International students planning to study in China in the 2026-2027 academic year can now apply for the Hainan University Chinese Government Scholarship programs hosted, one of China’s nationally recognized “Double First-Class” universities. As an institution jointly supported by the Ministry of Education of China and the Hainan Provincial Government, Hainan University has steadily strengthened its global academic profile and continues to attract students from around the world through fully funded scholarship opportunities.
Ranked 93rd nationwide in the 2025 Shanghai Ranking’s Best Chinese Universities and home to multiple disciplines ranked among the global top 50 and top 1 percent by ESI, Hainan University offers international students access to high-quality teaching, advanced research environments, and comprehensive academic pathways from bachelor’s to doctoral level.
What the Scholarship Covers?
Both Chinese Government Scholarship tracks at Hainan University provide full financial support, allowing international students to focus entirely on their studies without financial pressure. Successful applicants receive a complete tuition fee waiver for the approved study duration, free accommodation in university dormitories, and comprehensive medical insurance for the entire period of study in China.
In addition to these core benefits, scholarship recipients receive a monthly living stipend that varies by study level. Undergraduate students receive CNY 2,500 per month, master’s students receive CNY 3,000 per month, and doctoral students receive CNY 3,500 per month. These stipends are designed to cover daily living expenses throughout the academic year.
For degree programs, the scholarship duration generally matches the standard length of study. Bachelor’s programs are funded for up to four years, master’s programs for up to three years, and doctoral programs for up to four years. Where applicable, the scholarship also covers required Chinese language preparation, as specified in the admission letter.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants of Hainan University CSC scholarship 2026 must be non-Chinese citizens in good physical and mental health, with strong academic records and good conduct. All candidates are expected to comply with Chinese laws, university regulations, and entry-exit requirements.
For degree programs, eligibility is primarily based on academic background and age. Applicants for bachelor’s programs must hold a high school diploma and be under 25 years of age. Master’s applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree and be under 35, while doctoral applicants must hold a master’s degree and be under 40.
The Bilateral Program (Type A) also supports non-degree applicants, including general scholars and senior scholars. General scholars must hold at least a high school diploma and be under 45, while senior scholars must hold a master’s degree, have the academic rank of associate professor or higher, and be under 50.
Language requirements depend on the program language. Applicants to Chinese-taught programs must hold an HSK Level 4 certificate with a minimum score of 180. Applicants to English-taught programs must submit valid TOEFL or IELTS scores, unless they are from countries where English is the native or official language.
Understanding the Two Scholarship Tracks at Hainan University
The Chinese Government Scholarship Bilateral Program (Type A) operates through educational exchange agreements between China and other countries. Applicants must apply through the official overseas study dispatching authorities in their home country. These authorities nominate eligible candidates, who then proceed with university pre-admission and CSC system applications.
The Chinese University Program (Type B) is managed directly by designated Chinese universities, including Hainan University. This pathway is only available for degree programs and requires applicants to apply through the CSC online system using Program Category Type B and Agency Number 10589, alongside Hainan University’s internal application system. Applicants may apply to only one university under this category, making program selection particularly important.
Apply: https://hd.hainanu.edu.cn/gjjyen/info/1016/1352.htm.
Application Timeline for the 2026–2027 Intake
Applications for the Hainan University CSC bilateral scholarship (Type A) typically open in early January 2026 and close in early February 2026, though exact deadlines depend on the applicant’s home country and its dispatching authority.
For the Chinese University Program (Type B), applications generally open in December 2025 and continue into early 2026, subject to the China Scholarship Council’s online system schedule. Applicants are strongly encouraged to secure a pre-admission letter from Hainan University early, as this significantly improves selection chances.
Final scholarship results are usually announced by the China Scholarship Council around July 2026. Successful applicants receive their Admission Notice and JW201 Visa Application Form by email and post. Registration for new students typically takes place in early September 2026, as stated in the admission documents.