2026 Chinese Government Scholarship for International Students UCAS

If you are looking to pursue a Master’s or PhD abroad with full financial support, this is your chance: the Chinese government, via the China Scholarship Council (CSC), has entrusted the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS) to recruit outstanding young international graduate students for its 2026 intake. This scholarship aims to strengthen mutual understanding and academic exchange between China and other countries—and it covers tuition, stipend, accommodation and more, at one of China’s leading research universities in Beijing. Here's everything you need to know.

🎓 Scholarship Summary

• Location: Beijing, People’s Republic of China

• Host institution: University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS)

• Study level: Master’s (graduate) and Doctoral (PhD) programs

• Target group: Non-Chinese citizens (international students) who hold a valid passport, and meet UCAS/CSC eligibility criteria

• Fields of study: A wide range of disciplines – philosophy, economics, law, education, literature, history, science, engineering, agriculture, medicine, management, interdisciplinary science — through UCAS schools and CAS institutes.

• Scholarship coverage: Fully Funded

• Award duration: Master’s: 36 months (no extension), PhD: 36 months, with permitted extension of up to 12 months.

• Application deadline: January 31, 2026

• Eligible to: International students (non-Chinese citizens) who hold the required degrees, meet age limits, language proficiency, and are not already receiving another sponsorship.

📚 Scholarship Overview

• UCAS is a research-intensive institution largely oriented to postgraduate education and is affiliated with the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). It integrates education and research across many institutes.

• Students admitted under this scholarship will enroll in a UCAS school or a CAS institute and will engage in the full curriculum of that program — coursework, research, thesis/dissertation — as per UCAS international students’ programs.

• For PhD applicants, a supervisor within the CAS institute/UCAS school will oversee research; applicants are encouraged to contact potential supervisors before applying.

• Annual review: Awardees must participate in annual reviews and abide by UCAS and Chinese regulations. Failure to meet these may result in suspension or loss of the scholarship.

• Research publication: During the funding period, awardees should publish their results with UCAS / the host institute named and acknowledge “Sponsored by Chinese Government Scholarship”.

🎁 Benefits of the Scholarship

• Full financial support: 

  • Tuition fee waiver: RMB 30,000/year for Master’s; RMB 40,000/year for PhD.

  • Application fee waiver: RMB 600.

  • Monthly stipend: For Master’s students RMB 3,500 (of which RMB 500 provided by supervisor/CAS institute); for PhD students RMB 5,000 (of which RMB 1,500 by supervisor/CAS institute).

  • Accommodation: Free on-campus housing or subsidy—for off-campus Master’s up to RMB 700/month; for off-campus PhD up to RMB 1,000/month.

  • Medical insurance: RMB 800/person.

• Prestigious institution & research environment: UCAS is linked with CAS, one of China’s top research bodies, offering access to advanced labs and multidisciplinary research.

• Global exposure: Study in Beijing, live in one of China’s most dynamic and international cities, make contacts with peers from around the world, and engage in China’s rising scientific environment.

• No tuition burden: Given waiver of large annual tuition fees (RMB 30,000–40,000) the financial barrier is largely removed.

• Supportive ecosystem for research & innovation: Students are supported by supervisors and the institute structure at UCAS, enhancing chances of research output.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet all of the following (and more) conditions:

• Must be non-Chinese citizens with a valid passport; must abide by China’s laws and UCAS regulations.

• English or Mandarin proficiency required; for Chinese-taught programmes, Chinese proficiency (HSK Level 5 at least) is required.

• Master’s programme: must hold a bachelor’s-equivalent degree (or diploma equivalent to Chinese bachelor) and must be no older than 35.

• PhD programme: must hold a master’s-equivalent degree and must be no older than 40.

• Applicants must not have accepted any other scholarship/sponsorship during the period of this scholarship.

• Applicants currently pursuing a Master’s in China cannot apply for the Master’s programme; same for PhD in China.

• Full-time study is required; holding a job or doing part-time work during the scholarship term is not allowed.

📝 Application Procedure

Application procedure:

1. Log in to the Online CSC Application System (for Chinese Government Scholarship) and fill and submit your application. (University agency number for UCAS: 80001)

2. Log in to the UCAS Online Admission System for International Students (is.ucas.ac.cn) and choose “Chinese Government Scholarship” in your application. Submit same information in both CSC system and UCAS system.

3. If a pre-admission letter or “Provisional Acceptance Form” is required, fill in the relevant form (provided by UCAS) and upload/submit.

4. Keep track of the deadline (for 2025 it was February 15) and ensure application is submitted in time.

5. After document review and entrance exam/interview, admission decision will be communicated. Successful applicants will register at the time and place specified in the Admission Notice.

🗂️ Required documents (typical list):

• Passport copy (ordinary passport) with at least 1-2 years validity.

• Degree certificate(s):

  • Master’s: Bachelor’s degree certificate (or official proof of expected graduation)

  • PhD: Master’s and Bachelor’s degree certificates (or proof if still completing)

• Academic transcripts from undergraduate (for Master’s) or undergraduate + graduate (for PhD).

• Proof of language proficiency (English test like IELTS/TOEFL or Chinese HSK if applicable).

• CV/resume including full educational history and any research experience.

• Motivation letter or statement of purpose (for Master’s: purpose of study, background, reasons, study plan, career goals; for PhD: include research experience).

• Two reference letters from professors or associate professors (not your prospective supervisor at UCAS).

• Research proposal (for PhD) or study plan (for Master’s).

• Copies of published academic papers (up to 5) if applicable.

• Health certificate / physical exam report. (In many Chinese university applications)

• If already funded or self-funded, proof of financial support. If you receive this scholarship you must not hold another.

ℹ️ Additional Tips & What to Watch

• Deadlines differ by country or by programme, so even though UCAS uses a central deadline (e.g., February 15 for the 2025 call) you should check your country’s Chinese embassy or UCAS’s updated 2026 announcement.

• Many programmes at UCAS are English-instructed; but if you choose a Chinese-instructed programme you’ll likely need HSK 5 (≥180) at minimum.

• Contacting potential supervisors ahead of time is recommended — this can strengthen your application, especially for PhD.

• Since this is full-time study, plan ahead for relocation to China (visa JW201/JW202, registration, accommodation) and begin visa paperwork only after admission.

• Be honest and accurate with your documentation — authentic translations and notarised copies increase credibility.

• Monitor announcements closely — the official UCAS page is your primary source for the 2026 call.

• As a blog owner targeted at youth applications, emphasise early preparation: academic records, recommendation letters, a strong motivation letter and clear study plan.

🚀 Conclusion

The 2026 Chinese Government Scholarship at UCAS represents a top-tier, fully-funded opportunity for young international scholars to pursue Master’s or PhD study in China at a world-renowned research institution. With significant financial coverage, a rich academic environment and international exposure — it’s a compelling pathway. If you’re eligible, preparing now gives you a strategic advantage: polish your study proposal, secure strong references, ensure your transcripts and language certificates are ready, and apply ahead of the deadline.