UCAS Scholarship for International Students 2026 – Fully Funded Master’s & PhD Opportunities in China

UCAS Scholarship for International Students 2026: Overview

The University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS) invites applications for the UCAS Scholarship for International Students 2026, a prestigious programme designed to attract young global talents for Master’s, PhD, and research opportunities in China.

The scholarship supports outstanding international students who wish to study, conduct research, or participate in academic exchanges at UCAS or its affiliated institutes under the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). It also welcomes joint programme participants from partner universities abroad.

Applicants can apply for Full or Partial Scholarships, with the full award primarily available to Master’s and Doctoral students.

Eligibility

Applicants must:

• Not holding Chinese citizenship and possessing a valid foreign passport.

• Be friendly to China and abide by Chinese laws and UCAS regulations.

• Be proficient in English or Chinese.

• Meet UCAS admission criteria for international students.

• Not take up other assignments during the scholarship period.

Age Requirements:

• PhD applicants: Born on or after 1 January 1991.

• Master’s applicants: Born on or after 1 January 1996.

• Senior visiting students: Born on or after 1 January 1981.

• Regular visiting students: Born on or after 1 January 1986.

• Joint programme applicants: No age limit.

Ineligibility:

• Those already pursuing a Master’s or PhD in China are not eligible for the same level of study.

• Applicants applying under two supervisors simultaneously will be disqualified.

Scholarship Coverage and Duration

Full Scholarship

Tuition Waiver:

• PhD: RMB 40,000/year

• Master’s: RMB 30,000/year

Monthly Stipend:

• UCAS base: RMB 2,500 (PhD), RMB 2,000 (Master’s)

• With research assistantship:

  • PhD: ≥ RMB 3,500/month

  • Master’s: ≥ RMB 3,000/month

Accommodation:

• Basic housing provided by UCAS (Beijing-based awardees).

• For those outside Beijing, host institutes assist with housing arrangements.

Medical Insurance:

• RMB 800/year coverage.

Application Fee Waiver:

• RMB 600.

Duration:

• Master’s or PhD: Up to 36 months (no extension allowed).

Partial Scholarship

Includes:

• Tuition waiver

• Medical insurance

• Application fee waiver

Duration:

• Master’s/PhD: Up to 36 months

• Visiting students (Regular/Senior): 6–24 months

Eligible Programmes

• Master’s & Doctoral programmes in science, engineering, technology, and interdisciplinary fields.

• Visiting and Joint programmes with foreign institutions.
  (See UCAS Calls for 2026 Master’s/Doctoral/Visiting Programmes for detailed lists.)

Application Process

Prepare Required Documents:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)

• Letter of Motivation

• Research proposal or study plan

• Degree certificates and transcripts (Bachelor’s and/or Master’s)

• Passport copy

• Proof of English/Chinese proficiency

• Two recommendation letters

 Application Deadline:

• PhD & Master’s: 31 January 2026 (Beijing Time)

• Visiting Students: No fixed deadline.

 Review & Admission:

• Applications are evaluated based on academic excellence, research potential, and recommendation strength.

• Selected candidates receive an Admission Notice and Scholarship Award Letter.

Additional Information

• Awardees must register on time as indicated in their Admission Notice.

• Scholarships are non-extendable beyond the approved duration.

• Recipients must pass annual performance reviews to maintain the award.

• Publications during the scholarship period must acknowledge “Sponsored by UCAS Scholarship for International Students.”

Important Dates

For more information and application: 

Visit the official website of the UCAS Scholarship for International Students 2026

Share with someone