Best Scholarships in China for International Students in 2024-25

China has become a prominent choice for international students looking for  top-notch education and cross-cultural encounters. Do you imagine yourself studying in these highly-ranked Chinese universities but worried about how much it’ll cost you? Worry not! We are going to uncover the top Chinese scholarships for international students to study in China for free. Stick to the end of the blog to unlock all about the China scholarships for international students.  

Top Scholarships In China For International Students

There is a range of Chinese scholarships for international students to study in China, which help them achieve their educational goals. There are three main types of scholarships in China: government, non-government, and university-specific. Here are the top Chinese scholarships for international students, along with their application period, eligibility, and scholarship awards.

Chinese Government Funded Scholarships

Whether you choose to pursue undergraduate, graduate, or doctorate degrees, you may probably find scholarships in China that fits your objectives. Let's look at some of the available government scholarships in China for international students.

1. China Scholarship Council (CSC) Scholarships

Application Period: December to March 

Eligibility: Students with good academics can be directly selected and recommended by Chinese universities.

Scholarship Award: Living allowance, health insurance, a return international airfare, and visa application fees

One of the most popular scholarships in China for international students is the CSC scholarship. The Chinese Scholarship Council offers this kind of Chinese government scholarship. It is a project of the Chinese Ministry of Education to advance education, cultural interchange, political cooperation, and intercultural understanding between China and other nations. This scholarship in China for international students offered by CSC may be fully or partially supported. Students who qualify for CSC scholarships may attend any of the 279 different universities, making it one of the best Chinese scholarships for international students.

2. Jiangsu Government Scholarships

Application Period: January to May

Eligibility: Non-Chinese applicants with valid foreign passports, age should be between 18 to 35, depending on the program, and two reference letters.

Scholarship Award: Full tuition fee waiver, accommodation, and living allowance

The Jiangsu Government Scholarships offer money to qualified individuals who wish to pursue higher education in China. Students pursuing a bachelor's degree will earn $7000 per year for four years, while those pursuing a master's degree will receive $9800 per year for two to three years. This scholarship to study in China also includes insurance for the awardees, which is paid for by the university. It is thus one of the best Chinese scholarships for international students.

3. Hubei Provincial Scholarship

Application Period: February to June

Eligibility: Applicants must be foreign citizens, their age should be between 25 and 50, depending on the program, and language proficiency is also required. 

Scholarship Award: Undergraduate students get $700/year; Postgraduate students get $2100/year; Doctorate students get $2800/year

For international students wishing to further their studies in Hubei, the Hubei Government's scholarships in China for international students are now available. This scholarship offers financial support ranging from $1400 per year for undergraduate students to $2800 per year for doctoral students. Get lucky to study in one of China's scientifically and educationally advanced provinces, making it one of the best scholarships in China for international students.

4. Beijing Government Scholarship

Application Period: January to June

Eligibility: Eligibility criteria require applicants to be non-Chinese citizens, in good health, and meet age requirements for each level of study.

Scholarship Award: Undergraduate students get $2900/year; Postgraduate students get $4200/year; Doctorate students get $5600/year

With the currently available Beijing Government scholarships in China for international students, you can begin your educational journey in this capital city. The Beijing Municipal Education Commission provided an initial endowment of 49 million dollars for the scholarship. It offers help in three categories, with the highest award being $5600 per winner, making it one of the best China scholarships for international students.

5. Guanxi Government Scholarship for ASEAN Students

Application Period: Application for a full scholarship starts in June, and outstanding student award applications start in March.

Eligibility: Eligibility criteria require applicants to be non-Chinese citizens, in good health, and meet age requirements for each level of study.

Scholarship Award: $700 per student for one year

Full scholarships and outstanding student awards are the two subcategories of one the best scholarships in China for international students to study for free. The scholarship is intended for ASEAN students who want to study for a bachelor's, master's, or PhD at a university in Guangxi. These scholarships in China for international students are awarded just once a year, in April. Each time, 200 students will receive awards (the number of awards will be carried over to the following year if the number of slots in the current year is not utilised). Students may apply annually and only once per year for the award.  

Non-Government Funded Scholarships 

Numerous top universities in China for international students scholarships offer non-governmental offers. These range from merit-based awards to program-specific grants. Here are some of the best non-government scholarships in China for international students:

6. Confucius Institute Scholarship

Application Period: Mid-April to June

Eligibility: A bachelor's degree or its equivalent is required, applicants must be between the ages of 16 and 35, and language competence is required, such as achieving a minimum score on the HSK and HSKK tests. 

Scholarship Award: A monthly allowance of $350 - $420 and $100 for housing costs.

