The Sister City Scholarship 2026 at Zhejiang Normal University (ZJNU) is a government-backed funding opportunity established by the Jinhua Municipal People’s Government to attract talented international students from around the world. The scholarship aims to expand Jinhua’s international student community, promote academic excellence, and strengthen cultural understanding through long-term educational exchange.
This scholarship supports international students enrolled in undergraduate, master’s, or doctoral programs at universities in Jinhua for one semester or longer, making it a practical option for students seeking financial support to study in China outside the highly competitive national CSC schemes.
Purpose of the Sister City Scholarship
The scholarship was created to encourage students from Jinhua’s officially recognized sister (friendship) cities to study in Jinhua, deepen people-to-people connections, and promote Chinese language and cultural learning. It reflects China’s growing emphasis on city-level international education cooperation, offering students strong local academic and administrative support.
Scholarship Value and Funding Structure
The Sister City Scholarship is awarded in two categories depending on the length of study:
- Students enrolled for one academic year or longer are awarded the Type A Scholarship, which provides RMB 20,000 per academic year.
- Students enrolled for less than one academic year receive the Type B Scholarship, valued at RMB 10,000 per academic year.
Recipients must undergo an annual academic review to remain eligible for renewal in the following year.
Who Can Apply for the Scholarship?
The sister city scholarship is open to international applicants from all countries, provided they meet the eligibility requirements and are recommended by a sister city of Jinhua.
Applicants must be non-Chinese citizens holding a valid ordinary passport and generally be 18 years of age or older. Candidates must be in good physical and mental health, demonstrate a friendly attitude toward China, and have no criminal record or history of drug abuse.
Applicants must be proficient in Chinese or English, depending on the language of instruction of their chosen program. Academic eligibility varies by level of study: undergraduate applicants must hold a high school diploma and provide a China Scholastic Competency Assessment (CSCA) transcript, master’s applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree, and doctoral applicants must hold a master’s degree.
Application Period for 2026 Intake
Applications for the Sister City Scholarship at Zhejiang Normal University will be accepted annually between February 1, 2026 and July 15, 2026. So, now is the best time get your documents ready.
Applicants are advised to apply early to allow sufficient time for document review and admission processing.
Required Application Documents
Applicants must upload clear electronic copies of all required documents, including a passport-size ID photo, a valid passport, and the current China visa page if applying from within China. Academic documents include notarized degree certificates or pre-graduation certificates and full academic transcripts.
Undergraduate applicants must submit a CSCA transcript. All applicants must provide a Foreigner Physical Examination Form and a non-criminal record certificate, both issued within the last six months. Additional required documents include a bank statement, language proficiency certificates (HSK for Chinese-taught programs or IELTS/TOEFL for English-taught programs), parents’ nationality certificates, and a study plan.
Postgraduate applicants must submit two recommendation letters, while doctoral applicants are also required to provide a Supervisor Acceptance Letter. Applicants already studying in China must submit a performance certificate. Additional supporting materials may be included where relevant.
Apply: https://iso.zjnu.edu.cn/2018/0518/c19187a517284/page.psp.