Why international school scholarships are relevant in China

China’s major cities – Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen and others – have many foreign and bilingual international schools. Fees in senior years are high by local standards, so some schools use scholarships and bursaries to attract strong students and support certain families.

---

1. Scholarship and bursary types

• Academic merit scholarships for top IGCSE, MYP or internal exam performance.
• IB Diploma / A Level scholarships for high achievers entering senior years.
• Co‑curricular scholarships in sport, music or arts at certain schools.
• Means‑tested bursaries or discounts for families with financial need, sometimes targeted at local students.

Examples of Chinese schools with scholarship programmes

Shanghai:

• Shanghai American School

  • Academic scholarships: Typically 10–50% of tuition, with higher percentages for exceptional IGCSE/IB results. IB scholarships can provide 25–70% fee reduction for outstanding candidates entering IB Diploma.
  • Talent scholarships: Sports and arts scholarships usually 10–25% depending on level (e.g. national representation).
  • Bursaries: Can provide substantial support (often 30–80%) after confidential financial assessment. Bursaries are means‑tested and highly competitive.
  • Deadlines: Applications usually October–December for the following academic year.

• British International School Shanghai

  • Academic scholarships: Academic excellence awards often 25–40% fee reduction. Senior‑school scholarships (A Level/IB) sometimes 30–60% for top performers.
  • Talent scholarships: Music and sports scholarships typically 10–30%.
  • Bursaries: Typically 10–40% based on demonstrated need.
  • Other: Also offers sibling discounts (typically 5–10% per additional child).
  • Deadlines: Applications often due September–November.

• Concordia International School Shanghai – Merit scholarships, usually 10–30% coverage. Applications typically October–December.

• Dulwich College Shanghai – Academic scholarships typically 15–35% of tuition. Applications often September–November.

• Western International School of Shanghai – Academic excellence scholarships, typically 10–40% of fees. Applications usually October–December.

Beijing:

• Beijing City International School – Academic excellence scholarships can range from 10–35%, with top performers potentially receiving higher percentages.
• British School of Beijing – Merit scholarships, usually 10–30% fee reduction.
• Western Academy of Beijing – Academic scholarships typically 10–35% coverage.

Guangzhou/Shenzhen:

• American International School Guangzhou – Academic scholarships typically 10–30% coverage.
• Shenzhen American International School – Merit scholarships available, usually 10–25% fee reduction.

---

2. Typical fee coverage

Based on the schools listed above, typical coverage ranges are:

• Academic scholarships: 10–50% of tuition, with higher percentages (up to 70%) for exceptional IB Diploma candidates.
• Talent/sporting scholarships: 10–30% depending on level of achievement (e.g. national representation).
• Bursaries: 10–80% based on financial need, with substantial support possible after confidential assessment.

Full funding is uncommon and usually linked to special foundation programmes.

---

3. Eligibility and competition

Schools frequently assess:

• Academic transcripts and exam scores.
• Performance in entrance or scholarship tests.
• Behaviour and contribution to school life.
• For bursaries: detailed financial information.
• For sporting/talent scholarships: evidence of high‑level performance (competition results, portfolios, graded exams, coach references).

Competition levels:

• Premium schools like Shanghai American School and British International School Shanghai receive many applications; competition is strong (see school examples above for specific requirements).
• Bursaries are competitive and require demonstrated financial need.
• Sporting scholarships are limited and often require national‑level representation or equivalent achievement.

Scholarship spaces are limited, so assume strong competition at well‑known Shanghai and Beijing schools.

---

4. Application process and timelines

Typical steps:

1. Identify schools with published scholarship or bursary policies.
2. Collect school reports, exam results, certificates and references.
3. Submit applications by the stated deadlines (often well before the academic year).
4. Sit tests or attend interviews/auditions where required.

Because expat moves can happen quickly, families should start this research as early as possible.

---

5. Duration and renewal

• Most scholarships are awarded for one academic year, with renewal based on grades, behaviour and ongoing need.
• Some schools fix scholarships for a full IB or A Level cycle, subject to performance.

Always clarify how frequently the award is reviewed.

---

How Tutopiya helps families in China

Tutopiya supports students in China by:

• Offering online, time‑zone friendly tutoring for IGCSE, A Levels and IB.
• Helping students achieve and sustain high exam performance, a core requirement for scholarships.
• Linking school scholarship planning to later university options in Australia, the UK, Asia and beyond.

If you are exploring international school scholarships in Chinese cities, Tutopiya can help your child build a robust academic foundation that schools want to reward.