The Beijing Government Scholarship (BGS) is a premier funding initiative established by the Beijing Municipal Government to attract world-class international talent to the city’s top-tier universities. Beijing, being the political, cultural, and educational heart of China, offers a unique academic ecosystem for students pursuing both degree and non-degree programs.
Unlike the Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC), which is national, the BGS is managed at the municipal level and requires students to apply directly through their chosen Beijing-based university.
Scholarship Overview: BGS 2026
| Feature | Details |
| Host Location | Beijing, China |
| Administered By | Beijing Municipal Education Commission |
| Degree Levels | Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD, and Language Programs |
| Financial Type | Full or Partial Tuition Waiver |
| Application Deadline | End of February 2026 (Varies by university) |
Scholarship Categories & Duration
The BGS is flexible, supporting various types of international scholars for different durations.
- Degree Students:
- Bachelor’s: Up to 4 academic years.
- Master’s: 2 to 3 academic years.
- PhD: 3 to 4 academic years.
- Non-Degree Students:
- Senior Scholars / Exchange Students: Up to 1 academic year.
- Chinese Language Students: Up to 1 academic year.
Financial Benefits
The BGS primarily focuses on relieving the academic cost burden for international students.
- Tuition Fee Waiver: The scholarship covers either the full tuition or a significant partial amount for the academic year.
- Top University Access: Recipients gain entry into prestigious institutions such as Peking University, Tsinghua University, and Beijing Normal University.
- Flexibility: It can often be combined with other university-specific stipends (though generally not with the CSC scholarship).
Note: Unlike the CSC, the BGS generally does not include a monthly living stipend or free accommodation. Students are responsible for their own living expenses unless their specific university provides additional aid.
Eligibility and Age Requirements
Applicants must be non-Chinese citizens in good health and must meet the specific age caps for their level of study:
| Program | Academic Requirement | Age Limit |
| Undergraduate | High School Diploma | Under 30 |
| Master’s | Bachelor’s Degree | Under 35 |
| Doctoral (PhD) | Master’s Degree | Under 40 |
| General Scholar | 2 Years of Undergraduate Study | Under 50 |
| Senior Scholar | Master’s/Associate Professor Title | Under 50 |
| Language Program | High School Diploma | Under 60 |
Application Procedure (Step-by-Step)
The BGS application is integrated into the individual university admission process.
- Choose an Institution: Identify a Beijing-based university that is authorized to accept BGS students.
- Complete University Admission: Apply for admission to your chosen degree or language program via the university’s international student portal.
- Submit BGS Form: During the admission process, download and fill out the Beijing Government Scholarship Application Form.
- Upload Documents: Submit all required materials (transcripts, study plan, health form) to the university portal by the end of February.
- Final Review: The university evaluates the applicants and submits a recommended list to the Beijing Municipal Education Commission for final approval.