Xiamen University New International Students Scholarships 2026 (Tuition + Monthly Stipend in China)

Introduction

For many international students, studying in China offers a rare combination of world-class education, cultural immersion, and access to one of the world’s fastest-growing research environments. Yet the cost of studying abroad can still be a significant barrier for talented applicants from around the world.

This is exactly why the Xiamen University New International Students Scholarships were created.

Established in 2006, the scholarship program allows outstanding international students to pursue Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees at Xiamen University (XMU) with tuition coverage and, in some cases, a monthly living allowance.

For postgraduate students, the financial support mirrors the standards provided under China’s prestigious Chinese Government Scholarship system, offering substantial monthly stipends that help students focus on academic research rather than financial pressure.

Founded in 1921 by the renowned overseas Chinese philanthropist Tan Kah Kee, Xiamen University has grown into one of China’s most respected higher-education institutions. The university consistently ranks among the country’s top academic institutions and is included in major national initiatives such as:

• Project 211
• Project 985
• Double First-Class Initiative

These government-backed programs support China’s most promising universities in achieving global academic leadership.

Today, Xiamen University hosts more than 47,000 students, including thousands of international scholars pursuing degrees in fields ranging from marine science and economics to artificial intelligence and global governance.

The university operates across four campuses:

• Siming Campus
• Zhangzhou Campus
• Xiang’an Campus
• Xiamen University Malaysia

Nestled between lush green hills and the blue waters of the South China Sea, the Siming campus is widely considered one of the most beautiful university campuses in the world.

But beauty is only part of the story.

XMU has also built a strong reputation in global research, with several disciplines achieving top global rankings:

• Chemistry
• Marine Science
• Biology
• Ecology
• Statistics
• Pedagogy

In fact, 19 XMU disciplines rank within the global top 1% of the Essential Science Indicators (ESI), while chemistry, materials science, and engineering rank in the global top 0.1%.

This combination of academic strength, international collaboration, and scholarship funding makes the Xiamen University New International Students Scholarships 2026 one of the most attractive opportunities for students seeking high-quality education in Asia.

For ambitious learners looking to gain international exposure, build global research networks, and study at a highly respected Chinese university, this scholarship may be a gateway to an extraordinary academic journey.

Overview of the Xiamen University Scholarship Program

The Xiamen University New International Students Scholarship is an institutional scholarship designed to attract talented international students who wish to pursue full-time degree programs at XMU.

Unlike many scholarships that focus only on postgraduate studies, this program supports students across three academic levels:

• Undergraduate (Bachelor’s programs)
• Graduate (Master’s programs)
• Doctoral programs (PhD)

The scholarship primarily covers tuition fees, and for top postgraduate students it also includes monthly living stipends.

Key Scholarship Highlights

Feature	Details
Host University	Xiamen University
Country	China
Scholarship Type	University-funded
Degree Levels	Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral
Coverage	Tuition fees + possible monthly stipend
Application Period	Dec 1, 2025 – April 10, 2026
Number of Awards	Limited competitive quotas

Unlike large government programs that award thousands of scholarships annually, this program offers a small number of highly competitive awards, making academic excellence and strong applications essential.

Academic Structure at Xiamen University

XMU operates through a large and diverse academic structure including:

• Graduate School
• Six academic divisions
• 35 schools
• 17 research institutes

The university also maintains a strong global collaboration network, with cooperation agreements with 277 universities worldwide.

This international outreach strategy ensures that students gain exposure to global academic standards, international exchange programs, and collaborative research opportunities.

XMU also leads China’s international Chinese language education initiatives, operating:

• 14 Confucius Institutes
• 34 Confucius Classrooms
• Programs across five continents

The creation of Xiamen University Malaysia marked another milestone, making XMU the first Chinese university to establish a full international campus abroad.

For international students seeking a globally connected academic environment, these partnerships can open doors to exchange programs, joint research, and international career pathways.

Eligibility Criteria

Before applying for the Xiamen University New International Students Scholarship, applicants must ensure they meet both academic and age eligibility requirements.

These requirements differ depending on the level of study.

General Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be non-Chinese citizens
• Meet admission requirements of the selected academic program
• Demonstrate strong academic performance
• Provide authentic application documents
• Maintain good health and conduct

Applicants should also carefully review the specific admission requirements for their chosen program.

