20 Best Scholarships in China for International Students

China is becoming a fast-rising star in the field of education. It’s obvious in the influx of students, with more than 490,000 foreigners studying in the ‘Red Dragon’.

And why not? China’s best universities promise quality education. It has six institutions in the top 100 brackets of the World University Rankings.

More importantly, Chinese universities offer education at a price cheaper than more popular options. Students only have to pay a minimum of USD 2,500 a year – so that’s only USD 10,000 for a 4-year course.

Even with this affordable price, some students find it hard to afford. Good thing the Chinese government, universities, and other entities offer scholarships for international students. Let’s look at some of the China scholarships that are available for international students.

Top Scholarships in China for International Students

1. Chinese Government Scholarship Type A

• Scholarship Page
• Scholarship Amount: Partial to full tuition amount
• Eligible Degree/s: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D.

The Chinese Government Scholarship (CGS) program is the best scholarship in China for international students and is offered by the Ministry of Education through the China Scholarship Council.

It offers many types of scholarships, one of which is Type A. Also known as the Bilateral program, covers the tuition for a Chinese or English-taught program – as well as the preparatory year.

The scholarship also includes free university accommodation (or subsidy), a stipend, and comprehensive medical insurance.

Through this scholarship, students may apply to 2 Chinese universities via the Chinese embassy in their home countries.

The requirements for a Type A scholarship include:

• University and CGS application forms
• Photocopy of highest diploma (notarized)
• Academic transcripts
• Proof of Chinese language proficiency
• Photocopy of foreigner physical exam form

Applicants also need to submit a study plan/research proposal, two recommendation letters, and a personal statement form.

2. Chinese Government Scholarship Type B

• Scholarship Page
• Scholarship Amount: Partial to full tuition amount
• Eligible Degree/s: Master’s, Ph.D.

Also known as the Chinese University program, this China scholarship is limited to foreign graduate students who wish to enroll in certain institutions.

The CGS type B program covers any Chinese or English-taught graduate program, as well as the preparatory year needed by the student.

As with all CGS programs, the Type B scholarship provides a stipend, free board/accommodation subsidy, and medical insurance.

Compared to the Type A scholarship, applications for the Type B program may be filed directly with the university. The requirements stated above also apply, though arts students will need to submit a compilation of their works.

CGS awardees are subject to an annual review. This is done before the funding release for the next school year.

3. Beijing Government Scholarship

• Scholarship Page
• Scholarship Amount: Full tuition (1-year Bachelor’s and Master’s), full tuition (3-year Ph.D.)
• Eligible Degree/s: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D.

Much like the Chinese government, Beijing also funds foreign students through its Beijing Government Scholarship program.

Open to undergraduate and graduate students, BGS covers the full tuition amount for 1 year (Bachelor’s & Master’s) to 3 years (Ph.D.)

Those who have received another type of scholarship will not be eligible for the BGS.

For their scholarship to be renewed, Ph.D. students who are funded by the BGS are subject to a comprehensive annual evaluation every April.

The Beijing Government leaves the responsibility of receiving, reviewing, and approving applications to the receiving university.

4. Shanghai Government Scholarship

• Scholarship Page
• Scholarship Amount: Type A: RMB 59,200 ($9,155) per year, Type B: RMB 20,800 ($3,215) per year
• Eligible Degree/s: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D.

Like Beijing, the Shanghai Government offers fully-funded scholarships in China to foreigners who study in Shanghainese institutions.

The scholarship is divided into 2 types. Type A is recommended for undergraduate and graduate students since it covers the full tuition amount. It also shoulders living & accommodation expenses and the cost of medical insurance.

The Type B scholarship, on the other hand, only covers the partial tuition amount. That said, it is open for both undergraduate and graduate applicants.

To apply, students must meet the following age brackets: no more than 25 for undergraduate applicants, no more than 35 for Master’s students, and no more than 40 for Ph.D. applicants.

An HSK level of 4 is also required to qualify for the Shanghai government scholarship.

