Chinese Provincial Government Scholarships 2024-25

Scholarship Description:

The Chinese Provincial Government Scholarships are now open for applications from international students interested in pursuing undergraduate, postgraduate, or language studies at prestigious Chinese universities for the academic year 2024-2025. These scholarships are fully funded and cover accommodation, health insurance, and a monthly living stipend.

These scholarships are provided by provincial governments, which include the four major Chinese cities known as “municipalities under central jurisdiction” (Beijing, Tianjin, Chongqing, and Shanghai). These municipalities function as provinces in their own right.

The Chinese Provincial Government Scholarships are available for undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs, as well as for Chinese language courses. However, it’s important to note that not all universities offer scholarships from their provincial government for all types of programs. It’s advisable to carefully review your specific case.

One distinctive feature of these scholarships is that applications are submitted directly and exclusively to the university where you intend to study. To do this, you should first confirm whether the university of your choice accepts students who have been awarded scholarships from the provincial government for your selected course.

These scholarships are primarily intended for pursuing bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees, rather than Chinese language studies. While it is possible to receive a scholarship for Chinese language programs, the available quota for these programs is typically much smaller. For instance, the government of Shanghai does not provide scholarships for studying Chinese language at any of the universities within its jurisdiction.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that if you plan to pursue a degree or postgraduate studies with this scholarship, you will need to possess a valid HSK diploma or demonstrate a specific level of Chinese proficiency (typically HSK level 4 or higher; you can find the exact requirements on your university’s website).

Here is a list of Chinese Provincial Government Scholarships:

1. Shanghai Government Scholarship (SGS):
   

   • Initiated in 2006 to promote international student education in Shanghai and attract outstanding international students.
   • Covers various disciplines, including philosophy, economics, law, education, literature, history, management, science, engineering, agriculture, medicine, and art.
   • Offers two scholarship types: Type A (Full Scholarship), which covers tuition fees, on-campus accommodation, comprehensive medical insurance, and a monthly living allowance, and Type B (Partial Scholarship).
   • Provides opportunities for international students to study in Shanghai.

2. Beijing Government Scholarship:

   • Established by the Beijing Municipal Government to support foreign students and scholars in Beijing.
   • Aims to internationalize higher education in Beijing and attract more foreign students.
   • Initially funded with 35 million yuan (US$5 million) from the Beijing Municipal Education Commission.
   • Classified into three categories, with the highest scholarship offering 40,000 yuan (US$5,700) per recipient.

3. Hubei Government Scholarship:
   

   • Hubei is known for its well-developed education and scientific research infrastructure, with over 120 higher education institutions.
   • It includes undergraduate, graduate, and doctorate scholarships, as well as scholarships for general scholars and advanced scholars.
   • Scholarship amounts range from 5,000 to 20,000 RMB per year, depending on the type and level of the scholarship.
   • Supports students in pursuing their education and research goals in Hubei province.

These scholarships offer financial support and various benefits to international students, contributing to their academic pursuits in these Chinese provinces.

Degree Level:

There are three categories of Chinese Provincial Government Scholarships:

Type A: For postgraduate studies, including Master’s and Doctorate programs.

Type B: Geared towards Bachelor’s degree programs.

Type C: Designed for long-term advanced studies, such as Chinese language courses.

Available Subjects:

Following subject are available to study under this scholarship program.

• All Subjects

Scholarship Benefits:

Characteristics of the Chinese Provincial Government Scholarships include:

Scholarship Benefits: The specific benefits vary depending on the provincial government offering the scholarships. Costs of living and enrollment fees can differ significantly from one province to another and across different levels of education. However, in most cases, the scholarship covers registration fees, accommodation in a shared university residence, and health insurance. If you receive a fully funded scholarship, you’ll also receive a substantial monthly allowance for personal expenses.