Educational Background and Age Limits

The scholarship includes different eligibility rules depending on the academic level.

Bachelor’s Degree Applicants

Applicants must:

• Hold a high school diploma or equivalent qualification
• Be under 25 years old as of September 1 of the academic year
• Meet the language requirements of the chosen program

Bachelor’s programs typically last four to five years, depending on the academic discipline.

Master’s Degree Applicants

To apply for a master’s program scholarship, candidates must:

• Hold a bachelor’s degree
• Be under 40 years old
• Meet program-specific language and academic requirements

Master’s programs typically run for two to three years.

Doctoral Degree Applicants

Doctoral applicants must:

• Hold a master’s degree
• Be under 45 years old
• Demonstrate research potential and academic excellence

Doctoral programs usually require four years of study.

Applicants may also need to secure a potential supervisor’s support, especially for research-based doctoral programs.

Academic Programs Available

Xiamen University offers a wide range of degree programs for international students across multiple disciplines.

Programs are available in Chinese and English, depending on the field of study.

Chinese-Medium Bachelor's Programs

https://admissions.xmu.edu.cn/Programs/Chinese_Medium_Bachelor_s.htm

Chinese-Medium Master's Programs

https://admissions.xmu.edu.cn/Programs/Chinese_Medium_Master_s.htm

English-Medium Master's Programs

https://admissions.xmu.edu.cn/Programs/English_Medium_Master_s.htm

Chinese-Medium Doctoral Programs

https://admissions.xmu.edu.cn/Programs/Chinese_Medium_Doctoral.htm

English-Medium Doctoral Programs

https://admissions.xmu.edu.cn/Programs/English_Medium_Doctoral.htm

Students can explore fields such as:

• Economics and finance
• International relations
• Artificial intelligence
• Marine science
• Environmental studies
• Business administration
• Public administration
• Chinese language and culture
• Data science
• Statistics

Because XMU ranks among the global leaders in marine science and chemistry, these programs are particularly attractive to research-focused students.

Duration of Scholarships

The scholarship duration depends on the degree level.

Degree Level	Scholarship Duration
Bachelor's	4–5 years
Master's	2–3 years
Doctoral	4 years

However, scholarships are reviewed annually.

Recipients must pass the annual scholarship review to continue receiving funding in subsequent years.

The review evaluates:

• Academic performance
• Research progress
• Attendance and conduct
• Compliance with university regulations

Students who fail the review may have their scholarship suspended or cancelled.

Benefits and Financial Value

Although this scholarship does not cover every possible cost of studying abroad, it offers significant financial support.

The program includes two scholarship categories.

Scholarship Quota and Coverage

Program	Category	Coverage	Quota
Bachelor’s	Second-Class	Tuition fees only	5
Master’s	First-Class	Tuition + RMB 3,000 monthly stipend	3
Master’s	Second-Class	Tuition fees only	8
Doctoral	First-Class	Tuition + RMB 3,500 monthly stipend	3
Doctoral	Second-Class	Tuition fees only	5

Monthly Living Allowance

For First-Class postgraduate scholarships, the monthly stipends are:

Degree Level	Monthly Stipend
Master's	RMB 3,000
Doctoral	RMB 3,500

These stipends help cover expenses such as:

• Accommodation
• Meals
• Local transportation
• Study materials

While costs vary by lifestyle, many international students find that this stipend significantly reduces financial pressure during their studies.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Applying for the Xiamen University scholarship involves two major steps:

1. Apply for admission to XMU
2. Submit the scholarship application

Importantly, scholarship consideration only occurs after admission to the university.

Step 1: Choose Your Academic Program

Start by reviewing the list of programs offered to international students.

Choose a program that aligns with your:

• Academic background
• Career goals
• Language proficiency

Step 2: Submit the Online University Application

Applicants must complete their application through the XMU online portal:

http://application.xmu.edu.cn

During the application process, you will upload digital copies of required documents.

Step 3: Download and Complete the Scholarship Application Form

Applicants must download the official scholarship application form:

https://admissions.xmu.edu.cn/info/1141/1747.htm

The form must be:

• Completed in English or Chinese
• Signed by the applicant

Step 4: Upload Documents

Upload the completed scholarship form to the application portal along with the required materials.

