Shandong University Scholarship 

Scholarship Coverage

Shandong University Scholarships are of three types:

First Class Scholarship

1. Provide the tuition fee for the duration of the study;

2. Provide a monthly stipend of 700 RMB for Bachelor students and Master students. For Ph.D. students the amount is 1,000 RMB per month.

A yearly 50% reduction of the tuition fee.

Third Class Scholarship

A yearly 20% reduction of the tuition fee.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for Shandong University Scholarship, you must fulfill the following criteria:

• Required Language: English or Chinese
• Eligible Countries: All world countries except China

Degree and age requirements:

• Applicants must hold a high school graduate or an equivalent qualification and be under the age of 25 when applying for Bachelor programs;
• Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree or have an equivalent qualification and be under the age of 35 when applying for Master programs;
• Applicants must hold a Master’s degree or an equivalent qualification and be under the age of 40 when applying for Ph.D. programs.
• Have an excellent academic performance and strong scientific research skills.
• The applicant can not be awarded any other scholarship funded by the Chinese government during the period he or she receives the SDU Scholarship.

Language requirements:

For programs taught in Chinese:

• Applicants must have obtained 210 points or above in the HSK 4 test when applying for Bachelor programs;
• Applicants must have obtained 180 points or above in the HSK 5 test when applying for Master programs;
• Applicants must have obtained 180 points or above in the HSK 6 test when applying for Ph.D. programs.

For programs taught in English

• Native English speakers (U.K., U.S., Canada, New-Zealand, Australia).
• English speakers are required to submit results of IELTS (6.0 or above), TOEFL (80 points or above / My Best Scores are accepted, DI code for Shandong University: C296) or other equivalent certificates to prove English proficiency.
• English speakers who have obtained the highest degree or diploma in an institution where the language of instruction is English are not required to submit IELTS / TOEFL scores. Official proof of English as the language of instruction must be provided.

How to Apply for Shandong University Scholarship?

Please follow the following application instructions to apply for  this scholarship:

Eligible applicants must log into the SDU Online Application System for International Students (http://www.apply.sdu.edu.cn ) to complete the application. The Application Form for Shandong University Scholarship for International Students must be filled in in Chinese or English electronically. The application form should be signed by the applicant, scanned and then uploaded to the system. Applications sent by post will not be considered.

2026 Application Instructions for International Students (Bachelor Programs)

2026 Application Instructions for International Students (Master Programs)

2026 Application Instructions for International Students (Ph.D. Programs)

Note:

1. Applicants are expected to provide all application materials as requested in application instruction and will be held accountable for the authenticity of documents submitted. Applications that are incomplete or fraudulent will be rejected.
2. Applicants should be able to be contacted by SDU through the information provided.

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Shandong University Scholarship for Outstanding International Students: Complete Guide

Studying abroad is a transformative milestone, but the financial realities of international tuition, accommodation, and daily living costs can often feel like a roadblock. If you are looking to secure a world-class education without the crushing weight of student debt, China has rapidly established itself as a premier global hub for academic mobility.

Among its elite institutions, Shandong University (SDU) stands out as a highly prestigious option. To attract the world’s brightest minds, the institution funds the Shandong University Scholarship for Outstanding International Students. Whether you want to pursue a Bachelor’s degree, a Master’s program, or an advanced PhD research track, this comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know to construct a winning application.

Why Choose Shandong University (SDU)?

Established in 1901, Shandong University is one of the oldest, most historic institutions in China. It is directly supported by the Ministry of Education under Double First-Class University Plan (previously Project 211 and Project 985), which designates it as an elite university on a trajectory to achieve global top-tier status.

Spanning multiple beautiful campuses across Jinan, Qingdao, and Weihai, SDU offers an exceptional academic environment. It is globally recognized for its massive research output, cutting-edge laboratories, and a diverse community that hosts thousands of international students from over 110 countries every year. Winning an international student scholarship at an institution of this caliber ensures your degree holds significant international weight upon graduation.

Scholarship Coverage and Benefits

The Shandong University Scholarship for Outstanding International Students is highly competitive and structured into distinct tiers based on academic merit. The funding is designed to offset major educational costs, making it easier for students to focus entirely on their studies.

