Scholarships in China

Scholarships for international students in China

Understand the main scholarships available, what they cover, who can apply and how the application process works.

Explore scholarships Chinese Government Scholarship

Illustration of students studying together in a sunlit library — **Your study plans. Your funding options.**Make sense of funding before you apply.

Scholarships range from tuition discounts to full awards that also cover accommodation, medical insurance and a living allowance.

Government scholarshipsUniversity scholarshipsProvincial & city scholarshipsFull & partial funding

01 / Understand your options

Scholarships at a glance

There isn’t just one scholarship for studying in China. Start with these four funding routes.

National funding

Chinese Government Scholarship

National awards for approved degree and study routes, including the CGS Bilateral Programme.

Funding: Full or partial
Apply through: Home-country authority or university

University funding

University scholarships

Awards funded by individual universities for their international students.

Funding: Fee reduction to full funding
Apply through: Host university

Regional funding

Provincial / city scholarships

Government awards for students at participating universities in a province or city.

Funding: Full or partial
Apply through: Usually the host university

Specialist funding

Other scholarships

Awards tied to a subject, nationality, partnership or language-study route.

Funding: Defined by the scheme
Apply through: Provider or designated institution

02 / The national scholarship

China’s national scholarship programme

Chinese Government Scholarship (CGS)

CGS supports undergraduate, postgraduate and non-degree study through participating schemes.

CGSChinese Government Scholarship
The scholarship programme

CSCChina Scholarship Council
The organisation administering it

“CSC scholarship” is an informal name for CGS.

Provided separately in a full award

TuitionTuition fees covered
AccommodationUniversity housing or an approved subsidy
Medical insuranceComprehensive medical insurance

Monthly living allowance only

Money for day-to-day expenses, such as food, local transport and personal spending.

UndergraduateCNY 2,500per month

Master’sCNY 3,000per month

DoctoralCNY 3,500per month

Official funding guidance ↗

This is a standard full award. Partial CGS awards include only the benefits named in the offer.

Type A or Type B: what’s the difference?

A and B describe the application route, not the amount of funding.

Type A

Through your home country

Usually the bilateral route, handled by a designated authority or the Chinese embassy’s education section.

You prepare the application
Home-country authority receives it
Authority nominates to CSC
CSC and university finalise the result

The authority provides the agency number and nomination deadline. A university pre-admission application may also be required.

Type B

Through a Chinese university

A named university scheme. Many recruit postgraduates; some include specified bachelor’s programmes.

You prepare the application
Host university receives it
University nominates to CSC
CSC and university finalise the result

Use the host university’s agency number. University and CSC forms may both be required, in the order set by the scheme.

The CSC agency number directs your application to the right authority. These are typical review routes; pre-admission and online submissions can run in a different order. Official route example ↗

03 / Your starting point

Who can apply for CGS?

The usual starting requirements are non-Chinese citizenship, good health and the qualification and age for your study level. Academic and language admission requirements also apply.

Bachelor’s applicants

Your undergraduate starting point

Under 25Usual CGS age requirement

High school diplomaOr an equivalent qualification

CSCA score reportRequired in published CGS undergraduate guidance

Still at school? The application can use an official expected-graduation certificate where the route permits it; the final diploma is needed before enrolment.

Entry qualifications and ages for other study levels

Common CGS entry requirements
Study category	Previous qualification	Normally
Master’s	Bachelor’s degree or equivalent	Under 35
Doctoral	Master’s degree or equivalent	Under 40
General scholar	High school diploma or above	Under 45
Senior scholar	Master’s degree or above, or associate professor or above	Under 50

These are CGS entry requirements, not a guarantee of selection. The application notice sets the date used to assess age and any additional conditions. CGS eligibility guidance ↗

Can undergraduate students get CGS?

Yes. The Bilateral Programme includes bachelor’s study; country allocations determine the available places and study categories. Dedicated university schemes may also recruit undergraduates. Meeting the requirements makes you eligible for selection, not automatically funded.

How teaching language affects funding

For a bachelor’s degree, plan on CGS mainly as a Chinese-taught route.

Standard undergraduate CGS guidance requires Chinese-taught study. For an English-taught bachelor’s degree, start with university awards and eligible provincial or city schemes; consider CGS only where a named scheme explicitly includes that programme.

CGS can fund eligible English-taught postgraduate courses. Local-government schemes set their own rules and can also support English-taught study. CGS language guidance ↗ · 2026 degree-level example ↗ · Beijing’s English-language provisions ↗

Chinese-taught degree

Evidence to prepare: Usually HSK, at the course’s required level and score.
Preparatory study: Some CGS awards include a Chinese-language year. Progression into the degree depends on meeting its entry standard.

