Study in China: Your Guide to Scholarships & Visas

Dreaming of a world-class education and new adventure? Study in China might be your perfect choice! Galaxy Abroad, a leading study visa consultant for Pakistani students, has helped hundreds of young people from Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and Kashmir secure spots – and scholarships – at top Chinese universities. In this lively guide we’ll share real success stories (like Faizan’s full scholarship in Hangzhou) and insider tips on applications, visas, and scholarship timelines. Grab a cup of chai and let’s explore how you can join the wave of Pakistanis heading to China for higher education!

Why Study in China? Benefits & Trends for Pakistani Students

China is now one of the hottest study-abroad destinations for Pakistanis. Why the surge? For starters, China hosts hundreds of thousands of international students – about 492,185 in 2023– and Pakistani students make up a growing share. In fact, over 28,000 Pakistani students are currently enrolled in Chinese universities, making Pakistan the third-largest source of foreign students there. That 28,000+ figure is even higher than the total number of Pakistanis studying in Australia, the UK and the USA combined. Put simply, China is the top study destination for Pakistanis in 2025.

There are many good reasons for this trend:

Affordable Tuition: Chinese universities charge modest fees (roughly US$2,000–4,000 per year for international students). This is far lower than comparable universities in the West or Middle East.
Generous Scholarships: The Chinese government and universities offer rich scholarship programs for Pakistani students. For example, the China Government Scholarship covers tuition, insurance, and even dorm housing or a cash stipend. Over 7,000 Pakistanis are on Chinese scholarships right now, and many top schools on our panel award additional grants for high achievers.
Academic Quality: Chinese universities are highly ranked globally. According to QS rankings, Nanjing University and Zhejiang University (two in Galaxy Abroad’s panel) were ranked #23 and #24, respectively, in 2018. Many Pakistanis can earn a degree from these world-class institutions without breaking the bank.
Immersive Experience: Studying in China means learning Mandarin and experiencing a rich new culture. China’s cities (Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou, etc.) offer exciting tech and business hubs. Plus, a large Pakistani student community in China makes it feel welcoming.
Government Support: Under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), China has eased visa rules and expanded scholarships for Pakistani students. For instance, Belt & Road “Silk Road” scholarship funds are earmarked for BRI-partner countries like Pakistan.

Quick Facts:

Over 28,000 Pakistani students in China (2023 data).
Third-largest foreign student group in China (more than Pakistanis in the US and UK combined).
Chinese Government Scholarships cover tuition, fees, insurance, and dorms.
Visa processing time is short – about 6 working days for a student visa in Karach.

Are you convinced? China’s combination of quality, affordability and scholarship support makes it an incredible opportunity for Pakistani students.

Success Stories: Pakistani Students Going to China

Faizan from Islamabad: Faizan always dreamed of engineering at a top international university. When he learned about Chinese Government Scholarships, he applied through Galaxy Abroad for Zhejiang University in Hangzhou. With Galaxy’s guidance on paperwork and interview prep, he won a full Chinese Government Scholarship. “Galaxy’s team helped me with the HSK language test and the detailed visa application,” Faizan recalls. He’s now living on campus with a free room and stipend. Faizan’s tip: “Trust the process and ask questions! The Galaxy Abroad counselors knew exactly what the Chinese embassy wanted.”

Hina from Rawalpindi: A computer science enthusiast, Hina wanted a cutting-edge program. Galaxy Abroad matched her with Nanjing University, known for its strong tech faculty. Galaxy helped her apply online (through the CSC portal and HEC portal), submit transcripts, and prepare the cover letter. When Hina received her admission letter and JW202 form, Galaxy guided her through the Karachi Visa Center appointment. Within 8 days (including her interview), she got an X1 student visa with a visa stamp. Now Hina enjoys small class sizes, and even had a part of her living expenses covered by a university stipend.

Ayesha from Azad Kashmir: Hailing from Muzaffarabad, Ayesha was the first in her family to study abroad. She had top grades but was nervous about the visa. Galaxy Abroad staff walked her through every step – from choosing a major to filling the “Visa Application for Study in China (JW201)”, to ensuring her bank statement met the Rupees ₹400,000 minimum (≈USD 2,500) per year. Ayesha applied for the China Scholarship Council program (Agency No. 5861) via Campuschina.org before the December 2024 deadline. She got accepted to Shanghai Jiao Tong University with a scholarship. Now she’s proud to be studying business in Shanghai, and the Glacier passes she brings home to her family show how careful planning pays off.

Each of these students shows that with passion and the right guidance (like Galaxy Abroad’s consulting), you can turn the China dream into reality.

Top Chinese Universities & Scholarships on Our Panel

Galaxy Abroad partners with many Chinese institutions known for welcoming Pakistani students and offering scholarships. For example:

Zhejiang University (Hangzhou): A top-10 Chinese university, Zhejiang University participates in Chinese Government Scholarships (Type A/B) and offers its own Zhejiang University scholarship. Many Galaxy Abroad students win full funding here. QS ranked Zhejiang #24 in 2018.
Nanjing University (Jiangsu): A prestigious research university (QS #23). Known for science and liberal arts programs, it also offers Chinese Government scholarships and special talent grants.
Shanghai Jiao Tong University (Shanghai): Part of China’s elite C9 League. SJTU is famous for engineering and tech; it offers both CSC scholarships and internal awards.
Fudan University (Shanghai) & Tongji University (Shanghai): Two top Shanghai schools with English-taught programs and scholarships for international students. Fudan especially is well-ranked globally.
Xiamen University (Fujian) & Sun Yat-sen University (Guangdong): Both offer strong English programs (e.g., business, engineering) with Chinese govt and provincial scholarships for South Asian students.

