In a significant move to enhance educational support, China has implemented policies to increase the standards and expand the coverage of government scholarships and grants, as announced by the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Education, and Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security.
The adjustments, which began last year, aim to alleviate financial burdens for students across various levels of education. Some of these measures have already been put into effect.
Starting this spring semester, the average financial aid standard for high school students has been raised from 2,000 yuan (around 276.5 U.S. dollars)to 2,300 yuan (around 317.98 U.S. dollars) per student annually, with local authorities setting specific amounts between 1,200 (around 165.9 U.S. dollars) and 3,500 yuan (around 483.88 U.S. dollars) based on regional conditions.
Similarly, the average aid for secondary vocational school students has been increased from 2,000 yuan to 2,300 yuan annually.
Notably, rural third-year students from 11 formerly contiguous poverty-stricken areas, including the Liupan Mountain region, as well as Xizang, Tibetans-inhabited areas in four provinces, and four prefectures in southern Xinjiang, are now fully included in the national financial aid program.
Additionally, the government has raised the reward levels of government scholarships for undergraduate and vocational college students, and increased the number of scholarships available for both undergraduates and postgraduate students.
Starting in 2025, China will also increase the central government financial support standard for postgraduate academic scholarships in universities directly under the central government, raising the annual amount for master's students from 8,000 yuan (around 1,106.01 U.S. dollars) to 10,000 yuan (around 1,382.51 U.S. dollars) and for doctoral students from 10,000 yuan to 12,000 yuan (around 1,659.02 U.S. dollars).
China increases financial aid, scholarships for students
An increasing number of Malaysian students are choosing to pursue their academic dreams in China - becoming not just scholars, but also cultural ambassadors who strengthen the bonds between the two nations.
Among them is Dai Zunyu, a Malaysian student currently pursuing her master's degree at the Northwestern Polytechnical University in Xi'an, the capital of northwest China's Shaanxi Province, which also served as the capital of 13 ancient dynasties.
Dai, who began learning Chinese in childhood, says her fascination with the language and culture brought her to China seven years ago, and the journey has been inspiring.
"Xi'an has a history of 3,000 years. So, as soon as I arrived, I went to see the Terracotta Warriors with my family. Over time, my interest expanded from history to geography. Besides Xi'an, I've also visited Shanghai, Nanjing, and Chengdu. For the upcoming Labor Day holiday, I plan to explore Chongqing," Dai said.
Over the years, Dai's Mandarin skills have improved significantly, and her travels across China have deepened her understanding and appreciation of the country's vast landscapes and rich cultural heritage.
As China becomes increasingly prominent on the world stage, it is also attracting more young Malaysians. Dai often finds herself approached by peers eager to learn what it's like to study and live in China.
"I like sharing stories about international student life with them. I believe there are great opportunities for personal development in China, especially in my field, brain-computer interface technology. China is a very excellent place to study this. More importantly, China's global influence and positive image inspire a sense of aspiration among Malaysians, which motivates many to come here," said Dai.
Today, more Malaysian students are choosing China as a destination not only to acquire cutting-edge knowledge but also to engage in meaningful cross-cultural exchange. As they chase their dreams, they are also helping build bridges between people in the two neighboring countries.
Malaysian students in China build bridges for cross-cultural exchange
