One of the most important reasons for studying abroad in China and attending its higher education institutions is the China Scholarship. Before the academic year begins, the Chinese government and universities, based on their available budget and capacity, offer multiple scholarships to international students. The scholarships provided by Chinese universities cover either full or partial tuition and living expenses for international students.
Individuals who meet the requirements for various scholarships in China have an excellent opportunity to study for free or at a low cost in this country. To learn more about this topic, stay with us until the end of this article.
China Scholarship 2024 – 2025
The China Scholarship refers to all financial aid grants that international students receive for studying and living in China, provided by the government, institutions, or various Chinese universities. These scholarships may have different names based on the amount and conditions of the grant, and they can cover all or part of the tuition fees in China. Generally, financial assistance that does not require repayment is known worldwide as a scholarship or fellowship.
Chinese universities annually host a significant number of international students, including Iranian students, to study in various fields, including medicine. One of the main challenges faced by students who migrate to China for education is how to cover the expenses of studying and living in the country. There are several ways to cover these costs, and the best option is to take advantage of the full funding opportunities in China.
It is worth mentioning that many scholarship opportunities in China are also introduced to students through Iranian websites, where they can apply for scholarships in their field of study for the academic year 2024 – 2025.

Types of Scholarships in China
The scholarships offered by Chinese universities can be categorized based on the organizations providing them or the amount of funding awarded. China offers a wide range of scholarships, especially for applicants at the master’s and doctoral levels, covering tuition fees and living expenses for students. Below are the different types of scholarships available in China. Eligible individuals can apply for these scholarships after receiving admission and obtaining a student visa.
- Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC)
The CSC Scholarship is the most well-known scholarship in China and has many applicants. This scholarship is not limited by academic level and is offered by numerous Chinese universities to students in various fields (except high-cost programs like medicine). It covers all tuition, living expenses, accommodation, and insurance costs for students. Additionally, students in undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs receive a monthly stipend of 2500, 3000, and 3500 CNY, respectively.
- Local Government Scholarship
The Local Government Scholarship is another type of scholarship offered by Chinese universities. It typically does not cover accommodation costs for students but does cover other expenses such as tuition and insurance. This scholarship is provided by the local government and is often referred to as a municipal scholarship. The main difference between this scholarship and the Chinese Government Scholarship is the lack of accommodation coverage.
- Chinese Presidential Scholarship
This scholarship is offered to undergraduate and master’s degree students in all fields. The application deadlines for this scholarship vary by academic level. The scholarship awards include 2000, 3000, and 4000 CNY for students in each level of study.

- Types of Scholarships in China; Scholarships from Chinese Universities
In general, a wide range of Chinese universities offer varying scholarships for students in different fields. Scholarships from Chinese universities are announced by individual universities such as Peking University, Hainan University, Macau University, Hohai University, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Yunnan University, and more. Students can apply for these scholarships online.
- Schwarzman Scholars Program in China
The Schwarzman Scholarship program in China supports a maximum of 200 graduate students and covers specific fields of study. Benefits of this scholarship include tuition coverage, round-trip travel expenses to China, internal tours within China, costs for books and educational materials, insurance, and a stipend of 4,000 USD.
- Asia Future Leaders Scholarship Program (AFLSP)
The Asia Future Leaders Scholarship Program (AFLSP) is another scholarship opportunity in China that supports 100 Asian students annually to study at top universities in East Asia. Undergraduate, graduate, and exchange students can receive up to 25,000 USD per year to cover tuition fees, accommodation, and personal living expenses for up to 2 years.
Conditions for the 2024 – 2025 China Scholarship
As you may know, the conditions for scholarships from Chinese universities vary depending on the student and the field of study. Each applicant should check if they meet the basic requirements for the specific scholarship they are applying for. To assist scholarship applicants, here are the most important conditions for receiving these scholarships. Meeting these conditions will increase the chances of receiving the scholarship.
- Non-Chinese nationality
- Minimum high school diploma
- Age restrictions may apply
- No criminal record
- Strong academic background and resume
- Good health status
- Relevant research experience
- Meeting the conditions set by various universities (such as minimum GPA or acceptable language proficiency score)
- A valid Chinese or English language certificate
- Citizenship of specific Asian countries (for some scholarships)
- Sufficient financial assets
- Acceptance letter from a Chinese professor (preferably for doctoral students)
- Studying at a degree level covered by a scholarship
- The applicant should not have previously received a Chinese scholarship
Keep in mind that the number of applications for each scholarship is high, and the number of available scholarships is limited. Therefore, if you do not meet the eligibility requirements, another applicant with more qualifications may take your place. Even missing small details, such as the necessary documents for the 2024 – 2025 China scholarship, can result in being disqualified from receiving it.

