A major announcement has been released for aspiring international researchers worldwide. The University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS) has officially opened its Call for Applications for the 2026 Chinese Government Scholarship, a fully funded graduate study opportunity available for the 2026–2027 academic cycle.
This scholarship is one of China’s most prestigious government-funded academic opportunities, designed to strengthen international cooperation, mutual understanding, and global scientific partnerships. This article explains what this scholarship offers, who can apply, and until when this opportunity will remain open.
What This Opportunity Is All About?
The UCAS–Chinese Government Scholarship is a full-ride funding program for outstanding master’s and doctoral candidates from around the world. Entrusted by the Ministry of Education of China, UCAS recruits talented students to study or conduct research at one of China’s leading scientific institutions.
What the Scholarship Offers?
The scholarship covers all essential academic and living expenses, allowing students to focus fully on research and innovation.
- Tuition Fee Coverage: Master’s students receive a full tuition waiver worth RMB 30,000 per year, while PhD students receive a complete waiver of RMB 40,000 per year, removing all tuition-related financial burdens.
- Application Fee Waiver: Successful applicants are exempt from the RMB 600 application fee, ensuring a more accessible application process for candidates from all backgrounds.
- Monthly Stipend: PhD candidates receive RMB 5,000 per month and master’s candidates receive RMB 3,500 per month, helping cover living and academic expenses throughout their studies.
- Accommodation Support: Students may live on campus for free or receive a monthly housing subsidy of up to RMB 700 for master’s students and up to RMB 1,000 for PhD students, offering flexibility in living arrangements.
- Medical Insurance: Each scholarship recipient is provided with medical insurance valued at RMB 800 per person, ensuring essential healthcare coverage during their stay in China.
- Scholarship Duration: Master’s programs are funded for 36 months with no extension, while PhD programs receive 36 months of funding with a possible extension of up to 12 months if needed.
This combination of financial and academic support makes the UCAS–CSC program one of the most competitive and attractive scholarships for international researchers seeking world-class scientific training.
Eligibility Checks for 2026-2027 Applicants
Applicants must meet all of the following conditions:
- Must be non-Chinese citizens with a valid passport and good conduct, abiding by Chinese laws and UCAS regulations.
- Must be proficient in English or Mandarin.
- For Master’s programs: Must hold a bachelor’s degree equivalent to a Chinese bachelor’s and be no older than 35.
- For PhD programs: Must hold a master’s degree equivalent to a Chinese master’s and be no older than 40.
- Must meet UCAS general admission criteria for international students.
- Must not be holding any other scholarship during application or study period.
- Must study full-time at the designated research institute and cannot undertake employment while enrolled.
- Applicants currently studying for a master’s degree in China are not eligible to apply for a master’s scholarship; similarly, current PhD students in China cannot apply for the PhD scholarship.
Application Deadline for the 2026 Intake
The application deadline for the 2026 UCAS Chinese Government Scholarship is January 31, 2026 (Beijing Time).