Here is a list of some scholarships that will help you study in China or Taiwan. This list is not exhaustive -- if you know of other opportunities, let me know and I'll add them here!
In addition to the below, be sure to check out the scholarships offered by your institution's Chinese program, your college's study abroad office, and the study abroad program you'll be attending.
Updated June 2021. This is only intended to be a reference -- please check scholarship pages for the most up-to-date information!
| Scholarship | Amount | Description | Academic Eligibility | Other Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship | Up to $8,000 (base $5,000 scholarship plus $3,000 Critical Need Language Award) | The U.S. Department of State’s Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship is a grant program that enables students of limited financial means to study or intern abroad | "Good standing" | Current Federal Pell Grant recipient; US citizenship; current 2- or 4-year university student; see website for other requirements |
| Blakemore Foundation Scholarship | Full tuition, I think | This scholarship is awarded for one academic year (two semesters or three quarters) of advanced level language study at the Inter-University Program or the International Chinese Language Program (see Study Abroad page for more info on these programs) | Very strong students -- this is a highly competitive scholarship | US citizen or permanent resident; already have at least a Bachelor's degree; already have studied Chinese for at least three years; uses Chinese in their career; be able to study only Chinese for the length of the scholarship |
| Critical Language Scholarship | Covers tuition and room & board (see description) | This is actually a study abroad program, but if you are admitted, most of your expenses are covered. The program is an intensive overseas language and cultural immersion program for students at U.S. colleges and universities. It is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State with funding provided by the U.S. Government and administered by American Councils for International Education. | Very strong students -- this is a highly competitive scholarship | US citizen currently in a degree-granting program at a 2- or 4-year institution |
| Foreign Language and Area Studies Awards | Academic year (grad school): $18,000 Academic year (undergrad): $10,000 Summer (grad and undergrad): $2,500 |
This is a federally-funded scholarship designed to provide support and funding to graduate and undergraduate students studying the languages and cultures of specific foreign countries, in particular those in the strategic interest of the United States of America. The way this scholarship works is that the US government allocates funding to specific universities, and then the universities themselves use the funding to issue scholarships | Likely depends on the institution (see Description Section) | Varies, but you definitely have to be studying at an institution that receives FLAS funding. Reach out to your university and go from there. |
| Freeman Asia | Summer: Up to $3,000 Semester/Quarter: Up to $5,000 Academic Year: Up to $7,000 |
The Freeman-ASIA program is designed to support U.S.-based undergraduates with demonstrated financia | Min GPA: 2.8 | Demonstrated financial need; US citizens and permanent residents only; current 2- or 4-year college student; have little previous experience in China/Taiwan; see website for other requirements |
| Fulbright Program | Varies, but the program can provide substantial amounts of funding | The Fulbright Program aims to improve intercultural relations, cultural diplomacy, and intercultural competence between the American people of the United States and other countries through the exchange of persons, knowledge, and skills. Via the program, competitively-selected American citizens including students, scholars, teachers, professionals, scientists and artists may receive scholarships or grants to study, conduct research, teach, or exercise their talents abroad. | Very strong students -- this is a highly competitive scholarship | US Citizenship; other eligibility requirements vary depending on which award type you apply to |
| Fund for Education Abroad | Varies | The Fund for Education Abroad aims to provide several different scholarships and ongoing support to students who are underrepresented among the U.S. study abroad population | Varies | Varies |
| Henry Luce Foundation/ACLS Program in China Studies Early Career Fellowship | Up to $50,000 | This program seeks to maintain the vitality of China Studies in North America through fellowships for scholars early in their careers. It supports research and writing with a priority given to proposals based on the applicant's research in China. Research in Hong Kong, Macau, Tibet, Xinjiang, and Taiwan is eligible. | N/A | US or Canadian citizens/permanent residents who have a PhD from a US/Canadian institution, or non-US/non-Canadian citizens who have long-term affiliation with a US/Canadian university |
| Huayu Enrichment Scholarship | About $850 per month (issued for 3-12 months) | The Huayu scholarship is intended to bring to Taiwan foreign students with potential who are interested in the Mandarin language, to promote Mandarin and traditional Chinese writing, and to increase foreign students' understanding of the culture and historical development of Taiwan. The scholarship is funded by the Taiwanese government. |
"Excellent academic record" | Applicants must be foreign nationals with at least a high school diploma and must be of good moral character |
| NSEP Boren Awards for International Study | 8-11 weeks: Up to $8,000 (STEM majors only) 12-24 weeks: Up to $12,500 25-52 weeks: Up to $25,000 |
Provides funding for students to study less commonly taught languages in world regions critical to U.S. interests. In return, students agree to work for the federal government for up to one year. | Very strong students -- this is an extremely competitive national scholarship | US citizens willing to commit to a year of federal service; students of 4-year colleges and master's programs |
| Project Global Officer | Full ride (tuition, room and board, textbooks, meals, visas, class fees, insurance, and travel expenses) | Project Global Officer (Project GO) is a collaborative initiative that promotes critical language education, study abroad, and intercultural dialogue opportunities for Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) students. | Not indicated on website | Must be a US citizen; must be an undergraduate or graduate student on track to commission through the Army, Naval, or Air Force Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC), contracted or non-contracted, at a regionally accredited college or university in the United States. Marine Platoon Leaders Class (PLC) students are also eligible. |