China continues to expand high‑quality education opportunities for international students through fully funded Scholarships that often do not require IELTS — especially when applicants provide acceptable alternatives like a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate, Duolingo/TOEFL, or qualification through Chinese government or university exams. These programs support undergraduate, Master’s, and PhD studies with tuition waivers, stipends, accommodation, and insurance.
🎓 Scholarship Overview
- Host Country: China
- Academic Year: 2026–2027
- Available To: International students worldwide
- Study Levels:
- Bachelor’s
- Master’s
- PhD
- IELTS Requirement:
IELTS is not mandatory for major Chinese government and university Scholarships — universities commonly accept alternative English proficiency proofs or conduct admissions testing through platforms like CSCA.
🎯 Top Fully Funded Scholarships (No IELTS Required)
1. China Government Scholarship (CSC Scholarship)
China’s flagship fully funded scholarship funded by the China Scholarship Council (CSC), offering awards for undergraduate, Master’s, and PhD studies.
🔗 Official Apply Link: https://www.campuschina.org/
✔ Covers tuition, accommodation, monthly stipend, and health insurance.
✔ Many programs accept MOI or other language proofs instead of IELTS, and Chinese government policy does not require IELTS specifically.
2. ANSO Scholarship (Alliance of International Science Organizations)
A fully funded research‑focused scholarship for Master’s and PhD students in science and technology fields.
🔗 Apply Link: Check eligibility via CAS/University portals (often linked through CAS/UCAS research pages).
✔ Full tuition coverage + generous monthly stipend (≈ CNY 6,000–7,000) + accommodation + medical insurance + travel subsidy.
✔ IELTS is not required; universities accept alternative English proficiency documentation.
3. Nanjing University Scholarships
University‑based scholarship covering tuition, accommodation, and a monthly allowance for international applicants.
🔗 Apply Link: https://www.nju.edu.cn/ (international admissions page)
✔ Scholarships often waive IELTS if students can prove English proficiency through MOI or equivalent documents.
4. Shanghai Government Scholarships
Fully funded programs offered by the Shanghai municipal government for international students at partner universities.
🔗 Apply Link: Typically via university international student offices in Shanghai or the Shanghai Scholarship Office website.
✔ Tuition, stipend, and insurance support — no IELTS requirement for many awards.
5. Provincial Government Scholarships (e.g., Jiangsu Scholarship)
Government scholarships from provinces like Jiangsu that waive IELTS with MOI acceptance and offer living allowances.
🔗 Apply Link: Via the provincial education department or host university international office.
✔ Typical benefits include tuition waivers, stipend, and housing support.
💰 Financial Support Details (Typical Fully Funded Coverage)
Most fully funded China scholarships package the following:
- 🎓 Tuition fee coverage
- 🏠 Accommodation support or free dormitory
- 💸 Monthly living stipend (amount varies by scholarship)
- 🩺 Health insurance
- ✈️ Travel or relocation subsidy (in select programs, like ANSO)
- 📚 Research/academic materials support
📜 Eligibility Criteria
Academic
- Bachelor’s programs: Completed high school (with recognised certificates)
- Master’s programs: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
- PhD programs: Master’s degree or equivalent
- Strong academic performance and research potential (especially for postgraduate applicants)
Nationality
- Open to international students (non‑Chinese citizens)
Language Requirements
China scholarships generally do not require IELTS:
- Many universities accept Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificates or other proofs such as TOEFL/Duolingo.
- Some programs may require Chinese proficiency (HSK) for Chinese‑taught degrees.
Age
- Varies by level and scholarship — typically under ~25 for bachelors, ~35 for masters, ~40 for PhD, but check specific guidelines.
📄 Required Documents for International Applicants
Prepare the following (based on the scholarship and university instructions):
- ✔ Passport copy
- ✔ Academic transcripts and degree certificates
- ✔ Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- ✔ CV / Resume
- ✔ Recommendation letters (usually 2)
- ✔ English proficiency proof (MOI, TOEFL, Duolingo, etc., where accepted)
- ✔ Research proposal (for postgraduate applicants)
- ✔ Any Chinese proficiency proof if applicable (HSK)
📝 Application Process (Step‑by‑Step)
- Research Scholarships & Universities — Use the official Campus China portal and university international admissions pages.
- Check Eligibility & Requirements — Confirm language policy and document list.
- Prepare Documents — SOP, transcript, recommendations, passports, etc.
- Apply via Official Platforms — CSC applications go through campuschina.org.
- Submit Supplementary Applications — Some institutions require university application alongside scholarship submission.
- Await Results & Acceptance — Scholarships notify via email/portal.
- Accept Award & Prepare for Visa Steps.
✈️ China Student Visa Process (Study Permit Steps)
Once you receive scholarship and letter of acceptance:
- Receive Admissions & CSC Scholarship Notice
- Prepare Visa Documents — Passport, admission letter, visa application form (JW202/201), medical and police clearances if required.
- Apply for Visa (X‑Student Visa) — At the nearest Chinese embassy/consulate.
- Biometrics & Interview — If requested by the consulate.
- Visa Issuance & Travel — Arrive before the program start date.
- Residence Permit — Apply within 30 days of arrival in China.
🌏 Why Choose China for Your Studies?
- 🎓 Strong global research output and recognised universities
- 🌍 Diverse international community
- 💼 Post‑study work and career pathways (e.g., internship opportunities)
- 📈 Affordable cost of living and study options
- 🧠 Innovation and technology hubs for STEM and other fields
❓ FAQs
Is IELTS required for China scholarships?
❌ No — most major scholarships including CSC and ANSO accept alternative proofs or MOI instead of IELTS.
Are these scholarships fully funded?
✔ Yes — they typically cover tuition, stipend, accommodation, and insurance.
Can international students from Pakistan/India/Africa apply?
🌍 Yes — China scholarships are open to students worldwide.
Does China require HSK for English‑taught programs?
Not always — Chinese proficiency is needed only for Chinese‑taught programs; English‑taught degrees accept alternative proofs.
When are deadlines?
Deadlines vary by program and embassy region but many fall between Nov 2025 and Feb 2026 for the 2026–2027 cycle.
🔗 Official Apply Links
- China Government (CSC) Scholarships: https://www.campuschina.org/
- ANSO Scholarship (China): (Check partners via University of Science and Technology of China / CAS links)
- Nanjing University International Admissions: https://www.nju.edu.cn/
- Shanghai Scholarship Office / University Portals: (via respective university international pages)
- Provincial Government Scholarships: (Provincial education departments or host universities)
