Full Scholarship in China Without IELTS (CSC, Provincial & University Awards)

Many students assume you need an IELTS score to study in China. You do not — and you can even secure a full scholarship without IELTS if you pick the right program. The trick is choosing a Chinese-taught program (which uses HSK instead of IELTS) or a language/foundation program that requires no language test at all.

This guide covers the scholarships that can cover your full costs, and the specific GBA programs that let you apply without an IELTS certificate.

The key insight: IELTS is only required for English-taught degree programs. Chinese-taught programs ask for HSK (a Chinese test), and non-degree language programs often ask for no language certificate at all.

What "Full Scholarship" Actually Covers

The most generous option is the Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC), which can cover the full cost of study:

• Full tuition — your program fees are waived.
• Accommodation — free on-campus housing (or a housing subsidy).
• Monthly living stipend — paid to you throughout your studies.
• Comprehensive medical insurance — included.

For the complete CSC application process, deadlines and tips, see our dedicated CSC Scholarship guide.

Scholarships You Can Apply For (GBA Focus)

Beyond the CSC, the Greater Bay Area offers several awards verified across our university data:

• Guangdong Government Scholarship — a provincial award for international students, commonly ¥10,000, with the "Outstanding International Student" tier reaching ¥10,000–30,000.
• University presidential scholarships — e.g. the SCUT Presidential Scholarship and SYSU Presidential Scholarship.
• International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarship — for students heading into Chinese teaching.
• Dyun Foundation Scholarship — up to ¥28,000/year at Shenzhen Polytechnic University.
• Li Ka Shing Foundation — supports Chinese language students at Shantou University.

Full details on the provincial award are in our Guangdong Government Scholarship guide, and for African students specifically, our African students scholarship guide.

3 Ways to Study in China Without IELTS

1. Choose a Chinese-taught program (HSK instead of IELTS)

Chinese-taught degrees require an HSK score, not IELTS. For example, at South China Normal University a bachelor's needs HSK 4 ≥ 180 and a master's HSK 5 ≥ 180; at Jinan University Chinese-taught study targets HSK 5 ≥ 180. If you are willing to study in Chinese, IELTS never enters the picture.

2. Choose a language or foundation program (no test at all)

Non-degree Chinese language programs across the GBA accept students with no language proficiency required — just a high school diploma. Examples from our verified data include:

• Shenzhen Polytechnic University — ¥7,000/semester (Dyun Foundation scholarship available).
• Shantou University — ¥7,500/semester (Li Ka Shing Foundation support).
• Guangzhou Huashang College — ¥8,000/semester, dorm included.
• Foshan University — ¥8,500/semester.
• Guangdong University of Foreign Studies — ¥8,600/semester.
• Jinan University — ¥8,850/semester.
• South China Normal University — ¥8,900/semester.
• Shenzhen University — ¥11,000/semester.

These are ideal stepping stones: learn Chinese first, then apply for a Chinese-taught degree (and its scholarships) later. See our full Chinese language program with visa support guide.

3. Ask about a "medium of instruction" letter

Some English-taught programs accept proof that your previous education was conducted in English (a letter from your school) instead of an IELTS certificate. This is not universal, so always confirm with the university or with a StudyinGBA advisor before applying.

Reminder: "No IELTS" does not mean "no language requirement." Chinese-taught programs still need HSK, and English-taught programs need some proof of English. Only non-degree language programs truly require no test.

How to Apply for a Full Scholarship (Step by Step)

1. Pick your program and language track — Chinese-taught (HSK) or a no-test language/foundation program.
2. Choose your scholarship — CSC for full funding, or Guangdong/university awards as complements.
3. Prepare documents — passport, diploma, transcripts, HSK certificate (if any), recommendation letters, study plan.
4. Submit through the CSC system and/or the university's own portal.
5. Wait for the admission + scholarship result, then apply for your X1 visa.

Ready to start? Browse our programs directory or get a free eligibility check through our application page.