By: Hammad Ishaq | AI/ML Engineer
Last verified on: November 4, 2025

1) Overview: what the program is, who runs it, purpose

The NPU International Scholarships 2026 is a scholarship scheme administered by NPU, a key Chinese research university located in Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, China. NPU provides multiple scholarship types for international students — primarily the Chinese Government Scholarship – Bilateral Program (Agency No. 10699) and the NPU President Scholarship. (en.nwpu.edu.cn)

The purpose is to attract outstanding international students to NPU’s undergraduate, master’s and doctoral programmes, support tuition/fees/living costs, and promote international exchange and academic excellence.

2) Benefits/funding: amounts, duration, what is/ isn’t covered

Benefits – major scholarship types

From official NPU scholarship page:

• Chinese Government Scholarship – Bilateral Program (Type A, Agency No. 10699): covers tuition, insurance, accommodation, and living allowance (for undergraduates, the official site mentions 2,500 RMB/month for freshmen scholarship). (studyat.nwpu.edu.cn)

• NPU President Scholarship: three levels: Excellence Scholarship (tuition + accommodation + insurance + living allowance), Full Scholarship (100% tuition waiver), Partial Scholarship (50% tuition waiver). (studyat.nwpu.edu.cn)

  • Living allowance examples (from NPU site): Undergraduate: 1,500 RMB/month; Master’s: 2,000 RMB/month; PhD: 3,500 RMB/month. (studyat.nwpu.edu.cn)

• Xi’an City “Belt and Road” International Students Scholarship: for certain eligible international students; e.g., full or partial tuition + stipend. (en.nwpu.edu.cn)

Duration / coverage

• Undergraduates: typical duration ~ 4 years (for full bachelor’s) — the programme guide shows 4 years for PhD as well.

• Master’s: ~ 2.5 years for full-time. (studyat.nwpu.edu.cn)

• PhD: ~ 4 years full-time. (studyat.nwpu.edu.cn)

What is covered / Not covered

• Covered: tuition fee waiver (depending on scholarship level), accommodation (in many cases full or partial), medical insurance, living allowance (stipend) for selected scholarship winners. (en.nwpu.edu.cn)

• Not covered (or not guaranteed): Some partial scholarships cover only part of tuition (e.g., 50%). For example under NPU President Scholarship partial level covers 50% tuition. (studyat.nwpu.edu.cn)

• For self-funded or non-top levels: costs may include accommodation, textbooks, living expenses not covered by stipend. Applicants should check the tuition fee (for non-scholarship case) – e.g., Undergraduate English-medium tuition ~ 25,000 RMB/year. (studyat.nwpu.edu.cn)

3) Eligibility: citizenship/residency, academic level, fields, time limits

Citizenship / health / other general

• Applicants must be non-Chinese citizens with valid passports. (studyat.nwpu.edu.cn)

• Applicants should be in good physical and mental health (no infectious or serious disease that affects normal study). (studyat.nwpu.edu.cn)

• If applicant used to be a Chinese citizen or has one or both parents who are Chinese citizens, extra proof is required (e.g., certification of nationality change, 2-year residence abroad in last 4 years). (studyat.nwpu.edu.cn)

Academic level & age limits

• Undergraduate: Must hold a high school diploma and generally under 23 years old by 1 September 2026. (The NPU President Scholarship page: under age 23 for undergrad applicants by Sept 1, 2026) (studyat.nwpu.edu.cn)

• Master’s: Must hold Bachelor’s degree and generally under 30 years old by 1 September 2026. (studyat.nwpu.edu.cn)

• PhD: Must hold Master’s degree and generally under 35 years old by 1 September 2026. (studyat.nwpu.edu.cn)

  • Note: Some less formal sources list PhD age up to 40 years old. That appears not official from NPU’s guide, which specifies 35 years for doctoral in 2026 guide. (studyat.nwpu.edu.cn)

Fields / programmes

• All majors offered by NPU for international students are eligible for the scholarships. (studyat.nwpu.edu.cn)

• Majors mentioned include: Aeronautics, Astronautics, Materials Science & Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science & Technology, Business Administration, etc. (studyat.nwpu.edu.cn)

Additional conditions

• Language proficiency: Applicants must meet the English or Chinese language requirements depending on the medium of instruction. For example, English-medium majors may require IELTS/TOEFL; Chinese-medium may require HSK. (studyat.nwpu.edu.cn)