Galaxy Abroad can connect you with universities across China. In our experience, every year Chinese universities reserve thousands of scholarship spots for Pakistani applicants (especially under the Silk Road / BRI program). Whether it’s engineering, medicine, business or Chinese studies, we help match your interests to the right school and scholarship.

How to Apply: Timelines, Visas & Tips

Ready to start your application? Here’s a roadmap with key steps and dates:

Prepare HEC Test Scores: For Chinese Government Scholarships, Pakistan’s Higher Education Commission (HEC) requires valid test scores. Undergraduates need the University Scholastic Aptitude Test (USAT) and graduates need the HAT (Higher Education Aptitude Test). Scores must be recent (e.g. HAT ≥ Dec 2022, USAT ≥ Dec 2023 for 2025-26 applications). Plan ahead – book your HEC exam months before the scholarship deadline.
Choose Universities & Programs: With Galaxy Abroad, you’ll list top choices (e.g. Zhejiang Univ’s Mechanical Engineering, Nanjing Univ’s CS, etc.). Many Chinese programs are taught in English, but even programs in Chinese are open to internationals. Check each university’s entry requirements (e.g. 12 years of school for undergrad, Bachelor’s degree for MS/PhD).
Apply Online (Usually Jan–Apr): Chinese University applications often open in January and close by early April. You’ll apply via the China Scholarship Council portal and register on the HEC Scholarship portal (scholarship.hec.gov.pk). Submit required documents: academic transcripts, recommendation letters, personal statement, and your HEC test score.
Submit CSC Scholarship Application: For the Chinese Government Scholarship (Category A, Agency 5861), apply online at Campuschina.org or csc.edu.cn/laihua. Include your selected university and upload the HEC test. HEC will screen Pakistani applicants for this scholarship. The deadline (for 2025-26) is usually early December 2024.
University Admission & Visa Application: Once you receive an Admission Letter, you’ll need it for your visa. Gather: (a) Admission Letter from the Chinese university; (b) JW201/JW202 Form (Visa Application for Study in China) – this is issued by your university (c) Passport photos and copies of your passpor If you have a scholarship, bring the scholarship award letter; otherwise prove funds (~US$2,500 per year)
Apply for X1 Student Visa: Pakistani students planning >180-day study must get the X1 visa. Submit your documents to the Chinese Visa Application Center (e.g. in Karachi). You’ll fill the Chinese visa form and submit: the admission letter, JW201/202 form, passport, photo, financial proof, and a short cover letter. According to the Chinese Visa Centre, processing takes about 6 working days (8 days if an interview is needed). Apply at least 2-3 months before your program starts.
Accommodation & Travel: Once your visa is approved, book flights and dorms. Many universities provide on-campus dormitories with utilities and basic furnishings. Arrival packages or orientation sessions are common for international students.

Useful Tips:

Stay Organized: Keep copies of every form (admission letter, visa forms JW201/JW202, proof of funds) as you’ll need them for visa stamping.
Scholarship Coverage: Remember, Chinese Government Scholarships typically cover tuition, fees, health insurance, and dormitory housing or a stipend. This can save you tens of thousands of dollars.
Do Your Homework: Check visa rules on the official Chinese Visa Application Service Center site. For example, their FAQ notes the 6-day processing time and required documents for student visas.
Interview Prep: Be ready to explain your study plan in China. Practice basic Mandarin greetings if possible – it impresses embassy officers.
Deadlines: Mark your calendar! CSC scholarship deadlines and university deadlines can’t be missed. The 2025–26 Chinese Government Scholarship cycle had a Dec 9, 2024 deadline.

By following these steps and with Galaxy Abroad’s help (from paperwork to interview coaching), you can make your China study ambitions real.

Why Choose Galaxy Abroad as Your Study Visa Consultant

Navigating foreign university admissions and visas can be daunting – that’s where Galaxy Abroad shines. As your trusted partner, we offer:

Expert Guidance: We know the ins and outs of each Chinese university’s requirements. Our counselors matched Faizan with the right scholarship program at Zhejiang University and coached him through the application.
Personalized Support: Each student is unique. We help you craft a strong personal statement, prepare for any tests (like HSK or interviews), and choose universities aligned to your major.
End-to-End Service: From evaluating your academic record to applying for the CSC scholarship, and finally booking your visa appointment, we’re with you at every step. Ayesha from Kashmir said our detailed checklist kept her on track so she didn’t miss a single document.
Local Convenience: With offices in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, we offer face-to-face consultations. You can drop in with your questions or even apply in our office if you like – we are here to make the process as smooth as possible.

In short, Galaxy Abroad becomes your “study in China” partner. We combine up-to-date knowledge (including 2025 trends and regulations) with passionate support. As one student put it, “With Galaxy’s help, China didn’t feel far away or scary – it felt like home.”