BEIJING, Jan. 07 (Xinhuanet) --  Application of China's government scholarship program for the upcoming 2012-2013 academic year has started.

Sponsored by China's Ministry of Education (MOE), the Government Scholarship Program provides full and partial scholarships to international students and scholars to study in China. Recipients will be studying or doing research in Chinese universities or research institutes in a variety of subjects, including medicine, agriculture, law, management, history, economics, etc.

Undergraduates, Master's and Doctoral candidates as well as scholars are all eligible. US applicants can send application forms to the Education Office of Chinese Embassy in Washington, DC, or Chinese Consulates General in other US cities.

The China Scholarship Council (CSC) under the MOE is responsible for recruiting candidates for the program. Those who are interested in applying can refer to www.csc.edu.cn/laihua to check application procedures. The deadline is April 30.

The program is initiated by MOE in accordance with educational exchange agreements and understanding between Chinese government, foreign governments and international organizations such as UNESCO, ASEAN and EU.