Every year, we receive numerous inquiries from students asking about scholarships for the March intake in China. Many wonder if there are truly scholarship opportunities available during this period, and even consulting companies have approached us for clarity. It’s surprising how widespread this misconception has become, so we want to set the record straight and clear up any confusion.
Does March Intake Offer Scholarships?
Chinese universities operate on two semesters: one starting in September and the other in March. Most scholarships are only available for the September intake, which is why students applying for the March intake usually find fewer options. While some universities have offered partial scholarships in the past, there are no full scholarships for degree programs in the March intake.
For instance, Jiangsu University offers a partial scholarship for the March intake, but it only covers part of the tuition fee and is valid for one year. Similarly, two years ago, a university in Zhejiang Province provided a partial scholarship for March, but due to low demand, the program was postponed.
What is the Focus of the March Intake?
The March intake is primarily aimed at students interested in learning Chinese language. Many students who enroll during this semester do so for language programs, as degree programs and full scholarships are not typically offered during this time. This makes it an ideal option for those who want to improve their Mandarin skills before starting a degree program in September.
Why Are Some Agencies Promoting Scholarships for March Degree Programs?
You might come across agencies claiming to offer scholarships for degree programs in March. However, based on our experience, these claims are often false. When we asked students where they heard this information, they typically mentioned hearing it from an agency, a friend, or a relative. However, none of these sources could provide any authentic or official information.
We took it upon ourselves to reach out directly to universities, and the feedback we received was clear: no scholarships are offered for March degree programs. Unfortunately, some agencies or groups are spreading this false information to make money. They mislead students by promising scholarships that simply don’t exist.
Is There Any Scholarship for Chinese Language Programs in March?
The good news is that there are partial scholarships available for students enrolling in Chinese language programs during the March intake. Some universities and colleges offer lower tuition fees or partial funding for these programs. While these scholarships may not be as comprehensive as those offered in September, they do provide some financial relief.
Common Agency Tricks for March Intake
One common trick agencies use is to promise scholarships for March intake and charge students high service fees. Once the students arrive in China, the agency places them in low-tuition universities or colleges, leading students to believe they’ve received a scholarship. In reality, the agency may have simply paid the tuition on behalf of the student, without securing any actual scholarship. In the next semester, the agency may claim the student lost their scholarship due to poor academic performance, leaving students frustrated and confused.
Last Year’s Experiences: Lessons to Learn
Last year, a group of students and agencies falsely promoted full scholarships at Nanjing Tech University for the March intake. Many students applied and paid service fees, only to later discover that the university offered no such scholarships. We reached out to universities in Nanjing to confirm the facts, and they confirmed that no scholarships were available for the March intake. Unfortunately, several students lost their money due to misinformation.
Another story involved a university in Kunming that offered a March scholarship. Many students enrolled, believing they would start their degree programs immediately. However, upon arrival in China, they found out they would be enrolled in a Chinese language program for the March semester, with their actual degree program beginning in September. While this wasn’t necessarily a scam, it did cause confusion and frustration for students who weren’t fully informed.
Key Takeaways: Be Cautious and Informed
When it comes to applying for the March intake, always verify information from reliable sources. Be cautious of agencies making promises that seem too good to be true. If you are considering applying, remember that:
The March intake is mainly focused on Chinese language programs.
Partial scholarships may be available, but full scholarships for degree programs are extremely rare or non-existent.
Some universities may allow you to start a Chinese language course in March and transition into your degree program in September.
Final Thoughts
If you’re interested in studying in China, the September intake is the best option for securing scholarships, especially for full academic programs. However, if you’re primarily looking to improve your Mandarin, the March intake offers great opportunities with some financial aid options. Make sure to thoroughly research and confirm any offers, and be wary of agencies or groups that promise full scholarships for March intake.
By staying informed and making careful decisions, you can avoid falling into traps and make the most of your study experience in China.