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 universities 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.
Also, there are various scholarships available in China. Here, we will take a look at the best scholarships, and we will also include stories of students who were successful in getting those scholarships that we have available.
Top Scholarships in China for International Students
| Scholarship Name | Scholarship Type | Eligible Degrees | Scholarship Value |
|---|
| Chinese Government Scholarship | Chinese Government | Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D. | Fully Funded |
| Schwarzman Scholarships | Tsinghua University | Master’s | Fully Funded |
| Beijing Government Scholarship | Beijing Government | Bachelor’s
Master’s
Ph.D. | Full tuition (1-year Bachelor’s and Master’s) and full tuition (3-year Ph.D.) |
| Shanghai Government Scholarship | Shanghai Government | Bachelor’s
Master’s
Ph.D. | Type A: RMB 59,200 ($9,155) per year
Type B: RMB 20,800 ($3,215) per year |
| Fujian Government Scholarship | Fujian Government | Bachelor’s
Master’s
Ph.D. | RMB 30,000 ($4,640) to RMB 60,000 ($9,280) per year |
| Ph.D. in China Fellowship | External | Ph.D. | Full tuition subsidy for 3 years |
| Joint Research Ph.D. Fellowship | External | Ph.D. | Full tuition subsidy for 1 semester to 2 years |
| Peking University Scholarship | Peking University | Bachelor’s
Master’s
Ph.D. | 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.) |
| Silk Road Muduo Scholarship | BNU | Bachelor’s
Master’s
Ph.D. | Full tuition subsidy for the duration of the study |
| Jiangsu Jasmine Scholarship | Jiangsu Provincial Government | Bachelor’s
Master’s
Ph.D. | Full tuition
Accommodation
Other fees |
| Hubei Provincial Scholarship | Hubei Province | Bachelor’s
Master’s
Ph.D. | Full tuition |
| ANSO Scholarship | Chinese Government | Master’s, Ph.D. | Full tuition, monthly stipend |
| USTC Scholarship – Chinese University Program | University of Science and Technology of China | Bachelor’s | Full tuition
Accommodation
Other fees |
| HIT Outstanding Enrolled International Students Scholarship | Harbin Institute of Technology | Bachelor’s | Full tuition |
| Nanjing Municpal Scholarship | Nanjing Government | Bachelor’s, Master’s | Tuition and Living Stipend |
| Nankai University Scholarship | Nankai University | Bachelor’s | 18,000 RMB per year |
| Dalian Government Scholarship | Chinese Government | Bachelor’s
Master’s | 10,000 RMB (Bachelor’s)
15,000 RMB (Master’s) |
| NPU President Scholarship | Northwestern Polytechnical University | Bachelor’s | Full tuition
Accommodation
Other fees |
| Zhengzhou University President Scholarship | Zhengzhou University | Ph.D. | Full tuition |
| University Scholarship | Central South University | Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D. | Full Tuition and Monthly Stipend |
1. Chinese Government Scholarships
The Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC), managed by the China Scholarship Council under the Ministry of Education, offers fully funded opportunities for international students to pursue bachelor’s, master’s, PhD, or research programs at nearly 279 designated Chinese universities. Scholarship types include embassy-sponsored bilateral programs (Type A), university-specific programs (Type B), the Great Wall Program, and UNESCO-linked fellowships, all covering full tuition, accommodation, health insurance, a monthly stipend (around RMB 3,000–3,500 for graduate students), and often travel allowances. Eligibility criteria vary by degree level and program, generally requiring non‑Chinese citizenship, good health, relevant academic qualifications, and being under specific age limits (e.g., 35 or below for master’s, 40 and below for PhD).
Here is what Chinese Government Scholarship Scholars Say:
“This scholarship, administered by Chongqing University, provides full tuition coverage, comprehensive medical insurance, accommodation, and a monthly living stipend, allowing me to focus entirely on my research and academic growth.”
