One Year of Funded Study in China
This guide explains how the China Scholarship Programme works, who it is designed for, and how you can prepare a competitive application. It is especially useful for Indian and other international students who are currently enrolled at German universities or planning to move there and wish to add a strong China component to their academic profile.
For students who want serious academic exposure to China, the China Scholarship Program Studienstiftung offers a structured, fully funded route. Run by the German Academic Scholarship Foundation (Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes), this programme supports a two-semester stay at a Chinese university, including language training, tuition fee coverage and generous living support.
Why the China Scholarship Program Matters
China has moved from “workbench of the world” to a major innovation and technology hub. The official programme description stresses that Germany and China interact across many fields and therefore need people who understand China both academically and through lived experience.
The China Scholarship Program Studienstiftung aims to:
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- Open doors to China for highly motivated students from all non-art disciplines.
- Provide intensive language and cultural immersion.
- Build long-term academic and professional networks between Germany and China.
style="text-align: justify;">For Indian students already studying in Germany, this programme can be a unique way to combine three strengths: Indian schooling, German higher education and a year of structured study in China. As a result, graduates gain a rare “tri-continental” competence that is highly valued in academia, policy and industry.
Eligibility: Who Is the China Scholarship Programme For?
Core eligibility
According to the Studienstiftung, the programme is open to:
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- Students of all disciplines except art and design.
- Applicants who have completed at least two semesters of university studies.
- Candidates with very strong academic performance in a broad and demanding course of study.
- Students who may have little or no previous exposure to China but show real interest.
Language skills in Chinese are welcome but not mandatory. Basic motivation and willingness to learn are more important at the application stage.
Nationality and study location
The programme is run by the German Academic Scholarship Foundation. Therefore, applicants must usually be enrolled at a recognised university in Germany and must satisfy the foundation’s general formal criteria. Non-German citizens may also be eligible if they fit these rules.
For Indian students this means:
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- You first need admission to a German university (Bachelor or consecutive Master).
- After settling into your degree and performing well, you may apply to the China Scholarship Programme from Germany.
What is not funded
The official guidelines specify several exclusions:
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- Study phases in China after completion of a Master’s degree or Staatsexamen.
- Double-degree phases where you work towards a Chinese Bachelor or Master.
- Single-semester stays in China.
- Internships only without a substantial study component.
The scholarship is therefore designed for a two-semester academic stay, not for pure internships or full Chinese degree programmes.
Key Features, Funding and Duration
Academic structure
The China Scholarship Programme supports:
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- Two semesters of study at a Chinese university.
- A total of 15 scholarships per year, making it competitive but still accessible.
During this time, scholars deepen their subject knowledge, learn Mandarin and gain insights into Chinese higher education and society.
Financial support
The funding package is comprehensive. According to the Studienstiftung, support includes:
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- A monthly study allowance of 300 €.
- An additional need-based grant (up to 855 € per month) calculated analogously to German BAföG rules.
- Contributions towards health and long-term care
insurance, where applicable.
- An overseas allowance of 350 € per month, plus a possible BAföG overseas top-up of 100 €.
- A travel grant of up to 1,425 € for flights.
- Full coverage of tuition fees in China through the China Scholarship Council.
In addition, students who were not previously funded by the Studienstiftung are admitted to the foundation when they join the China programme. This gives access to further events, networks and future funding opportunities.
Non-financial benefits
The programme also offers:
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- An intensive three-week language course in March at Trier University.
- A structured pre-departure seminar in early summer.
- Ongoing academic and pastoral support from staff in Germany and contacts at the Chinese host institution.
- Long-term membership in the China alumni network, which can be valuable for careers in academia, diplomacy, development or business.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for the China Scholarship Program
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Check your profile and timing: First, confirm that you:
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- Study full-time at a German university in a non-art discipline.
- Have completed at least two semesters by the time the China stay begins.
- Can dedicate two full semesters in China without finishing your degree beforehand.
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Prepare your application dossier: The Studienstiftung requires a specific application file (Bewerbungsmappe). You must:)
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- Download and complete the official application form.
- Add transcripts and evidence of grades.
- Include a well-structured CV and motivation letter.
- Provide academic references where requested.
Because selection emphasises both performance and personality, use your documents to show intellectual curiosity, independence and a genuine interest in China.
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Submit by email: Applications are sent by email to the programme office. The current instructions request that you email the completed application file as a PDF to the dedicated China programme address by the deadline.
Always double-check the email address and any technical requirements on the latest official programme page before you apply.
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Take part in the selection seminar: After an initial screening, promising external candidates are invited to a selection seminar in late November. Internal candidates (already funded by Studienstiftung) are assessed based on documents. During the seminar, expect:
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- Group discussions on academic and social topics.
- Short presentations or interviews.
- Questions about your study plans in China, language learning strategy and long-term goals.
