The Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), China’s leading national research organization in agriculture, has officially opened its scholarship-backed admissions cycle for the 2026–2027 academic year. This opportunity provides international students with the chance to pursue Master’s, PhD, General Scholar, or Senior Scholar programs across more than 30 specialized research institutes. Applications will continue until March–April 2026, depending on the scholarship category.
This guide explains what the CAAS opportunity offers, what the Graduate School of CAAS (GSCAAS) provides, the full range of scholarships available, eligibility checks you must pass, and the key deadlines for the upcoming intake.
What This Opportunity Is About?
The Graduate School of CAAS (GSCAAS), a top-tier agricultural research education institution in China, offers fully funded and partially funded places for international students in agricultural sciences, life sciences, engineering, environmental sciences, veterinary sciences, food sciences, management, and emerging interdisciplinary fields.
Through its multiple scholarship programs—including the Chinese Government Scholarship (CGS), Beijing Government Scholarship (BGS), GSCAAS internal scholarships, and the GSCAAS-OWSD Fellowship—students receive extensive financial support, tuition fee waivers, stipends, accommodation benefits, medical coverage, and research assistantships.
The programs are delivered in English or bilingual (Chinese-English), and all successful candidates graduate with recognized Master’s or Doctoral degrees after completing the academic and research requirements.
List of New Scholarship Offerings at GSCAAS
Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences provides four major scholarship tracks for the 2026–2027 intake. Here is what each includes:
1# Chinese Government Scholarship (CGS)
Available through both the university quota and the Embassy/Bilateral Program.
Covers:
- Full tuition and basic textbooks
- Free on-campus dormitory accommodation
- Monthly stipend:
– Master’s & General Scholar: 3,000 RMB
– Doctoral & Senior Scholar: 3,500 RMB - Comprehensive Medical Insurance
Applicants must obtain a supervisor acceptance letter and pre-admission letter before applying under the Embassy route.
2# GSCAAS Scholarship (Internal Funding Program)
Designed for outstanding students who are not receiving CGS or Beijing Government funding.
Provides:
- Tuition waiver and basic textbooks
- Free accommodation (supported by supervisor)
- Monthly research assistant stipend:
– Master’s & General Scholar: 3,000 RMB
– Doctoral & Senior Scholar: 3,500 RMB - Comprehensive Medical Insurance
3# Beijing Government Scholarship (BGS)
Awarded to academically strong candidates applying to Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences institutes located in Beijing.
Covers:
- Full tuition fee waiver
- Supervisor-funded accommodation and research assistant support
- GSCAAS-funded medical insurance
Candidates already receiving CGS are not eligible.
4# GSCAAS-OWSD PhD Fellowship
Offered only to women from Science and Technology Lagging Countries (STLCs).
Provides:
- Monthly living allowance
- Return international airfare
- Conference attendance support
- Regional science communication training opportunities
- Study fees, insurance, visa support, and research support
This is reserved strictly for women pursuing PhD research in natural, engineering, or information sciences.
Available Study Categories for Admissions
GS-CAAS welcomes applications under four academic categories:
- Master’s Student – 3 years
- Doctoral Student – 3 years
- General Scholar – Visiting study
- Senior Scholar – Advanced research placement
Programs span agriculture, biology, engineering, food science, veterinary medicine, environmental science, grassland science, management sciences, forestry, and interdisciplinary agricultural innovation.
Eligibility Checks for the 2026 Intake – Guidance for Applicants
As you prepare to apply for the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences 2026 cohort, begin by ensuring that you fully meet the fundamental eligibility requirements. You must be a non-Chinese citizen in good physical and mental health, ready to follow all Chinese laws, institutional rules, and academic regulations throughout your studies. Since programs are offered in English or bilingual formats, you will also need to demonstrate acceptable language proficiency through TOEFL, IELTS, CEFR, or HSK scores, depending on the medium of instruction you choose.
Next, carefully match your academic background and age with the correct category. If you are applying for a Master’s degree, you must already hold a Bachelor’s degree and be under 35 years old. Doctoral applicants must possess a Master’s degree and be under 40. If you plan to join as a General Scholar, ensure you have completed at least two years of undergraduate study and are below the age of 45. Senior Scholar applicants should hold a Master’s degree or an academic rank equivalent to Associate Professor, and must be under 50. Confirming your category early will help you choose the right supervisor and program.
You should also prepare a complete and accurate set of documents before submitting your Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences online application. This includes the filled GSCAAS application form and, if you intend to apply for the Chinese Government Scholarship, the CSC application form as well. You will need a copy of your passport, your notarized highest degree certificate, full academic transcripts, and two recommendation letters from experts in your field. A well-structured CV and a research proposal of at least 1,000 words must also be included to demonstrate your academic readiness and research direction. Language proficiency proof is required, along with your thesis abstract and selected publications to support your academic profile.
In addition, you must upload a valid non-criminal record, the Foreigner Physical Examination Form completed at an approved medical facility, and a No Objection Certificate from your employer if you are currently employed. While optional, an acceptance letter from a GSCAAS supervisor significantly strengthens your application and increases your chances of being shortlisted—so it is strongly recommended that you contact potential supervisors early.
Application Deadlines for CAAS/GSCAAS Scholarships (2026)
When planning your application for the 2026 intake, make sure you are fully aware of the scholarship deadlines, as late submissions are not accepted under any circumstances. If you are applying through the Chinese Government Scholarship (CGS) University or Embassy Tracks, you must complete the entire application process by 31 March 2026. If you intend to apply for the GSCAAS internal scholarship, your final date to submit all required documents is 30 April 2026.
All applicants are required to upload their full set of documents through the GSCAAS Online Application System before these deadlines to be considered for admission. Once evaluations are complete, GSCAAS will issue admission notices around 15 July 2026, after which you will begin the visa application and registration procedures for the autumn semester.