Shandong University in Shandong Province, China, hosts roughly 60,000 students in its eight campuses spread in Jinan, Weihai, and Qingdao. The eight campuses collectively cover over 500 hectares of land, which houses museums, research institutes, laboratories, gardens, and libraries with massive collections of books. Each campus also offers picturesque views and impressive architecture. The university displays Chinese values and is devoted to its mission to “reserve talents for the world, and seek prosperity for the nation.”
Noble in spirit, endless in knowledge. Shandong University proves true to its motto with its visible growth over the years. For around 120 years since its establishment, the university has expanded significantly to offer 31 academic schools that cater to domestic and international students. Shandong University also gives various scholarships for international students to promote globalization, influence social diversity, and boost competitiveness. The government-run university has over 100 partner universities all over the world.
Related Scholarships
How do I apply to Shandong University Scholarships?
International students planning to take Chinese-taught courses at Shandong University have to take the Chinese Proficiency Test (HSK). They must get 210 points in HSK level 4 for Bachelor’s degree, at least 180 points in HSK level 5 for a Master’s degree, and at least 180 points in HSK level 6 for a Doctoral degree.
Applicants from the US, the UK, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand don’t have to show an English proficiency certificate. Meanwhile, applicants from non-native English-speaking countries need to meet the language proficiency requirements for English-taught courses. Applicants need to present a TOEFL report with a minimum score of 80 or an IELTS report with at least 6.0.
Interested applicants must prepare application documents in Chinese or English and have them notarized.
Bachelor’s Degree applicants may use this link as a guide for the application process. For a Master’s Degree, please click here. For a Doctoral Degree, you may check this page.
You must comply with all the documentary requirements and check the application deadlines.
Shandong University Scholarships for International Students
1. Chinese Government Scholarship
- Scholarship Link
- Scholarship Amount: comprehensive
- Degrees Offered: Bachelor; Master; Doctoral
There are two types of Chinese Government Scholarships: the Silk Road Program and the Graduate Program. They offer a full scholarship that are available at Shandong University which covers tuition, monthly allowance, accommodation allowance, and health insurance. Partial scholarships are also available. You may check more information from this link.
The Chinese Government also stipulates that applicants must meet the age requirements. Bachelor’s degree applicants must be below 25 years old. Master’s degree applicants must not be older than 35 years old, and Doctoral degree applicants must be below 40 years old.
Bachelor’s degree applicants must get HSK level 4 to avail of the government scholarship because it covers only Chinese-taught courses. Applicants may select between English or Chinese for Master’s and Doctoral programs.
2. Shandong University Scholarship for International Students
- Scholarship Link
- Scholarship Amount: Varies depending on the category
- Degrees Offered: Bachelor; Master; Doctoral
Shandong University offers scholarships for international students in three categories. The first-class scholarship covers the tuition fee for the duration of the program and monthly allowance worth RMB700 for Bachelor students or RMB1,000 for Master and Doctoral students.
The second-class and the third-class scholarships offer an annual tuition fee discount worth 50% and 20%, respectively. It is at the university’s discretion to select which scholarship class to award to eligible applicants.
The university accepts only online applications. Applicants must not apply by post. The application period usually starts in December and ends in March of the following year.
3. SDU Freshman Scholarship for International Students
- Scholarship Link
- Scholarship Amount: Varies depending on the category
- Degrees Offered: Bachelor; Master; Doctoral
Outstanding international students applying to Shandong University may apply for the SDU Freshman Scholarship. There are five categories for this scholarship, and the award selection depends mainly on the applicant’s qualifications.
The scholarship may cover any or all of the following: full or partial tuition subsidy, a monthly allowance, and accommodation allowance.
The application period starts on February 1 and ends on June 1 of each year. Regardless of the scholarship category awarded, scholars must pay for the tuition fees and accommodation on time. Scholars may receive a refund during the release of the scholarship amount on November 30 of every year.
4. China Development Bank – Distinguished International Student Scholarship
- Scholarship Link
- Scholarship Amount:
- Degrees Offered: Bachelor; Master
International students from belt and road countries and other developing countries in Asia, South Africa, and Latin America may apply for the CDB Distinguished International Student Scholarship.
Every year, universities all over China nominate up to ten candidates to receive this award from the China Development Bank. The applicants must have completed at least three years in Bachelor’s Degree or one year in Master’s Degree.
CDB offers this scholarship available at Shandong University to students who major in courses beneficial to the development of the Belt and Road, such as economics, engineering, management, finance, law, international relations, and international politics.
5. Jinan Sister City Scholarship
- Scholarship Link
- Scholarship Amount: comprehensive
- Degrees Offered: Bachelor; Master; Doctoral
Shandong University applicants from the sister cities of Jinan may apply for this scholarship. You may check the scholarship link for the list of eligible cities.
Recipients of the scholarship may avail of tuition, accommodation, and insurance subsidies. The university can provide further information about the scholarship coverage.
Interested applicants must apply for this Shandong University scholarship at least three months before enrolment at Shandong University.
6. International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarship
- Scholarship Link
- Scholarship Amount: comprehensive
- Degrees Offered: BTCSOL; MTCSOL
International students interested in teaching Chinese to speakers of other languages may apply for the International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarship. It covers full tuition, living allowance, accommodation, and health insurance.
Bachelor students may receive a monthly allowance of RMB2,500, while Master students may receive RMB3,000. The health insurance coverage is RMB800 per year.
Other short-term programs are available for international students who wish to study at Shandong University. The university offer scholarship for a four-week, a one-semester, or a one-year program.