Depending on the specific funding tier you are awarded, the scholarship generally provides:

• Full Tuition Coverage: Waives 100% of the annual tuition fee for the standard duration of your degree.

• On-Campus Accommodation: Free university dormitory housing or a dedicated monthly housing stipend.

• Comprehensive Medical Insurance: Fully covered health insurance for the entire duration of your stay in China.

• Monthly Living Allowance: A competitive monthly stipend provided directly to the student to cover food, books, and basic utility expenses.

Available Academic Levels and Fields of Study

The Outstanding International Students funding scheme is open to high-achieving applicants across all academic levels:

1. Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor’s Degree): 4 to 5 Years

2. Postgraduate Programs (Master’s Degree): 2 to 3 Years

3. Doctoral Programs (PhD): 3 to 4 Years

SDU offers hundreds of programs taught in both Chinese and English. Major fields of study include:

• Engineering (Mechanical, Civil, and Computer Science)

• Medicine, Public Health, and Pharmaceutical Sciences

• International Economics and Trade

• Business Administration and Management

• Chinese Language and Literature

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for this elite award, applicants must satisfy strict institutional criteria. SDU looks for well-rounded individuals who demonstrate academic consistency and leadership potential.

• Nationality: Applicants must be non-Chinese citizens in good physical and mental health, holding a valid foreign passport.

• Age Limitations:

  • Bachelor’s degree applicants: Must possess a high school diploma and be under the age of 25.

  • Master’s degree applicants: Must hold a relevant Bachelor’s degree and be under the age of 35.

  • PhD degree applicants: Must hold a master’s degree and be under the age of 40.

• Academic Excellence: Applicants must have an excellent academic track record, typically graduating in the top percentiles of their previous class with a strong GPA.

• Language Proficiency Requirements:

  • For Chinese-taught programs: A minimum score of HSK 4 or HSK 5 (Chinese Proficiency Test) depending on the major.

  • For English-taught programs: Non-native speakers must demonstrate proficiency via recognized tests such as IELTS or TOEFL, unless they completed their previous degree entirely in English (proof of English medium of instruction is required).

Required Application Documents

A single missing document can lead to an automatic disqualification. Ensure you prepare and translate all documents into English or Chinese before submitting.

Step-by-Step Application Process

The application for the Shandong University Scholarship for Outstanding International Students is processed entirely online. You do not need to submit physical paper documents unless explicitly requested by the admissions office later on.

1. The Online Portal Submission

Navigate directly to the SDU International Student Online Application System. Register an account, fill out your personal information accurately, and choose your desired academic major. Select the option indicating you wish to apply for the Shandong University Scholarship. Upload all the required documents listed in the sequence above in high-resolution PDF format.

2. Application Review and Evaluation

Once the portal closes, the admissions committee conducts a multi-stage review:

• Initial Review: Verification of eligibility, passport validity, and documentation completeness.

• Academic Assessment: Departmental professors evaluate your academic merits, research potential, or portfolio.

• Interview Track: Shortlisted candidates are often invited for an online academic interview via Zoom or Skype to test language skills and subject knowledge.

Pro-Tips for a Winning Scholarship Application

Because this scholarship covers substantial financial costs, thousands of global students apply annually. To give yourself a competitive edge:

• Connect with a Professor First: For Master’s and PhD candidates, browse the SDU faculty directory. Email a professor whose research aligns with yours and ask for a Provisional Acceptance Letter. Attaching an SDU professor’s acceptance letter to your application vastly increases your chances of success.

• Polish Your Research Proposal: Avoid generic essays. Clearly explain what problem you want to solve during your time in China and how SDU’s specific laboratories or academic staff can help you solve it.

• Submit Early: Do not wait until the final week of the deadline. High traffic can slow down the online application system, and early applicants often secure interview spots faster.

Final Thoughts

The Shandong University Scholarship for Outstanding International Students provides an incredible runway to earn a globally competitive degree without financial stress. By aligning your application materials with SDU’s high academic standards, you can position yourself to claim a spot at this prestigious institution. Start preparing your transcripts, language test certificates, and reference letters today to beat the next application window.