If you’re an international student with a strong academic record and aspirations to pursue a PhD, the Zhengzhou University President Scholarships 2026 offer an outstanding opportunity.
Located in China’s Henan Province, Zhengzhou University (ZZU) is one of the country’s largest and most research-intensive institutions.
The President Scholarship is designed to attract excellent foreign scholars by offering full funding for doctoral studies, including tuition, accommodation subsidy, and a living stipend. In this article you will find a summary table, followed by detailed information on the scholarship’s benefits, eligibility, application process, deadlines and FAQs.
Zhengzhou University President Scholarship Summary Table
| Item | Details |
| Host Country | China |
| University | Zhengzhou University (ZZU) |
| Level / Category | Doctoral (PhD) – Fully Funded Postgraduate Scholarship |
| Eligible Countries | All nationalities (non-Chinese citizens) |
| Coverage / Reward | Full tuition waiver; accommodation subsidy (CNY 1,000/month); monthly stipend (CNY 3,500) |
| Duration | Normally 3 – 4 years (full-time PhD) |
| Application Deadline | December 15, 2025, for March 2026 intake; June 15, 2026, for September 2026 intake |
Scholarship Details & Benefits
The President Scholarship at Zhengzhou University is fully funded, meaning recipients do not pay tuition and receive additional financial support to cover living costs. The main features include:
- Full exemption of tuition fees for the duration of the PhD program.
- Accommodation subsidy: CNY 1,000 per month.
- Monthly stipend: CNY 3,500 per month.
- Duration generally aligned with the standard PhD length (3 to 4 years), depending on discipline.
- Programs may be offered in Chinese or English, depending on the discipline and supervisor.
This level of support allows international students to focus on research without a major financial burden.
Who is Eligible? (Requirements)
To apply for the scholarship, applicants must meet certain eligibility criteria:
- Be a non-Chinese citizen, in good health, and have no criminal record.
- Hold a master’s degree (or equivalent) by the time of application; in some countries with 18-year systems (e.g., Pakistan), special conditions apply.
- Be under 40 years old at the time of application.
- Have a solid academic record and demonstrate research potential.
- Language proficiency:
- For English-taught programs: IELTS 6.5+ or equivalent certificate from prior institution.
- For Chinese-taught programs: HSK Level 5 (score of 210+) or equivalent.
- Not currently enrolled as a PhD student in a Chinese university at the time of application.
Please verify with the relevant department or supervisor for any additional requirements.
Application Process – Step by Step
Here is how to apply for this scholarship:
- Choose your research discipline and identify a potential supervisor at Zhengzhou University who aligns with your research interests.
- Prepare all required documents, including: CV, valid passport copy, master’s and bachelor’s degree certificates and transcripts (with English or Chinese translations if needed), research proposal, study plan, two recommendation letters, language proficiency proof, physical examination report (valid within 6 months), no‐criminal-record certificate, publications/awards (if any).
- Submit your online application via the ZZU Online Application System for International Students (no application fee; no need for printed hard copies).
- Await evaluation: ZZU will review applications and typically announce results within 4–6 weeks after the deadline.
- Upon selection, receive the admission and scholarship award letter, then complete enrollment and visa procedures.
For more details about the scholarship, visit the official website here.
Tips for a Strong Application
- Contact a potential supervisor at ZZU ahead of time; an acceptance or interest from a supervisor strengthens your application.
- Tailor your research proposal: align with your chosen department’s strengths, clearly articulate objectives, methodology and your contribution.
- Ensure your transcripts, translations, and certificates are correctly notarised and clearly presented.
- For those from non-English speaking countries: if you have studied in English medium previously, check whether that can substitute for IELTS/TOEFL. Some sources note flexibility.
- Apply early to avoid last-minute issues and ensure health certificates, translations, and other documents are ready.
FAQs
Is this scholarship available for master’s programs?
The President Scholarship is primarily targeted at PhD level (doctoral) international students.
Do I need to know Chinese to apply?
Not necessarily. Some programs are taught in English. But if your program is in Chinese, you will need HSK Level 5 (or equivalent).
Can I apply if I already hold another Chinese scholarship?
Generally not; many sources note that you should not hold another full scholarship concurrently.
What happens after I receive the scholarship award letter?
You will follow the university instructions to register, deposit, obtain visa (often X1 type for full-time study), and begin your program in China.
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