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China

NPU President Scholarship

Deadline:
April 30, 2026
Chinese national flag waving in front of the Oriental Pearl Tower in Shanghai, symbolizing China’s academic excellence and representing the NPU President Scholarship.
The Deadline for this scholarship has already passed

Overview

The NPU President Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship offered by Northwestern Polytechnical University (NPU) in Xi’an, China to excellent international students applying for Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD programs.

It is available for all majors open to international students and can cover full tuition, on-campus accommodation, and a monthly living allowance, depending on the scholarship level awarded.

Scholarship selection is competitive and is carried out together with the regular admission process. Early applicants have a better chance of being considered

Details

Bachelor

  • Duration: 4 years
  • Major List can be found at the bottom of this page

Master

PhD

FAQ

Timeline

All NPU President Scholarship applicants must apply through the regular NPU online application for their degree program. Application periods are split into batches, and September / Fall intake only is available.

Undergraduate (Bachelor’s)

  • 1st batch: 1 November 2025 – 15 January 2026
  • 2nd batch: 16 January 2026 – 15 March 2026
  • 3rd batch: 16 March 2026 – 15 April 2026
  • 4th batch: 20 April 2026 – 20 May 2026

Note: When the number of accepted students reaches capacity, the program may close earlier. September intake only.

Master’s & PhD

  • 1st batch: 1 November 2025 – 15 January 2026 (17:00, GMT+8)
  • 2nd batch: 16 January 2026 – 28 February 2026 (17:00, GMT+8)
  • 3rd batch: 1 March 2026 – 31 March 2026 (17:00, GMT+8)
  • 4th batch: 1 April 2026 – 30 April 2026 (17:00, GMT+8)

Note: Applications submitted after a batch deadline are automatically counted in the next batch, and after 30 April 2026 they are treated as giving up the application.

Eligibility Criteria

General (applies to all degrees)

  • Citizenship:
    • Must be a non-Chinese citizen with a valid passport.
    • Former Chinese citizens must have obtained foreign nationality and cancelled Chinese nationality at least 4 years ago, plus have 2+ years of actual foreign residence within the last 4 years (9+ months abroad per year counts as one full year).
    • If one or both parents are Chinese citizens, applicants must submit proof of foreign nationality at birth or certificates showing cancellation of Chinese nationality.
  • Health:
    • Good physical and mental health; no infectious diseases or serious conditions that would affect normal study.
  • Academic performance:
    • Strong academic record with an average score of at least 75% (or equivalent) in previous studies.
    • For CSC scholarship applicants the bar is usually higher (80%+), but for the NPU President Scholarship the minimum is 75%.
  • Language proficiency:
    • Applicants must meet NPU’s Chinese or English language requirements, depending on the teaching language of the chosen program. (See degree-specific section below.)

Undergraduate (Bachelor’s)

  • Age & education:
    • Under 23 years old by 1 September 2026.
    • Must hold (or be about to receive) a high school diploma by 1 September 2026.
  • Academic / tests:
    • High school average ≥ 75%.
    • NPU accepts international exams such as SAT, A-Level, IB or regional high-school graduation / university entrance exams.
    • Applicants must also provide a CSCA (China Scholastic Competency Assessment) result before 20 May 2026, or submit a commitment letter stating the planned test month.
    • Subject combinations in CSCA depend on the intended major (science & engineering, literature/business, materials/biology). Full details are on the official CSCA website.
  • Language:
    • For Chinese-medium programs: HSK 5 (≥180).
    • For English-medium programs: at least one recognised English test, typically IELTS 6.0+ (no band < 5.5), TOEFL iBT 80+, Duolingo 115+, or equivalent qualifications (e.g., certain Cambridge exams).
    • Native Chinese or native English speakers applying in their own language may be exempt, as per NPU’s language policy.

Master’s

  • Program duration: 2.5 years, full-time, Fall intake only.
  • Age & education:
    • Under 30 years old by 1 September 2026.
    • Must hold a Bachelor’s degree by 1 September 2026.
  • Academic:
    • Previous degree average ≥ 75% (80%+ usually required for CSC, but 75% for NPU President Scholarship consideration).
    • Additional evidence of academic ability such as GRE/GMAT can be submitted but is not mandatory.
  • Language:
    • For Chinese-medium programs: HSK 5 (≥200).
    • For English-medium programs: normally IELTS 6.5+ (no band < 5.5), TOEFL iBT 90+, Duolingo 120+, or PTE Academic 60+.
    • Native speakers in the teaching language may be exempt from language test submission.

PhD

  • Program duration: 4 years, full-time, Fall intake only.
  • Age & education:
    • Under 35 years old by 1 September 2026.
    • Must hold a Master’s degree by 1 September 2026.
  • Academic:
    • Previous study average ≥ 75% (higher for some CSC programmes).
    • Strong research background is expected; applicants should show scientific research achievements (publications, patents or research awards).
  • Language:
    • Same as Master’s: HSK 5 (≥200) for Chinese-medium, or IELTS 6.5+, TOEFL iBT 90+, Duolingo 120+, or PTE Academic 60+ for English-medium.