There is no need to send paper documents by mail.

Step 5: Wait for Admission Review

Once submitted, the Admissions Office will review the application.

Applicants should:

• Regularly check their email
• Monitor their online application account
• Keep their phone available

Admissions staff may contact applicants for additional information.

Required Documents

Applicants should prepare a complete application package before starting the process.

Typical documents include:

• Completed scholarship application form
• Academic transcripts
• Degree certificates
• Passport copy
• Language proficiency certificates
• Personal statement
• Research proposal (for postgraduate applicants)
• Recommendation letters
• CV or resume

Incomplete or fraudulent applications will not be considered.

Authenticity of documents is taken very seriously.

Important Tips for a Successful Application

Competition for scholarships at top Chinese universities can be intense.

Here are several strategies that can strengthen your application.

1. Focus on Academic Excellence

XMU prioritizes students with strong academic records.

High grades and academic achievements significantly improve your chances.

2. Demonstrate Clear Academic Goals

Your personal statement should clearly explain:

• Why you chose the program
• Your career goals
• How the degree fits your long-term plans

Admissions committees look for students with clear purpose and motivation.

3. Secure Strong Recommendation Letters

Choose referees who:

• Know your academic work well
• Can provide detailed insights into your abilities
• Are respected professionals or professors

Generic letters are less effective.

4. Align Your Research Interests

For master's and doctoral applicants, aligning your research interests with faculty members can strengthen your application.

Consider reviewing faculty profiles and contacting potential supervisors when appropriate.

5. Submit Early

Although the application period extends until April 10, 2026, submitting earlier gives you more time to resolve any documentation issues.

Deadline and Application Timeline

Applicants must carefully follow the scholarship timeline.

Application Stage	Timeline
Application Opens	December 1, 2025
Application Deadline	April 10, 2026
Evaluation Period	April – June 2026
Results Announcement	Mid-July 2026

The final results will be published on the official admissions website.

Official Verification and Source Links

Students should always verify scholarship details using official sources.

Official contacts:

Admissions and Examinations Office
Xiamen University
Fujian Province, China
Postcode: 361005

Telephone:
0086 (0)592 2184792
0086 (0)592 2188375

Email:
admissions@xmu.edu.cn

Website:
http://admissions.xmu.edu.cn

Related Opportunities

Readers exploring this scholarship may also find these guides helpful:

• Fully funded scholarships for international students
• ALU Financial Aid 2026: Complete Guide to African Leadership University
  
• Kepler College Evening Program Applications Open
  
• Ashesi University Scholarships 2026 in Ghana For international students
  
• Best scholarships in China for international students

These resources can help applicants strengthen their chances across multiple scholarship opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Xiamen University Scholarship fully funded?

The scholarship partially covers costs. Tuition fees are covered, and top postgraduate students may receive a monthly living stipend.

Can international students apply for undergraduate programs?

Yes. International students can apply for bachelor’s programs if they hold a high school diploma and are under 25 years old.

Do I need to know Chinese to apply?

Some programs are taught in Chinese, while others are offered in English. Applicants must meet the language requirements of their chosen program.

How competitive is the scholarship?

The scholarship has limited quotas, making it highly competitive. Strong academic performance and well-prepared applications are important.

When will the scholarship results be announced?

Results are typically published in mid-July on the official Xiamen University admissions website.

Can students lose the scholarship?

Yes. Scholarships are reviewed annually. Students must maintain good academic performance to continue receiving funding.

Conclusion

The Xiamen University New International Students Scholarships 2026 provide a valuable opportunity for talented students worldwide to study at one of China’s most respected universities.

While the scholarship quotas are limited, the combination of tuition coverage, potential living stipends, world-class research facilities, and international academic partnerships makes this program an attractive option for ambitious learners seeking global educational experiences.

Students considering this opportunity should begin preparing their application materials early, carefully review program requirements, and ensure that all documents are accurate and complete.

A thoughtful application that clearly communicates academic goals and potential contributions to the university community can significantly strengthen your chances.

Before applying, always verify the latest scholarship information through the official Xiamen University admissions website to ensure that requirements and deadlines remain unchanged.

Exploring international scholarships like this one can open doors not only to higher education but also to global career pathways, research collaborations, and life-changing cultural experiences.

 

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