The best scholarships in China for international students. Are you an international student looking to study in China but worried about the financial burden? With world-class educational institutions and affordable living costs, China is quickly becoming a top destination for international students. But how can you make studying in China more affordable? The answer lies in scholarships!
China offers a wealth of scholarship opportunities designed to help students from around the world pursue their academic dreams. From full-tuition scholarships to stipends for living expenses, these scholarships can cover nearly every aspect of your studies. In this article, we explore the best scholarships in China for international students in 2025-26, making it easier for you to achieve your academic dreams.
Read Also: University of Genova Scholarships 2025 | Study in Italy
Top Scholarships in China for International Student
International students can study in China using a variety of Chinese scholarships that support their academic objectives. In China, there are three primary categories of scholarships: university-specific, non-government, and government. The best scholarships in China for overseas students are listed below, along with information on their eligibility, application deadline, and scholarship recipients.
Scholarships Provided by the Chinese Government
There are likely to be scholarships in China that meet your goals, regardless of whether you decide to pursue undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral degrees. Let’s examine a few of the Chinese government scholarships that are open to foreign students.
1. China Scholarship Council (CSC) Scholarships
- Period of Application: December through March
- Qualification Requirement: Chinese institutions can actively choose and suggest students who excel academically.
- Living expenses, health insurance, a return ticket abroad, and visa application fees are all included in the scholarship award.
The CSC scholarship is among the most well-liked international student scholarships offered in China. This type of Chinese government scholarship is provided by the Chinese Scholarship Council. The Chinese Ministry of Education is working to promote intercultural understanding, political cooperation, cultural exchange, and education between China and other countries.
CSC may provide whole or partial funding for this international student scholarship in China. One of the best scholarships in China for overseas students is the CSC scholarship, which allows recipients to attend any of the country’s 279 universities.
2. Jiangsu Government Scholarships
- Period of Application: January through May
- Eligibility requirements include having a valid foreign passport, being between the ages of 18 and 35, depending on the program, and providing two letters of recommendation.
- Scholarship Award: Complete waiver of tuition, housing, and living expenses
The Jiangsu Government Scholarships provide financial aid to eligible students who want to study in China. For four years, students pursuing a bachelor’s degree will make $7000, and for two to three years, students pursuing a master’s degree will make $9800. The institution pays for the recipients’ insurance as part of this scholarship to study in China. As a result, it is among the best scholarships in China available to overseas students.
3. Hubei Provincial Scholarship
- Period of Application: February through June
- Eligibility requirements include being a foreign national, being between the ages of 25 and 50, depending on the program, and having a certain level of language ability.
- Scholarship Award: $700 for undergraduates, $2100 for postgraduates, and $2800 for doctorate students annually
International students can now apply for scholarships offered by the Hubei Government in China to continue their education in Hubei. The annual financial assistance provided by this award ranges from $1400 for undergraduate students to $2800 for PhD students. One of the best scholarships in China for overseas students is the opportunity to study in one of the country’s most technologically and educationally advanced provinces.
Read Also: Top 10 College Courses in Ireland in 2025
4. Beijing Government Scholarship
- Period of Application: January through June
- Eligibility: To be eligible, candidates must be non-Chinese nationals, be in excellent health, and be of the appropriate age for each academic level.
- Scholarship awards: Undergraduate students receive $2900 annually, postgraduate students receive $4200 annually, and doctorate students receive $5600 annually.
You can start your academic career in China’s capital city by applying for one of the Beijing Government scholarships now offered to overseas students. The scholarship was first endowed with 49 million dollars by the Beijing Municipal Education Commission. One of the best scholarships in China for overseas students. It provides assistance in three different categories and has the highest prize of $5600 for each winner.
5. Guanxi Government Scholarship for ASEAN Students
- Period of Application: Applications for excellent student awards begin in March, while those for full scholarships begin in June.
- Qualification requirement: To be eligible, candidates must be non-Chinese nationals, be in excellent health, and be of the appropriate age for each academic level.
