CAAS–GSCAAS 2026: Fully & Partially Funded Master’s and PhD Scholarships in Agriculture & Life Sciences (China) 

Overview

The Graduate School of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (GSCAAS) invites international students worldwide to apply for its 2026 International Students Programs. GSCAAS is China’s leading agricultural graduate institution, offering Master’s, PhD, and Visiting Scholar programs across agriculture, life sciences, engineering, environmental science, and management. Programs are taught in English or bilingual (Chinese–English) and supported by multiple prestigious scholarship options.

Eligibility

Applicants must:

• Be non-Chinese citizens

• Be in good health and willing to comply with Chinese laws

• Meet age and academic requirements:

  • Master’s: Bachelor’s degree, under 35

  • Doctoral: Master’s degree, under 40

  • General Scholar: At least 2 years of undergraduate study, under 45

  • Senior Scholar: Master’s degree or Associate Professor+, under 50

• Meet English and/or Chinese language proficiency requirements

• Demonstrate strong academic and research potential

Benefits

Depending on the scholarship type, benefits may include:

• Full or partial tuition fee waiver

• Free on-campus accommodation

• Monthly living allowance:

  • Master’s / General Scholar: 3,000 RMB

  • PhD / Senior Scholar: 3,500 RMB

• Comprehensive medical insurance

• Research assistantship funding

• Conference and travel support (for specific fellowships)

Programme / Scholarship Components

Available Study Categories

• Master’s Degree

• Doctoral Degree

• General Scholar

• Senior Scholar

Key Scholarship Options

1. Chinese Government Scholarship (CGS)

   • Tuition waiver, accommodation, monthly stipend, medical insurance

   • Strongly recommended via CGS-Bilateral (Embassy) route

2. GSCAAS Scholarship

   • Tuition waiver, accommodation, monthly research assistantship, insurance

   • Not compatible with CGS or Beijing Government Scholarship

3. Beijing Government Scholarship (BGS)

   • Tuition waiver (one academic year) + RA support and accommodation

4. GSCAAS–OWSD Fellowship (Women Only)

   • For female PhD candidates from developing countries

   • Covers living allowance, tuition, travel, conferences, insurance, visa

5. Other External Scholarships

   • Supported by governments, universities, and international organizations

Fields of Study

• Natural Sciences: Biology, Microbiology, Ecology, Bioinformatics, Atmospheric Science

• Engineering: Agricultural, Environmental, Food Science & Engineering

• Agriculture & Forestry: Crop Science, Soil Science, Plant Protection, Animal & Veterinary Sciences

• Management & Economics: Agricultural Economics, Information Management

• Interdisciplinary Programs: Digital Agriculture, Synthetic Biology, Rural Development Policy

Application Requirements

Key documents include:

• Online GSCAAS Application Form

• Valid passport

• Notarized academic certificates and transcripts

• Two academic reference letters

• CV

• Research proposal (minimum 1000 words)

• Language proficiency certificate (IELTS/TOEFL/HSK, if available)

• Medical examination form

• Non-criminal record certificate

• Acceptance letter from GSCAAS supervisor (optional but strongly recommended)

Selection Criteria

• Academic excellence

• Research quality and feasibility of study plan

• Supervisor alignment and acceptance

• Scholarship-specific requirements

Application Process

1. Identify your program and potential supervisor

2. Apply via the GSCAAS Online Application System

3. Apply separately for scholarships (CGS via CSC portal if applicable)

4. Upload all required supporting documents

5. Await admission and scholarship decision

Important Dates

• CGS Application Deadline: 31 March 2026

• GSCAAS Scholarship Deadline: 30 April 2026

• Admission Notifications: Around 15 July 2026

• Program Start: Autumn Semester 2026

For more information and application: 

Visit the official website of the CAAS–GSCAAS 2026: Fully & Partially Funded Master’s and PhD Scholarships in Agriculture & Life Sciences (China)