Scholarships to Study in China
Since 2014, the Chinese Government has actively offered numerous scholarships for international students to study in China. Each year, we assist hundreds of students with their university enrolment.
Scholarships are available for the following programmes:
· One-year language programme for learning Chinese
· Bachelor’s degree programmes (offered in both Chinese and English)
· Master’s degree programmes (offered in both Chinese and English)
· PhD programmes (offered in both Chinese and English)
However, certain programmes are not covered by these scholarships, including short-term courses, student exchange programmes, academic mobility programmes, and summer camps.
Types of Scholarships in China
1. Chinese Government Scholarship
2. Provincial Scholarships
3. Confucius Institute Scholarship
4. Chinese University scholarships
Chinese Government Scholarship – China Scholarship Council
The Chinese Government Scholarship, administered by the China Scholarship Council (CSC), is a government-funded programme that provides scholarship quotas to applicants worldwide. These scholarships can be applied for through the designated platform or during subsequent years of study at a university. A total of 279 Chinese universities, approved by the Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China (MOE), are authorised to admit students under this scholarship programme.
The Chinese Government Scholarship covers both the main academic programme and, if required, Chinese language or preparatory studies. The table below outlines the duration of each category.
| Undergraduate students | Major Study (academic year) | Chinese Language/Preparatory Study (academic year) | Duration of Scholarship (academic year) |
| Undergraduate students | 4-5 | up to 2 | 4-7 |
| Master’s students | 2-3 | up to 2 | 2-5 |
| Doctoral students | 3-4 | up to 2 | 3-6 |
| General scholars | up to 1 | up to 1 | up to 2 |
| Senior scholars | up to 1 | up to 1 | up to 2 |
The application deadline for this scholarship is in March each year, with confirmation of admission typically announced in August. It is important to note that competition for these grants is intense, with over 500 applicants vying for each available place.
Provincial Scholarships
In addition to the Chinese government and Confucius Institute Scholarships, numerous local governments across China have established their own scholarships to encourage outstanding international students to pursue higher education at local universities. With 22 provinces in China, each allocated a specific education development budget, these provincial scholarships are funded accordingly. For instance, a prevalent example is the Jiangsu Province grant, administered under the auspices of Shanghai. These provincial grants closely resemble university scholarships and can be applied for via our website.
Confucius Institute Scholarship
Confucius Grants, more commonly known as Confucius Institute Scholarships, are awarded through Confucius Institutes of Sinology established in various countries. These institutes administer the scholarships, and it is advisable to consult your local Confucius Institute office for detailed information on eligibility and application procedures.
The Confucius Institute Scholarship offers comprehensive financial support, covering tuition fees, accommodation costs, a living allowance, and comprehensive medical insurance. The scholarship is categorised into six different types.
| Scholarship programs | When to apply | Where to send the application | Supporting category | Duration | Scholarship coverage |
| 1.Master's Degree in Teaching Chinese to Speakers of Other Languages（MTCSOL） | All year round on a trial basis | Confucius Institutes （independent Confucius Classrooms） in different countries, overseas Chinese language testing centers, educational and cultural sections of Chinese embassy and consulate, and host institutions in China | master’s students | Two academic years | Full scholarship |
| 2.One-Academic-Year + MTCSOL | master’s students | Three academic years | |||
| 3.Bachelor's Degree in Teaching Chinese to Speakers of Other Languages（BTCSOL） | undergraduate students | Four academic years | |||
| 4.One-Academic-Year Students | Advanced students | One academic year | |||
| 5.One-Semester Students | Advanced students | One semester | |||
| 6.Four-Weeks Students | Advanced students | Four weeks |
Chinese University scholarships
Scholarships from universities in China are the most common. This type of financial aid is the easiest and most convenient to acquire. Every university in China that has a permit to study international students owns a certain number of quotas. University scholarships to study in China are of the following types:
· A type covers accommodation, tuition fees and monthly paid stipend
· B type covers only tuition fees
· C type covers partly tuition or accommodation fees
Usually 4-5 people apply for one grant place.
