ANSO‑CAS‑TWAS/UNESCO PhD Scholarship 2026

If you are a researcher from a developing country keen to pursue doctoral studies overseas, the ANSO‑CAS‑TWAS/UNESCO PhD Scholarship 2026 call is now open – offering a superb opportunity to advance your career at one of China’s top institutions. This fully-funded scholarship invites up to 40 scholars to undertake a PhD in China for up to four years, under a tripartite agreement between the Alliance of International Science Organizations (ANSO), the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS)/UNESCO.

🎓 Scholarship Summary

• Location: China (host institutions include University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS) and associated CAS institutes)

• Study Level: PhD (Doctoral degree)

• Target Group: Applicants from developing countries (“the Global South”) – special consideration to Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and women.

• Fields of Study / Focus: see section below

• Value & Coverage:

  • Tuition waiver

  • Monthly stipend of 6,000 or 7,000 CNY/month (depending on passing qualification tests) for up to 48 months

  • Health insurance

  • Application fee waiver

  • International travel allowance (one trip from home country to China) and one-time visa/residence permit allowance (for eligible) – travel & visa components sponsored by TWAS/UNESCO for this sub-category.

• Duration: Up to 4 years (48 months)

• Application Deadline: 31 January 2026 (Beijing Time)

• Start Date: Depending on admission/registration at the host institution (after selection; usually later in 2026)

  
  

📚 Eligible Fields of Study

Applicants for the ANSO-CAS-TWAS/UNESCO PhD Scholarship may select doctoral research in one of the following fields:

1. Agricultural Sciences

2. Structural, Cell and Molecular Biology

3. Biological Systems and Organisms

4. Medical and Health Sciences (including Neurosciences)

5. Chemical Sciences

6. Engineering Sciences

7. Astronomy, Space and Earth Sciences

8. Mathematical Sciences

9. Physics

10. Social and Economic Sciences

These fields reflect the broad remit of CAS and TWAS/UNESCO to support science, technology and innovation that addresses global challenges — especially in developing countries.

🧭 Scholarship Overview

This scholarship is a specific PhD-level award under the broader CAS-ANSO Scholarship (Degree Program). It was officially launched in 2022 and each year up to 40 PhD students from developing countries are selected. Of these, 10 scholarships are given priority to candidates whose research is climate-related, in alignment with TWAS/UNESCO’s priorities.

Once selected, awardees are expected to:

• Undertake full-time doctoral studies at one of the host institutions (USTC or UCAS or affiliated CAS institutes).

• Complete required centralised training in Chinese language and Chinese culture, as well as fulfill required credits and practical research at the Chinese institution.

• Pass the qualification test arranged by the university (if applicable) and meet annual assessment requirements. Failure to pass may lead to termination of the scholarship or being awarded a certificate of attendance rather than a full degree.

• Abide by Chinese laws and the rules and regulations of the host institution.

💲 Benefits of the Programme

The ANSO-CAS-TWAS/UNESCO PhD Scholarship offers several strong benefits:

• Tuition waiver: Fully covers tuition fees for the PhD programme.

• Monthly Stipend: Either 6,000 CNY or 7,000 CNY per month (depending on qualification test) for up to 48 months – providing a stable living allowance in China.

• Health Insurance: Provided for the duration of the scholarship.

• Application Fee Waiver: The application fee is waived for awardees.

• Travel/visa support: For eligible candidates (non-already in China) the scholarship includes one-time international travel allowance and one-time visa/residence permit allowance (funded by TWAS/UNESCO) which helps reduce entry costs.

• High-quality research environment: Candidates will benefit from being at top Chinese research institutions (CAS, USTC, UCAS) with access to laboratories, supervisory networks and international cooperation opportunities.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the ANSO-CAS-TWAS/UNESCO PhD Scholarship, applicants must meet the following:

• Must not hold Chinese citizenship.

• Must be a national of a developing country in the South (eligible developing countries as defined by TWAS).

• Must have obtained a Master’s degree (MSc) or equivalent before enrolment in the PhD programme.

• Must be proficient in English or Chinese.

• For PhD applicants: must be born after 1 January 1991 (inclusive) for the 2025/26 call.

