Partial scholarships in China are a realistic and valuable option for international students who want to study in China without paying the full cost. These scholarships differ in how much they cover, and they are offered by Chinese universities, government bodies or international organisations, covering part of the tuition fees, accommodation or transport costs. Requirements and deadlines vary by university and programme, so it is important to know the specific details before you apply. In this complete guide, we explain everything you need to know about partial scholarships in China for 2026, from eligibility requirements to effective application steps.

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What Are Partial Scholarships in China?

Partial scholarships in China are financial support provided by universities or government bodies to international students, and they cover part of the study or living costs. The amount of coverage varies by university and programme, and it may reach 30% or 50% of tuition fees, or cover accommodation or health insurance costs.

Advantages of Partial Scholarships in China

• They are offered by universities such as Peking University and Shanghai University.
• They are a chance to improve your finances without giving up your dream of studying.
• They usually cannot be combined with another tuition scholarship, and each university has its own policy.
• They encourage cultural diversity on campus.

Requirements for Partial Scholarships in China

There are no uniform requirements for partial scholarships in China, but there are general criteria that are taken into account in the evaluation. Eligibility conditions vary by university and programme, but they usually include academic merit, strong results in high school or the bachelor’s degree, and English or Chinese language ability depending on the programme.

Basic Application Requirements

• A good academic average (usually at least 75% in your high school certificate or 3.0/4.0 in your bachelor’s degree).
• Proof of English proficiency (such as IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL 80) or Chinese proficiency (HSK 4 or 5), depending on the programme.
• A recommendation letter or a statement of purpose.
• A translated and certified academic record.
• Proof of identity and nationality (a copy of your passport).
• Enrolment in an approved study programme at a Chinese university.

Steps to Apply for Partial Scholarships in China

You need to follow clear, organised steps when applying for partial scholarships in China. Each university has its own application system, but the general process looks like this:

1. Choose the right university and programme: look for programmes taught in English or Chinese that offer partial scholarships. You can browse the best universities in China to compare your options.
2. Review the eligibility requirements: make sure you meet the conditions, such as the academic average, language certificate and required records.
3. Prepare your documents: gather everything required: academic record, language certificate, recommendation letter, CV and statement of purpose.
4. Apply through the online system: register on the university’s website and follow the instructions to upload your documents.
5. Wait for a reply: review times vary by university, but it can take 4 to 8 weeks.
6. Accept the scholarship and enrol: if you are awarded the scholarship, you will receive an official offer letter explaining the level of coverage.

Partial Scholarship Deadlines in China for 2026

Application deadlines for partial scholarships in China vary by university and type of programme. Some universities open applications in late 2025 and close them in March or June 2026. It is recommended to apply early because scholarships are limited and are often awarded to outstanding or high-achieving candidates.

Table of common application deadlines

University	Application deadline	Results announced
Peking University	Check with the university	April 2026
Shanghai University	Check with the university	June 2026
Zhengzhou University	Check with the university	May 2026

What Do Partial Scholarships in China Cover?

The value of coverage varies by university and programme, but partial scholarships usually cover part of the following costs:

• Tuition fees: a share of the annual fees (for example, half or a quarter of tuition in the Beijing Government partial scholarship).
• Accommodation costs: some scholarships cover part of the rent for university housing.
• Health insurance: some scholarships may include health insurance for students.
• Living allowances: rarely included, but possible in special cases.

Example: A Partial Scholarship at Peking University

If undergraduate tuition at Peking University is CNY 26,000 a year (about US$3,700) for humanities subjects (CNY 30,000 for sciences), a Beijing Government partial scholarship may cover half of the tuition, that is CNY 13,000, which means the student pays only CNY 13,000. This benefit noticeably reduces the financial burden.

How to Increase Your Chances of Getting a Partial Scholarship in China

It is important to follow effective strategies to increase your chances of getting a partial scholarship. Here are some tips:

• Choose programmes with scholarships available: see the scholarships in China page to identify universities that offer partial scholarships.
• Apply early: applying early improves your chances of a positive evaluation.
• Write your statement of purpose carefully: focus on your academic goals, your experience and your ambition to build a future after graduation.
• Get a strong recommendation: from a well-known teacher or academic supervisor.
• Show your commitment to the language: submit an HSK or IELTS certificate even if it is not required.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for partial scholarships in China if I don’t speak Chinese well?

Yes, you can apply for partial scholarships in China even if you don’t speak Chinese well, especially if you are applying for an English-taught programme. However, some universities may ask for an HSK certificate as a secondary requirement, so it is best to check each university’s requirements.

How much does my academic average affect my chances of a scholarship?

Academic merit is one of the most important criteria for partial scholarships in China. Universities prefer students who have shown excellence in their previous studies, and they often ask for an average of at least 75% in the high school certificate or 3.0 in the bachelor’s degree.

Can I combine a partial scholarship with part-time work while studying?

No. International students are not allowed regular employment; the only thing allowed is university-organised work-study, up to 8 hours a week and 40 hours a month during term (and 16 hours a week and 80 hours a month during holidays), with the university’s approval noted on your residence permit. It is also important to make sure that work does not conflict with your study goals or scholarship obligations, because some scholarships impose strict conditions on the time set aside for study.

Are partial scholarships offered to postgraduate students?

Yes, some Chinese universities offer partial scholarships to master’s and doctoral students, but they are less common than those for bachelor’s students. It is advisable to look at well-known universities such as Peking University and Zhengzhou University, and to visit the page Scholarships in China for the updated lists.

Is the scholarship refunded if I don’t complete the academic year?

The scholarship may be suspended or cancelled if the student does not complete the academic year or fails the annual assessment. You must meet the university’s requirements to keep benefiting from the scholarship. It is advisable to read the scholarship terms carefully before accepting.

Final Tips for International Students Before Applying

Good preparation before applying for partial scholarships in China makes a big difference to the final result. Make sure you:

• Prepare a professional CV that shows your academic achievements and extracurricular activities.
• Write a statement of purpose tailored to each university; do not use one template for all your applications.
• Improve your English or Chinese language skills before applying.
• Follow the universities’ official websites, and do not rely only on third-party sources.
• Join international student communities in China to learn from real experiences.

End of the article

Partial scholarships in China are an important step towards your dream of studying in one of the world’s leading industrial and educational countries. Thanks to partial financial coverage, joining a Chinese university becomes realistic for many international students in 2026. Start your journey now by assessing your preferred universities, gathering the required documents and applying on time. Do not hesitate to contact us for a free consultation, and take the next step towards your academic future.