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Complete Guide to JNU Scholarships for International Students 2025

📅 Published: September 15, 2025 ⏱️ Read time: 12 minutes 📊 Category: Scholarships 👤 Author: China University Selector Team
Jinan University Campus

So you know Jinan University (JNU) has scholarships. But the official descriptions only tell you half the story. The other half is about strategy, timing, and understanding what the admissions committee is really looking for. This comprehensive guide will reveal the insider strategies you need to secure funding for your studies at JNU.

All information verified as of September 15, 2025.

The Scholarship Tiers: Know What You're Aiming For

Think of the scholarships in three strategic tiers:

🏆 The Grand Prize (Full Ride): Chinese Government Scholarship (CGS)

This is the one everyone wants because it covers everything. But "competitive" doesn't begin to describe it. Success here requires a flawless strategy.

💰 The Entry Bonus (One-time Cash): Guangdong Government Scholarship

Automatic consideration based on your admission application quality. No separate application required.

🎓 The Tuition Discount (Partial Support): JNU President's Scholarship

Can be renewed annually based on academic performance. A powerful incentive to maintain high grades.

Knowing the difference is critical to your game plan. If you're exploring your options, our university selector tool can help you find the perfect Chinese university for your academic goals.

Deep Dive 1: Chinese Government Scholarship (CGS) - The Real Deal

This is the one everyone wants because it covers everything. But "competitive" doesn't begin to describe it. Success here requires a flawless strategy.

The Hidden Hurdle: The "Pre-admission Letter"

The official site mentions applying via "Type A" (Embassy) or "Type B" (University). Here's the critical detail they don't spell out for Type B: you need a Pre-admission Letter from JNU to even be considered.

What is it?

It's a formal letter from JNU stating they want you as a student and are willing to accept you if you secure CGS funding. It's your golden ticket for the Type B application.

How to Get It (The Actual Process):

  1. You must first apply for admission directly to JNU through their online portal (https://lxlz.jnu.edu.cn/). This is a separate step before you apply for the CGS on the CSC website.
  2. In your JNU application, you must clearly indicate that you will be applying for the CGS scholarship.
  3. The university reviews your admission application. If they find you to be an exceptionally strong candidate, they will issue you a Pre-admission Letter.
  4. You then take this letter and upload it as a supporting document to your CGS application on the official CSC website (http://www.campuschina.org).

Reality Check: Simply selecting JNU on the CGS website without this letter for Type B is an almost guaranteed rejection. The university needs to vouch for you first.

Strategic Playbook for CGS

Game Plan A (Best for Undergraduates)

Apply through the Chinese Embassy in your home country (Type A). The competition is still fierce, but the number of available slots is generally higher. The deadline is extremely early (Jan-Mar), so start your research in December of the prior year.

Game Plan B (Best for Graduates - Master's & PhD)

December-March

Finalize your research proposal and contact potential supervisors at JNU. A professor who wants you on their team is your strongest advocate.

March-April

Submit your JNU admission application. Emphasize your academic excellence and research potential. State your intent to apply for CGS.

April-May

If you are deemed outstanding, you will receive the Pre-admission Letter. Immediately use it to complete your CGS Type B application on the CSC website. JNU's agency code is 10559.

Reality Check: JNU's Type B slots are incredibly limited and often prioritized for students in key research fields or from partner institutions. Don't put all your eggs in this one basket.

Deep Dive 2: Guangdong & JNU President's Scholarships - The "Automatic" Game

These two scholarships are fundamentally different. You don't apply for them. You earn them with the quality of your admission application.

The Golden Rule: Your Admission Application is Your Scholarship Application

When the website says you are "automatically considered," it means a committee will review every single admitted student's file and rank them. Only the top percentile gets the award.

What Does an "Outstanding" Application Look Like?

Stellar Academics

You're not just meeting the minimum requirements. You're in the top 10-15% of your class. Your transcripts show consistent high marks in relevant subjects.

A "Killer" Personal Statement

This is where you can beat candidates with similar grades. A winning PS must answer:

  • Why JNU? Show you've done your research. Name the school, the specific program, and maybe even a professor whose work you admire.
  • Why this Major? Connect your past experiences (academic, work, personal projects) directly to the program you're applying for.
  • What is Your Future Plan? Show ambition. Explain how a degree from JNU will help you achieve a specific career or research goal.

Strategic Recommendation Letters

Don't just get a letter from any professor. Get it from a professor who taught you in a relevant subject and who can speak to your specific skills, research potential, and character. Give them your CV and PS to help them write a stronger, more detailed letter for you.

The Hidden "Dry Good": The JNU President's Scholarship Can Be Renewed

This isn't just a one-time prize. If you win it for your first year, you can re-apply for it in subsequent years. However, this is based on your performance at JNU. You'll need to maintain a high GPA and pass an annual review. This is a powerful incentive to keep performing at a high level.

Your Final Takeaway: The Scholarship Funnel

Think of your application as entering a funnel:

Submit One Masterfully Prepared Application

At the top, you submit one masterfully prepared application for admission to JNU.

Automatic Consideration

This one application automatically puts you in the running for the President's Scholarship and the Guangdong Government Scholarship.

Pursue the Grand Prize

Simultaneously, you use the strength of that same application (and a potential Pre-admission Letter) to pursue the grand prize: the Chinese Government Scholarship.

Related Resources

For more information about studying in China, check out our comprehensive guides: