Applications are now open for the Youth of Excellence Scholarship 2026 at Nankai University, a prestigious Chinese Government Scholarship initiative designed to cultivate future leaders in global governance, international business, and public policy.
Implemented under the Youth of Excellence Scheme of China and administered by the China Scholarship Council, this fully funded scholarship at Nankai university aims to equip high-potential professionals from around the world with the advanced academic training, policy insight, and leadership skills needed to address complex global challenges in an era of rapid geopolitical and economic change.
Nankai University’s History, Location, and Academic Reputation
Nankai University, located in the coastal metropolis of Tianjin, is one of China’s most respected comprehensive universities, with a long tradition of excellence in the humanities, social sciences, economics, and international studies. Established in the early twentieth century, the university has grown into a key national institution known for its rigorous academic environment, influential alumni, and strong commitment to serving China’s modernization and global engagement. Its position in Tianjin, an important port city near Beijing, provides students with direct access to dynamic business ecosystems, policy institutions, and a rich blend of Chinese and international cultural life.
Global Rankings and International Academic Environment
Over the decades, Nankai University has steadily consolidated its standing in major global and regional rankings, frequently appearing among the leading universities in China and being recognized for its strengths in economics, international relations, and management.
The university actively promotes internationalization through extensive cooperation with overseas institutions, joint research platforms, and a diverse international student body. This environment enables scholarship recipients to study alongside peers from multiple regions and professional backgrounds, fostering a genuinely global classroom where comparative perspectives on business, policy, and governance are continuously exchanged.
Scholarship Support for Emerging Global Governance Talents
The Youth of Excellence Scholarship at Nankai University is offered as a full scholarship funded by the China Scholarship Council, ensuring that talented candidates can focus entirely on academic and professional development rather than financial constraints.
Successful applicants benefit from a tuition-free study experience for the full duration of their two-year master’s program, along with comprehensive support in line with Chinese Government Scholarship standards. By combining financial coverage with targeted academic training and practical exposure, the program is structured to develop graduates who can assume leadership roles in government, international organizations, universities, research institutes, and globally engaged enterprises.
Specialized English-Taught Master’s Programs Under a 1+1 Model
For the 2026 intake, Nankai University is offering two specialized master’s programs under the Youth of Excellence Scheme. The International Business Elite Training Program under the New Pattern of Globalization (International Business major) focuses on advanced knowledge of international trade, global markets, and cross-border management and carries a tuition benchmark of 30,000 RMB per year for a two-year duration.
The Global Elite Training Program in International Affairs and Public Policy (International Affairs and Public Policy major), anchored in the Political Science discipline, trains professionals to understand and shape international affairs, global governance mechanisms, and public policy processes, with tuition set at 35,000 RMB per year over two years.
Both programs are taught entirely in English and follow a distinctive “1+1” training paradigm: students spend the first academic year in full-time study and research on campus at Nankai University, and the second academic year working in their home countries while completing their dissertations based on real-world professional practice before returning to China for thesis defense and degree conferral.
Eligibility Profile for Mid-Career and Emerging Leaders
The Youth of Excellence Scholarship 2026 at Nankai University is specifically targeted at high-calibre candidates who already demonstrate leadership potential and professional experience. Applicants must be citizens of countries other than the People’s Republic of China and be under the age of 45, in good physical and mental health.
A bachelor’s degree or higher is required, along with at least three years of work experience, and preference is given to individuals whose training or professional background aligns with the selected program in international business, international affairs, or public policy. In addition, candidates must fit one of four professional profiles: government officials at division chief level or equivalent and above, senior managers in institutions or enterprises, administrators in universities or scientific research institutions, or professionals with relevant employment or internship experience in international organizations.
A pre-admission letter issued by Nankai University is also mandatory, and this document must clearly state the applicant’s personal information, program and major details, and admission date, without any reference to having received or being promised a Chinese Government Scholarship.
Application Period and Need for Early Submission
The application timeline for the Youth of Excellence Scholarship 2026 at Nankai University is tightly defined and requires careful planning. To obtain the required pre-admission letter, candidates must complete their application to Nankai University via its International Student Service Platform no later than 10 March 2026.
Following this institutional step, applicants must then submit their Chinese Government Scholarship application, including all required materials, to the China Scholarship Council’s online system by 23:59 on 31 March 2026 (GMT+8). Because both stages are interlinked and documentation requirements are extensive, early preparation and timely submission are essential; late applications or incomplete files risk automatic disqualification in a highly competitive selection process.