• Must meet the admission criteria for international students of the host institution (USTC or UCAS).

• Must not be currently pursuing a doctoral degree at any institution in China at the time of application.

• Should not apply for the CAS-ANSO Scholarship at both USTC and UCAS simultaneously (choose one).

• Must be able to commit full-time to the doctoral study and not take up other assignments during the scholarship period.

📝 Application Procedure

Application Procedure

1. The call opens on 15 October 2025. Applicants should check the respective USTC/UCAS admission systems for details.

2. Choose the “CAS-ANSO Scholarship” option in the application portal. Then, indicate you wish to be considered for the ANSO-CAS-TWAS/UNESCO PhD Scholarship (check the relevant box) in the system.

3. Submit your application via the online admission system of USTC or UCAS (depending on your selected host university) by 31 January 2026 (Beijing Time).

4. Applicants will then be evaluated (with referee reports, entrance examinations, etc) by the university as well as by TWAS/UNESCO for final selection.

5. Successful candidates will receive admission offers and must register and commence their studies at the appointed start date (as per the institution’s schedule).

🗂️ Documents Required

The exact document list may vary slightly between USTC and UCAS but typically includes:

• Application form (online through the host university)

• Curriculum Vitae (CV) including research background

• Statement of purpose / research proposal outlining intended doctoral research topic (aligned with supported fields)

• Certified copies of academic transcripts (Bachelor’s and Master’s)

• Certified copy of Master’s degree certificate (or a proof of expected completion)

• Two or more reference letters (usually academic referees)

• Proof of English or Chinese proficiency (if required by the host institution)

• Copy of passport data page (non-Chinese citizenship)

• Any other supplementary documents required by the host university’s international students office (for example medical check, admission test results, etc)

Applicants should refer to the “Application Guideline for Graduate Applicants” of USTC or the “Call for Doctoral Programmes for International Students” at UCAS for detailed list.

💫 Why This Scholarship is a Great Opportunity

• Prestigious host environment: The Chinese Academy of Sciences and its universities (USTC, UCAS) rank among China’s top research institutions and offer strong research infrastructure, global partnerships and access to cutting-edge labs.

• Full-funding for four years: Up to four years of doctoral study are covered, including stipend and tuition – a rare fully funded offer for international PhD scholars.

• Global South focus & support for women/LDCs: The programme actively encourages and prioritises candidates from under-represented regions and female applicants, which improves chances for those groups.

• Research across wide disciplines: From agricultural sciences to social & economic sciences, the range of fields means many applicants can find a suitable match.

• International exposure: Studying in China offers a unique cultural and academic experience, network building with Chinese and international peers, and potential for future research collaborations.

• Aligned with global challenges: Given the priority for climate-related research (for up to 10 scholarships each year) and other major scientific fields, applicants researching pressing sustainable development issues may have a strategic advantage.

👌🏻 Tips for Applicants

• Start early: Since the call opens mid-October and deadline is end of January, use the months ahead to refine your research proposal, gather referees and prepare required documents.

• Choose your host institution carefully: Review USTC and UCAS departmental webpages, research groups and supervisors in your field. Having a strong match between your research interests and host supervisor/institute strengthens your application.

• Highlight suitability: Emphasise how you, as an applicant from a developing country, will benefit from and contribute to this scholarship. If your proposed research addresses climate change (or other priority areas), mention that explicitly, as the scholarship gives priority to those.

• Meet eligibility and age criteria: For the 2026 call, PhD applicants must be born after 1 January 1991. Double-check this and other criteria such as not holding Chinese citizenship.

• Prepare language proof if needed: Although proficiency in English or Chinese is required, some host institutions may ask for a language certificate or proof of ability.

• Ensure your Master’s is completed (or will be by enrolment): A qualifying Master’s is required.

• Prepare a strong research proposal: Make it clear, feasible, aligned with the host department’s research strengths, and relevant to development or global south contexts.

• Follow the application instructions exactly: Be sure to select “CAS-ANSO Scholarship” and tick the box for the ANSO-CAS-TWAS/UNESCO PhD Scholarship as required.

🔗 Official Link

---