Provincial Government Scholarships China 2026: Full Guide

Provincial Government Scholarships in China 2026: Complete Guide for International Students

When most international students think about studying in China, the Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) is usually the first thing that comes to mind. But here's a secret that many don't know: China's provincial governments offer their own generous scholarship programs that are often less competitive and easier to get.

Provincial Government Scholarships are funded by individual provincial governments to attract talented international students to their universities. These scholarships can cover full tuition, accommodation, monthly stipends, and even health insurance — with benefits ranging from ¥5,000 to ¥50,000 per year depending on the province and degree level.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the major provincial scholarship programs across China, their benefits, eligibility requirements, application processes, and insider tips to help you secure funding for your studies.

Quick Overview: Provincial Government Scholarships in China 2026

Provider: Individual provincial governments (e.g., Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Shanghai, Liaoning, Yunnan, Fujian, Anhui, Guangdong, Sichuan, Hubei, Henan, Hebei, Jiangxi)
Degree Levels: Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral, and sometimes non-degree programs
Coverage: Full or partial tuition waiver, accommodation, monthly stipend (¥1,500–¥3,500/month), medical insurance
Application Period: Generally January to June (varies by province)
Key Advantage: Often less competitive than CSC, with more flexible requirements

What Are Provincial Government Scholarships in China?

Provincial Government Scholarships are locally funded scholarship programs established by China's provincial governments to support international students studying at universities within their provinces. These scholarships are designed to promote international educational exchange, attract global talent, and enhance the international profile of provincial higher education institutions.

Each province runs its own scholarship program with unique:

Funding levels — from partial tuition waivers to comprehensive full-ride packages
Eligibility criteria — age limits, academic requirements, language proficiency
Application deadlines — typically between January and June
Number of awards — varies significantly by province and university

Unlike the centralized CSC scholarship, provincial scholarships are administered directly by provincial education departments and partner universities. This often means more flexible requirements and a less competitive applicant pool.

Major Provincial Government Scholarship Programs in China 2026

Here's a comprehensive overview of the major provincial scholarship programs available for international students in 2026:

Provincial Government Scholarships Comparison Table

Province	Scholarship Name	Bachelor's	Master's	PhD	Key Deadline
Jiangsu	Jasmine Jiangsu Scholarship	¥30,000/year	¥30,000/year	¥30,000/year	Jan–Apr
Zhejiang	Zhejiang Provincial Scholarship	¥20,000/year	¥30,000/year	¥30,000/year	Feb 28
Shanghai	Shanghai Government Scholarship	¥20,000+	¥30,000+	¥40,000+	Feb–Apr
Anhui	Anhui Government Scholarship	¥20,000/year	¥30,000/year	¥50,000/year	June
Fujian	Fujian Provincial Scholarship	¥30,000/year	¥40,000/year	¥50,000/year	Check university
Sichuan	Sichuan Provincial Scholarship	¥20,000/year	¥25,000/year	¥30,000/year	Nov–Apr
Liaoning	Liaoning Provincial Scholarship	Varies	¥3,500/month	¥3,500/month	Jan–Jun 20
Guangdong	Guangdong Government Scholarship	¥10,000/person	¥20,000/person	¥30,000/person	Check university
Hubei	Hubei Provincial Scholarship	¥10,000/year	¥15,000/year	¥20,000/year	Feb–Jun
Yunnan	Yunnan Provincial Scholarship	Full tuition	Full tuition	Full tuition	Feb 22
Jiangxi	Jiangxi Provincial Scholarship	¥20,000 one-time	¥20,000 one-time	¥20,000 one-time	Sep 15
Hebei	Hebei Provincial Scholarship	¥5,000–8,000/year	¥15,000–20,000/year	¥20,000–30,000/year	Check university

*Amounts are approximate and subject to change. Always check official sources for current information.

💡 Pro Tip from LetsTern

Provincial scholarships often have less competition than national scholarships like CSC. Many international students focus only on CSC, overlooking these excellent opportunities. Platforms like LetsTern can help you discover and compare provincial scholarship options across multiple universities, making it easier to find programs that match your profile.

