Student Life in China: Accessible Scholarships and Housing

Published on September 30, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Exploring student life in China means diving into a rich and diverse universe where scholarships play a crucial role, turning academic ambitions into accessible realities for thousands of international students.

The country offers numerous programs funded by the government or individual universities, thereby facilitating the integration of foreign students into this vast academic network.

Additionally, the issue of student housing stands out with varied options ranging from modern university dorms to private apartments, meeting diverse needs in terms of comfort and budget.

By understanding these dynamics, students are better prepared to experience a rewarding time in China, a nation that blends tradition and innovation on every street corner.

Studying in China: What You Need to Know

Scholarships for International Students

Several scholarship programs facilitate access to studies in China for foreign students:

Program	Organization	Main Benefits	Eligibility Requirements	Application Process
Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC)	China Scholarship Council	Tuition fees covered, housing, monthly stipend	Admission to a partner university, strong academic record	Online submission via CSC website, then validation by the university
China Link Scholarship	China Scholarship Council	Full funding (tuition, housing, stipend)	Full-time student at a partner university, all disciplines except Chinese	Online application, acceptance by a Chinese university
University Scholarships	Chinese Universities	Partial or full tuition, possible accommodation	Varies by university, academic results, sometimes language tests	Application on the chosen university’s website
International Partnerships	Bilateral programs, Erasmus+	Variable financial support depending on agreement	Enrollment in a partner university	Application through the international relations office

Tip: Prepare your documents (transcripts, motivation letters, language certificates) well in advance, as competition is strong and deadlines can be lengthy.

Student Housing in China

Option	Advantages	Disadvantages	Estimated Cost / Month
University Residence	Close to classes, security, affordable price, included amenities (AC, internet, cleaning, security, access to common rooms)	Sometimes inflexible (strict rules), possible shared rooms	500 to 1,000 dirhams (45 to 90 €)
City Apartment	More independence, more choices	Higher price, administrative procedures, security deposit, utilities to consider	1,500 to 3,000 dirhams (135 to 270 €)
Shared Housing	Shared expenses, friendly atmosphere	Adapting to community living, difficulty finding reliable roommates	Variable, often between 1,000 and 2,000 dirhams (90 to 180 €)

• Chinese campuses are often like small towns: supermarkets, restaurants, gyms, and green spaces are immediately nearby.
• University housing is highly sought after for its security and value for money, especially for newcomers.
• Some scholarship recipients benefit from free or heavily discounted housing, depending on the type of scholarship obtained.

Cost of Living and Practical Tips

• Affordable Daily Life: With a budget of 1,000 to 1,500 dirhams per month (90 to 135 €), it’s possible to cover food, hygiene, and daily expenses.
• Meals at the university cafeteria rarely cost more than 1 to 2 €.
• Public transportation (bus, subway) is inexpensive and reliable.
• Always check the quality and location of housing before signing a lease (visit, recent photos, reviews from former students).

Cultural Aspects and Adaptation

• Language: Mandarin is the official language. Many programs are available in English, but learning Chinese is a major asset for integration and daily life.
• Customs and Etiquette: Respect for hierarchy, importance of punctuality, politeness in formal interactions. Shared meals and traditional festivals (Chinese New Year, Moon Festival) are key moments.
• Campus Life: Sports activities, student clubs, frequent cultural outings. Social life largely revolves around the university.

Tips for Adapting Well to Life in China

• Take the time to learn basic Mandarin, even for daily use (shopping, transportation, everyday exchanges).
• Inform yourself about local customs to avoid misunderstandings (gestures, greetings, taboos).
• Participate in campus activities to build connections and integrate quickly.
• Be open to discovering a cuisine, pace of life, and organization sometimes very different from those in Europe or Africa.
• Stay in touch with other international students to share experiences and help each other with administrative procedures or small cultural shocks.

Studying in China means opening up to a dynamic academic environment, a millennia-old culture, while benefiting from an affordable and modern living framework.

Guide to Student Scholarships for China

Different Types of Student Scholarships for China

• Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC / CGS)
  Covers tuition, accommodation, medical insurance, and provides a monthly stipend. Intended for undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students. Several sub-programs exist (bilateral program, Great Wall Scholarship, EU program, etc.).
• Local University Scholarships
  Offered directly by Chinese universities (e.g., Zhejiang, Tsinghua, Shanghai Jiao Tong). Some are specific to English-taught programs.
• Regional and Provincial Scholarships
  Offered by certain provinces (Jiangsu, Guangdong, etc.), often within bilateral partnership frameworks.
• Confucius Scholarships
  Specific for learning Chinese language and culture, intended for those who wish to teach Chinese or deepen their linguistic knowledge.
• Specialized Scholarships
  Concern fields like engineering, medicine, international business, or research (e.g., China Link Scholarship for short research stays).

