Students and young professionals aiming to strengthen their academic profile and leadership experience across Asia now have a new fully funded opportunity to explore. The ASEAN-China Young Leaders Scholarship (ACYLS) 2026/2027 is officially open, offering selected candidates a chance to pursue master’s, doctoral, or short-term research programs in China with comprehensive financial support.
Funded by the Chinese government, this prestigious scholarship is designed to promote educational exchange and leadership collaboration between ASEAN countries and China. For the 2026/2027 intake, only 12 competitive awards are available, making this a highly selective program for emerging leaders with strong academic backgrounds and regional engagement ambitions.
How Many Seats Are Available for 2026/2027?
A total of 12 awards are available under the ASEAN-ACYLS Scholarship for the 2026/2027 intake:
- 5 scholarships for doctoral degree programs
- 5 scholarships for master’s degree programs
- 2 scholarships for short-term research opportunities
These limited seats highlight the competitive nature of the program and its focus on selecting high-potential future leaders.
Scholarship Financial Plan and Coverage
This fully funded scholarship ensures scholars can focus entirely on academic and leadership development without financial stress. The funding package is structured to support students throughout their entire study or research duration.
The ASEAN-ACYLS Scholarship financial plan includes:
- Monthly living stipend for personal expenses
- Full tuition fee waiver and academic costs coverage
- Round-trip international airfare
- Accommodation support
- Comprehensive medical insurance
- Settlement allowance upon arrival
Scholars are required to submit an annual academic progress report to maintain scholarship benefits for subsequent years of study.
Who Can Apply? Eligibility Criteria Explained
If you are aiming to become part of the ASEAN-China academic and leadership network, this scholarship seeks candidates with academic strength and regional engagement. Applicants must meet the following requirements to be considered.
To apply for the ASEAN-ACYLS Scholarship 2026/2027, you must:
- Be a citizen of an ASEAN member country
- Be physically and mentally fit for academic study abroad
- Demonstrate English proficiency with IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL 80 minimum
- Hold a relevant undergraduate or graduate degree
- Be under 45 years of age for master’s or doctoral programs
- Have at least one year of work experience, preferably related to ASEAN-China affairs or regional cooperation
- Not currently hold another Chinese government-funded scholarship
- Meet admission requirements of the Chinese university you apply to.
Apply: https://www.inter.chula.ac.th/news/25624/
Application Deadline to Remember
The last date to submit applications for the ASEAN-China Young Leaders Scholarship (ACYLS) 2026/2027 intake is March 1, 2026.