5. Fujian Government Scholarship

• Scholarship Page
• Scholarship Amount: RMB 30,000 ($4,640) to RMB 60,000 ($9,280) per year
• Eligible Degree/s: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D.

Fujian, a southeastern Chinese state, offers fully-funded scholarships to foreign students who wish to study in its institutions.

The Fujian Government Scholarship is classified into various types, namely:

• Government Special Scholarship Program – RMB 60,000 ($9,280) per person per year
• Study in Fujian Program – RMB 30,000 ($4,640) per person per year
• Trainees Program – RMB 30,000 ($4,640) per person per year
• Fujian University recruitment programs – RMB 30,000 ($4,640) to RMB 50,000 ($7,730) per person per year

To apply for any of these scholarship programs, students need to submit a completed application form, a photocopy of the highest diploma (notarized), a study or research plan, and a portfolio of artworks (for arts students).

As with most Chinese scholarship programs for international students, applicants need to follow a certain age bracket: no more than 30 years for undergraduates, and 40 for Masters. An age limit of 50 applies to potential scholars with the title of associate professor.

6. Ph.D. in China Fellowship

• Scholarship Page
• Scholarship Amount: Full tuition subsidy for 3 years
• Eligible Degree/s: Ph.D.

The Ph.D. in China Fellowship is open to foreign students – with master’s degrees – who want to take up a doctoral course in a Chinese university.

The scholarship will fund three years of studies, as well as a living/research allowance, medical/accident insurance, and annual traveling expenses (economy class only).

To apply for this China scholarship, students need to submit an application form, a notarized copy of the highest academic certificate, a transcript of records, a master’s thesis abstract (or other research works), and a research proposal for the desired doctoral degree.

Applicants also have to submit a personal statement, 2 recommendation letters, and a statement of guarantee.

These should be submitted through the Confucius China Studies Program website.

7. Joint Research Ph.D. Fellowship

• Scholarship Page
• Scholarship Amount: Full tuition subsidy for 1 semester to 2 years
• Eligible Degree/s: Ph.D.

The Joint Research Ph.D. program is an opportunity given to foreigners studying in universities abroad. The scholarship aims to fund the applicant to study, conduct research, and complete his/her dissertation in a Chinese university.

Apart from tuition, this fellowship in China for international students will shoulder the awardee’s lodging & living stipend, round-trip airfare, life/medical insurance, research fund, and costs of the supervisor’s visit to China.

To be eligible, the student should have an HSK transcript test score of 3 or higher.

Other application requirements include a Ph.D. study certificate, 2 letters of recommendation, an abstract of master’s thesis & other research projects, and a research plan for the intended study in China.

The necessary documents may be submitted to the Confucius Institute Headquarters in the applicant’s current study country.

8. Peking University Scholarship

• Scholarship Page
• Scholarship Amount: Partial to full tuition subsidy for 4-5 years (Bachelor’s), 2-3 years (Master’s), 5 years (Master’s to Ph.D.), or 4 years (Ph.D.)
• Eligible Degree/s: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D.

Peking University, which is ranked second in China, offers fully-funded scholarships for outstanding foreign students. A condition of the scholarship, however, is that the student should not be taking a Joint degree or English-taught program.

Apart from covering the partial or full tuition amount, the PKUS also includes a living stipend, accommodation subsidies, and medical insurance.

PKUS awardees are subject to an annual evaluation before the scholarship is renewed.

9. Silk Road Muduo Scholarship

• Scholarship Page
• Scholarship Amount: Full tuition subsidy for the duration of the study
• Eligible Degree/s: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D.

BNU’s Silk Road Muduo Scholarship is open to students from the ‘One Belt and One Road’ countries. This China scholarship program covers full tuition subsidies, accommodation allowances/living stipends, and medical insurance.

Undergraduate students are chosen according to their entrance exam scores and other test results.

Master’s and Ph.D. awardees, on the other hand, are chosen according to their performance in their previous degrees. Their capacity for research & innovation is considered as well.