Required Documents for Applying for a Scholarship in China
Applications for scholarships at Chinese universities can be made through several different methods. However, applicants must ensure they have all the necessary documents before applying, as the completeness and accuracy of these documents will directly affect the review process. In other words, applicants should carefully prepare their document list before submitting their scholarship application. While there may be specific document requirements for each scholarship, the following list includes the common and essential documents needed for most applications:
- Valid passport
- Passport-sized photo
- Translation of the most recent academic certificate in Chinese or English
- Transcript translation
- Health certificate from a recognized hospital
- Academic resume
- Motivation letter (Cover letter)
- At least two recommendation letters
- Research proposal (for doctoral students)
- Published research articles (not mandatory)
- Completion of the China Scholarship 2024 application form
If a specific Chinese university requires additional documents, they should be provided with high-quality translations. Keep in mind that while documents like international research articles are not mandatory for all universities, they are considered a positive point for applicants. For example, for a Full Fund scholarship, having recommendation letters and a well-prepared research proposal can be valuable.
Scholarships in China for Various Academic Levels
- Chinese universities offer scholarships for international students at different academic levels. Scholarships are available for all fields of study, especially in fields such as medicine, computer science, business, and economics. The following outlines the conditions for receiving a scholarship at various academic levels, provided the required documents are submitted.

1. Bachelor’s Degree Scholarships in China
Bachelor’s degree scholarships in China are among the most competitive and, at the same time, the most limited scholarships in the country. Although announcements for scholarships for bachelor’s programs in China are released annually, they are fewer in number compared to other scholarship types. Additionally, these scholarships are typically partial funds, meaning they do not cover the full costs of tuition and living expenses, unlike full-fund scholarships.
Another limitation to receiving a bachelor’s degree scholarship in China is the age requirement. Applicants must be no older than 25 years old, as the Chinese government emphasizes attracting young individuals to nurture them for research purposes or entry into the Chinese workforce.
2. Master’s Degree Scholarships in China
The number of master’s degree scholarships in China has seen a significant increase compared to bachelor’s degree scholarships. Additionally, the number of applications for scholarships in master’s degree programs is higher than for other levels of education. The cost and amount of scholarship awarded depend entirely on the university and field of study. Chinese universities typically have less stringent age restrictions for master’s degree applicants, focusing more on the applicant’s academic qualifications and background.
Applicants who meet the conditions for a master’s degree scholarship in China will compete with each other, and those with outstanding resumes have a better chance of receiving the scholarship. It is important to note that tuition fees for master’s programs in China are typically high, ranging from 170,000 yuan per year or more. Receiving a monthly scholarship of 3,000 yuan can significantly offset these costs.