English-taught degree

Evidence to prepare: IELTS, TOEFL or another accepted English qualification.
Test waivers: Previous English-medium study or nationality may qualify for a waiver, where the university accepts it.

Example: PKU’s 2026 undergraduate Type A guidance specifies HSK 6 above 210, or equivalent Chinese proficiency. This is a university threshold, not a national minimum. PKU requirements ↗

Undergraduate academic assessment

CSCA: which subjects will I need?

CSCA is the China Scholastic Competency Assessment. For undergraduate applications that require it, the subject combination follows your chosen degree.

Core subject

Mathematics

Required across programmes within the CSCA framework.

Chinese-taught degrees

Professional Chinese

Humanities or STEM Chinese for your field. Fully English-taught applicants are exempt from this subject.

Programme-specific

Physics / Chemistry

Science, engineering, agriculture and medicine applicants take at least one. The programme determines the combination.

Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry are offered in Chinese and English; use the version required by your university. Chinese Language degree applicants may have a Professional Chinese exemption with valid HSK 4 evidence. Official subject guidance ↗ · University subject example ↗

HSKChinese-language proficiency

CSCAAcademic readiness for undergraduate study

These serve different purposes. An HSK result does not replace the other CSCA subjects required for your programme.

CSCA registration & exam outlines ↗CGS undergraduate guidance ↗

04 / Compare your options

Other awards and the cost to you

University and local awards offer alternatives to CGS. Compare both the application route and the expenses each package pays.

University scholarships

University awards can reduce tuition or provide a broader package. Some are for new applicants; others reward students already enrolled.

Full or partial tuition
Tuition + accommodation
First-year or renewable award

How you apply can differ

01 / Automatic consideration

The university reviews eligible admission applicants.

02 / Select during admission

You must choose the scholarship in the application.

03 / Separate application

A separate form, statement or submission is required.

Only automatic consideration needs no separate scholarship action. The other routes require an explicit award selection or application.

Local government scholarships

Local governments fund students at participating universities, which usually handle applications. Examples include Beijing, Shanghai and Zhejiang.

A real example · Beijing, 2026

One scholarship. Three funding packages.

Beijing’s categories describe the benefits you receive. They are separate from the CGS Type A / Type B application routes.

A: Tuition + accommodation + living expenses + insurance
B: Tuition + accommodation + insurance
C: Tuition + insurance

The host institution selects recipients and sets deadlines; its offer specifies the category. Other cities use their own packages. Beijing’s official category definitions ↗

Find university funding Shanghai scholarship information ↗

Other specialist scholarships

Specialist schemes fund particular subjects, nationalities or partnerships. For example, the International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarship supports its own language and teaching study routes, with a separate application process.

See the specialist funding listed in Xiamen’s profile →

Compare the main scholarship routes

On a small screen, swipe the table sideways to compare all three routes.

Funding routes compared
What to compare	Chinese Government Scholarship	University scholarship	Provincial / municipal scholarship
Undergraduate scope	Bilateral and named university schemes	Awards for new entrants or current students	Participating institutions and eligible degrees
English-taught bachelor’s	Not the standard route; explicit scheme inclusion needed	Included in some university awards	Possible where the local scheme includes the degree
How selection works	Authority or university nomination and CSC review	University selection	Host institution’s scholarship review
Application deadline	Home-country call or university scheme	Admission round or separate award deadline	Host institution or local scheme
Award duration	Approved period, subject to annual review	First year, fixed term or renewable	Fixed term or subject to annual review

Full funding or a fee reduction?

Full package

Several costs covered

Usually combines study and living support. Your offer defines the benefits and any limits.

Partial award

Some costs remain

A fee reduction or tuition-only award leaves housing and living costs to fund separately.

Try the numbers

What would you still need to fund?

A full tuition scholarship can still leave a substantial living budget. Change this illustrative annual budget to see the difference.

All amounts are CNY per year. Starting figures are an example, not published university fees. Include only benefits that pay costs in this budget; an unused tuition waiver is not cash.

Worked example: CNY 84,800 − CNY 30,000 = CNY 54,800 to fund

Tuition 30,000 + accommodation 12,000 + living 36,000 + other costs 6,800. A tuition-only award covers 30,000, leaving 54,800 for the year.

05 / Prepare & apply

Build a strong application

Selection is competitive: the programme, available awards and applicant pool all matter. There is no universal grade or reliable success percentage that guarantees funding.

Put your preparation to work

What reviewers look for

Show that you are prepared for the subject and can explain why this degree fits your goals.

Illustration of students preparing work together with a laptop and notebooks

Academic record

Strong, consistent results, particularly in subjects related to your intended degree.

Programme fit

Specific reasons for choosing the course, supported by what you have studied or done.