Detailed Provincial Scholarship Programs

Jiangsu Provincial Government Scholarship (Jasmine Jiangsu Scholarship)

Jiangsu Province offers the "Jasmine Jiangsu Government Scholarship" to promote the development of international higher education and establish Jiangsu as a preferred destination for international students.

Full Scholarship: Tuition waiver, basic textbooks subsidy, free accommodation (or ¥10,000/year subsidy), ¥1,500/month stipend, comprehensive medical insurance
Partial Scholarship: ¥30,000 per academic year
Eligibility: Non-Chinese nationals; Bachelor's: high school graduate under 30; Master's: bachelor's degree under 35; PhD: master's degree under 40
Application: January to April each year

Zhejiang Provincial Government Scholarship

Zhejiang Province offers a tiered scholarship program for international students.

Type A: ¥30,000/year for Master's and Doctoral students
Type B: ¥20,000/year for Bachelor's students
Type C: For long-term Chinese language program students
Eligibility: Non-Chinese citizens in good health
Application Deadline: February 28, 2026

Shanghai Government Scholarship (SGS)

Established in 2006, the Shanghai Government Scholarship is one of China's oldest and most prestigious provincial-level scholarships.

Type A (Full Scholarship): Covers tuition, accommodation, living expenses, and medical insurance
Type B (Partial Scholarship): Covers tuition and medical insurance
Age Limits: Bachelor's: under 25; Master's: under 35; PhD: under 40
Language: Generally HSK4 required
Application: February to April

Anhui Government Scholarship

Anhui Province offers generous scholarships for international students at all levels.

Bachelor's: ¥20,000/year
Master's: ¥30,000/year
Doctoral: ¥50,000/year
Eligibility: Non-Chinese citizens with valid passports and visas
Application: June each year

Fujian Provincial Government Scholarship

Established in 2012 to strengthen educational exchange and cooperation, Fujian's scholarship supports international students in degree programs.

Bachelor's: ¥30,000/year
Master's: ¥40,000/year
Doctoral: ¥50,000/year
Eligibility: Non-Chinese citizens; Bachelor's: under 30; Master's: under 35; PhD: under 40; HSK3 or above
Quota: Approximately 20 new students per year

Sichuan Provincial Government Scholarship

Established in 2013, Sichuan's scholarship aims to attract outstanding international students to study and conduct research in Sichuan universities.

Bachelor's: ¥20,000/year
Master's: ¥25,000/year
Doctoral: ¥30,000/year
Age Limits: Bachelor's: under 30; Master's: under 35; PhD: under 40
Application: November to April

Liaoning Provincial Government Scholarship

Liaoning Province offers a comprehensive scholarship for international students with competitive benefits.

Coverage: Tuition waiver, free campus accommodation, ¥3,500/month stipend
Age Limit: Not exceed 40
Eligibility: Master's degree holders, excellent grades, no other scholarships
Application: January to June 20, results announced by mid-June

Guangdong Government Scholarship

Guangdong Province offers the "Guangdong Government Outstanding International Student Scholarship" for both current and new degree students.

Bachelor's: ¥10,000/person
Master's: ¥20,000/person
Doctoral: ¥30,000/person
Eligibility: Non-Chinese citizens under 40
Note: Current degree students in year 2+ are eligible

Hubei Provincial Scholarship

Hubei Province offers a conditional tuition scholarship for international students.

Bachelor's: ¥10,000/year
Master's: ¥15,000/year
Doctoral: ¥20,000/year
General Scholar: ¥5,000/semester or ¥10,000/year
Application: February to June

Yunnan Provincial Government Scholarship

Yunnan Province's scholarship is particularly focused on attracting students from South Asia and Southeast Asia, though applicants from other countries are also welcome.

Coverage: Free tuition
Eligibility: Non-Chinese citizens; Bachelor's: under 25; Master's: under 35; PhD: under 40; HSK4 required
Application Deadline: February 22, 2026

Jiangxi Provincial Government Scholarship

Jiangxi Province offers a one-time monetary award for international degree students.