Silk Road Muduo scholars are subject to evaluations every May.

10. Schwarzman Scholarship

• Scholarship Page
• Scholarship Amount: Full tuition subsidy for 1 year
• Eligible Degree/s: Master’s

The Schwarzman Scholarship is offered to future global leaders who wish to take a Master’s degree in Public Policy, Business & Economics, or International Studies at Tsinghua University. Applicants for this China scholarship must be 18 to 29 years old. They also need to meet the prescribed testing scores for English proficiency.

The Schwarzman Scholarship is awarded to approximately 200 applicants, 45% of which will come from the US. 35% will come from other countries, while 20% of the slots are devoted to Chinese applicants.

Apart from fully-funded tuition, Schwarzman scholars will receive room/board subsidies, personal stipends, book/supply subsidies, roundtrip airfare to Beijing, and health insurance.

11. Jiangsu Jasmine Scholarship

• Scholarship Page
• Scholarship Amount: Full tuition, accommodation, and other fees
• Eligible Degree/s: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D.

Jiangsu Jasmine Scholarship is another Chinese scholarship for international students. It is part of the Jiangsu Education Talent Introduction Plan, which the Jiangsu Provincial Government initiated in July 2015. The primary purpose is to attract more international students to Jiangsu and provide them with opportunities to pursue higher education there.

Jiangsu Jasmine Scholarship covers tuition fees, accommodation, living expenses, health insurance, and local transport costs. It also provides economic assistance for international students studying at public universities and colleges in Jiangsu Province.

You’ll have to register an individual account at the “Study in Jiangsu” website and complete the application form. Don’t forget to upload all the relevant e-copies of your documents as well.

12. Hubei Provincial Scholarship

• Scholarship Page
• Scholarship Amount: Full tuition
• Eligible Degree/s: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D.

The Hubei Provincial Scholarship is for international students who study in Hubei Province. This scholarship aims to attract students from around the world to study in Hubei, promote the development of higher education there, and enhance the exchange and cooperation between China and other countries.

The scholarship will be awarded to high-quality international students admitted to undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs. It will be given based on academic performance, talent, personal attributes, financial status, and other factors.

To apply, fill out the application form and send it along with the required documents to the university you will be attending. The documents include a copy of a passport, academic transcripts, letter of recommendation, and health certificate.

13. Guangxi Governmental Scholarship for ASEAN

• Scholarship Page
• Scholarship Amount: Full tuition, accommodation, and other fees
• Eligible Degree/s: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D.

The Guangxi Government Scholarship is designed to cultivate international talents and promote the exchange of culture, science, education, and technology between China and other countries.

This China scholarship provides financial support for international students who wish to study at the university level in Guangxi Province. It covers tuition, living expenses, health insurance, and travel expenses. Applicants must have excellent academic records. They must also have outstanding leadership qualities or potential and a clear idea about the study program in Guangxi Province.

To apply, you must complete the application form and send it with copies of your passport. In addition, you need to write up a study or research plan in no less than 200 words. Furthermore, a recommendation letter would also be required.

14. USTC Scholarship – Chinese University Program

• Scholarship Page
• Scholarship Amount: Full tuition, accommodation, and other fees
• Eligible Degree/s: Bachelor’s

USTC Scholarship is a program to help international students who want to study in China. It is provided by the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) and its partner universities, which are located in Beijing, Shanghai, Nanjing, Hefei, and other cities.

The USTC Scholarship program offers this award to undergraduate students worldwide who want to study at USTC or one of its partner universities. It covers tuition fees, accommodation, and living expenses during their study period. It also provides round-trip airfare for international students who live abroad.

To apply, create an account on the university’s website, fill in all the required information, and upload the e-copies of the specified documents.

15. HIT Outstanding Enrolled International Students Scholarship

• Scholarship Page
• Scholarship Amount: Full tuition
• Eligible Degree/s: Bachelor’s

The Harbin Institute of Technology (HIT) is one of the leading universities in China. It offers various programs at different levels, including undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate degrees. It also provides training for teachers and professionals.

