Are you interested in studying in China, but worried about how much it will cost you? You’ll be pleased to know that there are many scholarships available for international students who wish to study in China. A number of these China scholarships (especially under the China Scholarship Council, CSC) are open for Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D. programmes, and in many cases, IELTS or TOEFL is not strictly required, making them more accessible to international applicants. chinesescholarshipcouncil.com
Mainland China is home to dozens of universities featured in the QS World University Rankings®, which makes China a popular study-abroad destination for ambitious students worldwide.
Below, you can explore a list of Chinese universities without a mandatory IELTS requirement, plus top scholarship programmes in China for international students.
Universities in China That Often Accept International Students Without IELTS
These universities are among those cited in recent scholarship guides and student reports as accepting international applications without requiring IELTS (depending on the program and language of instruction). Study In China Academy (SICA)
- Changchun University of Science and Technology
- Northeast Petroleum University
- Zhejiang University of Technology
- Shantou University Medical College
- China University of Mining and Technology (Xuzhou)
- Nanjing University of Science and Technology
- Beijing University of Chemical Technology
- Beijing Foreign Studies University – International Business School
- Hangzhou Normal University
- Dongbei University of Finance and Economics
- Dalian Medical University
- Zhengzhou University
- Fujian Medical University
- China Medical University
- Ningbo University
- Beijing Institute of Technology
- Beihang University
- Liaoning Shihua University
- Bohai University
- Zhejiang University of Finance & Economics
- China University of Geosciences (Wuhan)
- Fujian University of Technology
(Note: “Without IELTS” often applies when previous education was in English or the program is English- or Chinese-taught. Always check the university’s admission requirements.)
Top Scholarships in China for International Students
Below are some of the most recognized scholarships and funding schemes available in China — many under CSC — for Bachelor, Master, and PhD students.
1. Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC Scholarship)
The flagship scholarship for international students. ee.china-embassy.gov.cn
Degrees Covered: Undergraduate, Master’s, PhD
What’s Covered: Tuition waiver, accommodation (campus dorm), monthly stipend, and sometimes insurance. china-embassy.gov.cn
Language & IELTS: Many eligible programs (especially Chinese-taught) do not require IELTS/TOEFL — instead, an English-proficiency certificate from your last degree (if instruction was English) may suffice. chinesescholarshipcouncil.com
How to Apply: Via official CSC portal — see “Study in China” system at Campus China. my.china-embassy.gov.cn
Scholarship Type: Fully funded (tuition, stipend, dorm, etc.) ee.china-embassy.gov.cn
2. Provincial or Government-level Scholarships (e.g. Jiangsu, Hubei, Beijing)
Some provinces or cities in China offer scholarships to international students — especially under certain government- or university-sponsored programmes. For example, there are Jiangsu Government Scholarships, Hubei Provincial Scholarships, and Beijing Government Scholarships, which sometimes work in tandem with CSC or as separate offers.
These can help with tuition, living costs or provide additional stipend/support.
3. University & Institutional Scholarships (English-taught / International intake)
Many universities offer their own scholarships (or accept CSC) for international students — including those whose admission is English-taught, or where English-medium instruction in previous degree can waive language tests. For example, some universities listed above are noted in recent guides as “no-IELTS, no application-fee” for eligible international admissions. Study In China Academy (SICA)
Why China Is a Good Option for International Students
No mandatory IELTS for many programs: Thanks to CSC and some university practices, international students from English-medium backgrounds often don’t need IELTS or TOEFL. chinesescholarshipcouncil.com
Fully funded scholarships available: Tuition waiver, accommodation, stipend, even insurance — making China a budget-friendly study-abroad option. ee.china-embassy.gov.cn
Wide variety of universities & fields: From engineering, medicine, business, to arts and social sciences, China offers a broad spectrum for Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD studies.
Growing international student community: China remains one of the world’s leading destinations for international education, attracting thousands of foreign students yearly.
English-taught or bilingual programmes: Especially at major universities, there are many courses taught in English (or with English-taught options), easing the path for non-Chinese speakers.
What to Do Next
Check the official CSC portal (StudyInChina / CampusChina) for up-to-date application cycles, deadlines, and program listings.
Prepare alternate proof of English proficiency if you don’t have IELTS — for example, a certificate from your previous university stating that your degree was taught in English.
Select universities carefully, and verify whether your desired program is Chinese- or English-taught and whether IELTS is needed.
Apply early and thoroughly, ensuring all required documents (transcripts, degree certificates, passport copy, application form, research proposal or study plan, health form if required) are ready.
Also Check: List of Belgium Scholarships Without IELTS (Fully Funded)
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