USTB International Student Dingxin Scholarship 2026 | Fully Funded
Also known officially as the USTB Chancellor Scholarship, the USTB International Student Dingxin Scholarship 2026 represents the University of Science and Technology Beijing’s premier institutional funding scheme. Designed to attract high-caliber global talent across Bachelor’s (4 years), Master’s (2–3 years), and Doctoral (4 years) degree tracks, the award provides fully funded and partial waivers alongside monthly living stipends at China’s leading metallurgy and materials science powerhouse.
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The application window for the 2026–2027 academic intake ran from 1 November 2025 through 30 April 2026 via the university’s online application portal (onlineapply.ustb.edu.cn). Final official selection notifications are released by late June 2026, with digital admission letters and official visa documentation (Form JW202) dispatched via email during July 2026 to allow scholars to complete study visa processing ahead of Autumn campus registration.
For prospective international applicants preparing for the 2027–2028 application cycle—which opens in November 2026—understanding USTB’s research profile, the multi-tiered funding options, age thresholds, and the strategic relationship between the Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) and the Dingxin award is vital for building a competitive file. Information verified August 2026 from official USTB International Student Center disclosures.
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A Founding-Era Engineering University With Real National Standing
The University of Science and Technology Beijing was founded in 1952, formed through the consolidation of the strongest departments from five prominent Chinese universities during a nationwide reorganization of the higher education system. It’s since grown into one of China’s most influential national universities under the Ministry of Education, designated within both the historic Project 211 initiative — China’s programme to develop around 100 first-rate universities — and the more recent Double First-Class Construction initiative. Its core strength lies in engineering, balanced by programmes across science, management, humanities, economics, and law.
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The Dingxin Scholarship exists specifically to draw high-caliber international students and researchers into that environment, and USTB has structured it deliberately alongside China’s national scholarship system rather than as a fully independent alternative — master’s and doctoral applicants are specifically encouraged to apply concurrently for the Chinese Government Scholarship’s High-Level Postgraduate Program, since doing so can improve their chances of also being considered for Dingxin funding.
USTB International Student Dingxin Scholarship Summary
| Scholarship Name ⇒ | USTB International Student Dingxin |
| Host Country ⇒ | China |
| Study Level ⇒ | Undergraduate, Master’s and PhD |
| Benefits ⇒ | Full or partial coverage of tuition, on-campus accommodation, living allowance, and medical insurance |
| Funded by ⇒ | University of Science and Technology Beijing |
| Eligible Countries ⇒ | All countries |
| Application Deadline ⇒ | 2026-27 cycle ran November 1, 2025, to April 30, 2026, and is now closed. Based on this pattern, the next cycle is expected to open around November 1, 2026 |
Eligibility Requirements
General Eligibility Requirements
- Nationality: Must be a non-Chinese citizen holding a valid foreign passport.
- Health & Conduct: Must be in good physical and mental health, with a clear criminal record and good academic standing.
- Academic & Age Thresholds:
- Undergraduate: High school diploma; maximum age of 30 (Note: general USTB undergraduate admission allows up to 35, but scholarship criteria enforce the 30-year limit).
- Master’s Degree: Bachelor’s degree; under 40 years old.
- Doctoral Degree: Master’s degree; under 45 years old.
Language Proficiency Requirements
- Chinese-Taught Programs:
- Undergraduate: Minimum HSK Level 4.
- Graduate (Master’s & PhD): Minimum HSK Level 4 (HSK 5 preferred for direct major entry; students with HSK 4 may be required to take a 1-year elementary Chinese course).
- English-Taught Programs:
- Standard requirements for non-native English speakers: IELTS 5.5–6.0, TOEFL 70–80, or an official English Proficiency Certificate issued by your previous institution.
Departmental & Major-Specific Criteria
Separate from basic scholarship eligibility, USTB evaluates applicants through subject-specific requirements:
- Undergraduate Entrance Assessment (CSCA Exam): All international undergraduate applicants must pass the China Studies for College Admission (CSCA) entrance examination.
- Mathematics Test: Mandatory for all undergraduate majors.
- Physics or Chemistry Test: Mandatory for all Science, Engineering, and Agriculture programs.
- Language of Exam: Subject tests are conducted in English for Environmental Engineering and Materials Science & Engineering; all other Chinese-taught programs conduct the exam in Chinese.
- Graduate Admission (Master’s & PhD):
- Academic review of degree certificates, official transcripts, and a detailed Study Plan/Research Proposal (minimum 1,000 words).
- Two Recommendation Letters from professors or associate professors.
- Departmental interview or online assessment arranged by individual USTB schools.
- Acceptance letter from a USTB supervisor (optional, but highly recommended for PhD applicants).
What the USTB International Student Dingxin Scholarship Covers
USTB structures Dingxin funding across two tiers rather than a single fixed package:
- Full Scholarship: covering tuition fees, on-campus accommodation, a living allowance, and comprehensive medical insurance — the complete funding package
- Partial Scholarship: covering one or several of the items included in the full scholarship, rather than the complete set
Because scholarship duration is fixed to the programme length stated in your admission letter and generally cannot be extended, and continued funding depends on passing an annual review, treat the award as conditional on sustained academic performance throughout your programme rather than a guaranteed grant for the full stated duration regardless of progress.