International students who want to study the Chinese language and culture can get financial assistance through the Confucius Institute Scholarship. These scholarships in China for international students include a monthly allowance for personal needs, basic health insurance, and tuition and housing costs in a university residence. For BTCSOL students or those enrolled in Chinese language and culture courses, the monthly allowance is about $350, whereas for MTCSOL students, it is approximately $420. Scholarship recipients also have the option of living off-campus, with the Confucius Institute contributing an extra $100 per month to cover housing costs. With so many benefits, it is surely one of the best Chinese scholarships for international students. 

7. British Council China Scholarship

Application Period: Varies according to each university

Eligibility: UK citizens with British passports and Irish passport holders are eligible for this scholarship. Candidates must be at least 18 years old and recent graduates, or they must be enrolled in a UK university at the time of application.

Scholarship Award: Tuition costs are covered up to $4200.

British and Northern Ireland citizens have a fantastic opportunity to study abroad in China for postgraduate training and short courses. Being one of the best Chinese scholarships for international students is a component of Generation UK. It is open to up to 15 students and offers a variety of English-taught courses at 37 universities around China. Any non-degree study program of the student's choice is free to enroll in, and these scholarships in China for international students will pay tuition costs of up to $4200.

University Specific Scholarships to Study in China

Many universities offer scholarships specifically for international students. These can cover tuition, accommodation, and even living expenses. Here are the top China university scholarships for international students.

8. Schwarzman Scholars Program

Application Period: April to September

Eligibility: Candidates must be between the ages of 18 and 29 with an undergraduate degree, English language proficiency, and good academic standing. 

Scholarship Award: The scholarship covers tuition, room and board on campus, travel to and from Beijing, an in-country study tour, the cost of necessary course materials, health insurance, and a $4,000 stipend for personal expenses. 

This is one of the best scholarships in China for international students as it is designed for international students aiming to pursue a Master's in Global Affairs at Tsinghua University in Beijing. The program, conducted in English, will cover public policy, economics, business, and international studies.

9. Biomedical Science Scholarships

Application Period: Spring intake (Mid-February) and Autumn intake (May to June)

Eligibility: A copy of a current passport, a passport photo, an English language test certificate, a high school academic transcript, and a high school diploma are all required materials for applicants.

Scholarship Award: Tuition fees (either full or partially) and living allowances up to $2380

For international students seeking a bachelor's degree in biomedical science, Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh (ZJE) offers exceptional Biomedical Science Scholarships. These scholarships for international students in China also pay for health insurance. Four years are spent on the program, which is taught in English. It is significant to remember that before getting the admission letter, a tuition cost of $28000 must be paid to the university.

10. Zhengzhou University President Scholarships 

Application Period: March intake (December) to September intake (June)

Eligibility: Non-Chinese citizens, good physical health, and a strong academic background with the ability to become a specialised researcher or expert are requirements for eligibility. Candidates for PhD programs must have a strong academic background.

Scholarship Award: Complete tuition fees and monthly stipend

For exceptional international postgraduate students interested in earning a master's or doctoral degree, Zhengzhou University provides the President Scholarship. These China scholarships for international students offer a monthly stipend of $490. Candidates must submit a 2000-word research proposal in addition to an 800-word essay (for master's courses) and an online application form. Within 4-6 weeks of the application deadline, the institution evaluates all submitted materials and publishes the scholarship recipients' names online.

Tips to Apply for the Scholarships in China for International Students

It is always a debatable question of whether there will be good benefits of studying abroad as a Chinese student? How will I get a scholarship as a student?  However, scholarships in China for international students are your golden ticket to an amazing education abroad. However, navigating the application process and document requirements for Chinese government scholarships and other university-based scholarships can feel overwhelming. Here are the top 5 tips to secure your Chinese scholarships for international students.

1. Be Prepared, Be Proactive: Application deadlines for the China scholarships for international students come and go quickly, so apply early! Standing out can be tough with a high volume of applications, so consider applying to multiple universities and scholarships to maximize your chances.

2. Connect with the Experts: Contact university or embassy contacts—they can be a valuable resource for ensuring your application is complete and error-free.

3. Attention to Detail: Don't let small mistakes derail your dreams! Carefully review all application documents for the Chinese scholarships for international students to ensure accuracy. Incorrect information might lead to delays or even application rejection.

4. Language Advantage (Optional): While not always mandatory, learning Chinese can enhance your application and future academic experience in China.

5. Academic Powerhouse & Beyond: High grades in your current studies are a strong foundation, but don't stop there!  Scholarships often favor well-rounded applicants with impressive resumes showcasing leadership, strong work experience, outstanding achievements, or unique projects.

China has a lot to offer, from a rich cultural experience to top-notch educational facilities and great graduate programs. These Chinese scholarships for international students are waiting for you, so don’t miss this amazing opportunity!