Language & test readiness

The required language evidence and, for applicable undergraduate routes, CSCA results.

Personal statement

Your motivation, relevant experience and a realistic study plan in your own words.

Recommendations

Where requested, a referee who knows your work and can give concrete examples.

Complete submission

Readable, consistent documents and all required forms submitted on time.

Make it readable

Scan every page clearly, including stamps and signatures.

Prepare translations

Documents outside Chinese or English usually need the required translated and notarised copies.

Keep evidence current

Medical reports commonly have six-month validity; police certificates must be recent. CGS document guidance ↗

From shortlist to scholarship offer

Each stage produces something concrete. Some university and scholarship submissions run in parallel, especially when pre-admission is required.

Choose a course and funding route
Match a suitable degree to an award that includes your study level and teaching language.
What you finish with
A shortlist of eligible programmes and funding routes
Build your application file
Gather the documents above, allowing time for test results, translations and certification.
What you finish with
A complete document set and valid test evidence
Submit the required applications
Submit university admission or pre-admission and scholarship forms in the required order. For CGS, use the supplied category and agency number.
What you finish with
Submission receipts from every required system
Take part in the review
Respond to interviews or evidence requests. Where applicable, nomination is followed by CSC’s final review.
What you finish with
A review decision; nomination where applicable
Receive the admission and funding decisions
Read the study and funding decisions together, then respond within the offer’s acceptance period.
What you finish with
Both an admission offer and a written funding award
Prepare for arrival and registration
Arrange your visa and travel, then complete university enrolment and scholarship registration.
What you finish with
Visa, travel arrangements and completed enrolment

Understand the result

You need a study place and a funding decision

Admission offer

Your place to study

Confirms your admission to a university and programme, and tells you when your studies begin.

Scholarship award

Your funding package

Explains which costs your scholarship covers, how long it lasts and the conditions you must meet.

Pre-admission supports an application; nomination recommends you for funding. Neither is a final scholarship award. Both final decisions may arrive in one document or in separate notices.

When should I start?

For a September start, begin in the previous autumn. Leave time for tests and school documents before applications open.

September–NovemberResearch universities, programmes and funding routes.
November–JanuaryPrepare language tests, CSCA and documents. Start earlier if you need more language study.
December–MarchMany schemes accept or close applications in this broad window. Some open earlier or close later.
SpringApplication review, interviews and additional university requirements.
Late spring–summerResults, offer decisions and admission documents; some results arrive later.
SeptemberEnrolment and scholarship registration, following your offer.

Planning months, not application deadlines. The current country or university call sets the closing dates. Open your university’s scholarship information →

Before you submit

Use the earliest required deadline, including scholarship and test-score submissions.
For CGS, match the category and agency number to your actual application route.
Include every requested page, signature, translation and supporting document.
Save submission receipts and use an email address you monitor regularly.

06 / Make a funding plan

Can I apply for multiple scholarships?

Application limits and rules on holding awards are separate. Use each at the right stage of your plan.

During applications

Several possibilities

You may apply for admission to several universities, but a scholarship route can limit institutions or duplicate submissions.

For example, Hainan’s 2026/27 Type B instructions specify one institution for that application. Published Type B instructions ↗

When accepting funding

One compatible funding plan

Separate offers cannot automatically be added together. For example, Beijing’s 2026 scholarship rules prohibit concurrent scholarships from the listed Chinese providers, with an exception for one-time awards.

Disclose existing awards where requested. Permission to submit several applications does not mean you can receive all the funding. Beijing’s concurrent-funding rule ↗

How funding continues after year one

CGS can cover the approved study period, subject to annual review. University awards may be first-year only, fixed-term or renewable.

Receive the award
The offer states its duration and benefits.
Complete the year
Academic progress, attendance and conduct count.
Take the annual review
Submit the required self-assessment and evidence.
Continue funding
Subject to approval and the remaining award period.

If funding is suspended

Payments stop for the suspension period. A later review may allow reinstatement. Self-funded continuation needs university approval.

If funding is cancelled

The award ends. The university’s international student office can explain study options, costs and any review procedure.

Example: Zhejiang University’s 2026 CGS review allows possible reinstatement after suspension, but not after cancellation. Published annual-review rules ↗

Keep an affordable alternative

A backup could be partial funding, a lower-cost programme or another study plan. Use your annual funding gap to decide which offers you could realistically accept.

Find your next step

Which scholarship should I explore?

Use what you’ve learned to choose a starting route for undergraduate funding.

Explore the routes that match your plan

For comprehensive support, start with CGS. University and local government awards can also provide full packages or reduce individual costs.

Your degree and teaching language determine the relevant scholarship route and language evidence.

Compare scholarship routes →

Start with CGS for comprehensive funding, university awards for institution-specific support, or local government funding where available.

