For many international students, the dream of studying in China hits a wall when they see the tuition fees at private, joint-venture universities. Unlike public Chinese universities (which cost ~$3,000 USD/year), these institutions charge between $15,000 and $60,000 USD per year.
If you are a high-achieving student, these are the top 5 scholarships you should apply for in 2026.
The Reality Check
Before you apply, you need to know the difference between a “Tuition Waiver” and a “Full Ride.” Most of the scholarships below cover tuition only.
Estimated Annual Costs for a “Tuition-Free” Student:
| Expense | Estimated Cost (RMB/Year) | Estimated Cost (USD/Year) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | 0 (Covered by Scholarship) | $0 |
| Accommodation | 5,000 – 16,000 | $700 – $2,200 |
| Food & Living | 20,000 – 35,000 | $2,800 – $4,800 |
| Insurance & Visa | 1,000 – 2,000 | $140 – $280 |
| Total You Pay | ~26,000 – 53,000 RMB | ~$3,600 – $7,300 USD |
Note: Estimates vary by city. Shanghai/Kunshan costs are higher; Wenzhou/Zhuhai are lower.
1. BNBU Full International Scholarship
University: Beijing Normal-Hong Kong Baptist University (BNBU)
Location: Zhuhai
This is the hidden gem of Chinese higher education. Located in Zhuhai (voted China’s one of the “Most Livable City“) BNBU offers a 100% English-speaking environment. It is perfect for students who want a creative, Liberal Arts education (similar to US colleges) rather than a rigid STEM curriculum.
- The Offer: 100% Tuition Waiver (Worth 110,000 RMB/year).
- Scholarship is merit-based. You typically need A-Levels (AAB) or an IB Diploma (34+ points) to be competitive.
- You must maintain a good GPA (typically 3.0 or higher) to keep the scholarship every year.
- Living Costs (The Best Part): Zhuhai is significantly cheaper than Shanghai or Beijing.
- Dorms: You live in the “Cultural Village,” modern suites with 2-3 people per room. The cost is only 4,000 – 6,400 RMB per year (approx. $550–$900 USD).
- Food: Campus meals are affordable, averaging ~15–25 RMB ($2–$3.50) per meal.
BNBU is offering more generous scholarships to international students. You can read more here.
2. Westlake University Full Tuition Scholarship
Location: Hangzhou
Focus: Elite STEM Research (Undergraduate & PhD)
Westlake is China’s first private research university, designed to train the next generation of scientists and innovators. It is small, elite, and often compared to Caltech or Princeton.
- The Offer: Full Tuition Scholarship (Worth 350,000 RMB/year).
- The “Hidden” Perk: Premium Student Housing. Westlake offers hotel-quality accommodation with private bedrooms and shared suites for just ~300 USD (2,200 RMB) per year. This makes it arguably the most comfortable and affordable living experience in China.
- This is strictly for STEM students (Math, Physics, AI, Biology, etc.). You typically need a background in Olympiads or a strong interest in research.
Westlake also recently opened its fully-funded PhD programs to students with just a Bachelor’s degree. If you are looking for a PhD, you can get full tuition plus a monthly stipend.
3. Duke Kunshan Global Leaders Scholarship
Location: Kunshan (20 min train from Shanghai)
This is arguably the most valuable scholarship in China because it is one of the few that covers living costs too.
- Covers 100% tuition, on-campus accommodation, medical insurance, and a travel allowance.
- The scholarship is extremely competitive. It is awarded to the “top global applicants” who would otherwise attend Ivy League or Oxbridge schools.
4. University of Nottingham Ningbo Global Full Scholarship
Location: Ningbo
UNNC offers a straightforward deal: Get a UK degree for free if your grades are perfect.
- 100% Tuition Waiver (worth 110,000 RMB/year).
- Living Costs: Ningbo is affordable. You can live comfortably on 3,000 RMB/month.
5. Wenzhou-Kean Full Freshmen Scholarship
Location: Wenzhou
This is the most accessible American degree in China.
- Full Tuition reduction for the first year (worth 68,000 RMB).
- The Requirement: GPA 3.5/4.0 in high school.
- Renewal is difficult. To keep this scholarship in Years 2, 3, and 4, you often need to rank in the Top 20% of your class AND maintain a GPA of 3.5. If you have a difficult semester or get sick, you could lose your funding.
- Recommendation: Only choose this if you are confident you can remain a top-tier student in a competitive environment.
Quick Comparison
| University | Scholarship Name | Value (Tuition) | Main Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duke Kunshan (DKU) | Global Leaders | ~215,000 RMB | Top 10% of Applicants |
| Westlake University | Full Tuition Grant | 350,000 RMB | STEM Excellence |
| UNNC (Nottingham) | Global Full | 110,000 RMB | A-Level AAA / IB 36 |
| BNBU (Zhuhai) | Full Entrance | 110,000 RMB | GPA 3.0+ Maintenance |
| Wenzhou-Kean | Full Freshmen | 68,000 RMB | GPA 3.5+ |
Are You Ready to Start Your Application?
These opportunities can change your life, leaving you with a world-class degree and amazing experience.
The application deadlines for scholarship consideration are often earlier than regular admission deadlines. If you believe you have the grades and the ambition to succeed at one of these top universities, do not wait.
Explore programs and start your application today.
Continue reading:
- Top Sino-Foreign Joint Venture Universities in China
- China Scholarships – The 2026 Guide for International Students
- Top 5 Prestigious Full Scholarships at China’s Leading International Universities - December 23, 2025
- Westlake University Opens PhD Admissions to International Bachelor’s Degree Holders - December 10, 2025
- Study Game Design in China: BNBU’s New English-Taught Program Prepares Students for Entertainment Industry - December 6, 2025