• Academic performance: For NPU President Scholarship: previous average score of ≥75% or above equivalent. (studyat.nwpu.edu.cn)

4) Timeline & deadlines

Application batches (for 2026 intake)

According to NPU master, PhD guides (2026):

• Undergraduate: first batch Nov 1, 2025 – Jan 15, 2026; second batch Jan 16-Mar 15, 2026; third Mar 16-Apr 15, 2026; fourth Apr 20-May 20, 2026. (studyat.nwpu.edu.cn)

• Master’s: first batch Nov 1, 2025 – Jan 15, 2026; second Jan 16-Feb 28, 2026; third Mar 1-Mar 31, 2026; fourth Apr 1-Apr 30, 2026. (studyat.nwpu.edu.cn)

• PhD: first batch Nov 1, 2025 – Jan 15, 2026; second Jan 16-Feb 28, 2026; third Mar 1-Mar 31, 2026; fourth Apr 1-Apr 30, 2026. (studyat.nwpu.edu.cn)

Scholarship-specific deadlines

• For Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) applicants (type B) the deadline is Feb 28, 2026 17:00 (GMT+8) for master/PhD. (studyat.nwpu.edu.cn)

• Results and selection timeline: University will process about four batches of applicant selections based on application order; results announced via registered email. (studyat.nwpu.edu.cn)

• Program start: Fall (September) intake only. (studyat.nwpu.edu.cn)

Important to note

All dates mentioned are Beijing time (GMT +8). (studyat.nwpu.edu.cn)

5) How to apply (step-by-step)

Here are the standard steps for applying:

1. Check eligibility: Ensure you meet nationality, age, academic, language and health criteria.

2. Choose programme and major: Select the bachelor, master or PhD programme at NPU you wish to apply to (via NPU International College major list). (studyat.nwpu.edu.cn)

3. Prepare documents (see Section 7).

4. Online application via NPU portal:

   • Visit the official NPU online application portal: admission.nwpu.edu.cn (studyat.nwpu.edu.cn)

   • Create account, complete personal info, upload documents, pay non-refundable application fee (600 RMB approx.) as applicable. (studyat.nwpu.edu.cn)

5. If applying for Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC): In addition, apply on the CSC online system (at studyinchina.csc.edu.cn), choose Scholarship Type B, Agency No. 10699. (This step is for those who want CSC scholarship) (Bright Scholarship)

6. Review & interview: NPU will review materials; qualified applicants may be invited to interview; notification by e-mail. (studyat.nwpu.edu.cn)

7. Admission decision: Successful applicants will receive admission notice & JW202 form (for visa).

8. Registration & visa: Pay any required deposit, complete registration, apply for China X1 visa, and arrive at NPU in time for fall term. (Registration usually late August/early September) (studyat.nwpu.edu.cn)

6) Required documents checklist

Here’s a checklist of documents that you must prepare:

• Valid passport copy (personal info page) – must be valid at least until December 31, 2026 for 2026 intake. (studyat.nwpu.edu.cn)

• Highest diploma/certificate of previous degree (or expected graduate certificate if not yet graduated).

• Academic transcripts for each academic year/semester.

• Language proficiency certificate (IELTS/TOEFL/Duolingo for English-medium; HSK for Chinese-medium) unless exempt. (studyat.nwpu.edu.cn)

• Study plan or research proposal (in English or Chinese) – especially for master and PhD. (Bright Scholarship)

• Letters of recommendation (for master’s/PhD: two professors) – required for PhD and many masters. (studyat.nwpu.edu.cn)

• Acceptance letter from supervisor (PhD and some master’s) – check major list. (studyat.nwpu.edu.cn)

• Non-criminal record certificate (valid within 5-6 months) – required. (Bright Scholarship)

• Physical examination form for foreigners (valid within recent six months) – required. (studyat.nwpu.edu.cn)

• For undergraduate applicants under 18: guardian’s authorization letter and guardian’s ID copy. (Bright Scholarship)

• Application fee payment proof (600 RMB approx.). (studyat.nwpu.edu.cn)

7) Selection criteria & what reviewers look for

When reviewing applications, NPU emphasises the following:

• Academic excellence: strong grades/transcripts; for postgraduate and PhD applicants, relevant research experience or publications. (studyat.nwpu.edu.cn)

• Language proficiency appropriate to programme medium.

