UNESCO–China Great Wall Fellowships 2026/27: Fully Funded Study & Research Opportunity for Developing Countries in China

Overview

The UNESCO/The People’s Republic of China – Great Wall Co-Sponsored Fellowships Programme offers 75 fully funded fellowships for the 2026–2027 academic year. These opportunities support students, researchers, and professionals from developing countries to pursue undergraduate, postgraduate studies, or visiting scholar research in China at selected universities.
The programme promotes human resource development, international exchange, and global cooperation in culture, education, science, and technology.

Eligibility

Applicants must:

• Be a national of one of the invited developing Member States (Africa, Asia-Pacific, Arab States, Latin America & Caribbean, Europe)

• Meet age, academic and language criteria based on the programme applied for:
  Visiting Scholar:

  • General Scholar — High school diploma, ≤ 45 years old

  • Senior Scholar — Master’s degree or Associate Professor+, ≤ 50 years old
    Degree Programmes:

  • Master’s — Bachelor’s degree, ≤ 35 years old

  • PhD — Master’s degree, ≤ 40 years old

• Meet university entry requirements

• Have English proficiency (HSK Level 3 or 4 required for Chinese-taught programmes)

• Be in good physical and mental health

Women, applicants from Africa, and Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are strongly encouraged.

Benefits (Fully Funded)

• Tuition and academic fees fully covered

• Study or research opportunity under Chinese universities

• Supervisory support for research students

• Programmes lasting 1 – 5 years (depending on scholar type and degree programme)

Fellowship Components

• Degree Studies (Master’s or Doctoral)

• One-year Visiting Scholar Programme (General / Senior Scholar)

• Programmes offered in English or Chinese (depending on university availability)

• Research conducted under assigned supervisors

Application Requirements

• Completed online application (CSC system)

• Academic transcripts and certificates

• Language certificate (English / HSK)

• Medical examination form

• Research proposal or study plan (if applicable)

• Admission notice/pre-admission letter (recommended but not mandatory)

Selection Criteria

• Academic excellence and research relevance

• Meeting UNESCO and host university requirements

• Priority for applicants advancing gender equality, African participation, and SIDS inclusion

• Candidates with admission or professor invitation letters are prioritized

Selection is finalized jointly by Chinese universities, Chinese authorities, and UNESCO.

Application Process (Step-by-Step)

➡ Important: UNESCO does not accept direct individual applications — only National Commission–endorsed submissions.

Important Dates