University of Nottingham Ningbo China Fees and Scholarships: An Undergraduate Guide for Indonesian Students

The University of Nottingham Ningbo China (UNNC) offers an undergraduate option for international students in Ningbo, China. For Indonesian families, the right question is not only, “Is there a scholarship?” It is also: what is the realistic total cost, does an award apply to the first year or all years, how is it retained, and which documents must be complete before the deadline?

UNNC says that nearly 30% of its undergraduate students are awarded scholarships. That shows support is available, but it is not a guarantee for every applicant.[1]

Start with the total annual cost

On its official fees page, UNNC estimates total annual costs—including tuition, accommodation, compulsory insurance, and living costs in Ningbo, but excluding scholarship awards—at approximately RMB150,000–190,000. On-campus accommodation for overseas students is estimated at about RMB11,000–20,000 per academic year, depending on accommodation type.[2]

This estimate is a starting point, not a final price. Families should confirm tuition for their chosen programme and intake, accommodation type, insurance charges, travel needs, and exchange rates before payment.

UNNC also says commencing students do not have access to an instalment plan; degree-study registration is completed only once the full annual tuition payment has been made. After completing at least one year of study, students facing financial hardship may apply for an instalment plan assessed individually.[2]

Nottingham Global Scholarship: full, half, or quarter

The main international undergraduate scheme described by UNNC is the Nottingham Global Scholarship. It has three levels for the first year of study:

  • Full scholarship: equivalent to 100% of first-year tuition;
  • Half scholarship: equivalent to 50% of first-year tuition;
  • A quarter scholarship: equivalent to 25% of first-year tuition.[1]

The key point is that the award is described as an entry-based scholarship for first-year tuition. Do not assume that a full scholarship automatically funds accommodation, living costs, travel, or the full length of your degree. Build a base-case budget without scholarship support so the family plan remains realistic.[1][2]

Academic results and entry route

UNNC lists minimum achievement levels for qualifying-year or preliminary-year entry. For qualifying-year entry, the page currently shows these A-level/IB thresholds:

  • Full: AAA at A-level or IB 36;
  • Half: AAB at A-level or IB 34;
  • Quarter: ABB at A-level or IB 32.[1]

The page lists iGCSE equivalents for preliminary-year entry. Indonesian school-leaver equivalencies should be confirmed directly through UNNC’s entry requirements for your specific qualification. A minimum threshold is not an award promise, because decisions remain merit-based and subject to admissions assessment.[1]

A separate scholarship application is not a small detail

UNNC says the Nottingham Global full/half/quarter scholarship requires a separate application. For the cycle displayed on the page, a completed scholarship application form had to be submitted through the Application Hub by 31 May 2026.[1]

That date has passed at the time this article was prepared. Do not assume the same deadline or process will apply to a future intake. Check the Application Hub and official scholarship page when the next application period opens.

Other scholarships: relevant only to particular groups

UNNC also lists awards that are not automatically relevant to every Indonesian applicant:

Zhejiang/Ningbo government scholarship

The UNNC international page lists an RMB20,000 award for international undergraduates, applied toward first-year tuition.[1]

CEEC scholarship

This RMB20,000-per-year award is intended for full-time undergraduates from Central and Eastern European Countries, so it is generally not relevant to Indonesian citizens.[1]

Family scholarship

UNNC lists a 10% tuition reduction for children, siblings, or spouses of certain current UNNC students or graduates, supported by official family-relationship evidence submitted through the Application Hub.[1]

Do not try to fit into a category that does not apply. Focus on correct eligibility and traceable documentation.

Scholarships cannot be combined

UNNC’s FAQ states that students may apply for multiple entry-based scholarships, but scholarships cannot be combined. If a student is considered for two awards, the higher award is granted by default.[3]

This matters for budget planning. Do not add together percentages from different awards when calculating family affordability unless UNNC confirms in writing that a combination is permitted.

An application checklist for Indonesian students

1. Match your programme and entry route

Check whether your school qualification leads to a preliminary year or qualifying year. Also read subject-specific and English-language requirements for your intended course.

2. Make two budgets

Prepare a base case without scholarship and a best case with an award you may receive. Include tuition, accommodation, insurance, daily living, visa/residence documentation, and travel.

3. Prepare consistent documents

UNNC says applications can be made before prior study is complete using available transcripts; a conditional offer may be made pending final results where appropriate.[3] Make sure transcripts, identity records, English tests, and supporting documents use consistent information.

4. Follow the scholarship procedure

Do not submit only the programme application. If a new cycle requires a scholarship form or a dedicated scholarship section, complete that element in the Application Hub as well.[1]

5. Read the offer letter before paying

Check tuition, payment deadline, refund terms, scholarship outcome, and enrolment conditions stated in your offer. Avoid payments through unofficial channels.

Next steps with RIM Education

UNNC can be considered as an option for study in China, but a strong scholarship approach begins with programme fit, academic record, and an honest financial plan. RIM Education can help you read course options, organise a document checklist, and prepare an application strategy. Talk with RIM Education about your plan.

Important note: tuition, estimated living costs, accommodation, scholarship value, quotas, eligibility, minimum grades, deadlines, application processes, refund terms, visa requirements, and payment rules can change. The 2026 dates in this article are historical, not an active window. Confirm every condition directly with UNNC before applying, paying fees, or making travel decisions.[1][2][3]

Sources

[1] https://www.nottingham.edu.cn/en/study-with-us/undergraduate/fees-and-scholarships/international.aspx — International students scholarships – University of Nottingham Ningbo China [2] https://www.nottingham.edu.cn/en/study-with-us/undergraduate/fees-and-scholarships/index.aspx — Undergraduate Fees and Scholarships – University of Nottingham Ningbo China [3] https://www.nottingham.edu.cn/en/study-with-us/undergraduate/faqs.aspx — Undergraduate FAQs – University of Nottingham Ningbo China