Zhejiang Normal University Scholarship 2026 (CSC Scholarship)
China is one of the fastest-growing and most affordable study destinations in the world, offering top-ranked universities, English-taught programs, extremely low living costs, modern campuses, and strong career opportunities in Asia’s largest economy. Zhejiang Normal University (ZJNU), located in Jinhua, Zhejiang Province, is a rising public university with a strong international reputation, especially in teacher training, education, STEM, business, and Chinese language studies. Also apply for Central South University Scholarship 2026 (Fully Funded)
For the 2026 intake (September 2026 entry), ZJNU offers one of the most attractive fully funded scholarships available to international students: the Zhejiang Normal University Scholarship for Outstanding Students. This scholarship provides a full tuition waiver and free on-campus accommodation, significantly reducing the cost of studying in China to almost zero for many recipients.
This guide is based on the latest official information from zjnu.edu.cn/en and the international admissions portal as of early 2026.
Why Choose Zhejiang Normal University Scholarship 2026?
- Fully funded core coverage — tuition + free dorm (biggest expenses eliminated)
- No IELTS/TOEFL required in many cases — Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate widely accepted
- Lower competition than Beijing/Shanghai universities
- Affordable city — Jinhua living costs are much lower than tier-1 cities
- English-taught programs available (especially education, business, IT)
- Dedicated international support — International College, buddy program, cultural activities
- Post-study opportunities — easier job search in education, trade, and tech sectors in Zhejiang/Shanghai region
Jinhua is a safe, green, mid-sized city with high-speed rail links to Shanghai (1 hour), Hangzhou (30 min), and the rest of China.
Scholarship Types & Coverage at Zhejiang Normal University 2026
ZJNU offers several scholarship categories for international students — most fully or substantially funded:
- Zhejiang Normal University Scholarship for Outstanding Students (main award)
- Full tuition waiver (100%)
- Free on-campus accommodation (dormitory)
- Renewable for the full program duration with good academic performance (GPA ≥ 3.0/4.0 or equivalent)
- Zhejiang Provincial Government Scholarship (via ZJNU)
- Full tuition + monthly stipend (≈ CNY 30,000/year Bachelor’s, 40,000/year Master’s, 50,000/year PhD)
- Free accommodation + insurance
- Quota limited — highly competitive
- ZJNU Freshman / Merit Scholarship
- Full or partial tuition waiver
- Free dorm
- One-time settlement allowance (CNY 2,000–3,000 in some cases)
- Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) via ZJNU Agency Number
- Full coverage (tuition + dorm + insurance + stipend)
- Type B (university recommendation) — apply through ZJNU
- MOI accepted for English-taught programs
Most awards are automatic or nomination-based during admission — no separate scholarship form needed for the main ZJNU Outstanding Students Scholarship.
Eligibility Criteria
General requirements:
- Non-Chinese citizen in good health
- Age limits (as of September 1, 2026):
- Bachelor’s: usually ≤30 years
- Master’s: ≤35 years
- PhD: ≤40 years
- Strong academic record (good/high GPA — no strict cutoff published)
- Language requirements:
- Chinese-taught programs: HSK 4 (Bachelor’s), HSK 5 (Master’s/PhD)
- English-taught programs: IELTS 6.0 / TOEFL 80 or MOI certificate (widely accepted)
- Meet program-specific entry requirements
Strong opinion: MOI certificate is the easiest way for English programs — most ZJNU admissions officers accept it without issue.
More Scholarships:
Scholarship Benefits – Fully Funded Package
Main ZJNU Outstanding Students Scholarship:
- 100% tuition fee waiver
- Free on-campus accommodation (shared dorm)
- Renewable for full program duration with satisfactory academic performance
Zhejiang Provincial Government Scholarship (additional/higher tier):
- Full tuition
- Monthly stipend (CNY 30,000–50,000/year depending on level)
- Free accommodation
- Medical insurance
Additional perks:
- One-time settlement allowance (some cases)
- Access to research labs, libraries, and university facilities
Table: Monthly Support Comparison (2026 estimates)
| Degree Level | Monthly Stipend (CNY) | Approx. USD | Tuition | Housing | Insurance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s | 2,500 (provincial) | 350 | Free | Free | Full |
| Master’s | 3,000–4,000 | 420–560 | Free | Free | Full |
| PhD | 3,500+ | 490+ | Free | Free | Full |
Stipend is sufficient for comfortable living in Jinhua.
Programs You Can Pick
ZJNU offers English-taught and Chinese-taught programs across all levels:
Popular Bachelor’s, Master’s & PhD fields:
- Education & Teacher Training (very strong)
- Computer Science & Technology
- Software Engineering
- Business Administration
- International Trade & Economics
- Chinese Language & Literature
- Biological Sciences
- Mechanical & Electrical Engineering
- Environmental Science
- Fine Arts & Design
- Journalism & Communication
Full list: zjnu.edu.cn/en/Programs
Required Documents
- Online application form (ZJNU portal)
- Passport copy (valid beyond program end)
- Highest degree certificate & transcripts + notarized translations (English/Chinese)
- HSK certificate (Chinese-taught) or IELTS/TOEFL/MOI (English-taught)
- Study plan / research proposal (800+ words for Master’s/PhD)
- Two recommendation letters (Master’s/PhD)
- Foreigner Physical Examination Form (after selection)
- No criminal record certificate (after selection)
How to Apply – Step by Step (2026 cycle)
- Choose program on zjnu.edu.cn/en/Programs
- Register and apply online via ZJNU international student portal (opens usually December 2025)
- Upload all required documents (transcripts, passport, language proof/MOI, proposal, recommendations)
- Pay application fee (RMB 400 ≈ USD 55, non-refundable)
- Submit by July 15, 2026 (main deadline for September 2026 intake)
- Initial review by School of International Education
- Academic review by relevant faculty
- Final admission & scholarship decision: August–September 2026
- Receive admission letter & JW202 form → apply for X1 student visa
Tip: Contact potential supervisors early (especially PhD) — strong recommendation from ZJNU faculty dramatically increases chances.
Living Costs in Jinhua (Covered by Scholarship)
Single ¥2,500–4,500/month (Numbeo Jan 2026) Rent covered (dorm) Food ¥1,000–2,000 Transport ¥200
Stipend (if awarded) + free housing = very comfortable living.
Application Checklist
- Choose Bachelor’s/Master’s/PhD program
- Prepare MOI certificate (English programs) or HSK (Chinese programs)
- Collect & notarize transcripts/degrees
- Write strong study plan/research proposal
- Secure 2 recommendation letters
- Apply online by July 15, 2026
- Pay RMB 400 application fee
- Track ZJNU portal/email
Common Mistakes to Avoid
No HSK for Chinese-taught programs. Late submission. Weak research proposal. Not notarizing translations. Incomplete medical form after selection.
PAA: Fully funded? Yes in most cases (tuition + dorm + stipend + insurance). Deadline? July 15, 2026. No IELTS? Yes with MOI certificate (English programs).