Zhejiang Normal University (ZJNU) Sister City Scholarships 2026-2027 Open
If you’re looking for a government-backed scholarship in China that goes beyond the ultra-competitive national schemes, this is one opportunity worth serious attention. The Sister City Scholarship 2026 at Zhejiang Normal University (ZJNU) has officially opened as a city-level funding program supported by the Jinhua Municipal People’s Government, created to attract talented international students and strengthen long-term academic and cultural exchange with the world. For students planning to study in China at the undergraduate, master’s, or doctoral level, this scholarship offers a practical and accessible route to funded education in a supportive academic environment.
What makes the Sister City Scholarship unique is its focus on city-to-city international cooperation. Rather than operating only through national channels like the CSC, this program is designed to grow Jinhua’s international student community, deepen people-to-people ties with partner cities, and promote Chinese language and cultural learning through long-term study. It reflects China’s expanding strategy of local-level global education partnerships, giving international students strong institutional support at both the university and municipal level.
The scholarship comes with a clear and flexible funding structure based on the length of study. Students enrolled for one academic year or longer receive the Type A Scholarship, worth RMB 20,000 per academic year, while those studying for less than one academic year are awarded the Type B Scholarship, valued at RMB 10,000 per academic year. Funding is renewable, but recipients must pass an annual academic review to remain eligible for continued support in subsequent years—ensuring that academic performance remains central to the program.
Eligibility is broad but well-defined. The Sister City Scholarship is open to international applicants from all countries, provided they are recommended by one of Jinhua’s officially recognized sister (friendship) cities. Applicants must be non-Chinese citizens holding a valid ordinary passport, generally 18 years of age or older, and in good physical and mental health. A positive attitude toward China is expected, and candidates must have no criminal record or history of drug abuse. Language requirements depend on your program: applicants must demonstrate Chinese or English proficiency according to the teaching language of their chosen course. Academically, undergraduate applicants must hold a high school diploma and submit a China Scholastic Competency Assessment (CSCA) transcript, master’s applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree, and doctoral applicants must hold a master’s degree.
For students planning ahead, the timeline is generous but should not be taken lightly. Applications for the Sister City Scholarship 2026 at Zhejiang Normal University are accepted from 1 February 2026 until 15 July 2026. While this window is longer than many national scholarship calls, early application is strongly advised to allow enough time for document review, city-level recommendation, and admission processing.
The application process requires careful preparation of supporting documents. Applicants must upload clear electronic copies of essential materials, including a passport-size ID photo, a valid passport, and—if applying from within China—the current visa page. Academic documentation includes notarized degree certificates or pre-graduation certificates and full academic transcripts. Undergraduate applicants must include a CSCA transcript, while all candidates are required to submit a Foreigner Physical Examination Form and a non-criminal record certificate issued within the last six months. Additional required documents include a bank statement, language proficiency certificates (HSK for Chinese-taught programs or IELTS/TOEFL for English-taught programs), parents’ nationality certificates, and a study plan. Postgraduate applicants must provide two recommendation letters, and doctoral candidates must also submit a Supervisor Acceptance Letter. Applicants already studying in China need to include a performance certificate, and relevant supporting materials can be added to strengthen the application.
For students who want to study in China with local-government support, strong university backing, and less pressure than national mega-scholarships, the Sister City Scholarship 2026 at Zhejiang Normal University offers a smart, strategic option. Full application details and official guidance are available at https://iso.zjnu.edu.cn/2018/0518/c19187a517284/page.psp. With solid funding, a long application window, and a focus on international exchange, this scholarship stands out as a practical gateway into Chinese higher education for the 2026 intake.
