Fully Funded Scholarships in China for Pakistani Students 2025-2026!
Are you a Pakistani student dreaming of studying abroad? The good news: the China Scholarship Council (CSC) in cooperation with the Higher Education Commission Pakistan (HEC) is offering fully funded scholarships for Pakistani and Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK) students to study in China in the academic year 2025-2026.
Here’s everything you need to know: what the scholarship covers, who is eligible, how to apply, key deadlines, and tips to boost your chances.
What is the Fully Funded Scholarships in China Programme?
This scholarship is part of the Chinese Government’s effort to strengthen educational ties with Pakistan. The HEC acts as the nominating agency for Pakistani students applying to the CSC-run programme.
The scheme allows Pakistani/AJK students to apply for undergraduate (Bachelor’s), master’s (MS/MPhil) and doctoral (PhD) programmes at Chinese universities. In the words of one news source:
“Qualified applicants can apply for scholarship for Undergraduate/Bachelors, Masters & Doctoral/PhD programs in respective field of studies.”
It covers many academic disciplines like science, engineering, agriculture, medicine, economics, legal studies, management, education, history, literature, philosophy and fine arts.
Financial Coverage: What Does “Fully Funded Scholarships in China” Mean?
“Fully funded” means the scholarship covers the main tuition and many university-related costs. Based on available data:
- Tuition fee waiver.
- Accommodation: Either free university dormitory or accommodation subsidy.
- Monthly stipend: According to recent guidance:
- Undergraduate students: around CNY 2,500/month.
- Master’s students / general scholars: around CNY 3,000/month.
- Doctoral / senior scholars: around CNY 3,500/month.
- Health insurance and administrative costs may be covered.
Important: Travel expenses are not covered by HEC or the scholarship. Applicants are expected to bear travel costs.
So while “fully funded” covers most costs, you still need to plan for travel and possibly personal expenses.
Duration & Study Programmes
The durations differ by level:
- Undergraduate: 4-5 years of major study plus 1-2 years of Chinese language preparatory study (if required).
- Master’s: 2-3 years major study plus possibly 1-2 years preparatory.
- Doctoral (PhD): 3-4 years major study plus 1-2 years preparatory.
The preparatory Chinese language year is mandatory for undergraduate programmes in many cases unless you already hold a Chinese language proficiency certificate (HSK) level 3 or above.
Eligibility Criteria: Are You Eligible?
Here are the essential eligibility criteria for Pakistani/AJK students:
- Must be a citizen of Pakistan or Azad Jammu & Kashmir. Dual nationality holders are not eligible.
- Must be in good health.
- Must have their prior degree completed by the application deadline (i.e., no incomplete degree).
- Age & education requirements:
- For Undergraduate: 12 years of education (Intermediate/A-Level/FA-FSc) and under 25 years of age at time of application.
- For Master’s: 16 years of education (Bachelor’s) and under 35 years of age.
- For Doctoral: Master’s degree (MS/MPhil) and under 40 years of age.
- Applicants must not be receiving another scholarship at the same time.
- Additional requirement: For Pakistan, candidates must have a valid HAT or USAT test score (depending on level). For example, applicants must have a valid HAT (score obtained on or after December 09, 2022) or USAT (score obtained on or after December 09, 2023).
This means: Ensure you meet the age/education limits, nationality eligibility, test score requirement and health/degree completion conditions before applying.
How to Apply for the Fully Funded Scholarships in China: Step-by-Step
Here’s the application process you should follow:
- Choose your target Chinese university: Visit the CSC website and look at the list of Chinese universities that participate in the programme.
- Apply online at HEC portal: Register on HEC’s “Learning Opportunities Abroad” portal. Choose the scholarship option for the Chinese Government Scholarship Programme.
- Apply on CSC portal: Submit online application through the CSC portal (e.g., at Campuschina.org or csc.edu.cn) under Category A (Agency No. 5861) for Pakistan.
- Prepare all required documents: According to HEC, required documents (to be submitted once shortlisted) include: signed HEC application form, signed CSC application form, attested degree transcripts, passport copy, health/medical form, police clearance certificate, study plan/research proposal, recommendation letters (for Master’s/PhD), etc.
