2026 China Scholarship Guide: CSC, Provincial & University List

Written By Konrad @ CrosslineEdu Co-Founder, Head of Marketing
Updated MAR 2026

The Complete Database of China Scholarships

The definitive list of National, Provincial, and City-level funding for 2026. Stop guessing and start applying.

The "Portfolio" Strategy

Most students fail because they only apply for one thing. To guarantee a seat, you must carefully align with the 2026 China University Application Timeline and diversify your application portfolio:

  • Tier 1 (Reach): National CSC. The "Golden Ticket". Full ride + Monthly Stipend.
  • Tier 2 (Target): Provincial/City Gov. Easier to get, often covers full tuition.
  • Tier 3 (Safety): University Scholarship. High acceptance rate. Partial or Full Tuition.

Not sure which tier you qualify for? Use our AI Assistant to analyze your profile for free →

For self-funded students, check universities tuition fees here for free →

1. National Giants: CSC & Special Programs

Funded by the Ministry of Education. Beyond the standard "Bilateral Program," check these specific tracks.

CRITICAL FOR UNDERGRADS: 95% of CSC Type A undergraduate programs are Chinese-taught. If you need English-taught, focus on Type B (University Track) or the special programs below.

Before applying through the embassy (Type A) or directly to the university (Type B), make sure you read our comprehensive CSC Scholarship Survival Strategy Guide to understand the exact differences and optimize your chances.

Level Monthly Stipend Age Limit
Undergraduate 2,500 CNY / Month ≤25 Years
Master's 3,000 CNY / Month ≤35 Years
PhD 3,500 CNY / Month ≤40 Years

Target: Students from "Belt and Road" countries (most of SE Asia, Central Asia, Africa, Eastern Europe).

Key Feature: Focus on green development, engineering, and trade.

Apply: Via University (Type B) usually around March-April.

Target: Master's and doctoral students interested in meteorology.

Special Perk: WMO provides international travel expenses; CSC covers tuition and living expenses.

Type: University Autonomous Recruitment (Type B).

Target: Outstanding international master's and doctoral students.

Application: Generally November through individual application to university.

MOFCOM Scholarship For students from developing countries. Provided by Ministry of Commerce.
Great Wall Scholarship For one-year advanced study/research. Co-sponsored by UNESCO.
EU Window Program For EU students. Includes 1 year of preparatory Chinese language study.
Excellence Program 72 projects involving 33 universities for outstanding students in specific disciplines.
Int'l Chinese Language Teachers For students interested in Chinese language education and related fields.
2. Regional Powerhouses (Provincial Govt)

If you get rejected by CSC, these are your safety nets. We have updated this list with the latest provincial data.

Class A Full Scholarship (Tuition + Dorm + Living Expenses + Medical).
Class B Tuition Waiver Only.
Details Covers 31 universities including Fudan and SJTU. Apply Feb-April.

Provides partial coverage. Varies by university.

Target: Students studying at or applying to Zhejiang HEIs (e.g. Zhejiang University).

Full: Tuition + Dorm + Living Allowance.

Partial: Fixed allowance: RMB 30,000 (Undergrad), RMB 30,000 (Master/PhD).

Also offers a "Distinguished Student" one-time award for current students.

Coverage: Tuition (Full/Partial). Does NOT usually cover living expenses.

Tiers: Category A (Doctoral/Master), Category B/C (Undergrad/Exchange).

Scope: Covers 100+ Beijing universities.

Value: Up to RMB 58,800/year. One-year duration.

Target: Self-funded students enrolled in Tianjin.

Also offers an "Outstanding International Student" one-time award.

Shandong: Full scholarship (Tuition + Accommodation + Stipend + Insurance).

Fujian: Full/Partial coverage available. RMB 30k-50k/year depending on degree.

Hubei: Full or Partial scholarships for universities in Wuhan/Hubei.

Henan: Supports students in Henan universities and research institutions.

Guangdong: Full/Partial scholarship for degree students in Guangzhou/Shenzhen.

