Build a map of the main funding routes
Start with Chinese Government Scholarship schemes, provincial or municipal awards, and scholarships offered by the university itself. For language study and specialist master’s programmes, add dedicated schemes such as the International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarship and university-based fellowships.
Search from the receiving university’s international admissions website. Then open the named funder’s rules. This gives you two checks: whether the scholarship exists and whether your exact programme is eligible.
Shanghai Government Scholarship: A and B
The Shanghai municipal guide distinguishes Category A, covering tuition, accommodation, living expenses and comprehensive medical insurance, from Category B, covering tuition and comprehensive medical insurance. The guide describes the study levels eligible for each category; you must also meet the host institution’s requirements.
Do not confuse Shanghai’s A/B categories with CSC’s Type A/Type B application routes. They belong to different schemes and describe different things. In your tracker, write the full scholarship name next to the letter.
Official sources: Shanghai Government Scholarship: categories and coverage
University scholarships: look beyond the headline
Institutional awards can have different values and renewal rules. For example, Tsinghua’s international undergraduate FAQ describes full, half or partial institutional scholarship support for eligible outstanding new students in the first academic year. That is not the same as a promise of funding for an entire degree.
Ask whether an award is automatic with admission or requires a separate form. Find out whether later-year funding depends on grades, attendance, conduct, a new competition or available funds. Keep the response with your offer.
Official sources: Tsinghua international undergraduate admissions FAQ
Compare the offer line by line
Use the following table when you receive an offer. An empty cell means “ask,” not “included.”
| Item | Question for the university |
|---|---|
| Tuition | Full waiver, fixed discount or reimbursement? |
| Accommodation | A dormitory place, cash subsidy or no support? |
| Living allowance | How much, for which months, and when does payment begin? |
| Insurance | Which policy and what remains payable by the student? |
| Duration | One year, standard degree duration or annual competition? |
| Renewal | Which results and deadlines determine continuation? |
| Other awards | Can this funding be combined with another scholarship? |
Build a balanced funding shortlist
Keep programmes you can afford with confirmed partial support alongside highly competitive full awards. A scholarship only helps if you would actually want to complete the programme. Read the curriculum and language requirements before spending money on applications.
When comparing two offers, calculate the remaining cost for the entire expected degree, including any required preparation year. Ask about extension funding if research or graduation takes longer. Do not withdraw another viable offer until the scholarship conditions and enrolment steps are clear.
Common questions
Can I combine a university scholarship with CSC?
Rules vary and some awards prohibit overlapping support. Get written confirmation from both administrators before relying on combined funding.
Does tuition-free mean I can arrive without money?
No. You may still need funds for housing, food, travel, deposits or expenses before a stipend starts.
Sources checked on 15 September 2026. Use the current university, scholarship provider or responsible authority’s instructions for your own intake and circumstances.