Comparison Table of Main Scholarships

Scholarship Name	Level Concerned	Coverage	Awarding Organization	Duration
CSC (CGS)	Undergraduate to PhD	Full	Chinese Government	1 to 5 years
Local Universities	Undergraduate to PhD	Partial or Full	Concerned University	Variable
Regional/Provincial	Undergraduate to PhD	Partial or Full	Chinese Provinces	Variable
Confucius	Undergraduate/Master’s	Full	Confucius Institute	1-2 years
China Link	Research/Short Stay	Full	CSC/University	1-12 months

Typical Eligibility Criteria

• Required Diploma corresponding to the intended study level (e.g., bachelor’s for master’s, master’s for PhD).
• Strong Academic Record (transcripts, rankings).
• Age Limit (generally 25 for undergraduate, 35 for master’s, 40 for PhD).
• Language Proficiency (English or Chinese depending on the program; sometimes HSK required for Chinese).
• Admission Letter or pre-admission from the university (often required).
• Good Health (medical certificate requested).

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Choose the Scholarship and check specific conditions.
2. Prepare Documents (see list below).
3. Submit Application via the official portal (CSC: http://www.campuschina.org/) or via the university.
4. Wait for Preselection and/or pass an interview (if required).
5. Receive Notification of award (admission letter + scholarship letter).
6. Apply for Student Visa with all received documents.

Required Documents to Apply

• Official Application Form (CSC, university, etc.)
• Diplomas and Transcripts translated into English or Chinese
• Recommendation Letter(s) (generally 2)
• Study Plan or Research Proposal
• Personalized Motivation Letter
• Medical Certificate (physical examination)
• Language Certificate (TOEFL, IELTS, HSK…)
• Passport Copy
• University Pre-admission Letter (sometimes optional but recommended)

Important Deadlines to Respect

CSC Scholarships:
Application submission generally between December and April/May for enrollment the following September.

University Scholarships:
Dates vary by university, but most close between March and June.

Confucius Scholarships:
Often close in spring for September enrollment.

It is crucial to check official calendars each year as dates change regularly.

Practical Tips to Maximize Your Chances

• Ensure Quality of Academic Record and obtain transcripts with good results.
• Write a Personalized Motivation Letter, clear, demonstrating career project and interest in China.
• Obtain Recommendation Letters from recognized professors or employers.
• Prepare a Precise Study or Research Plan aligned with university or program priorities.
• Scrupulously Respect the Document List and requested formats.
• Anticipate Deadlines, especially for certified document translation and obtaining medical certificate.

Useful Resources and Websites

• Official China Scholarship Council Portal: http://www.campuschina.org/
• Chinese University Websites (“Scholarship” section)
• Chinese Embassies and Consulates
• Specialized Platforms: chinesescholarshipcouncil.com, greatyop.com, educaresch.com

Testimonials from Scholarship Students

“Getting the CSC scholarship allowed me to study robotics in Shanghai, without fees, while discovering a fascinating culture. The monthly stipend covered my needs and I was able to travel throughout the country.”
Samira, Master’s in Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University

“Thanks to the Jiangsu provincial scholarship, I pursued a master’s in international business with students from around the world. I built an international network and secured an internship in Beijing.”
Jean, Master’s in Business, Nanjing University

Benefits and Opportunities:

• Full or Partial Financial Coverage of Studies
• Linguistic and Cultural Immersion
• International Network
• Internship and Job Opportunities in China or Internationally

Studying in China with a scholarship means opening up to unique academic, professional, and human perspectives.

Housing Options for International Students

Housing Options for International Students in China

Option	Advantages	Disadvantages
University Dormitory	– Generally low cost (80 to 300 €/month) – Immediate proximity to campus – Enhanced security – Opportunities for social interaction with other international and Chinese students – Included amenities: internet, kitchen, private or shared bathroom	– Limited spots – Less privacy – Strict rules on communal living and schedules – Restricted choice regarding room type or roommates
Private Apartment	– Total privacy – Freedom in organizing daily life and schedules – Choice of neighborhood according to preferences	– High price (often over 350 €/month) – Possible distance from campus – More complex administrative procedures (contract, deposit, etc.)
Shared Housing/Roommate	– Shared rent costs (approx. 175 to 380 €/month depending on city) – Greater geographical choice for housing – Enriching intercultural experience if sharing with Chinese – Possibility of having a larger space than an individual dorm	– Risk of conflicts between roommates – Variable comfort level depending on housing – Need for good agreement on common rules

Administrative Procedures for Renting Off-Campus Housing

• Obtain prior written authorization from your university.
• Prepare your valid passport and student visa.
• Sign a written contract with the landlord. It is advised that this document be in English or translated.
• Pay a security deposit equivalent to one or two months’ rent.
• Register with local authorities within 24 hours after moving in.