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Coordinate with the China Scholarship Council
Successful candidates then apply for Chinese university places through the China Scholarship Council in February. The Council allocates host universities and covers tuition fees.
Following that, scholars attend the March language course, the June/July preparation seminar and finally start their stay in China in September.
Tips, Common Mistakes and Expert Advice
Show a coherent “China story”
Many applicants list China simply as a fashionable interest. Instead, you should present a clear narrative that links your field of study with China. For instance, an engineering student might focus on Chinese clean-energy innovation, while an economist might explore trade and supply chains.
Balance ambition with realism
The committee looks for ambitious yet feasible plans. Therefore, avoid over-promising (“I will become a global policymaker in one year”). Instead, define achievable goals, such as:
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- Reaching a specific level in Mandarin.
- Completing particular courses at the host university.
- Designing a research project that you will continue in your German home institution.
Take language learning seriously
Even though language skills are not mandatory for admission, they matter during the stay. Start learning Mandarin before you apply, for example via university courses or online platforms. This shows commitment and helps you benefit more from the year abroad.
Avoid incompatible plans
Do not design a project that contradicts programme rules, such as:
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- A single-semester stay.
- A plan to finish a Chinese degree.
- A pure internship without academic enrolment.
Such proposals may lead to rejection even if your grades are strong.
Think long term
Finally, remember that the China Scholarship Programme also acts as a gateway into the broader Studienstiftung network. Therefore, reflect on how this year in China fits into a wider academic and professional trajectory, such as a later PhD, a policy career, or work in international companies with China links.
Conclusion: Is the China Scholarship Program Right for You?
The China Scholarship Program Studienstiftung is one of the most structured and generous ways to spend a year in China as a student at a German university. It combines intensive language preparation, two funded semesters at a Chinese university, comprehensive living and travel support, and long-term integration into a powerful alumni network.
For Indian and other international students who already study in Germany, this programme can be a strategic step. It adds deep China experience to your profile and builds networks that bridge three major higher-education spaces: India, Germany and China.
However, the scheme is selective and requires careful planning. You need strong grades, a convincing motivation, and a realistic study plan aligned with the official rules.
In summary, if you are willing to invest time in preparation and you see China as central to your future, this scholarship is worth serious consideration. Visit the official Studienstiftung China programme page, note the current deadlines, and start planning your application well in advance.
Summary Table
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Feature
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Details
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Program Name
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China-Stipendien-Programm (China Scholarship Programme)
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Host Country
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China
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Funded By
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German Academic Scholarship Foundation (Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes) with support from the German federal government and the China Scholarship Council)
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Duration
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Two semesters (approximately one academic year) at a Chinese university
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Study Mode
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Full-time on-campus study in China
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Eligibility
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Highly qualified students of all disciplines except art and design; enrolled at a recognised university in Germany; at least two completed semesters; strong academic record; Chinese language skills desirable but not compulsory
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Financial Support
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Monthly study allowance (300 €); need-based grant up to 855 €/month; insurance contributions; overseas allowance (350 €/month plus possible 100 € top-up); travel grant up to 1,425 €; full tuition fee coverage in China)
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Fields of Study
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All fields except art and design; especially suitable for students with academic or professional interest in China
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Deadline
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Current call: application deadline 1 October 2025 for the 2026/27 intake; future deadlines may vary and should be checked on the official website
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Official Website
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Click here
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References
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the China Scholarship Program Studienstiftung open to Indian citizens? Yes, it can be, provided you study full-time at a recognised German university and meet the formal criteria of the Studienstiftung. Nationality alone is not an absolute barrier, but you must check the detailed rules on the official website.
Do I need prior knowledge of Chinese language to apply? No, prior knowledge of Chinese is desirable but not required. The programme includes an intensive language course before departure, although starting early with language learning will strengthen your application and your experience in China.
Can doctoral students apply for the China Scholarship Programme? No, the scheme is aimed at undergraduate and Master’s students. It explicitly does not fund doctoral candidates or study phases after completion of a Master’s or Staatsexamen.
May I use the scholarship for a double-degree or full Chinese Master’s? No. The programme does not support double-degree phases leading to a Chinese degree or full Bachelor/Master programmes in China. It funds a two-semester study stay only.
How competitive is the selection process? About fifteen scholarships are awarded each year, making the process highly competitive—especially for external applicants. Strong grades and clear motivation are essential.
What costs are covered by the scholarship? The scholarship covers tuition, monthly living allowances, insurance, an overseas allowance, and a travel grant. This support is generally enough to live and study comfortably in major Chinese university cities.
Can I reapply if I am not selected the first time? The official page does not forbid reapplication, but you must meet the timing rules and stay within your degree period. If you plan to reapply, strengthen your profile with better grades, language skills, and China-related activities.
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