Award: ¥20,000 one-time
Quota: 27 awardees in 2025-2026
Eligibility: Batch 2021 onwards, HSK4 required
Application Deadline: September 15, 2026

Hebei Provincial Government Scholarship

Hebei Province awards scholarships to international students studying degree programs in Hebei universities.

Bachelor's: ¥5,000–8,000/year
Master's: ¥15,000–20,000/year
Doctoral: ¥20,000–30,000/year
Eligibility: Non-Chinese citizens enrolled in Hebei universities

Eligibility Requirements for Provincial Government Scholarships

While each province has specific criteria, most provincial scholarships share common eligibility requirements:

Basic Requirements

Nationality: Must be a non-Chinese citizen with a valid foreign passport
Health: Must be in good physical and mental health
No Other Scholarships: Cannot hold any other Chinese government or organization scholarship simultaneously
Good Character: Friendly attitude towards China, law-abiding, no criminal record

Age Requirements

Age limits vary by province, but typical ranges are:

Bachelor's applicants: Generally under 25–30 years old
Master's applicants: Generally under 35 years old
Doctoral applicants: Generally under 40 years old

Academic Requirements

Bachelor's: High school diploma or equivalent
Master's: Bachelor's degree or equivalent
Doctoral: Master's degree or equivalent
Academic Performance: Excellent academic records

Language Requirements

Chinese-taught programs: HSK Level 4 or above (score ≥180)
English-taught programs: IELTS 6.0+ or TOEFL 80+ (for non-native English speakers)
Exemption: Previous degree taught in Chinese may exempt you from HSK

Common Benefits of Provincial Government Scholarships

While benefits vary by province and scholarship type, here's what you can typically expect:

Typical Provincial Scholarship Benefits

Tuition Waiver: Full or partial coverage of tuition fees
Accommodation: Free on-campus dormitory or accommodation subsidy
Monthly Stipend: ¥1,500–¥3,500 per month for living expenses
Medical Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance coverage
Textbook Subsidy: Basic textbooks coverage
Travel Allowance: Some provinces offer round-trip airfare

How to Apply for Provincial Government Scholarships: Step-by-Step

The application process varies by province, but generally follows these steps:

Step 1: Research Universities and Programs

Identify which provinces and universities offer scholarships in your field. Most provincial scholarships are administered through specific partner universities.

Step 2: Check Eligibility

Review the eligibility requirements carefully. Pay special attention to age limits, language requirements, and academic qualifications.

Step 3: Choose Your Target Universities

For many provincial scholarships, you must apply through a specific university. Choose 1-3 universities that participate in the provincial scholarship program.

Step 4: Prepare Application Materials

Gather all required documents. Ensure translations are notarized if documents are not in Chinese or English.

Step 5: Complete the Online Application

Most universities use an online application system. Register, fill in your information, upload documents, and select the provincial scholarship option.

Step 6: Submit Before the Deadline

Deadlines vary by province — from January to September. Submit early to avoid technical issues.

Step 7: Wait for Results

Universities review applications and submit nominated candidates to the provincial education department for final approval.

⏰ Key 2026 Deadlines

Provincial scholarship deadlines vary significantly. Key 2026 dates include: Zhejiang (Feb 28), Yunnan (Feb 22), Shanghai (Feb–Apr), Liaoning (Jan–Jun 20), Anhui (Jun), Jiangxi (Sep 15). Always check your target university's official website for the most current information.

Required Documents for Provincial Scholarship Applications

Most provincial scholarship applications require the following documents. Always check the specific requirements of your target province and university.

📋 Standard Document Checklist

Application Form: Completed online or downloaded from the university's website
Passport Copy: Information page of your valid ordinary passport
Notarized Highest Degree Certificate: For current students, a pre-graduation certificate is acceptable
Official Academic Transcripts: From all post-secondary institutions attended
Study Plan or Research Proposal: Written in Chinese or English
Two Recommendation Letters: From professors or associate professors
Language Proficiency Certificate: HSK, IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent
CSCA Score Report: Required for undergraduate applicants
Foreigner Physical Examination Form: Valid within 6 months
Non-Criminal Record Certificate: Issued within 6 months
CV/Resume: With academic and research experience

Tips to Strengthen Your Provincial Scholarship Application

Provincial scholarships are generally less competitive than CSC, but you still need to stand out. Here's how:

1. Apply to Multiple Provinces

Don't limit yourself to one province. Apply to scholarships in 2-3 different provinces to increase your chances.