Yunnan: Focuses on neighboring SE Asian countries (Full/Partial).

Sichuan Full/Partial coverage. Applicable to HEIs entitled to enroll foreign students.
Liaoning Full/Partial coverage for universities in Shenyang/Dalian.
Shaanxi Full/Partial coverage for Xi'an universities.
Anhui RMB 20k-50k/year. Rewards students friendly to China.
Jiangxi Full/Partial for students in Jiangxi.
Hebei For self-funded students. Friendly to China and Hebei.
Jilin "Changbai Mountain Scholarship". Full scholarship for Master's students (Free tuition/dorm + 1700 RMB stipend).
3. City-Level Hidden Gems

Many cities have their own "Belt & Road" or "Sister City" funds separate from the province.

First Prize: Free Tuition + Free Dorm + Monthly Subsidy (1500+ RMB).

Target: Undergrads and Masters from Belt & Road countries in Xi'an.

Goal: Building Xi'an as a "City of International Students".

Amount: RMB 20,000 - 30,000/Year.

Target: Students from Belt & Road countries or International Sister Cities.

Requirements: Friendly to China, good academic performance.

Coverage: Full or Partial coverage. Varies by institution.

Target: International students in Chongqing universities.

Nanjing: Varies by university. Specific for students in Nanjing.

Jinan Sister Cities: For students from Jinan's international sister cities.

Qingdao Municipal: Operates alongside Shandong Provincial Scholarship.

4. University Presidential Scholarships

If you secure one of these, remember that maintaining it requires passing strict annual evaluations. Learn more about the hidden scholarship renewal requirements to avoid losing your funding before graduation.

University Scholarship Details Apply
Peking University Peking University Scholarship (PKUS) Visit
Tsinghua University Tsinghua University Tuition Scholarship Visit
Fudan University Fudan University Scholarship Visit
Shanghai Jiao Tong SJTU Scholarship Visit
Zhejiang University Zhejiang Provincial Government Scholarship Visit
Nanjing University Nanjing University Scholarship Visit
USTC USTC Undergraduate Scholarship Visit
Xi'an Jiaotong XJTU Siyuan International Student Scholarship Visit
Harbin Inst. Tech HIT International Students Scholarship Visit
Sun Yat-sen Univ. Sun Yat-sen University Scholarship Visit
Wuhan University Wuhan University Scholarship Visit
HUST HUST International Student Scholarship Visit
Tongji University International Student Excellence Scholarship Visit
Beijing Normal Univ. Silk Road Muduo Scholarship Visit
Beihang University Outstanding Talents Scholarship (Freshman) Visit
Beijing Inst. Tech Study in BIT Scholarship Visit
Nankai University Nankai University President Scholarship Visit
Tianjin University University Scholarships Visit
Xiamen University Xiamen University Scholarships Visit
Sichuan University "Study at SCU" Outstanding Student Scholarship Visit

For other universities, please visit: Crossline AI Assistant to consult our AI Assistant.

5. Document Checklist

Incomplete applications are rejected instantly. Prepare these NOW.

  • 1. Passport: Valid for at least 12 months.
  • 2. Notarized Diploma: Certified copy. Translated.
  • 3. Notarized Transcripts: Grades from all semesters.
  • 4. Study Plan & Personal Statement: Undergrad (800 words), Grad (1500+ words). Read our step-by-step guide on writing a winning PS & Study Plan.
  • 5. Recommendation Letters: Two letters from professors or associate professors.
  • 6. Physical Exam Form: Must have hospital stamp.
  • 7. Non-Criminal Record: Police clearance.
  • 8. Language Cert: HSK or IELTS/TOEFL.
  • Pro-Tip for Postgraduates: Securing a supervisor early drastically increases your odds for full funding. Learn exactly how to email Chinese professors for an Acceptance Letter.

Need a Winning Strategy?

Don't waste your application fee. We help you fix your Study Plan and improve your CSCA scores.

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