China offers several scholarships that help international students reduce the cost of education. Popular options include the Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC), provincial scholarships, university scholarships, and Confucius Institute scholarships. These scholarships may cover tuition fees, accommodation, monthly allowances, and medical insurance depending on the program. Students with strong academic records and complete application documents have a higher chance of securing scholarships.
1. Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC)
The best-known award, funded by the Chinese government. A full CSC scholarship covers tuition, accommodation, medical insurance and a monthly stipend. See our complete CSC guide for Type A and Type B.
2. Provincial government scholarships
Several provinces fund their own scholarships to attract international students. Programmes in our list mention, for example, a Guangdong Provincial Government Scholarship of 10,000 RMB a year and a Zhejiang Provincial Government Scholarship of 20,000 RMB a year.
3. University scholarships (Type A, B, C)
Most universities grade their own awards. A typical structure from our brochures:
- Type A: tuition free, often with free accommodation and sometimes a monthly stipend
- Type B: tuition free, accommodation paid by the student
- Type C: part of the tuition waived, for example 50%
In our list, 11 Bachelor programmes include a monthly stipend of 417 to 2,000 RMB. The type you receive often depends on your marks and a short interview.
4. Belt and Road and city scholarships
Some universities run Belt and Road scholarships for students from partner countries, and some cities add their own awards for excellent students from the second year onwards.
5. Confucius Institute scholarships
Aimed at students of Chinese language and international Chinese education, from short courses to Master programmes. Useful if you want to build your HSK level first.
How to improve your chances
- Apply early: many awards are given in order until the quota is used
- Choose universities where your profile is competitive, not only the most famous ones
- Write a specific study plan and ask professors who know you for recommendation letters
- Get your documents attested before the application opens
Fully funded offers in our list: 23. Programmes with a tuition-free option: 51. Filter them in the programme finder or check your profile with the eligibility checker.