2. Research Province-Specific Priorities

Some provinces have specific priorities. For example, Yunnan focuses on South and Southeast Asian students. Tailor your application accordingly.

3. Contact Potential Supervisors

For Master's and Doctoral applicants, reaching out to professors at your target universities can significantly boost your chances.

4. Meet Language Requirements

Ensure your HSK, IELTS, or TOEFL scores meet or exceed the minimum requirements. Most Chinese-taught programs require HSK4.

5. Submit Complete Documents

Missing or incorrect documents are a common reason for rejection. Double-check everything before submitting.

6. Apply Early

Many universities review applications on a rolling basis. Early applicants often have an advantage.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are the most frequent errors that derail provincial scholarship applications:

Mistake 1: Missing the Deadline

Each province has its own deadline. Create a spreadsheet to track all deadlines.

Mistake 2: Applying with Insufficient Language Proficiency

Make sure your HSK, IELTS, or TOEFL scores meet the university's minimum requirements.

Mistake 3: Submitting Incomplete or Untranslated Documents

All documents must be in Chinese or English. Translations must be notarized.

Mistake 4: Holding Another Scholarship Simultaneously

You cannot hold another Chinese government or organization scholarship while receiving a provincial scholarship.

Mistake 5: Not Checking University-Specific Requirements

Each university may have additional requirements beyond the provincial guidelines.

Mistake 6: Ignoring the Annual Review

Most provincial scholarships require annual reviews. Poor academic performance can lead to scholarship termination.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Provincial Government Scholarships and the CSC Scholarship?

The Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) is funded by the Chinese Ministry of Education and administered centrally through the China Scholarship Council. Provincial Government Scholarships are funded by individual provincial governments and administered locally through partner universities. Provincial scholarships are often less competitive than CSC and may have more flexible requirements.

Can I apply for multiple provincial scholarships?

Yes, you can apply to multiple provinces and universities. However, if you receive offers from multiple institutions, you can only accept one scholarship. You cannot hold two Chinese government or provincial scholarships simultaneously.

Do I need to know Chinese to apply for a provincial scholarship?

It depends on the program. For Chinese-taught programs, you typically need HSK4 or above. For English-taught programs, you need IELTS 6.0+ or TOEFL 80+. Some provinces offer English-taught programs that don't require Chinese proficiency.

Are provincial scholarships renewable?

Many provincial scholarships are renewable annually subject to satisfactory academic performance. Universities typically conduct annual reviews assessing academic results, attendance, behavior, and participation. Failure to pass the annual review can lead to scholarship termination.

What is the application fee for provincial scholarships?

Most Chinese universities do not charge an application fee for provincial scholarships. However, some may require a registration or processing fee. Check with your target university for specific details.

Can I apply for a provincial scholarship if I'm already studying in China?

Yes, many provincial scholarships are open to current international students already studying in China. Some programs specifically target current degree students. However, you cannot hold another scholarship simultaneously.

Conclusion

Provincial Government Scholarships offer an excellent and often overlooked opportunity for international students to study in China with significant financial support. With benefits ranging from partial tuition waivers to full-ride packages including monthly stipends of up to ¥3,500, these scholarships can make studying in China affordable and accessible.

The key to success is research and preparation. Identify provinces and universities that offer scholarships in your field, check eligibility requirements carefully, prepare complete application materials, and submit before the deadline. Each province has its own timeline — with deadlines ranging from January to September — so plan accordingly.

Whether you're pursuing a Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctoral degree, there's likely a provincial scholarship opportunity waiting for you. With less competition than CSC and generous benefits, provincial scholarships are your hidden gateway to studying in China. Start your research today, and take the first step toward your academic journey in China.