Dreaming of earning a PhD in China without paying a single yuan in tuition? Zhengzhou University (ZZU), one of China’s fastest-rising research powerhouses, has officially opened applications for its 2026 March Intake of Doctoral Programs under the prestigious President Scholarship 2026 — a fully funded opportunity for exceptional international students.
This scholarship is more than a ticket to a doctorate — it’s a gateway to join a national university that has quietly built a global reputation for innovation, research impact, and academic diversity.
A Rapidly Rising Giant in Chinese Higher Education
Once a modest provincial university, Zhengzhou University has transformed into a national-level institution and a recognized name among international academia. Since launching the President Scholarship in 2017, ZZU has sponsored hundreds of brilliant PhD scholars from every continent — from 50 students in its debut year to over 170 just three years later.
Now, as the university accelerates its global strategy, over 200 doctoral candidates are expected to receive full sponsorship in the 2026 academic cycle.
“Our mission is to develop global researchers, engineers, and thinkers who contribute to science and society,” said university officials while unveiling the 2026 intake.
What the ZZU President Scholarship Covers?
The President Scholarship is one of the most generous doctoral awards offered by a Chinese university. Each successful candidate will receive:
- Full tuition fee waiver for four years
- Monthly living allowance of RMB 3,500
- Accommodation subsidy of RMB 1,000 per month
- Annual renewal based on academic performance
This comprehensive financial support ensures that PhD scholars can focus on their research, publications, and innovation — not on living expenses.
Study Fields and Language Options
The 2026 program offers 127 doctoral majors across 24 schools, from life sciences and engineering to economics, law, and medicine. Applicants can pursue studies in either English or Chinese, depending on their supervisor’s agreement.
Who Can Apply?
To qualify for the 2026 Zhengzhou University President Scholarship, candidates must:
- Be non-Chinese citizens under the age of 40 with no criminal record;
- Hold a Master’s degree with outstanding academic achievements;
- Demonstrate potential for independent research, with publications preferred;
- Meet language requirements:
- Chinese-taught programs: HSK Level 5 (score ≥210); HSK 4 applicants may take a preparatory year.
- English-taught programs: IELTS ≥6.5 or TOEFL ≥90.
How to Apply for ZZU President Scholarship 2026?
Applications must be submitted through the official online system: https://zzu.17gz.org/member/login.do
Applicants are strongly advised to contact potential supervisors before submitting their research proposal. A convincing research plan (minimum 2,000 words) and two recommendation letters are crucial for selection.
Required documents include: degree certificates, transcripts, passport copy, thesis samples, publications, language test scores, physical and police certificates, and the official President Scholarship Application Form.
Important Deadlines
The last date to apply for the Zhengzhou University President Scholarship 2026 March Intake is January 31, 2026. Applications for the September Intake will remain open until May 15, 2026.