07 / Clear up the details

Your scholarship questions, answered

Quick answers to the questions students and parents ask most.

The basics

What is the Chinese Government Scholarship?

China’s national scholarship programme for international students, administered by the China Scholarship Council. Awards can be full or partial. See the standard full package.

Is CSC the same as CGS?

CGS is the scholarship programme; CSC is the organisation administering it. “CSC scholarship” is a common informal name for CGS.

Can undergraduate students get a full scholarship in China?

Yes, through eligible CGS, university and local awards. Selection is competitive and the award must include your bachelor’s programme. See the starting requirements.

Can I get a scholarship for an English-taught degree?

For an English-taught bachelor’s degree, start with university and eligible local awards. CGS undergraduate funding is mainly for Chinese-taught study; CGS can fund eligible English-taught Master’s and PhD programmes. Read the language guidance and sources.

Do I need HSK for a scholarship?

Usually for Chinese-taught study, at the level and score required by the course. English-taught programmes use accepted English evidence. See language evidence and preparatory-study options.

Do I need to take the CSCA?

Published CGS undergraduate guidance requires it. Other awards may require it through the university’s admission rules. See the subject requirements and language exemptions.

What grades do I need?

There is no single national CGS percentage or GPA for every university and qualification. Admission and scholarship thresholds are programme-specific; meeting a minimum does not guarantee an award.

How competitive is the Chinese Government Scholarship?

Competition depends on the programme, route, available places and applicant pool. No reliable overall acceptance rate can predict your outcome. See what strengthens an application.

Applying and choosing a route

What is the difference between Type A and Type B?

Type A commonly goes through a home-country authority; Type B through a participating university. They describe routes, not funding amounts. Compare the two routes.

Can I apply for Type A and Type B?

Only where the current CSC, authority and university rules permit overlapping applications. Two applications do not entitle you to two awards. See application and acceptance rules.

Can I apply to multiple universities?

Often yes for admission. A scholarship route can separately limit institutions or preferences, and each university may charge an admission fee.

Can I apply for more than one scholarship?

Some schemes allow multiple applications; others restrict them. Holding the awards has separate rules on overlapping funding. See the distinction and official examples.

Do I need an admission offer before applying for CGS?

Some routes need pre-admission evidence, not a final offer. Others arrange nomination and placement differently. See the application journey and PKU example.

When do scholarship applications open?

Many September-entry schemes open in winter or early spring. Type A dates come from the home-country authority; university schemes set their own. Use the planning calendar.

When will I know the result?

The university or authority sets the timetable. Monitor its portal and your email, including spam; contact the responsible office if its stated result date passes.

Money, conditions and support

Does a scholarship cover accommodation?

A standard full CGS award includes university housing or an approved subsidy. A tuition-only award does not. Housing support may be a dormitory place rather than unrestricted rental money.

Does a scholarship cover flights to China?

Flights are outside the standard full-CGS package. Budget for them unless your award includes a separate travel benefit, as some bilateral arrangements do.

Does CGS include a monthly allowance?

A standard full award does; a partial award may not. The host university handles payment after the required registration procedures.

How much is the CGS monthly stipend?

The current standard full-award amounts are CNY 2,500 for undergraduates, CNY 3,000 for Master’s students and CNY 3,500 for doctoral students, per month. These are living allowances; they are not the total scholarship value. Official funding guidance ↗

Are scholarships available for medicine/MBBS?

Only where the award’s funded-programme list includes the specific medical degree. CGS participation by a university does not automatically make its English-taught MBBS eligible.

Can I lose my scholarship after enrolling?

Yes. Funding may be suspended or cancelled if academic, attendance, conduct or review requirements are not met. See renewal and possible outcomes.

Can I work while studying on a scholarship?

A scholarship does not itself grant permission to work. Work-study and internships are subject to university, scholarship and immigration rules. Off-campus work-study or internships require school approval and the relevant endorsement on a study residence permit. Confirm your situation with the university and local exit-entry authority before starting. Official rules, Article 22 ↗

Can I get a scholarship after I have already started university?

Some universities and local schemes offer merit awards for current students, with separate eligibility and application procedures. Other awards are for new applicants only. Do not enrol assuming you can later switch to full funding. Example of current-student funding ↗

Are scholarship applications free?

A scholarship form may be free while university admission has a fee. Tests, translations, certification and medical examinations can create additional preparation costs.

Can I get help with my scholarship application?

Application support can help with suitable options, requirements, documents and your study plan. The university or scholarship provider makes the funding decision.

08 / Put it into practice

Find scholarships at your university

Choose a university to see its named scholarship routes, our coverage guidance and the official application sources.

Choose a university or enter a name or city.

Peking UniversityBeijing