3. Doctoral Degree Scholarships in China
It is important to note that, in line with China’s goal of attracting young talent, some age restrictions still apply for receiving doctoral scholarships in China. Specifically, applicants for doctoral programs are typically required to be under 40 years old and to submit an IELTS score of at least 6. Additionally, documents such as a motivation letter, research proposal, recommendation letters, outstanding research experience, ISI papers, etc., are often necessary for these applicants.
Most of China’s government and university fully-funded scholarships are awarded to doctoral students, as their main role is to conduct research at universities or other scientific centers. Therefore, in addition to providing a monthly stipend, universities and the government offer benefits such as accommodation and necessary educational equipment. Doctoral studies in China are effectively free of charge.
Best Time to Apply for Scholarships in China
The best time to apply for China Scholarships 2024–2025 should be tracked via scholarship provider websites. Announcements for these scholarships are released annually by the Chinese government, institutions, or universities. It is essential to complete and submit the application and necessary documents within the designated deadlines. As mentioned earlier, the most competitive scholarship is the Chinese Government Scholarship, which provides full funding for applicants.
The best time to apply is typically from January to April each year. It is worth noting that one of China’s scientific institutions, the National Center for Nanoscience and Technology (NCNST), affiliated with the Chinese Academy of Sciences, offers a specific scholarship for Iranian students. This program offers scholarships to 5 doctoral students and 10 master’s students in related fields, with the application deadline for Iranian students set for the 20th of January, 2025.
Local scholarships in China do not have specific time restrictions, so applicants can submit their requests throughout the year by checking each region’s scholarship availability. Applications for scholarships at universities or other institutions can also be tracked through their respective websites, and generally, applications close several months before the academic year begins. Therefore, it is recommended that applicants complete and submit their applications before the final deadline.

How to Obtain a Scholarship in China for the 2024-2025 Academic Year
The process of obtaining a scholarship in China for the 2024-2025 academic year is relatively easier compared to many other countries due to the centralized nature of the application process. Applicants don’t need to have an acceptance letter from a Chinese university before applying for a scholarship. However, in some cases, such as for doctoral students, it is advisable to have a confirmation letter from a supervisor. Below are the steps for applying for a scholarship in China:
- Select One or More Chinese Universities
- Choose the universities that offer the course or program you are interested in.
- Check the Application Deadline for Each University
- Each university has its application timeline, so it is essential to verify the deadlines.
- Prepare Required Documents
- Gather all the necessary documents as specified by the university, such as transcripts, proof of language proficiency, recommendation letters, and others.
- Submit Your Application on the University Website
- Complete the online application process through the university’s official website.
- Select Your Program and University
- Choose the appropriate program and university based on your academic interests.
- Send the Documents to the University
- Submit your prepared documents to the selected university for review.
- Wait for the Application Review
- Once the application deadline passes, universities will review the applications and announce the results.
It’s important to note that receiving a scholarship from some Chinese universities does not guarantee admission, and vice versa. Therefore, those aiming for a full scholarship must ensure they maintain excellent grades throughout their studies to increase their chances of receiving funding.

Benefits of Receiving a Scholarship in China
As mentioned earlier, government and university scholarships in China are among the best scholarships offered in the country. The financial support provided by these scholarships significantly reduces the burden on international students, alleviating the cost of tuition and living expenses.
The benefits of receiving a scholarship to study at Chinese universities are notable compared to many European countries, which has led to a rise in the number of students seeking to study in China. The experience of scholarship students in China is incomparable to that of self-funded students. One of the major challenges for international students is managing the cost of living and tuition in a foreign country, and scholarships greatly ease this burden. Here are some of the advantages of receiving a scholarship in China:
- Monthly Stipend or Allowance for students
- Exemption from Tuition Fees or a significant discount
- Payment for Educational Materials, including books and media
- Coverage for Domestic Travel expenses within China (e.g., tours in Beijing)
- Exemption from Dormitory Fees or accommodation support
- Payment for Rent of student housing
- Covering Travel Tickets for international students
- Student Health Insurance coverage
- Support for Personal Living Expenses during studies
- Easier Employment Opportunities after Graduation in China
Conclusion
Given the diversity of scholarships offered by Chinese universities, some international students may find themselves confused when choosing programs and scholarships. To make an informed decision, it is essential to have an estimate of tuition and living costs in the desired region. The scholarship’s financial coverage should be sufficient to ensure that the student’s life is not financially burdensome.
Naturally, living in highly populated cities is more expensive than in other areas, and students should account for additional costs related to different aspects of life. For more information on the different types of scholarships available in China, you can contact our experts at Elm Vira Immigration Institute. For advice on studying abroad and further information, visit our free consultation section.
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