Number of Scholarships Awarded: Each university has a set quota of scholarships for different types of courses, such as Master’s degrees, language courses, and more. It’s essential to research and understand the scholarship availability at your chosen university. If, for instance, the university you’re interested in has only a few Type A (postgraduate) scholarships available, competition for these scholarships can be fierce, so it’s crucial to assess your chances carefully.

Duration of Scholarships: The duration of scholarships varies depending on the university and the type of course. Generally, bachelor’s and doctoral programs have a maximum duration of 3 to 4 years, master’s programs typically range from 2 to 3 years, and language courses span from 1 to 2 years. Each year, scholarship renewal is contingent on proving your academic excellence.

Special Note: The government of Shanghai categorizes its scholarships differently, with two types – A and B. Type A scholarships offer full coverage, including registration fees, housing, medical insurance, and a monthly stipend for personal expenses. Type B scholarships provide partial coverage, covering only tuition and health insurance. It’s important to note that the government of Shanghai does not offer scholarships for Chinese language courses.

Eligible Nationalities:

These scholarships are open to international students of all nationalities except Chinese.

Eligibility Criteria:

The fundamental eligibility criteria for Chinese Provincial Government Scholarships include:

1. Non-Chinese Citizenship: Applicants should not possess Chinese nationality.

2. No Simultaneous Chinese Government Financial Support: Candidates must not be currently receiving any other type of financial aid from the Chinese government.

3. Age Requirements: Age restrictions can vary by university but typically encompass the following ranges:

   • 25-30 years for undergraduate programs.
   • 30-35 years for master’s degree programs or Chinese language courses.
   • 40 years for doctoral programs.

For precise information regarding the specific academic qualifications and age prerequisites, it is advisable to seek guidance from your chosen university.

Application Procedure:

Here is a list of the required documents for Chinese Provincial Government Scholarships:

1. Completed Application Form: This can be found on the university’s website in the scholarships section, specific to the provincial government corresponding to the university you’re interested in. For instance, if you plan to study in Kunming, you would need to download the Yunnan government scholarship application form from the university’s website.

2. HSK Diploma (Chinese Language Proficiency): If your studies are in Chinese, you’ll typically need at least HSK4 for undergraduate programs and HSK5 for master’s or doctoral studies. Check the specific requirements on your chosen university’s website. HSKK (oral level of Chinese) is usually not required, as most provincial government scholarships do not cover Chinese language courses, unlike scholarships from the central government of China.

3. TOEFL or IELTS Diploma: If you’re studying in English and are not a native English speaker, each university will specify the minimum scores required for these diplomas for each type of program.

4. Official Medical Form or Foreigner Physical Examination Form: This is necessary for students planning to study in China for over six months. The form should confirm good physical and mental health and must be completed and signed by a recognized doctor (either from your home country or locally), bearing an official stamp from the hospital where the examination is conducted. Ensure that this stamp is placed on the attached photo.

5. Highest Degree and Transcript: If these documents are not in English or Chinese, you will need to provide a notarized translation into one of these languages.

6. Study Plan or Research Proposal: Written in either English or Chinese. The required length of these documents will be specified by each university, typically ranging from 400 to 800 words.

7. Letters of Recommendation: Often required for master’s or doctoral students, these letters should be written in English or Chinese by a professor or associate professor from your current or intended university.

8. Additional Documents: Occasionally, universities may request supplementary documents, such as samples of your previous work, especially for applicants in the fields of art and music.

Note: All these documents must be properly certified or notarized.

Here’s how to apply for Chinese Provincial Government Scholarships:

1. Application Period: Typically falls between January and May of each year, with some variations that may extend until June.

2. Start by completing the online application on the university’s platform.

3. Once the online application is filled out and all required documents are attached in PDF format, submit these documents (including a copy of the completed application form) directly to the chosen university within the specified deadline. It’s advisable to deliver the documentation in person. If you’re not in China during the application period, try to have a friend or contact submit the documents on your behalf. Alternatively, you can use a reliable courier service.

4. Results and Visa Processing: You can expect the results to be announced before July 31 of each year, usually on the same website where you submitted your online application.