Full scholarships in China are a strategic option for international students who want to do a bachelor’s degree or postgraduate studies without bearing the cost of tuition and much of their living costs. They differ in conditions, duration and coverage depending on the awarding body, but they offer a real chance to achieve your study goals in one of the world’s largest economies. If you are looking for opportunities to study in China with full funding, this guide gives you the information you need for the 2027/2028 cycle, including application deadlines, eligibility requirements and how to register correctly.
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What do full scholarships in China cover?
Full scholarships in China cover most or all of the costs of study. They vary by awarding body, but usually include tuition, accommodation, health insurance and a monthly stipend. Note that the Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) does not cover international airfare.
- Tuition fees: waived in full under most full scholarships.
- University accommodation: on-campus housing is provided, or a monthly housing allowance (700 or 1,000 CNY under the CSC).
- Medical insurance: comprehensive medical insurance is arranged for the student during the study period (800 CNY per year under the CSC).
- Monthly stipend: under the CSC, 2,500 CNY per month for bachelor’s students, 3,000 for master’s and 3,500 for PhD students (about US$350, US$420 and US$490).
- Travel costs: international airfare is not covered by the CSC. Some university or provincial scholarships may help with travel, so check each official announcement.
Coverage details vary by university and programme, so check the conditions of each scholarship before applying. No scholarship should be considered absolutely “full” until you have checked the funding details in the official announcement.
Requirements for full scholarships in China: who can apply?
Requirements for full scholarships in China vary by type and awarding body, but some basic criteria apply to most funding programmes. The most important are:
- Nationality: most scholarships are for non-Chinese students, and Chinese citizens may not apply.
- Age: the minimum is usually 18, and for the CSC you must be under 25 (bachelor’s), under 35 (master’s) or under 40 (PhD).
- Academic qualifications: students need good grades, and a minimum average of about 75% or equivalent is often requested.
- Language proof: students must provide a language certificate, either in Chinese (HSK) or in English (IELTS/TOEFL).
- Medical record: some scholarships require a medical certificate showing no infectious or chronic diseases.
- Official documents: such as a passport, passport photos, a birth certificate and copies of educational certificates.
Requirements vary by university and programme, so check each scholarship’s official page before you start applying.Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) is the best-known scholarship and offers great opportunities for international students, but it imposes strict conditions on academic performance and language.
Application steps for full scholarships in China 2027
Applying for a full scholarship in China requires careful organisation, detailed documents and strict timing. Here are the basic steps to follow:
- Choose the right university and programme: pick a programme that fits your major and make sure it accepts scholarship applications. See the best universities in China to choose a suitable candidate.
- Review the admission and scholarship requirements: visit the university’s website or the scholarship page directly to check eligibility requirements and deadlines.
- Prepare the required documents: collect your graduation certificate, transcript, recommendation letter, CV and language certificate (HSK or IELTS).
- Apply through the online system: most universities use an online registration system. Fill in the form accurately and upload all required documents in a clear format.
- Wait for the results: evaluation can take several months, especially for government scholarships such as the CSC, where results usually come between April and July.
- Receive the offer and accept it: if you are selected, you will receive an official offer with the funding details, and you must accept it within the stated period.
It is very important to start preparing early: the CSC portal usually opens around November 2026, and many deadlines fall between January and April 2027.CSC application guide gives detailed, up-to-date steps and is a key reference for every student seeking a government scholarship.
Application deadlines for full scholarships in China (2027/2028 cycle)
Application deadlines for full scholarships in China vary by awarding body. For the CSC, the portal opens around November 2026, deadlines are mostly between January and April 2027, and results usually come between April and July 2027. Here is an overview of the common timelines:
| Scholarship | Application deadline | Results announced | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) | Portal opens around November 2026; deadlines mostly January – April 2027 | Usually April – July 2027 | Type A is applied for through the embassy and Type B through a university. Check the exact deadline of your embassy or university and apply early. |
| CSC Silk Road Program (Type B) | Set by each university (often in the same January – April 2027 window) | Usually April – July 2027 | Eligible countries are set by each university in its announcement each year. |
| Individual university scholarships | Set by each university | Set by each university | They vary by university, so check its official website. |
Government scholarships such as the CSC open early in the cycle, while individual universities announce their own dates throughout the year. You may apply for more than one scholarship, but you can hold only one at a time.Free study in China guide helps you coordinate these dates and set the best timeline.
Main full scholarships in China for international students
China offers many full scholarships, but some are the most suitable for international students because of their wide eligibility and clear application process. The main ones are:
Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC)
The largest government scholarship in China, offered by the Chinese government to international students, covering tuition, accommodation, insurance and a monthly stipend (2,500 / 3,000 / 3,500 CNY for bachelor’s / master’s / PhD). It is suitable for bachelor’s, master’s and PhD students. Type A applications go through the embassy, and Type B applications go through participating universities. From the 2026 cycle, bachelor’s applicants must also take the CSCA test.
CSC Silk Road Program (Type B)
This is the official CSC programme for cooperation between China and partner countries (note that there is no single official “Belt and Road scholarship”). It is a Type B programme applied for through universities, and each university sets the eligible countries and the benefits in its official announcement.
University scholarships
Some universities, such as Peking University and Tsinghua University, offer their own scholarships to international students with high academic standing. Some are awarded automatically on admission, while others require a separate application.
If you are from Morocco, see the tips for Moroccan students, and if you are from Egypt, we recommend reading the guide to studying in China for Egyptians, which contain guidance tailored to each country.
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply for more than one full scholarship in China?
Yes, you can apply for more than one scholarship at the same time, but you can only receive one at a time. If you are accepted into more than one, you will need to choose only one.
What is the minimum HSK level required for full scholarships?
The minimum depends on the programme and university. Some universities require HSK 4 or 5 for Chinese-taught programmes, while English-taught programmes require proof of English instead. We recommend reaching at least HSK 4 to improve your chances.
Do full scholarships in China cover travel costs?
No. The Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) does not cover international airfare, so plan your travel costs separately. Some university or provincial scholarships may offer a travel allowance, so check the conditions of each scholarship carefully.
Can I work while studying on a full scholarship?
Regular employment is forbidden for international students, including scholarship holders. Only university-organised work-study is allowed: up to 8 hours per week and 40 hours per month during term, and 16 hours per week and 80 hours per month during holidays, with university approval noted on your residence permit.
How competitive are full scholarships in China?
Full scholarships are competitive, and the CSC and university programmes do not publish a single overall acceptance rate that we could verify. Your chances depend on the number of applicants, your academic performance and the strength of your application, so apply early and prepare your documents carefully.
Full scholarships in China for the 2027/2028 cycle are a real opportunity for international students to achieve their study goals in an advanced educational environment, with very substantial financial support (note that airfare and personal expenses are not included). By planning ahead, preparing your documents accurately and applying by the deadlines, you can increase your chances of getting a scholarship that covers your main study costs. Do not hesitate to use the available resources, such as the CSC scholarship page and the scholarship application guide, to make your journey easier. Start today with a realistic step towards your academic future in China.