- Meet deadlines: For the 2025-26 batch, the deadline for online applications through HEC is Monday, 09 December 2024.
- After shortlisting: Once shortlisted, follow further instructions from HEC/CSC/university for acceptance, visa, registration, etc.
Why Study in China Under This Scholarship?
There are several key advantages for Pakistani students:
- Opportunity to study in one of the world’s fastest-growing educational hubs.
- Full or near-full financial support for tuition, accommodation and stipend.
- Wide range of fields to study, including STEM, humanities, arts and research.
- Chance to gain an international degree, build global networks and enhance your career prospects.
- Strengthened Pakistan-China educational ties may mean extra support for Pakistani students.
Important Dates & Deadlines for Fully Funded Scholarships in China
For the academic year 2025-26:
- Online application deadline (HEC) for Pakistani students: 9 December 2024.
- Ensure your eligibility criteria (age, degree, test score) are valid by that date.
- After application, selection processes (HEC review, CSC review, university admission) follow.
- Registration at the Chinese university likely will begin around August-September 2025 (for the new academic year).
Tips to Boost Your Application Success Fully Funded Scholarships in China
- Choose a suitable university & programme early: Do your research on Chinese universities that accept international students under CSC, and ensure your chosen major aligns with your academic profile.
- Write a strong Study Plan / Research Proposal: For Master’s/PhD especially, your research proposal or statement of purpose must be clear, original and well-written. The CSC pays attention to it.
- Ensure all documents are valid and well-prepared: Transcripts, degree certificates (attested), passport copy (valid till at least March 2026 as per one guideline) should be ready.
- Meet the test score requirement (HAT/USAT): Without this your application won’t be considered. For 2025-26 Pakistan batch, valid HAT (after 09 Dec 2022) or USAT (after 09 Dec 2023).
- Apply on time: Missing the deadline automatically disqualifies you.
- Avoid other scholarship conflicts: If you already hold or are receiving another scholarship, you might be ineligible.
- Be honest: Any false data in application/documentation may lead to cancellation and debarment from future scholarships.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q 1. Does the scholarship require IELTS or TOEFL?
Answer: In many Chinese universities English-taught programmes are available. According to CSC guidelines, if your prior university studies were in English, you may not require IELTS/TOEFL.
Q 2. Can I apply for more than one Chinese university?
Yes — CSC allows applicants to apply for more than one university in many cases, but the rules differ for Category A vs Category B.
Q 3. Is travel cost covered?
No — travel expenses must be borne by the student. The university/higher body covers tuition, accommodation, stipend, but not travel.
Q 4. What if I don’t yet have my final degree certificate?
If you are near completion you may submit a “hope certificate” (pending degree) in some cases, but ensure you complete your degree by the time required.
Q 5. What is the list of Chinese universities participating?
There are over 270-280 universities that accept CSC scholarships for international students.
Case Example: Choosing a University – Xi’an Jiaotong University (for instance)
One of the major Chinese universities that you could consider is Xi’an Jiaotong University. While this article is not focusing on any specific university, for illustration: Choose a university like Xi’an Jiaotong University that has strong engineering, management or science programmes; ensure your selected field aligns with what the university offers; contact the international students office; check if the programme is eligible under CSC and HEC-nomination; and prepare for application accordingly.
Final Thoughts
If you are a Pakistani or AJK national and you dream of studying in China for your undergraduate, master’s or doctoral degree — the fully funded scholarship offered by CSC through HEC is one of the best opportunities you’ll find for the 2025-26 session. Make sure you meet the eligibility criteria (age, education, nationality, HAT/USAT test score), prepare careful documentation, apply via both HEC and CSC portals by the 9 December 2024 deadline, and write a compelling study/research plan.
Remember: this isn’t just about getting a scholarship — it’s about preparing for a transformative educational experience in China, gaining international exposure, building your future career and returning with valuable knowledge and networks.
Take the first step today — map out your field of interest, shortlist target universities, gather your documents, and stay ahead of deadlines. Good luck!
