eligibility requirements:
- British nationality postgraduate students (in any subject) who are normally resident in the UK and enrolled in a British university.
- Candidates must be seeking funding for the study of the Chinese language (spoken or written) as a taught element of their degree OR for Chinese language training which is not built in to their degree but which would aid their research, e.g. PhD courses. In the latter case, funding is considered for British PhD students giving conference papers in China, or travelling to China to pursue essential doctoral research.
- Applicants whose principle degree course does not include language training as integral to the course (usually PhD courses) must also provide proof of enrolment on to a language course.
- Language instruction will be undertaken in Britain, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, or Singapore.
- British nationality students enrolled on a postgraduate course in a PRC, Hong Kong, or Taiwanese university will be considered but preference will be given to applicants enrolled and based at a British university.
- Applicants must have started their degree and provide proof of their matriculation.
- No previous knowledge of Chinese is required to be eligible.
- If unsuccessful, after a year candidates may re-apply for the award, once only. Successful awardees cannot apply again. Awards are not renewable.
The Trustees will not consider applications from:
- Undergraduates, postdoctorates, or those without British nationality.
- Those undertaking private tuition or informal language swap arrangements.
- Applicants with an undergraduate honours degree (single or combined) that included Chinese language as a major component of the degree.
Check also:
Wits-Edinburgh Programme in Sustainable African Futures by Mastercard Foundation 2026-2027
Department of Aeronautics MSc Scholarship at Imperial College London 2026
Application Deadline
April 26, 2026How To Apply
Chinese Student Award
Small Grants for British PhDs Researching China
Chinese Language Awards
For more information, kindly visit Great Britain-China Educational Trust (GBCET) scholarship webpage.
