Scholarship guide
Scholarships to Study in China
Funding to study in China can come from the national government, provinces and cities, or individual universities. Understand the main routes and how to confirm current terms before you apply.
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Last verified 10/01/2026. Admission, tuition, scholarship, and visa information can change. Use this guide to compare options, then confirm current details with the university and official sources such as China Scholarship Council (CSC), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, The international office of the university you apply to before applying.
The main funding routes
Scholarships in China are generally offered at several levels. The national route is administered through the China Scholarship Council (CSC), while some provinces, cities, and universities run their own awards for international students. These routes can have different application channels. Some are applied for through the university, others through an agency or embassy in your home country, so confirm which applies to your chosen program.
Understanding the CSC
The CSC is the body behind the Chinese Government Scholarship. Its programs have defined categories, application portals, and selection rules that are updated by the provider. Terms of coverage, eligible programs, and deadlines change between cycles. Read the current guidelines on the official site before preparing documents. Ask the university's international office whether your program is part of a CSC-supported category and what its own internal timeline is.
Teaching language and program choice
Programs in China are taught in English or Chinese. A Chinese-taught program often requires a recognised Chinese test, while an English-taught one will list its own English requirement. Scholarship eligibility can depend on which language the program uses. Some students begin with a Chinese-language preparatory year. Check whether the award covers that year, or only the degree itself.
Comparing universities and subjects
Compare programs by curriculum, recognition, location, living costs, and the university's support for international students. A scholarship does not make a program suitable if the subject or accreditation does not match your plans. Write down the answers for each shortlisted program, and confirm them with the university's international office before you commit time to an application.
- Is the program on the scholarship's eligible list?
- Is the teaching language compatible with your evidence?
- Does the city's cost of living suit your budget?
- Does the degree meet recognition needs in your home country?
Verify before you pay or travel
Only use official university and government channels, and be cautious about intermediaries who promise awards. No one can guarantee a scholarship, an admission, or a visa. Keep screenshots or copies of the official terms that applied when you applied, and never send fees to secure a scholarship place unless you have verified the request directly with the institution.
Frequently asked questions
What does the CSC do?
The China Scholarship Council administers the Chinese Government Scholarship and related programs for international students. Its categories, eligible programs, and application steps are set by the council and universities, so read the current official guidelines before preparing your application. Confirm the current details with the university or provider before you decide.
Can I get a scholarship for an English-taught degree in China?
Some scholarships support English-taught programs, but eligibility depends on the specific award and program. Check whether your chosen course is on the provider's list and what English evidence it expects, because this can differ from the university's own admission rule.
Do I apply for the scholarship or the university first?
It depends on the route. Some awards are applied for through the university together with admission, while others use a separate national portal. Follow the instructions of the specific scholarship category and ask the university's international office if the steps are unclear.