In order to strengthen mutual understanding and friendship between the Chinese and people around the world and promote China’s exchange and cooperation with other countries in various fields, the Chinese government sets up scholarships for talented students and scholars to pursue higher education or conduct research in Chinese universities.
The China Scholarship Council (hereinafter referred to as “CSC”), entrusted by China’s Ministry of Education, is responsible for the admission, enrollment and administration of Chinese Government Scholarship recipients.
Chinese Scholarship Categories and Application
1. Chinese Government Scholarship (CGS) and Bilateral Program
- The Chinese Government Scholarship (CGS), funded by the Chinese government, supports international students in China. It covers tuition, accommodation, living allowance, and health insurance, promoting academic exchange and fostering international cooperation at various study levels.
- Applicants must submit their application through the dispatching department in their home country.
| Supporting Categories | Length of Schooling | Length of Scholarship |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | 4-5 years | 4-5 Years |
| Master’s Degree | 2-3 years | 2-3 years |
| Doctoral (Ph.D.) Programs | 3-4 years | 3-4 years |
| Chinese Language Programs | 1-2 years | 1-2 years |
Scholarship Coverage
1. Tuition fees;
2. Free university dormitory or accommodation subsidy;
3. Stipend:
- Undergraduates: CNY 2,500 per month;
- Master’s students/general scholars: CNY 3,000 per month;
- Doctoral students/senior scholars: CNY 3,500 per month.
4. Comprehensive medical insurance:
- CNY 800 per person per year;
- CNY 400 per person (for programs lasting less than six months)
Eligibility
To be eligible, an applicant must:
- 1. Be a citizen of a country other than the PRC and in good health both mentally and physically;
- 2. Be an academically excellent holder of high school diploma or its equivalent under the age of 25 when applying for an undergraduate program;
- 3. Be an academically excellent holder of a Bachelor’s degree or its equivalent under the age of 35 when applying for a Master’s program;
- 4. Be an academically excellent holder of a Master’s degree or its equivalent under the age of 40 when applying for a doctoral program;
- 7. Have passed the HSK (Level 3) when applying for a Chinese-taught undergraduate or general scholar program (excluding Chinese language majors);
- 9. Have passed the HSK (Level 4) when applying for a Chinese-taught postgraduate program;
- 10. Meet the admission requirements of the university of preference in terms of language proficiency and academic ability, among others, when applying for a program taught in a language other than Chinese.
Application Documents
- 1. Application Form for Chinese Government Scholarship (filled in online);
- 2. A scanned copy of the Passport Information Page. An applicant who fails to apply for a passport due to objective reasons may submit valid documentation or documentary evidence that carries information about the full English name, sex, nationality and date of birth of the applicant upon the approval of the application receiving agency;
- 3. Diploma and certificate of highest education (notarized photocopy). An applicant who is a current university student shall submit the certificate of expected graduation or student status issued by his/her university;
- 4. Academic transcripts. Transcripts in languages other than Chinese or English shall be attached with notarized translations in Chinese or English;
- 5. Certificate of language proficiency: When applying for a Chinese-taught program, an applicant shall provide a valid HSK score report that meets the program’s language ability requirements.
- 7. A study or research plan written in Chinese or in English (no less than 200 words/characters for undergraduates; no less than 500 words/characters for scholars; no less than 1000 words/characters for postgraduates).
- 8. Recommendation letters. An applicant for a postgraduate program or for academic education as a senior scholar shall submit two recommendation letters in Chinese or in English from professors or associate professors.
- 9. An applicant for the arts or design program shall provide his/her own works (such as videos and paintings);
- 10. An applicant under the age of 18 shall submit the legal documents of his/her legal guardian(s) in China.
- 11. An applicant shall submit a valid Certificate of Non-Criminal Record (or Police Clearance Certificate) issued by the local public security (such as the police station), usually issued within six months prior to the submission date of the application.
2. University Program Scholarships
- A university program scholarship is offered directly by a Chinese university and is usually independent of any government-level bilateral agreements and the funding comes directly from the university itself.
- The programs provided by each university might be different, please refer to the university you aimed to apply for.
- An applicant shall file an application with Chinese universities undertaking this program.
- The stipend is given as follows (varies by schools):
| Supporting Categories | Stipend | Length of Scholarship |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | Type A: Tuition subsidy: 20,000 CNY, living allowance: 1,400 RMB/month (for a total of 10 months) Type B: Tuition subsidy: 20,000 CNY Type C: Tuition subsidy: 10,000 CNYType D: Tuition subsidy 6000 CNY | 1-3 Years |
| Master’s Degree | 2500CNY/month | 2-3 years |
| Doctoral (Ph.D.) Programs | 3000CNY/month | 3-4 years |
| Chinese Language Programs | 2500CNY/month | 6 months-1 year |
1. Check for Available Scholarship for your school
- Internal Scholarships: Many universities offer scholarships specifically for currently enrolled students. These Chinese scholarships may be based on academic performance, financial need, or other factors like leadership or community involvement.
