With over 270 universities in China welcoming international students, a range of scholarship opportunities offers generous financial support for academic excellence, cultural exchange, and research. In 2025, prospective students can apply for various scholarships aimed at easing the financial burden while allowing students to immerse themselves in Chinese culture and further their academic pursuits.
This guide explores all major scholarship programs available across China, providing essential details about benefits, eligibility, and institutions where these opportunities can be accessed.
General Scholarship Package of Chinese Scholarships
Most Chinese scholarships offer comprehensive financial packages designed to support international students at various academic levels. The general benefits include:
- Monthly Stipend: Depending on the scholarship, monthly stipends range from 3,000 RMB for Master’s programs to 6,000+ RMB for specialized PhD programs.
- Tuition Fee Coverage: Full or partial tuition waivers are often provided, ensuring minimal or no financial obligation related to coursework and academic fees.
- Accommodation: On-campus accommodation or housing stipends are commonly included, helping students settle in comfortably.
- Health Insurance: Scholarship programs cover medical insurance, providing essential health support to students throughout their studies.
These benefits vary slightly depending on the scholarship type and hosting university. Now, let’s delve into the various scholarship programs that international students can explore in China.
Types of Chinese Scholarships Available in 2025
Following 9 types of Chinese scholarships will be offered in most of these 270+ Chinese Universities in 2025:
1# Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC Scholarship)
Benefits:
- Monthly Stipend: 3,000 RMB (Master’s), 3,500 RMB (PhD)
- Tuition Fee Coverage: Full
- Accommodation: Provided
- Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance included
Overview:
The Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) is one of the most sought-after scholarships in China. Offered across 273 universities, it supports Master’s and PhD students and is ideal for students pursuing advanced research, cultural exchange, and innovation.
Eligibility and Application:
Applicants need to submit their applications through either their country’s embassy or directly to the university offering the scholarship. Each university has a separate deadline and application process.
Link: https://www.campuschina.org/scholarships/index.html?k=Chinese%20Government%20Scholarships
2# ANSO Young Scientists Scholarship
Benefits:
- Monthly Stipend: 3,000 RMB (Master’s), 6,000+ RMB (PhD)
- Similar to CSC: Tuition, Accommodation, and Health Insurance
Overview:
The Alliance of International Science Organizations (ANSO) offers the Young Scientists Scholarship, which is exclusively available at the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS) and the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC). It is an ideal choice for students with a research focus in the sciences, as it provides substantial financial support, especially for PhD candidates.
Eligibility and Application:
Students should demonstrate outstanding academic performance in the sciences and apply directly through UCAS or USTC.
LinK: http://www.anso.org.cn/programmes/talent/scholarship/
3# Shanghai Government Scholarship
Benefits:
- Monthly Stipend: 3,000 RMB (Master’s), 3,500 RMB (PhD)
- Full Tuition Fee Coverage
- Accommodation and Health Insurance included
Overview:
The Shanghai Government Scholarship is open to students applying to universities in Shanghai. This scholarship is an excellent choice for students interested in Shanghai’s educational and cultural vibrancy, covering many leading universities and offering support similar to CSC scholarships.
Eligibility and Application:
Applicants can apply directly through Shanghai universities. This scholarship is ideal for those wanting to study in a major metropolitan hub.
Link: https://apply.shu.edu.cn/application/scholarships
4# Presidential Scholarships Offered by Universities Directly
Benefits:
- Variable; includes tuition fee waivers, accommodation, and stipends depending on university and scholarship category.
Overview:
Offered by numerous universities, the Presidential Scholarship is an institutional-level award that varies in coverage and eligibility criteria. Universities such as Zhengzhou University, Chongqing University, and Northwestern Polytechnical University extend this scholarship to attract international talent.
Eligibility and Application:
Each university has distinct requirements, and applications must be submitted directly to the university. This scholarship is suited for students who want to study at a specific university known for its academic excellence.
5# Provincial Government Scholarships
Benefits:
- Variable; can include tuition coverage and a monthly stipend.
Overview:
Provincial Government Scholarships are funded by provincial governments and are available at universities within those provinces. This scholarship provides financial support similar to CSC and Presidential scholarships, but the specific benefits vary by province. Universities like Xi’an Jiaotong University and Kunming University of Science and Technology offer these scholarships to promote regional academic growth.
Eligibility and Application:
Applications are submitted to universities within the province, and students should review specific provincial guidelines to ensure eligibility.
Link: https://campuschina.org/scholarships/index.html?k=Local%20Government%20Scholarships
6# Chinese University Scholarships (270+ Universities)
Benefits:
- Varies widely; can include tuition waivers, accommodation, insurance, and stipends.
Overview:
Several Chinese universities have their own scholarships, each with unique benefits and eligibility criteria. Examples include scholarships from UCAS, Southeast University, and Central South University, tailored to attract international students across various disciplines.
Eligibility and Application:
Students must apply directly to the university, making it ideal for those who have a specific academic institution in mind.
7# Belt and Road Scholarship
Benefits:
- Monthly Stipend: 3,000 RMB (Master’s), 3,500 RMB (PhD)
- Other benefits similar to CSC: Tuition, Accommodation, and Health Insurance
Overview:
In support of the Belt and Road Initiative, this scholarship is designed for students from countries involved in the initiative. Offered by universities like Sichuan University and Xi’an Jiaotong University, it promotes international cooperation and development.
Eligibility and Application:
Applicants must be citizens of Belt and Road countries and can apply directly through participating universities.
Link: https://isc.bit.edu.cn/admissionsaid/financialaid/scholarships/b112920.htm
8# Silk Road Scholarship (B-Type)
Benefits:
- Monthly Stipend: 3,000 RMB (Master’s)
- Tuition Fee Coverage, Accommodation, Health Insurance
Overview:
This scholarship is often awarded during the second application batch for students who may not have qualified for CSC scholarships initially. Many universities offering CSC scholarships, including Lanzhou University and Huazhong University of Science and Technology, provide the Silk Road Scholarship as an alternative.
Eligibility and Application:
Students who were not awarded CSC scholarships are automatically considered for this scholarship, which is ideal for those who wish to study in a high-demand field.
Link: https://hwxy.nju.edu.cn/English/StudyatNJU/Scholarships/ChineseGovernmentScholarship/20230414/i242760.html
5 Simple (Short) Steps to Apply for Scholarships in China in 2025
- Research the University and Scholarship Type: Choose the type of scholarship that aligns with your academic and financial needs.
- Gather Required Documents: This typically includes transcripts, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, a study plan, and possibly proof of language proficiency.
- Submit Online Application: Apply either through the university’s online portal or the official scholarship platform if applicable (e.g., CSC Scholarship).
- Track Your Application Status: Once submitted, monitor application updates, as each scholarship may have different processing timelines.
- Prepare for Interviews (if needed): Some scholarships, especially university-specific ones, may require interviews.
