The CAS–ANSO Scholarship is one of the world’s leading opportunities for young scientists to pursue Master’s and PhD degrees in China.
It is jointly supported by the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), the Alliance of National and International Science Organizations (ANSO), and TWAS/UNESCO (for selected PhD applicants).
The programme aims to empower young scientists, enhance global scientific collaboration, and support sustainable development across the world.
Programme Pathways
The CAS-ANSO Scholarship offers two pathways:
- Degree Programmes (Master’s and PhD), hosted by the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), the University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS), and CAS institutes across China.
- Non-Degree Programmes, offering short-term academic and research exchanges.
For full 2026 Call for Applications, please visit the official page: www.anso.org.cn/programmes/talent/scholarship
Application Deadline
31 January 2026 (Beijing Time, GMT+8)
Study Levels Offered
The CAS–ANSO Scholarship 2026 supports the following study levels:
- Master’s Degree Programmes: Up to 36 months
- PhD Degree Programmes: Up to 48 months
Scholarship Benefits
| Item | PhD Programme | Master’s Programme |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tuition waiver | Tuition waiver |
| 2 | Monthly stipend: 6,000 or 7,000 CNY/month (depending on whether the awardee has passed the qualification test arranged by the University), up to 48 months | Monthly stipend: 3,000 CNY/month, up to 36 months |
| 3 | Health insurance | Health insurance |
| 4 | Application fee waiver | Application fee waiver |
| 5 | International travel allowance/reimbursement from awardee’s home country to China (one trip per awarded candidate) | International travel allowance/reimbursement from awardee’s home country to China (one trip per awarded candidate) |
| 6 | One-time visa/residence permit allowance | One-time visa/residence permit allowance |
Who Can Apply
Applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Must not hold Chinese citizenship;
- Must be proficient in English or Chinese;
- Master’s applicants: born on or after 1 January 1996;
- PhD applicants: born on or after 1 January 1991;
- Must meet the admission requirements of USTC/UCAS for international students;
- Must not take up other employment or assignments during the scholarship period;
- Applicants currently enrolled in a master’s programme in China are not eligible to apply for the master’s programme;
- Applicants currently enrolled in a PhD programme in China are not eligible to apply for the PhD programme. Violation will result in disqualification and notification to the current institution.
Important Note
You may only apply through either USTC or UCAS, not both. Dual applications will result in automatic disqualification.
How to Apply
Step 1: Review the 2026 Call Carefully
Read the full guidelines and requirements, paying close attention to eligibility and the application process.
- USTC applicants: follow the USTC’s Graduate Application Guide
- UCAS applicants: follow the UCAS’s Call for International Master’s and Doctoral Programmes
Step 2: Prepare and Submit Your Application
Access the application portals for USTC and UCAS and follow the full instructions.
Step 3: Select the CAS-ANSO Scholarship
Indicate that you are applying for the CAS-ANSO Scholarship. PhD applicants may also select the ANSO–CAS–TWAS/UNESCO PhD Scholarship.
Contact Information
If you have questions about the CAS–ANSO Scholarship, please get in touch with the appropriate office below:
USTC – University of Science and Technology of China
All enquiries for applications through USTC should be sent to the International Students Office at:
UCAS – University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences
For applicants applying through UCAS:
- Master’s programme enquiries:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - PhD programme enquiries:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
ANSO Secretariat
For general questions about scholarship administration and partnerships:
TWAS/UNESCO Fellowships Office
For enquiries related to the ANSO–CAS–TWAS/UNESCO PhD Scholarship:
Documents and link
Note
Applicants are required to undertake their research into programmes and institutions and are responsible for ensuring that the qualifications will be recognised in South Africa. If there are any discrepancies in the details provided regarding the scholarship, the information given by the sponsor supersedes the details provided above. No additional financial support will be provided by the Department of Higher Education and Training other than stated above. Studies must be completed within the duration of the scholarship, as specified in the Admission Notice.
