Whether it’s your first time in the middle kingdom or you want to come back for more, there are plenty of graduate studies opportunities for adventurous China scholars. We’ve put together a list of 9 options below that are fully or partially funded and would be great choices to anyone interested in China-related graduate degrees. Scholarships are listed in alphabetical order. 

1. Blakemore Freeman Fellowship

Blakemore Freeman Fellowships are awarded for one academic year of advanced level language study in East or Southeast Asia at specific programs and universities abroad. The fellowship requires a minimum requirement of three years of language study at the college level. The grant is intended to cover basic expenses including tuition, a stipend for travel, living, and study expenses. U.S. citizens and permanent residents only. Application deadline December 30, 2017. 

2. China Scholarship Council

The Chinese Government Scholarship programs aim to promote mutual understanding, cooperation, and exchanges in various fields between China and other countries. The Chinese University program within this scholarship is a fully funded opportunity for outstanding international students looking to complete graduate studies in Chinese universities. The scholarship covers university accommodation, tuition waiver, and a living stipend for each month. Application deadline specific to each program. 

3. Confucius Institute Scholarships

The Confucius Institute Scholarships provide sponsorship to students, scholars, and Chinese language teachers for pursuing studies at relevant universities in China to facilitate Chinese language, cultural relations, and the development of Confucius Institutes. Scholarship categories include one-academic-year study students and a Master’s Degree in Teaching Chinese to Speakers of Other Languages. The scholarship covers tuition, accommodation, a living stipend, and medical insurance. Application open year round. 

4. David L. Boren Graduate Fellowships

Boren Fellowships, an initiative of the National Security Education Program, provides funding opportunities for U.S. graduate students to study critical languages abroad. In exchange for funding, Boren Fellows commit to working in the federal government for at least one year after graduation. The fellowship promotes long term linguistic and cultural immersion, providing up to $24,000 for overseas study. U.S. citizens only. Application deadline January 30, 2018. 

5. Luce Scholars Program

The Luce Scholars Program provides stipends, language training, and individualized professional placement in Asia for students and young professionals in a variety of fields who have had limited exposure to Asia. The program is unique in that it is intended for young leaders who might not otherwise have an opportunity in the normal course of their careers to come to know Asia. Those with significant experience in Asia or Asian studies are not eligible. Scholars engage in intensive language study in July and August, begin their placements in September, and conclude with a wrap-up meeting in July of the following year. U.S. citizens only. Application deadline based on nominating institution’s internal application deadline. 

6. Hopkins-Nanjing Center

The Hopkins-Nanjing Center is an educational collaboration between the Johns Hopkins University and Nanjing University. HNC students can pursue three graduate study options: a one year Certificate of Graduate Studies; a two-year Master of Arts in International Studies (MAIS); and an HNC Certificate/Johns Hopkins SAIS MA in Nanjing and Washington D.C. International students at HNC take more of their courses in Chinese taught by Chinese faculty. HNC offers many fellowship opportunities, including Guaranteed Fellowships, International Scholar Fellowship, the Diversity Fellowship, Young Professionals in China Fellowship, Student Leader Fellowship, and US-China Exchange Scholars Fellowship. View application deadlines for specific programs here. 

7. Princeton in Asia

Princeton in Asia (PiA) is a program dedicated to connecting service-minded graduates and partner organizations in Asia through immersive work experiences for one year. The program sponsors over 150 fellowships and internships with Asian host organizations that contribute to important global issues at the local level, including education, public health, environmental sustainability, and media. PiA Fellows teach in schools, work with international and local nonprofits and social enterprises, and write for newspapers. Application deadline November 9, 2017. 

8. Schwarzman Scholars

Schwarzman Scholars is a fully funded, one-year Master’s Degree at Tsinghua University in Beijing designed to prepare the next generation of global leaders for the challenges of the future. Students pursue a Masters in Global Affairs, with concentrations in Public Policy, Economics and Business, or International Studies. Students live and study together on the campus of Schwarzman College, where all classes are taught in English. Application deadline September 28, 2017. 

9. Yenching Academy of Peking University

The Yenching Academy in Beijing is a fully funded residential program that offers a Master’s degree in China Studies. The program is taught in English and Scholars select classes from six research areas in the field of China Studies. Fellowships for international Yenching Scholars last 12 months, in which they complete their coursework and may complete their thesis. There is also a limited number of financial aid packages available for those who wish to remain on campus for a second year. Application deadline December 11, 2017 (universities in the U.S. & Canada), January 15, 2018 (universities in all other countries).

Interested in other opportunities for furthering your education in China? Check out our other posts 20 Scholarships to Get You to China and Your Guide to Chinese Government Scholarships