For context on costs outside the scholarship itself, students living in Beijing without full coverage have generally budgeted roughly €4,000 to €7,000 per year for accommodation, food, and personal expenses, with on-campus dormitories available as a more affordable option.
Required Documents
1. Identity & Official Application Forms
- Valid Foreign Passport: Copy of the passport bio-page (must be an ordinary passport valid for at least 6 months past the application date).
- USTB Admission Application Form: Completed online, downloaded, printed, signed, and uploaded back with a passport-style photo.
- Scholarship Application Form: Required if applying for scholarships like the Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) or USTB Chancellor/Dingxin Scholarship. Complete the form in the corresponding portal (e.g., CSC Portal or USTB Portal), print, sign, and upload.
2. Academic Credentials & Proof of Status
- Highest Diploma / Graduation Certificate:
- Graduates: Official diploma or graduation certificate (Notarized copy in Chinese or English).
- Prospective Graduates: Official Pre-Graduation Certificate / Proof of Enrollment issued by your current institution confirming your expected graduation date.
- Official Academic Transcripts: Signed/stamped transcripts for all years of study corresponding to your applied level, including course lists and grading schemes (Notarized copy in Chinese or English).
- Notarization Requirement: Documents in languages other than Chinese or English must be accompanied by an official notarized translation.
3. Language Proficiency Proof
- Chinese-Taught Programs: Official HSK Certificate (HSK Level 4 for Undergraduates, HSK Level 5 for Master’s, HSK Level 6 for PhDs).
- English-Taught Programs: Official proof of English proficiency (IELTS minimum 5.5–6.0, TOEFL minimum 70–80, or an official English Medium of Instruction letter if prior studies were conducted entirely in English).
4. Academic & Professional Supporting Documents
- Personal Statement / Study Plan: Written in Chinese or English.
- Master’s Applicants: Minimum 800–1,000 words.
- PhD Applicants: Detailed research proposal, minimum 1,500 words.
- Two Recommendation Letters: Required for Master’s and PhD programs. Must be issued by Professors or Associate Professors, signed, stamped, and include referee contact details.
- Supervisor Acceptance Letter (Optional/Recommended): Acceptance letter from a USTB professor (strongly recommended for Master’s and PhD candidates).
- Academic Achievements (Optional): Abstracts of published academic papers, patents, or certificates of academic awards.
5. Health, Conduct, & Financial Clearances
- Foreigner Physical Examination Form: Completed official health form filled out by an accredited physician, including blood work, chest X-rays, and ECG results (valid for 6 months).
- Non-Criminal Record Certificate (Police Clearance): Official police report verifying no criminal history issued within 6 months of submission.
- Letter of Financial Guarantee: Completed USTB financial statement accompanied by a bank statement proving sufficient funding.
Application Deadline
The 2026-27 cycle’s application window ran from November 1, 2025, to April 30, 2026, and has now closed. Approved applicants can expect their Admission Letter and Visa Application Form for Study in China (JW202) forwarded to their host institution by June 30. Based on this consistent annual pattern, the next application window is expected to open around November 1, 2026, running through approximately April 30, 2027.
How to Apply for the Next Cycle
The 2026-27 window is closed, but USTB’s process has followed a consistent structure:
- Watch USTB’s International Student Center or online application portal (onlineapply.ustb.edu.cn) for the opening of the next cycle, expected around November 1, 2026, based on the current pattern.
- Confirm your eligibility based on your intended study level, particularly the specific age threshold and prior qualification requirement.
- For master’s or doctoral applicants specifically, plan to apply concurrently for the Chinese Government Scholarship’s High-Level Postgraduate Program, since USTB has indicated this improves your chances of Dingxin consideration.
- Prepare your notarized diploma, academic transcripts, and any programme-specific materials well in advance of the application window opening.
- Complete the online application, selecting the Dingxin Scholarship option and uploading all required documents.
- Pay the non-refundable application fee at submission.
- Submit your complete application within the roughly six-month window, historically running from early November through the end of April.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the USTB Dingxin Scholarship still accepting applications for 2026-27?
No. The application window ran from November 1, 2025, to April 30, 2026, and has closed. The next cycle is expected to open around November 1, 2026.
Is this the same as the USTB Chancellor Scholarship?
Yes. The Dingxin Scholarship is also referred to as the USTB Chancellor Scholarship — they’re the same programme under two names.
Does the scholarship always cover everything, or are there partial awards?
Both options exist. USTB offers a Full Scholarship covering tuition, accommodation, living allowance, and medical insurance, as well as Partial Scholarships covering one or more of those same items rather than the complete package.
Do I need to apply separately for the Chinese Government Scholarship as well?
Not required, but recommended for master’s and doctoral applicants specifically — USTB has stated that applying concurrently for the Chinese Government Scholarship’s High-Level Postgraduate Program can improve your chances of also being considered for Dingxin funding.
Can the scholarship duration be extended if my programme takes longer than expected?
Generally no. The scholarship duration is fixed to the programme length stated in your admission letter and cannot normally be extended.
Do I need to reapply every year to keep the scholarship?
Not a full reapplication, but you must pass an annual scholarship review to continue receiving funding throughout your programme’s stated duration.
Disclaimer: All programme details, deadlines, and eligibility criteria in this post were verified from official sources as of August 2026. Information is subject to change without notice. Always confirm the latest details directly on USTB’s International Student Center website before applying. ScholarWaka is not affiliated with the University of Science and Technology Beijing.
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