The Belt and Road Scholarship is a scholarship program initiated by the Chinese government to support international students from countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The Belt and Road Initiative, also known as the One Belt One Road (OBOR) Initiative, is a significant global development strategy launched by China in 2013. It aims to promote connectivity and cooperation between China and countries in Asia, Europe, Africa, and Oceania through infrastructure development, trade, and cultural exchange.

The Belt and Road Scholarship provides opportunities for students from these participating countries to study in China. The program is intended to enhance educational exchange, foster understanding and friendship between China and other BRI countries, and support the development of these countries by investing in human capital through education.

What are the Eligibility Requirements for the Belt and Road Scholarship:

In general, the following are the typical eligibility criteria for the Belt and Road Scholarship:

• Nationality: Applicants must be citizens of countries that are part of the Belt and Road Initiative. These are primarily countries in Asia, Europe, Africa, and Oceania that are involved in the economic and infrastructure development initiative.
• Educational Background: Applicants should meet the academic requirements for the program they are applying to. This could be for a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree program. Usually, there are minimum GPA or academic score requirements for consideration.
• Language Proficiency: For programs taught in Chinese, applicants are required to have a certain level of proficiency in the Chinese language. They may need to submit a valid HSK (Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi) certificate to prove their Chinese language ability. Some programs may be offered in English, in which case proficiency in English (usually demonstrated through TOEFL or IELTS scores) would be required.
• Health Requirements: Applicants should be in good health to pursue studies in China. A medical examination report may be required as part of the application process.
• Application Documents: Applicants need to submit a complete set of application documents, which typically includes transcripts, certificates, recommendation letters, a study plan or research proposal, and a copy of the passport.
• Age Limit: There might be age restrictions for certain levels of study. For example, some scholarship programs may have an upper age limit for applicants.
• Commitment: Applicants should express a genuine interest in the Belt and Road Initiative and demonstrate how their studies in China will contribute to the development of their home countries and promote mutual understanding and cooperation between China and their countries.

Source: Pexels.com

What is the total award for the Belt and Road Scholarship:

The scholarship typically covers the following expenses:

1. Tuition Fees: The scholarship usually covers full or partial tuition fees for the duration of the study program.
2. Accommodation: Some scholarship programs may provide free or subsidized on-campus accommodation.
3. Stipend: Recipients of the Belt and Road Scholarship often receive a monthly living allowance to cover their basic living expenses during their study in China.
4. Comprehensive Medical Insurance: The scholarship may include medical insurance coverage for the duration of the study program.

What are the Eligibility Criteria for the Belt and Road Scholarship:

The typical eligibility criteria for the Belt and Road Scholarship were as follows:

1. Nationality: Applicants should be citizens of countries that are part of the Belt and Road Initiative. These countries include those in Asia, Europe, Africa, and Oceania that are involved in the economic and infrastructure development initiative.
2. Academic Background: The scholarship is available for various academic levels, including undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral degrees. Applicants should meet the academic requirements for the program they are applying to. This often includes having a certain minimum GPA or academic score.
3. Language Proficiency: Depending on the language of instruction for the chosen program (Chinese or English), applicants may need to demonstrate their language proficiency. For programs taught in Chinese, applicants might need to submit a valid HSK (Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi) certificate to prove their Chinese language ability. For programs taught in English, TOEFL or IELTS scores may be required.
4. Health Requirements: Applicants should be in good health to pursue studies in China. A medical examination report may be required as part of the application process.
5. Age Limit: Some scholarship programs may have an upper age limit for applicants, typically around 35 years old for master’s degree applicants and 40 years old for doctoral degree applicants.
6. Commitment: Applicants should demonstrate a genuine interest in the Belt and Road Initiative and explain how their studies in China will contribute to the development of their home countries and promote mutual understanding and cooperation between China and their countries.

How To Get a Student Visa for China

1. Receive an Acceptance Letter: First, you need to apply and be accepted into a recognized Chinese university or educational institution. You will receive an acceptance letter or admission notice from the institution confirming your enrollment.
2. Prepare Required Documents: Gather all the necessary documents for the visa application. Typical documents include your passport, a completed visa application form, passport-sized photos, the acceptance letter from the Chinese institution, and proof of financial ability to cover your study and living expenses in China.
3. Apply at the Chinese Embassy or Consulate: Locate the nearest Chinese embassy or consulate in your country and submit your visa application. Ensure that you check the specific visa requirements and application procedures on the official website of the Chinese embassy or consulate in your country, as they may vary slightly from location to location.
4. Medical Examination (if required): In some cases, you may need to undergo a medical examination at an authorized hospital or clinic in your home country before applying for the visa. Check the requirements to see if a medical exam is necessary.
5. Pay the Visa Fee: Pay the required visa application fee when submitting your application. The fee may vary depending on your nationality and the type of visa you are applying for (e.g., X1 or X2 student visa).
6. Wait for Processing: The visa processing time can vary, so it’s advisable to apply well in advance of your intended travel date.
7. Collect Your Visa: Once your visa application is approved, you will receive your visa sticker in your passport. Check all the details on the visa to ensure they are correct.
8. Travel to China: With your student visa in hand, you can travel to China. Upon arrival, you may need to register with the local police station within 24 to 72 hours, depending on the local regulations.

The Annual and Renewable Options For This Scholarship

This is an annual scholarship opportunity.

The deadline date is stated as April 30, 2024.

There is an interview that students advancing towards being selected for this scholarship which is mentioned as starting on April 8, 2024.

Other available scholarships to look at are Fully-funded The Asian Development Bank – Japan Scholarship Program (ADB-JSP) for Postgraduate Students from ADB Member Countries, The University of Tokyo, Japan 2024 or $5,000 UNSW 2023 Scholarship Program for International Students.

All applicants should consult the contact webpage that is in the contact section of this page if a question has not been answered. Beforehand check the university’s FAQs page to see if anything can be answered right away.

All students should check with the university website about any delays or changes to the open submission window or deadline time frame. This is the best way to see if anything needs to be reviewed or changed before submitting their application. Anyone can sign up to receive a university website newsletter to stay updated on the latest information.

Any student unsure about the rules and guidelines meant to be followed by the recipient should consult the website link provided. Anyone looking for more information that is not found on the website should contact the email address.

We also suggest that all applicants read through the information guideline page that is available through the original scholarship link. This way, the individual can navigate the website correctly and identify the real scholarship online application. So far there has been no mention of any delays for this opportunity or any cancellations.