- University Portal or Scholarships Office: Check your university’s scholarship portal or office for any scholarships available for continuing students. These may include merit-based, need-based, or other specific scholarships.
2. Review Eligibility and Requirements
- Academic Requirements: Some chinese scholarships may require a minimum GPA, while others may look at specific achievements or projects. Make sure you meet the eligibility criteria.
- Other Criteria: Some scholarships may have other requirements, such as a demonstrated financial need, involvement in extracurricular activities, research experience, or leadership roles.
- Application Deadlines: Keep track of deadlines. University scholarships often have specific application windows during the academic year.
3. Gather Necessary Documents
- Transcript: Most scholarships require an up-to-date academic transcript to assess your academic performance.
- Other Supporting Documents: Some scholarships may require additional documents, such as proof of financial need, proof of community service, or a portfolio (for creative fields).
4. Prepare and Submit Your Application
- Complete the Application Form: Ensure you fill out the application form accurately. Most scholarships will have an online application system where you can submit your materials.
- Submit Supporting Documents: Upload or send in all required documents such as transcripts, essays, recommendation letters, etc.
- Follow Instructions: Carefully read the application instructions and ensure you are submitting everything on time.
3. Local Government Scholarship
A local government chinese scholarship refers to a type of scholarship provided by a local government (such as a provincial, regional, or municipal government) to support students in their educational pursuits.
These chinese scholarships are typically aimed at promoting educational development within the region, fostering local talent, and strengthening international relationships through educational exchanges, for instance Shanghai Government Scholarship (SGS).
- The stipend is given as follows (varies by schools):
| Supporting Categories | Stipend | Length of Scholarship |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate/ Master’s Degree/ Doctoral Programs | First Class: Duration: According to the program duration. Coverage: Tuition exemption; provision of insurance fee, accommodation allowance, and living allowance. | Undergraduate:1-3 Years Master’s Degree: 2-3 years Doctoral program:3-4 years |
| Second Class: Duration: According to the program duration. Coverage: Tuition exemption; provision of insurance fee and accommodation allowance. | ||
| Third Class: Duration: According to the program duration. Coverage: Provision of insurance fee and accommodation allowance. |
Evaluating Chinese Scholarships: Pros and Cons
| Factor | University Scholarship | Local Government Scholarship | Chinese Government Scholarship | Bilateral Scholarship |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Funding Source | Funded by the university | Funded by local or regional government | Funded by the Chinese government | Funded by both the Chinese government and the student’s home country |
| Eligibility Criteria | Based on merit, need, or department | Often requires residency or specific study fields | For international students based on academic excellence or need | For students from countries with agreements with China |
| Application Process | Apply directly to the university | Apply through local government or agency | Apply through Chinese embassies or universities | Apply through both the home country’s government and Chinese embassies |
| Scholarship Amount | Can cover full or partial tuition, and living costs | Varies, can cover tuition or living expenses | Covers full tuition, accommodation, living stipend, and insurance | Covers tuition, living costs, and sometimes travel expenses |
| Pros and Cons | Pros: Renewable, support from the university; Cons: Competitive, limited to current students | Pros: Focuses on local development, often renewable; Cons: May require work in the region after graduation | Pros: Full coverage, good for international students; Cons: Competitive, bureaucratic process | Pros: Comprehensive coverage; Cons: More complex application process |
4. Designated Scholarship Programs
These programs are set up in accordance with cooperation agreements between China and international organizations and institutions.
Applicants must file an application with the international organizations and institutions concerned.
| Scholarship Programs | Target Groups | Supporting Categories | Application Receiving Agencies | Websites |
| Great Wall Program | Students and scholars from developing countries | General ScholarsSenior Scholars | National Commission for UNESCO in the home country | UNESCO |
| EU Program | Students and scholars from EU member states | UndergraduatesPostgraduatesGeneral ScholarsSenior Scholars | Office for Education and Culture, Mission of the PRC to the EU | People’s Republic of China to the European Union |
| AUN Program | Students and scholars from ASEAN member states | Postgraduates | AUN Secretariat | ASEAN University Network |
| PIF Program | Students and scholars from Pacific Island countries | Undergraduates Postgraduates General Scholars Senior Scholars | Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat | PACIFIC ISLANDS FORUM |
| WMO Program | Aspiring international students and scholars in meteorological research | Undergraduates Postgraduates | WMO | WORLD METEOROLOGICAL ORGANIZATION |
| Belt and Road | International students from countries along the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) routes. | UndergraduateMaster’s DegreeDoctoral Degree (PhD)Short-term Programs (such as language courses or training programs) | Chinese embassies and consulates, partner universities in China | Study in China Belt and Road Scholarship |
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