Required Documents

Common documents (all levels)

  • Passport information page
    • Valid until at least late 2026 (exact date differs slightly by guide).
    • If currently in mainland China, also upload a copy of your valid visa or residence permit.
  • Completed online application form (via NPU application portal).
  • Non-criminal record (valid for 6 months).
  • Physical Examination Form for Foreigners (valid for 6 months, fully completed with photo, stamps and signatures).
  • Language certificate (HSK or recognised English test), unless exempt as a native speaker of the teaching language.
  • Bank statement (usually around USD 5,000 for yourself or your parents).
  • Any extra documents requested by the university or specific school (e.g. portfolios for architecture/design).

Undergraduate (Bachelor’s) – extra documents

  • High-school diploma / graduation certificate (or expected graduation proof) and all high-school transcripts.
  • CSCA test result (or commitment letter with planned test month, then result by 20 May 2026).
  • Personal statement (based on NPU template) and CV; talent show video if available.
  • Proof of awards / research activities (if any).
  • Guardian Guarantee Letter for applicants under 18 on 1 November 2026.

Master’s – extra documents

  • Bachelor’s diploma (degree + graduation certificate; pre-graduation certificate accepted for those about to graduate).
  • Full undergraduate transcripts.
  • Two recommendation letters from professors/associate professors.
  • Study plan for the Master’s program (using NPU template).
  • Supervisor acceptance letter:
    • Required for certain schools (e.g. Aeronautics, Materials, Mechanical, Electronics & Information, Physical Science and Technology, Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Life Sciences, Foreign Studies).

PhD – extra documents

  • Both Bachelor’s and Master’s diplomas (degree + graduation certificates; pre-graduation certificate allowed for students finishing soon).
  • Transcripts for all semesters of both Bachelor’s and Master’s studies.
  • Two recommendation letters from professors/associate professors.
  • Study plan for the doctoral program (NPU template).
  • Supervisor acceptance lettermandatory for all PhD applicants.
  • Evidence of research achievements (publications, patents, research awards).

Note: Exact templates and latest forms are on NPU’s website

Documents

Eligible Countries

Open to all nationalities except Chinese citizens. Former Chinese citizens and applicants with Chinese parents must meet NPU’s specific nationality rules.

Funding

The NPU President Scholarship has three levels. Coverage differs slightly by degree level.

1) First Level

  • Tuition: 100% tuition waiver
  • Accommodation: Free on-campus accommodation
  • Monthly living allowance (12 months/year):
    • Undergraduate: 1,500 RMB/month
    • Master’s: 2,000 RMB/month
    • PhD: 3,500 RMB/month

2) Second Level

  • Tuition: 100% tuition waiver
  • Accommodation / stipend: normally not included (students cover their own living and housing costs)

3) Third Level

  • Tuition: 50% tuition waiver

Note: All scholarship recipients must pass an annual performance review. The university can adjust the level (upgrade, downgrade or cancel) based on academic results and overall performance.

Funding

How to Apply

  1. Check eligibility and choose a program
    • Review the 2026 Bachelor / Master / PhD guides and the major lists for your degree level.
  2. Prepare all documents
    • Collect and scan all required documents (passport, diplomas, transcripts, language certificate, CSCA result if undergraduate, recommendation letters, study plan, supervisor acceptance letter where needed, etc.).
  3. Create an account & complete the online application
    • Register on the NPU online application portal and fill in the application form in English or Chinese.
    • Upload all required documents before the deadline.
  4. Pay the application fee
    • Pay the non-refundable application fee of 600 RMB (about 90 USD) through the system to validate your application. (Payment methods and bank details are on the NPU site)
  5. Application review & interview
    • The Admissions Office verifies documents; academic schools assess your academic ability.
    • Qualified applicants are invited to an online interview or examination within about 7–10 working days after each batch deadline.
    • Admission / scholarship results are usually emailed about a week after the interview/exam.
  6. Registration deposit (initial fee)
    • Admitted students pay a registration deposit (normally about 3,000 RMB for scholarship candidates; third-level/self-funded students may need to prepay 50% of the tuition fee, depending on degree level).
    • The deposit is refundable after on-site registration in the first academic year.
  7. Admission documents & visa
    • After payment is confirmed, NPU issues electronic Admission Notice and JW201/JW202 forms.
    • Use these to apply for a student (X1) visa at the Chinese embassy/consulate in your country.
  8. Registration at NPU
    • Complete online registration in early August and on-site registration from late August to early September (exact date is in the Admission Notice).
    • Failing to register on time without a valid reason may lead to cancellation of admission and scholarship.

Important Notes

  • The scholarship is tied to your degree application, so you apply once via the NPU online portal.
  • You can usually receive only one major scholarship funded either by the Chinese government or NPU (e.g., CSC or NPU President Scholarship, not both).
  • Scholarship and admission reviews are processed batch by batch; early applications receive priority.
  • All documents must be in Chinese or English, or accompanied by notarised translations.
  • NPU strictly checks for authenticity. Fake or altered documents can result in withdrawal of admission and scholarship, even after you have enrolled.
Support

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