• Health and conduct: Applicants should have good physical and mental health, abide by Chinese laws, and respect Chinese customs/habits. (studyat.nwpu.edu.cn)

• Timeliness: Early application increases chance of scholarship as selection is batch-based with priority for early applicants. (studyat.nwpu.edu.cn)

• Fit of chosen major and motivation: Study plan or research proposal should clearly show readiness and interest in the chosen programme.

• For scholarship awards: performance and potential for innovation, leadership (especially for “Excellence” level of NPU President Scholarship). (studyat.nwpu.edu.cn)

• Annual review: Scholarship winners must pass yearly review to maintain benefits (e.g., attendance, academic performance). (studyat.nwpu.edu.cn)

8) Practical tips to strengthen an application

• Apply early in the first batch: Because selection gives priority to early applicants in each batch, apply in first window to maximise chances.

• Language certification ready: Even if programme is English-medium, include IELTS/TOEFL/Duolingo score to reinforce your readiness. If Chinese-medium, prepare HSK certificate.

• Tailor study plan or research proposal: Demonstrate how your academic/professional background aligns with chosen major, emphasise how NPU and China’s research environment will help you.

• Highlight research achievements (especially for masters/PhD): Publications, conference papers, projects strengthen application.

• Strong recommendation letters: Choose referees who know your work well, can speak about your academic potential, innovation, and fit for international study.

• Show global or cultural engagement: Because this is an international scholarship, showing cross-cultural experience, leadership in student activities, or international outlook helps.

• Highlight commitment to China and NPU: Demonstrate awareness of NPU’s strengths (for example aeronautics, astronautics, materials science) and how you plan to contribute.

• Ensure document quality and translation: All documents not in Chinese or English must be notarised translations; keep originals, prepare scanned versions. (studyat.nwpu.edu.cn)

• Be ready for the annual review: Maintain good grades and attendance; avoid disciplinary issues once enrolled.

• Budget for arrival and visa early: Even with scholarship you’ll need to consider flight, WiFi, mobile, possible refundable deposit, and living costs until stipend begins.

9) Official links & Apply now

• NPU Scholarship overview page: “Scholarship-Northwestern Polytechnical University” (en.nwpu.edu.cn) (en.nwpu.edu.cn)

• NPU President Scholarship page: “NPU President Scholarship” (studyat.nwpu.edu.cn) (studyat.nwpu.edu.cn)

• NPU Online Application portal: admission.nwpu.edu.cn (admission.nwpu.edu.cn)

• For CSC Scholarship (if applying via Chinese Government): studyinchina.csc.edu.cn (select Type B, Agency No. 10699)

Apply now: Use the official portal (http://admission.nwpu.edu.cn/) to register and submit your application for the 2026 intake.

10) FAQ

Q1: Can I apply if I already study in China or hold Chinese citizenship?
A1: If you are a Chinese citizen (or have one/both parents as Chinese citizens) then you generally are not eligible for these international scholarships. If you once were Chinese and became foreign national, you must have held current nationality for ≥ 4 years and have ≥ 2 years residence abroad in recent 4 years. (studyat.nwpu.edu.cn)

Q2: Can I combine this scholarship with another scholarship?
A2: No. According to the guide for undergraduates: if awarded, you will receive only one scholarship funded by either the Chinese Government or NPU. (studyat.nwpu.edu.cn)

Q3: Is the scholarship renewable for the full duration of study (e.g., 4 years for bachelor)?
A3: Yes—but subject to annual review of academic performance, attendance, and discipline. Any failure in review may lead to adjustment or cancellation of benefits. (studyat.nwpu.edu.cn)

Q4: What if my programme is English-medium but I don’t have IELTS/TOEFL?
A4: If you apply for English-medium major and your native language is not English, you are generally required to provide an English proficiency certificate such as IELTS or TOEFL. Some flexibility may exist if you previously studied in English medium, but you should confirm with NPU. (studyat.nwpu.edu.cn)

Q5: Are all fields eligible (science, engineering, humanities, business)?
A5: Yes — The scholarship covers all majors offered by NPU for international students (including engineering, science, computer science, business/administration, life sciences, foreign languages) according to the major list for 2026. (studyat.nwpu.edu.cn)

Disclaimer: Please double-check all dates, amounts and eligibility criteria on the official NPU website and application portal before applying, as they may change.