The China-Stipendien-Programm supports highly qualified students during two semesters of language or subject study at a university in mainland China. Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes runs the program with funding from its regular federal scholarship resources.
Up to 15 scholarships are awarded each year, including to applicants who are not already Studienstiftung scholars. The program combines university study with language preparation, academic planning support and exposure to Chinese society and higher education.
Benefits & funding
- Monthly support for up to 12 months includes a €300 study-cost allowance and a parent-income-dependent domestic stipend of up to €855.
- Depending on individual circumstances, recipients may also receive health and long-term care insurance support, a foreign allowance and a BAföG abroad supplement.
- The program provides a travel subsidy, while the China Scholarship Council covers tuition fees in China.
- Non-members admitted through the program also enter the Studienstiftung, with access to its educational program and the China program alumni network.
- Preparation includes a compulsory three-week intensive language course in March, a June seminar and study-planning support.
Eligibility
- Applicants may be enrolled in a Bachelor or state-examination program from the end of the second semester; Master’s students must apply by the end of their first semester.
- The Master’s, Diplom or state-examination qualification must still be incomplete when the China stay begins in September 2027; doctoral and pre-doctoral projects are ineligible.
- Students in art, design, music and film are excluded unless they are already Studienstiftung scholars admitted through its artistic selection procedure.
- Chinese-language knowledge and previous China experience are not required.
- The program expects very strong academic results; its FAQ says applicants should rank within the top 10% of their cohort and pursue a broad, intensive course of study.
- Formal access follows Studienstiftung and BAföG rules: routes depend on the country of study, residence status and nationality; EU or EU-candidate nationals, as well as Ukrainian and Moldovan nationals, have an additional route when permanently studying toward a degree in Germany.
- Study must be full time, and there is no age limit.
Can you apply?
Here's who can apply
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Education required
Bachelor Enrolled · Master Enrolled
Appears to have an age limit “Up to 15”
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Application process
- 1Download and complete the current application pack linked from the program page.
- 2Prepare the required supporting material, including a prose CV and a motivation letter covering the China plan, its academic and career relevance, expectations, prior engagement with China and the current planning status.
- 3Ask a professor to send the required recommendation directly to the program, then email the complete application as a PDF attachment to the published program address by the deadline.
- 4External applicants who pass preselection attend an end-of-November selection seminar; current Studienstiftung scholars are selected from their written applications.
- 5Selected scholars apply for a Chinese university place through the China Scholarship Council by February 2027 and may list three university preferences.
Program timeline
Digital information session.
September 2, 2026
Application deadline.
October 1, 2026
Selection seminar for shortlisted external applicants.
End of November 2026
Within two weeks after the seminar
Selection decisions.
China Scholarship Council university application.
By February 2027
Three-week intensive language course.
March 2027
Preparation seminar.
June 2027
Two-semester study period begins in China.
September 2027