The Belt & Road Scholarship funds international students from partner countries to study at Chinese universities. Unlike the centralized CSC program, quotas, coverage, and timelines are set by each host university or municipal program. This guide consolidates official rules and examples so bachelor’s and master’s applicants can prepare a complete, competitive application.
First time applying to China? Start with our Comprehensive Application Guide, compare CSC Scholarship vs municipal/university routes, and browse programs in Universities. New arrivals should also read the Student Visa (X1/X2) and Payment Guide.
What it typically covers
- Full or partial tuition waiver
- Living stipend (typical ranges cited by hosts: RMB 15,000–30,000+ per academic year)
- In some full awards: accommodation fee waiver
- Usually not covered: international airfare, visa fees, insurance, one‑time registration fees
Always verify inclusions/exclusions in the host university’s notice.
Eligibility (common patterns)
- Non‑Chinese citizen with a valid passport
- Academic background: high school diploma (bachelor’s) or bachelor’s degree (master’s)
- Language: HSK for Chinese‑taught, IELTS/TOEFL for English‑taught; some accept conditional admission
- Clean criminal record and required medical exams
- Age/nationality rules may apply depending on the scheme
Representative official examples
- Sun Yat‑sen University: tuition waiver + ~RMB 30,000 annual living allowance; yearly review
- Southwest University of Finance & Economics: full (tuition, accommodation, living allowance) and partial (tuition only)
- Xi’an municipal schemes: multi‑tier awards by degree level and duration
Targeting strategy: shortlist the right universities
Build a 3×3 shortlist: three reach, three match, three safe choices. Prioritize universities with recent Belt & Road notices and transparent stipend details. Cross‑check program strength using our guides to Tsinghua, Zhejiang University, and Shanghai Jiao Tong University where relevant.
- Evidence of funding: recent English‑language pages or PDF calls for applications
- Program fit: align your background to the school’s featured disciplines
- Language path: pre‑degree Chinese or English‑taught options with clear requirements
Document checklist
- Passport copy (valid beyond program start)
- Highest diploma or pre‑graduation certificate
- Transcripts (+ certified translations if required)
- Language certificate (HSK or IELTS/TOEFL) or instruction‑language proof
- Two recommendation letters
- Personal statement/study plan tailored to the host’s template
- Physical examination record (foreigners template where required)
- Police clearance / no‑criminal record certificate
- Home‑country nomination/recommendation if specified
Tip: Normalize document names and dates across all portals to avoid mismatch flags.
Application workflow
- Identify the exact host project (university or municipal) and read the official announcement
- Prepare translations, notarizations and language tests early
- Submit via the host university portal within the designated window
- Respond to interview/written test invitations promptly
- After admission, secure documents for student visa and arrival
Compare with the centralized CSC route to diversify chances.
Typical timeline
- Jan–Mar: research targets, gather docs, book tests
- Mar–Apr: many project windows open; submit applications
- Apr–Jun: selection, interviews, written tests
- Jun–Aug: admission letters and visa paperwork
- September: registration
After you win: post‑award steps
- Confirm renewal conditions and academic review standards
- Arrange accommodation (waiver vs paid) and medical insurance
- Prepare arrival finances (airfare, deposits, initial living costs)
Common mistakes
- Submitting uncertified translations where certified copies are required
- Mismatched names/dates across application portals
- Missing home‑country nomination when the project requires it
FAQs
Can I apply to multiple hosts in parallel?
Policies vary. Some universities allow parallel submissions; others require selecting a single stream. Always follow the host’s rules.
What if my HSK/IELTS score isn’t ready?
Some programs accept conditional admission with a deadline to reach the required level. Confirm in the official text.
Is airfare covered?
Usually no. Budget for flights, visa fees, insurance, and registration fees unless explicitly waived.