The Harbin Institute of Technology Outstanding Enrolled International Students Scholarship in China is awarded to international students enrolled in HIT. It aims to support outstanding students who have achieved excellent academic results and demonstrated leadership skills in their studies.

Applicants must meet all university requirements before submitting their application materials to apply for this award program.

16. MOFCOM Scholarship

• Scholarship Page
• Scholarship Amount: Full tuition, accommodation, and other fees
• Eligible Degree/s: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D.

MOFCOM Scholarship is an award program funded by the Ministry of Education of China. It aims to provide international students with excellent opportunities for studying at universities in China.

This China scholarship also facilitates their further study or employment in China and elsewhere.

The MOFCOM Scholarship is open to international students who have applied to study at a Chinese university’s full-time undergraduate or postgraduate program. Applicants must be under 35 years old and possess outstanding academic performance, leadership qualities, and good character.

Applicants must also meet the following requirements: must be a non-citizen of Mainland China, have been admitted by an eligible university or institution in China, or be currently studying in such program, and have not resided in Mainland China for more than six months in total during the past two years.

17. Nankai University Scholarship

• Scholarship Page
• Scholarship Amount: 18,000 RMB per year
• Eligible Degree/s: Bachelor’s

Nankai University is a national key university under the Ministry of Education in China. It was founded in 1919 and has a history of over 100 years. It is one of the top-ranking universities in China.

Nankai University Scholarship is an award program for international students who want to study at Nankai University. The program offers financial support to students who can prove their high academic performance and outstanding talents.

It provides full scholarships to the selected students and covers tuition, accommodation, and food expenses. The duration of this scholarship is three years.

18. Dalian Government Scholarship

• Scholarship Page
• Scholarship Amount: 10,000 RMB (Bachelor’s), 15,000 RMB (Master’s)
• Eligible Degree/s: Bachelor’s, Master’s

The Dalian Government Scholarship is an international award program providing funding for students studying in Dalian, China. It aims to promote global education, enhance mutual understanding between the people of China and other countries, and improve the competitiveness of Chinese universities. This scholarship in China is open to students from developing countries who wish to pursue undergraduate or master’s degree studies at colleges or universities in Dalian.

Eligible applicants must be non-Chinese citizens who are not currently studying in China. In addition, they must have excellent academic records, good moral character, strong leadership skills, and excellent English language proficiency. They must also have a clear plan for their future studies in China. Furthermore, applicants must be under 35 years old by July 1st of the year they apply for the scholarship.

19. NPU President Scholarship

• Scholarship Page
• Scholarship Amount: Full tuition, accommodation, and other fees
• Eligible Degree/s: Bachelor’s

The Northwestern Polytechnic University (NPU) President Scholarship is a full-tuition award that is given to students who demonstrate strong academic performance, leadership qualities, and a commitment to serving their community. All undergraduate students who are admitted to NPU will have an opportunity to apply for this award.

Students must meet all eligibility requirements to be considered for this program. In addition, a letter of recommendation will be required. The letter should summarize the student’s academic achievements, extracurricular activities, leadership potential, and community service record.

20. Zhengzhou University President Scholarship

• Scholarship Page
• Scholarship Amount: Full tuition
• Eligible Degree/s: Ph.D.

The Zhengzhou University President Scholarship is an annual China scholarship offered to students who apply for the doctoral program at Zhengzhou University. It is given to students with outstanding academic performance, good moral character, and excellent extracurricular activities.

As one of the top 10 universities in China, Zhengzhou University attracts most of the best students from all over. However, it is still difficult for some outstanding students not from Zhengzhou to get into the university due to their low scores on the college entrance exam. Therefore, they launched this scholarship program to encourage more talented students to apply for college education in Zhengzhou. This scholarship will provide full funding for four years of doctoral study.

We hope that this article on the best scholarships in China for international students was helpful. If you’re interested in studying abroad, make sure to check out the Available Programs for International Students!