Study in China: How to Get a 100% scholarship in China?
For international students exploring global education options, studying abroad often involves balancing academic quality, tuition fee, and long-term opportunities. In recent years, more students have decided to study in China, because of its generous chinese scholarships for international applicants.
The People’s Republic of China has many universities, with strong emphasis on educational exchange, offering extensive financial support to overseas students through Chinese government scholarship programs under the ministry of education.
Today, more than 50,000 international students study in China scholarship programs every year. Many of these students receive fully funded scholarship china awards. For students asking whether it is possible to study in China for free, the answer is that with the right full scholarship in China, it can be.
To study in China scholarship programs successfully, this guide is for you. It explains the main types of scholarships for international students, what they include, and how to apply. It also explains the difference between csc scholarship, csc scholarships, and chinese embassy scholarships.
Why International Students Choose to Study in China
Many students decide to study in China because it combines academic opportunity with relatively affordable fees and international exposure.
Key factors include:
- A wide selection of English-taught, Chinese-taught, part-time or full time programs
- Strong academic performance in STEM, business, medicine, and language studies
- Tuition fees that are generally lower than in North America or Europe
- A national focus on attracting international talent through china scholarship programs
- Safe cities and a growing international student community
For scholarships for international students, China stands out for the scale and variety of funding options available.
How Much Are Chinese Scholarships Worth?
Programs in China offer Chinese scholarships as partial or fully funded scholarship china awards.
A full scholarship in China may include:
- Full tuition coverage
- Free on-campus dorms or a housing allowance
- Monthly living stipend
- Comprehensive medical insurance
A fully funded scholarship in China can be worth up to $30,000 each academic year, making it easier to study in China with low personal costs.
Types of Scholarships for International Students (2026 Intake)
International students planning to study in China usually apply to multiple china scholarship options to increase their chances.
1. CSC Scholarship China – Chinese Government Scholarship
The csc scholarship china, provided by the chinese government scholarship system, is the most well-known national scholarship.
What the csc scholarship is:
- Managed by the Chinese Scholarship Council under the ministry of education
- Designed to promote education exchange, cultural cooperation, and academic development
- Available for Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD, General Scholar, and Senior Scholar programs
- Offered through 279 designated Chinese universities
What csc scholarships cover:
- Tuition
- Dorm fees
- Monthly stipend
- Medical insurance
Important program limitations:
- Generally do not cover MBA programs
- Offer extremely limited funding for MBBS programs
- May exclude programs with extremely high tuition fees
CSC scholarship application requirements:
- A target university (or embassy route, depending on category)
- The correct CSC agency number
- Complete application documents
Chinese Embassy Scholarships (CSC Type A)
A chinese embassy scholarship is usually part of the csc scholarship system, but with a different application process.
How embassy scholarships work:
- Applications are submitted through the chinese embassy or designated authority in the applicant’s home country
- The first stage of review is handled locally
- After local approval, applications are forwarded to China for final evaluation
How embassy scholarships differ from university CSC routes:
Embassy route:
- Embassy or government authority reviews applications first
- Deadlines vary by country and are often earlier
- Applicants may be allowed to apply to two universities
University route:
- Applications are submitted directly through a Chinese university
- The university conducts the first review and nomination
- Applicants usually apply to one university
Chinese University Scholarships
Most universities offer Chinese scholarships independent of national funding.
How university scholarships work:
- Funded and managed by the university
- Designed to attract academically strong international students
- Often linked to early application timing
What they cover:
- Tuition fee waivers
- Dorm fees
- Partial living allowances
Examples of universities offering scholarships:
- Xiamen University
- Jiangsu University (Presidential Scholarship)
- Peking University
- Renmin University
- Shandong University
- East China Normal University
- Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech)
Confucius Institute Scholarships
The Confucius Institute Scholarship is for:
- Chinese language learning
- Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language (TCFL)
Key characteristics:
- Often requires HSK and HSKK scores
- Covers tuition, dorm fees, and living expenses
- Applications are submitted through cis.chinese.cn
City and Provincial Scholarships in China
Local governments fund city and provincial china scholarship programs to attract international students.
What provincial scholarships cover:
- Full or partial tuition waivers
- Free or subsidized dorms
- Living allowances
- Medical insurance
Common city and provincial scholarships:
- Beijing City Scholarship
- Shanghai Government Scholarship
- Jiangsu Jasmine Scholarship
- Hangzhou Government Scholarship
- Ningbo City Scholarship
- Liaoning Provincial Scholarships
- Yiwu City Scholarship
Application process:
- Students apply to a university first
- Universities nominate eligible students
- Final approval is issued by the local public security authority
MBA Scholarships and Specialized Programs
Because CSC funding often excludes MBAs, many students rely on MBA china scholarship options.
- Usually partial scholarships
- Awarded based on academic background and professional experience
- 11 MBA programs currently offer scholarship opportunities
CCN, BLCC, and Private Scholarships
Additional scholarships for international students include:
- CCN scholarships
- BLCC scholarships
- Private scholarships funded by alumni, corporations, or charitable institutions
Application Documents for China Scholarship
Most scholarship application processes require:
- Notarized highest diploma
- Academic transcripts
- Study plan or research proposal
- Recommendation letters
- foreigner physical examination form
- criminal record issued by the local police or local public security authority
- Pre-admission or admission letter
Applicants must meet the requirements for document accuracy and completeness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Start Your Journey to Study in China Today
Choosing to study in China is a life-changing decision that opens the door to world-class education, cultural diversity, and exciting global opportunities. Whether you’re researching top China universities or preparing your China university application, having a trusted partner can make all the difference. At ApplyForChina, we make the process simple and stress-free. From finding the right university to submitting your application, we’re here to support you every step of the way.