Top Scholarships in China: The Guide to Chinese Scholarships for International Students for 2025

International students ready to study abroad are afforded opportunities by Top Scholarships in China to pursue higher education in China during 2025-2026. The application for Top Scholarships in China process is, however, pretty long; most scholarships provide students with all tuition and even accommodation and a stipend to cover their monthly spending. Here is the guide that will help you explore available scholarships, choose which one fits best, understand the application process, and what documents are required. Good luck on your new journey!

Types of Top Scholarships in China

There are three broad types of scholarships that most students avail of when they intend to study in China. These are:

  1. Chinese Government Scholarships
  2. Provincial Government Scholarships
  3. Confucius Institute Scholarships

These scholarships are also available for international students from diverse countries on mutual terms among the learning institutions and respective countries. The requirements accompanying the aforementioned scholarships are always rather very straightforward, and scholarship money is pretty liberal after considering the significant tuition paid for studies in China.

The other scholarships comprise domestic or country-based private institutions as well as inter-institutional exchange but all that is focused in the ensuing essay are the said three government scholarships.

Choosing the Right Scholarship for Your Study Program

Choosing the right scholarship to undertake your study program commences with knowing exactly what you want to do. Do you want to pursue studies in Chinese language, degree, or research? All these require one clearly to identify the area in which they wish to study and preferably where in China they want to pursue their studies. Scholarships differ from one city and university to another.

China scholarship-awarding bodies have partnerships with universities across the country, and both government-backed and university-specific scholarships rely on these partnerships. Each university is allocated a limited number of scholarships, so competition is high, especially for prestigious programs. Research the universities and their scholarship offerings online, or reach out to them directly to confirm scholarship availability for your field of study.

Scholarships for Studying the Chinese Language

The most popular option for international students is to take a Chinese language course. If you have some knowledge of Chinese, a year of immersion will bring about a tremendous improvement in your language. The Confucius Institute Scholarship is ideal for students who have previously studied Chinese, especially those who have taken courses at Confucius Institute locations worldwide.

For a beginner, scholarships coming from national and provincial governments might comprise Chinese language classes. But with provincial government funding, competition is very high, hence relatively tougher to get. For those having prior knowledge of the language, Confucius Institute scholarships might be a chance, whereas newcomers would do well with Chinese Government Scholarships since these have a broader availability.

Undergraduate and Postgraduate Scholarships in China

If you are studying undergraduate, master’s, or doctoral studies, China offers a range of scholarships depending on the degree program and language of instruction. When applying, research which universities offer scholarships for your course and if these are covered by national or provincial government scholarships.

You can apply through the local embassies but limit competition to students from your country, or directly with the university, where you will compete internationally. Provincial government scholarships are mostly accessible only if you’re already in China, which means reduced competition, but some provinces require proficiency in the Chinese language.

The process to use to apply (through an embassy or directly) may impact the likelihood of being selected. Opportunities may be more favorable applied through your country’s embassy if you are not currently in China. Applying in person at a university typically increases the level of international competition.

Important Points for Scholarship Applications

  • Competition may be tougher in top-ranking universities. Thus, you may face more applicants for the same in the most prestigious institutions.
  • Chinese Government Scholarships are either full or partial. Partial scholarships are relatively easier to get.
  • If possible, apply for multiple scholarships as long as you qualify for each one of them.

Top Scholarships in China

1. Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC Scholarship)

The CSC Scholarship: All government-funded programs go as far as language courses, and some even lead all the way to Ph.D. research. 

There are three types of scholarships;

  • Type A (Full scholarship); Registration, shared room with others, medical care coverage, and 2,500-3,500 Yuan monthly stipend
  • Type B (Part Scholarship): Similar coverage; they only do not enjoy monthly stipend
  • Type C: Partial scholarship offered vary with the program chosen.

Details on how to apply for and deadlines of CSC Scholarships are available on-line.

2. Provincial Government Scholarships

Provincial governments in China, which include Beijing, Tianjin, Chongqing, and Shanghai, offer scholarships on different levels of studies which include language courses, undergraduate, and graduate. Generally, the coverage will range from tuition, accommodation, and health insurance to personal expenses with full scholarships in some cases.

3. Confucius Institute Scholarship (CIS)

The Confucius Institute Scholarship is intended to promote the Chinese language and culture. In addition to language courses, there are grants for specialized doctoral research and attendance at international conferences. Benefits include tuition payment, shared accommodations, health insurance, and a monthly stipend for personal living expenses.

4. High School Scholarships

High school scholarships are extremely scarce in China. It’s mostly bilateral agreements between China and your home country.

5. Chinese Postdoctoral Scholarships

China offers postdoctoral scholarships in the higher education institutions and research institutions for science and technology students only. The scholarship provides shelter, medical care, as well as a portion to be used as downpayment for a home. Application for postdoctoral scholarship is usually made directly by submitting the application to the chosen higher education institution or research organization.

Requirements for Postdoctoral Scholarship Application

These are the requirements of every candidate applying for a postdoctoral scholarship.

  • – A completed application form received from the chosen higher learning institution.
  • – An acceptance letter from a principal investigator.
  • Medical Examination Form signed by a doctor.
  • Doctorate degree documentation; if not in Chinese or English, then translated.
  • Research proposal in English or Chinese
  • Two recommendation letters from professors
  • Updated CV, including publications and conference presentations
  • Check the deadlines for each type of scholarship and apply directly to the institution or through local agencies, as required.

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FAQ’s



1. What types of scholarships are available for international students in China?

Some scholarships are available to international students studying in China, which include provincial or municipal government scholarships, the Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC), specific scholarships at the university level, and the Confucius Institute Scholarship. In most cases, scholarship benefits include tuition, accommodation, medical insurance, as well as a monthly living allowance.

2. How do I apply for the Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC)?

Research the participating universities and submit an application through the official online application portal of the CSC. Requirements and deadlines vary by university, so check both the CSC website and the university’s admissions page.

3. What are the eligibility requirements for scholarships in China?

Generally, candidates should be non-Chinese citizens, in good health, meet the age and educational qualifications criteria and have academic achievements associated with the scholarship level that may include: high grades, English, or Chinese proficiency. Special conditions vary in different scholarships; for example, only Chinese from specific countries or in specific fields of knowledge.

4. Is knowledge of the Chinese language required to study in China on a scholarship?

Knowing Chinese is useful, but international scholarships, including CSC, have most of the teachings conducted in the English language. In general, a scholarship could stipulate proficiency either in Chinese or the English language, depending upon the specific program and even the institution.

5. What expenses do scholarships for studying in China cover?

Tuition is paid together with some accommodation and medical insurance for all scholarships, and each scholarship has a different monthly allowance.