Scholarship guide奖学金
Scholarships to study in China, explained
China funds thousands of international students every year. Here is how the main routes work, what they cover, and how to pick the right one.
Last checked October 2026. Amounts and rules change each year; we confirm the current figures in your consultation.
The main routes类型
Four kinds of scholarship
Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC)
Run by the China Scholarship Council on behalf of the Ministry of Education. The best-known award. Students apply either through their home country's channel (often called Type A) or directly through a Chinese university (Type B).
Chinese University Program (CSC Type B)
A full CSC scholarship that a university awards to students it admits for graduate study. Applying straight to the university is often the more practical route.
Provincial and city scholarships
Offered by local governments such as Beijing, Shanghai and Tianjin. Usually smaller, sometimes tuition only, but often less competitive.
University scholarships
Each university's own awards, full or partial, often decided alongside admission. Good fallbacks, and some are generous.
What a full CSC scholarship covers覆盖范围
Full coverage, at a glance
A full Chinese Government Scholarship typically covers four things.
| Item | What's included |
|---|---|
| Tuition | Waived in full |
| Accommodation | Campus dormitory, usually a shared room |
| Medical insurance | Comprehensive insurance for international students |
| Monthly stipend | Paid by your university each month (see below) |
| Level | Commonly published monthly stipend |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's | RMB 2,500 |
| Master's | RMB 3,000 |
| PhD | RMB 3,500 |
Some universities top these up. Partial scholarships may cover tuition only.
Strong applications申请要点
What panels look for
- Grades. Strong, consistent marks matter most, especially in your subject.
- A focused study plan. A clear research or study goal, linked to the programme and to what you'll do afterwards.
- Fit with the supervisor or department. For postgraduate applicants, a professor's acceptance letter can make a big difference.
- Good recommendation letters from people who know your work.
- Applying early, through more than one route where the rules allow it.
Which route for you?选择
Rules of thumb
Strong academic record
Aim for a full CSC award through a university, with a university scholarship as backup.
Good marks, tight budget
Apply to several universities at once and include provincial awards with less competition.
MBBS applicants
Medical scholarships are limited. Plan your budget assuming partial or no funding, then treat any award as a bonus. MBBS guide →
Check your scholarship chances
Send us your marks and target field. We'll tell you which routes are realistic.