China has officially opened applications for one of its most prestigious government-funded leadership programs for international professionals. The University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) is now accepting candidates for the 2026 Youth of Excellence Scheme of China (YES China) Program, an English-taught MBA designed to train future scientific management leaders with global vision, leadership capacity, and cross-cultural experience.
With full funding and a flexible “1+1” study model, this opportunity is especially attractive for mid-career professionals seeking an internationally recognized Chinese master’s degree.
What the Scholarship Covers: A Fully Funded Leadership Track
This opportunity is backed by the Chinese Government Scholarship under the Youth of Excellence Scheme, ensuring that selected candidates can focus entirely on academic and professional growth without financial burden.
The financial and academic benefits include:
- Full scholarship coverage under the Chinese Government Scholarship framework
- Enrollment in an English-taught MBA (Scientific Management Leaders) program at USTC
- A flexible “1+1” study model, combining on-campus study and home-country thesis completion
- Full-time study during the first academic year at USTC
- Permission to complete thesis writing in the home country during the second year
- Award of an official USTC master’s degree upon successful completion
The program intake begins in September 2026, making it ideal for professionals planning an international academic upgrade without long-term relocation constraints.
Who Can Apply: Candidate Profile and Entry Conditions
This program is specifically designed for experienced professionals and emerging leaders who meet both academic and professional benchmarks. Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be a non-Chinese citizen holding a valid passport
- Be under 45 years of age by September 1, 2026
- Be in good mental and physical health
- Hold a bachelor’s degree or higher (master’s degree holders are welcome)
- Have at least three years of professional work experience
- Have background or experience relevant to management, leadership, or applied fields (preferred).
Eligible applicants must also fall into one of the following categories:
- Government officials holding division-level leadership roles or equivalent
- Senior executives in companies or organizations
- Administrative staff in universities or scientific research institutions
- Individuals with work or internship experience in international organizations
In addition, candidates must satisfy USTC’s general admission requirements for international students, including English-language proficiency.
Application Route: Step-by-Step at a Glance
The application process for the USTC Youth of Excellence Scheme of China Program 2026 follows a clear two-stage route and must be completed in the correct order.
First, applicants are required to apply directly to the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC). Shortlisted applicants will be invited for an interview, the details of which will be communicated by email. Candidates who successfully pass the interview stage will receive an official Pre-admission Letter issued by USTC.
After obtaining the pre-admission letter, applicants must then complete the Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) online application. During this stage, applicants should select Scholarship Type A, use Agency Number 1563, and choose University of Science and Technology of China as the preferred institution in the CSC system.
Apply: https://ic.ustc.edu.cn/en/v7list.php?id=646
Application Deadline
The University of Science and Technology of China Youth of Excellence Scheme of China Program 2026 has a two-stage deadline structure. Candidates must submit their complete application materials to USTC by February 15, 2026 (Beijing Time). After receiving the USTC pre-admission letter, applicants must complete their Chinese Government Scholarship Type A application no later than March 31, 2026 (Beijing Time).