- Scholarship Award: $700 for a year per student
Two subcategories of one of the best scholarships in China for free study for foreign students are full scholarships and excellent student awards. ASEAN students who wish to pursue a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree at a Guangxi institution are the target audience for the scholarship. These international student scholarships in China are given out only once a year, in April. 200 students will receive awards each time; if the number of slots in the current year are not used, the number of awards will be carried over to the next year. Students are only eligible to apply for the award once a year.
Read Also: 15 Best Scholarships for Women in STEM
Non-Government Funded Scholarships
Non-governmental offerings are available at many of China’s best colleges for international students. These include program-specific grants and merit-based incentives. The following are a few of China’s top non-government scholarships available to foreign students:
6. Confucius Institute Scholarship
- Period of Applications: Mid-April to June
- Eligibility requirements include having a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent, being between the ages of 16 and 35, and having a minimum score on the HSK and HSKK tests to demonstrate language proficiency.
- Scholarship Award: $350 to $420 per month plus $100 for living expenses.
The Confucius Institute Scholarship provides financial aid to international students who wish to study Chinese language and culture. These international student scholarships in China cover tuition and living expenses in a university residence hall, as well as a monthly stipend for personal expenses and basic health insurance.
The monthly stipend is roughly $350 for BTCSOL students or those taking Chinese language and culture classes, whereas it is roughly $420 for MTCSOL students. Additionally, scholarship recipients can choose to live off campus, with an additional $100 per month provided by the Confucius Institute to help with housing expenses. It is undoubtedly one of the best scholarships in China available to overseas students because of its various advantages.
7. British Council China Scholarship
- Period of Applications: Each university has a different.
- Eligibility: This fellowship is open to UK citizens who hold Irish or British passports. Applicants must be enrolled in a UK university at the time of application, be at least eighteen years old, and be recent graduates.
- Scholarship Award: Up to $4200 in tuition is covered.
Citizens of the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland have an excellent opportunity to study abroad in China for short courses and postgraduate training. One aspect of Generation UK is its reputation as one of the best scholarships in China available to international students. It provides a range of English-taught courses at 37 institutions throughout China and is open to up to 15 students. In addition to covering tuition costs up to $4200, these foreign student scholarships in China allow students to enroll for free in any non-degree program of their choosing.
Read Also: University of Stirling: Guide and Scholarships 2025
University Specific Scholarships to Study in China
International students are eligible for scholarships offered by numerous universities. These can cover tuition as well as living expenses and housing costs. These are the best overseas scholarships offered by Chinese universities.
8. Schwarzman Scholars Program
- Period of Applications: April through September
- Eligibility requirements include having an undergraduate degree, being proficient in English, and having high academic standing. Applicants must be in the 18–29 age range.
- Scholarship award: Tuition, accommodation, and board on campus, transportation to and from Beijing, an in-country study tour, the price of required course materials, health insurance, and a $4,000 stipend for personal costs.
This scholarship, which is intended for overseas students who want to study for a Master in Global Affairs at Tsinghua University in Beijing, is among the best scholarships in China available to international students. Public policy, economics, business, and international studies will all be covered in this English-language program.
9. Biomedical Science Scholarships
- Period of Application: May through June for the fall admission and mid-February for the spring intake.
- Eligibility: Applicants must provide a copy of their current passport, a passport photo, proof of completion of an English language test, a high school academic transcript, and a high school diploma.
- Scholarship Award: Up to $2380 in living expenses and tuition (full or partial).
Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh (ZJE) provides outstanding Biomedical Science Scholarships for overseas students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in biomedical science. Health insurance is also covered by these scholarships for foreign students studying in China. The program lasts four years and is taught in English. It is important to keep in mind that $28,000 in tuition must be paid to the university before receiving the admission letter. Zhejiang University offers one of the best scholarships in China.
10. Zhengzhou University President Scholarships
- Period of Application: December March intake through June September intake
- Eligibility qualifications include being a non-Chinese national, being in good physical health, and having a solid academic background that allows one to become a specialized researcher or expert. PhD applicants need to have a solid academic background.