Anees Ahmad
“In 2021, I was honored to receive the Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC), one of the most prestigious and competitive scholarships awarded by the Chinese government.”
Md Rabbi Al Islam
“If you are accepted, you’ll receive an email to proceed with the interview. After the interview, they will recommend you for the Chinese Government Scholarship. The entire selection process takes about four months after you send in the hard copy of your application.”
Hendri Wibowo
“Since I chose an English-taught program for my master’s studies, the Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi (HSK) Test, also known as the ‘Mandarin Level Exam,’ was not required. However, I needed to submit an English Proficiency Certificate, verified by my previous university, confirming that my undergraduate courses were conducted in English.”
Chhoeurm Phearun
2. Schwarzman Scholarships
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.
Here is what Schwarzman Scholars Say:
“The scholarship covers tuition and all aspects of living, ranging from flight tickets and semi-annual living stipend to housing and food support.”
Selena Guo
“Schwarzman Scholars is quite competitive, and the acceptance rate is between 3 and 4%.”
Pallavi Sareen
“Schwarzman Scholars has high standards for academic excellence, but a strong GPA alone won’t be enough to make you stand out.”
Michael Gallo
“For the first stage, the majority of my focus was on the essays. I started a month prior to the deadline and went through 3 iterations for each essay.”
Noel Therattil
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. 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.
11. 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.
12. ANSO Scholarship
- Scholarship Link
- Scholarship Amount for Master’s and Ph.D: 100% tuition coverage; monthly stipend of RMB 3,000 for Master’s (up to 36 months) and RMB 6,000–7,000 for Ph.D (up to 48 months); health insurance; travel allowance; and a one-time visa permit allowance.
- Meet the ANSO Scholars: Explore scholarship journeys including Muhammad Umar Nadeem and Md Rabbi Al Islam.
The Alliance of International Science Organizations (ANSO) Scholarship supports international students pursuing Master’s and Ph.D. programs in China, with major host universities including the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS) and the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC). Benefits typically include full tuition coverage, generous monthly stipends, health insurance, and travel/visa support. Check the scholarship page for current details, eligibility, and timelines.
Here is what ANSO Scholarship Scholars Say:
“ANSO Scholarship includes a tuition waiver (30000 RMB/year), free on-campus accommodation/off-campus accommodation subsidy (8400 RMB/year), health insurance (800 RMB/year), and a monthly stipend of 3000 RMB.”
Omer Tariq
13. 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.
14. HIT Outstanding Enrolled International Students Scholarship
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.
15. Nanjing Municipal Scholarship
The Nanjing Municipal Scholarship, funded by the Nanjing Municipal Government, supports outstanding international students pursuing Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees at participating universities in Nanjing, China. Classified as a full-tuition award, it provides annual support of RMB 10,000 for undergraduates and RMB 20,000 for graduate students, covering tuition and on-campus accommodation. Eligible institutions include leading universities in Nanjing.
Here is what Nanjing Municipal Government Scholarship Scholars Say:
“Coverage: Full tuition waiver + free on-campus accommodation (no living allowance)”
Ana T. Paredes
“I took the TOEFL for NJUST and the IELTS for KAIST.”
Ana T. Paredes
16. 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.
17. 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.
18. 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.
19. Zhengzhou University President Scholarship
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.
20. University Scholarship at Central South University
The University Scholarship at Central South University is a fully funded award for international students at the Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D. levels. Benefits include coverage for tuition, a monthly living stipend, on-campus accommodation, and health insurance. Typical eligibility includes non-Chinese citizenship, good health and no criminal record, and language proficiency (HSK for Chinese-taught programs; IELTS/TOEFL for English-taught programs).
Here is what Central South University Scholarship Scholars Say:
“…the Central South University (CSU) Scholarship for a Master’s in Computer Science and Technology, which provided a monthly allowance of 2,500 RMB.”
Md Rabbi Al Islam
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!