Practical Tips for Finding Safe and Affordable Housing

• Use recognized platforms like Lianjia, Anjuke, Ziroom or consult university social groups.
• Prefer a physical visit before any financial commitment; be wary of overly attractive online offers.
• Verify that the landlord has all official documents required by Chinese legislation.

Cultural Impact on Housing Choice and Adaptation to Chinese Lifestyle

University dorms are often organized collectively; this may surprise those used to more privacy but promotes rapid integration through daily exchanges among students from around the world.

Key Points Regarding Cultural Adaptation

• Respect common rules imposed in some accommodations (curfews, visitor restrictions…)
• Get used to culinary differences in daily management

Practical Tips

• Learning a few useful phrases in Mandarin facilitates communication with landlords or local roommates

Cultural diversity strongly influences the perception of chosen housing. To maximize comfort and succeed in your university stay in China, it’s essential to be open to cultural differences while remaining vigilant during administrative procedures.

Practical Tips for Living in China as a Student

Administrative Procedures for Obtaining Student Visa and University Registration

• Fill out the X1 visa application form (for stays over 180 days) or X2 (under 180 days) online, then print and sign it.
• Prepare the following documents:
  • Passport valid for at least 6 months with a blank page.
  • Recent ID photo.
  • Original admission letter from the Chinese university.
  • Original and copy of JW201 or JW202 form (provided by the university).
• Submit the application in person at the competent Chinese embassy or consulate according to your place of residence.
• After arrival in China:
  • Register your address with the Public Security Bureau (PSB) within 24 hours.
  • Apply for a residence permit within 30 days of entry for X1 visa holders.

University Registration

• Contact the international relations office of the chosen university.
• Send the registration file (often available online), accompanied by translated copies of the latest diploma and transcript.
• Obtain the admission notification and visa application form (JW201/JW202).
• Complete pre-registration 4 to 6 months before departure.

Cultural Aspects and Lifestyle Differences

• Teaching is often more lecture-based and hierarchical, with less encouraged oral participation.
• Respect for hierarchy and importance of the collective: direct confrontation is commonly avoided.
• Daily life paced by sometimes different schedules (early meals, late-open stores).
• Personal space is more limited, social life often occurs in groups.
• Communication methods rely more on mobile apps (WeChat, QQ).

Tips for Social Integration

• Participate in student clubs and university associations to meet locals and other internationals.
• Register for sports activities, cultural workshops, or outings organized by the university.
• Take part in traditional events (Chinese New Year, Moon Festival).
• Be open to language exchange, propose tandems to practice Chinese and help with French/English.

Tips for Managing Your Student Budget in China

• Prefer university cafeterias and street food for economical meals.
• Use the local transport card (subway, bus) to benefit from reduced fares.
• Rent a room in shared housing or student dorm to limit housing costs.
• Take advantage of local markets to buy fruits and vegetables at lower cost.
• Compare mobile phone and student internet offers.

Expense	Economic Tip
Housing	University dormitory, shared housing
Food	University cafeterias, street food
Transportation	Subway/bus card, shared bike
Phone	Student plans, WeChat Pay recharge
Daily Purchases	Local markets, e-commerce platforms

Useful Apps and Platforms for Daily Life

• WeChat (微信): messaging, payment, contact management, daily services.
• Alipay (支付宝): payments, financial management, urban services.
• Baidu Maps (百度地图) or Gaode Maps (高德地图): navigation, transport routes.
• Pleco: Chinese-English/French dictionary, instant translation.
• Dianping (大众点评): restaurant search, reviews, events.
• Meituan or Ele.me: home meal delivery, student offers.
• 12306: long-distance train ticket purchase.
• Douyin (抖音) and Bilibili: discovery of popular culture, videos, trends.

To facilitate integration and daily life, it is highly recommended to familiarize yourself with the main Chinese apps and subscribe to a local SIM card upon arrival.

Being curious, open, and respecting cultural differences are the keys to a successful experience in China.