- Full tuition and a monthly stipend are included in the scholarship award.
Zhengzhou University offers the President Scholarship to outstanding international postgraduate students who wish to pursue a master’s or doctorate. A standout offer recognized among the best scholarships in China. The monthly salary for these international student scholarships to China is $490. In addition to an 800-word essay (for master’s courses) and an online application, candidates must submit a 2000-word research plan. The university reviews all submitted materials and posts the names of the scholarship recipients online within four to six weeks of the application deadline.
Read Also: What is humanistic education and why is it important?
Advice for International Students Looking to Apply for Scholarships in China
The subject of whether studying abroad will benefit Chinese students is often up for debate. How can a student like me obtain a scholarship? However, the key to a fantastic education overseas is an international student scholarship in China.
However, it might be quite difficult to understand the documentation requirements and application process for Chinese government scholarships as well as other university-based awards. These are the top 5 strategies for international students looking to get Chinese scholarships.
1. Be Ready and Active: International student scholarships for China have short application deadlines, so submit your application as soon as possible! With so many applications, it might be difficult to stand out. To increase your chances, think about applying to several universities and scholarships.
2. Speak with the Experts: Get in touch with university or embassy contacts; they can be a great way to make sure your application is accurate and comprehensive.
3. Pay Attention to Details: Don’t allow minor errors to ruin your plans! Examine all application materials thoroughly to make sure they are accurate for the Chinese scholarships available to overseas students. Giving false information could cause delays or even the rejection of your application.
4. Language Advantage (Optional): Learning Chinese can improve your application and future academic experience in China, while it is not necessarily required.
5. Academic Powerhouse & Beyond: Getting good grades in your present coursework is a good starting point, but keep going! Well-rounded candidates with strong resumes that highlight leadership, substantial job experience, noteworthy accomplishments, or original initiatives are frequently given preference for scholarships.
FAQ for the best Scholarships in China for International Students
1. What qualifications are necessary to be eligible for the Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC)?
Depending on their degree level (undergraduate, master’s, or doctorate), overseas students must fulfill certain age and academic standards to be eligible for the CSC Scholarship. Along with having a solid academic record, they must also demonstrate their language skills (either in Chinese or English, depending on the program).
2. Are there any scholarships available for students who want to study in China but don’t know Chinese?
Indeed, a large number of Chinese colleges provide scholarships for courses taught in English, especially in computer science, engineering, and business. Additionally, several colleges provide Chinese language classes that can qualify for financial aid.
3. How can I increase my chances of securing a scholarship in China?
To improve your chances, make sure you meet all the standards of the scholarship you are applying for, have a stellar academic record, a well-written personal statement, and strong letters of recommendation.
4. What is covered by most scholarships in China for international students?
Full or partial tuition fees, living stipends, housing, health insurance, and occasionally travel expenses are all covered by the majority of Chinese government and university scholarships. It is crucial to review each scholarship’s specifics for further information.
5. Can I apply for multiple scholarships to study in China?
Indeed, to improve their chances of success, many students apply for more than one scholarship. It’s important to review the terms and conditions of each scholarship, though, as some could only allow you to take one.
In conclusion, some of the best scholarships in China for international students in 2025-26, make it an ideal destination for higher education. Studying in China offers numerous benefits, and securing a scholarship can make it even more accessible. With a variety of scholarships available, ranging from those offered by the Chinese government to specific universities and cultural programs, international students have plenty of opportunities to pursue their education without the financial burden.
Scholarships in China address a range of academic subjects and student needs, regardless of your academic goals—undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral. You can open up a world of opportunity in China by carefully examining your options and making sure you meet the requirements. Keep in mind that scholarships can help with living expenses in addition to tuition, which will allow you to concentrate more on your academics.
For international students, China offers the ideal setting thanks to its renowned colleges, prosperous economy, and rich cultural heritage. Take the risk, apply for scholarships, and start an amazing educational adventure in one of the most vibrant nations on earth.