The CAS-ANSO Scholarship 2026 is a highly prestigious, fully funded degree program offered by the Alliance of National and International Science Organizations (ANSO) and the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). It supports international students pursuing Master’s and PhD degrees at elite Chinese institutions like the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS) and the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC). The scholarship provides full tuition coverage, comprehensive medical insurance, international travel reimbursement, and a generous monthly stipend ranging from RMB 3,000 to RMB 7,000. The application deadline for the 2026 intake is January 31, 2026.
The Alliance of National and International Science Organizations for the Belt and Road Regions (ANSO), led by the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), launched the CAS-ANSO Scholarship to foster global S&T capacity. This prestigious program supports young scientists worldwide in pursuing postgraduate education.
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The scholarship is awarded to candidates accepted into degree programs at the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS), the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), and various CAS institutes across China. The goal is to promote international scientific communication and improve regional and global capacity in science and technology.
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Scholarship Overview Summary
| Feature | Master’s Program (M.Sc.) | Doctoral Program (Ph.D.) | Special Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Seats | 100 – 200 Students | 300 Students | ANSO-CAS-TWAS/UNESCO (up to 40 PhDs) |
| Host Institutions | UCAS, USTC, and CAS Institutes | UCAS, USTC, and CAS Institutes | UCAS, USTC, and CAS Institutes |
| Duration | Up to 3 Years | Up to 4 Years | Up to 4 Years |
| Main Sponsor | Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) | Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) | CAS, TWAS, and UNESCO |
Advantages (Full Coverage and Benefits)
The CAS-ANSO Scholarship is highly comprehensive, covering all major expenses for successful awardees, making it one of the most generous fully-funded opportunities globally.
- Tuition Fee:
- Exempt from all tuition fees.
- Monthly Stipend:
- Master’s Students: RMB 3,000 / month
- PhD Students: RMB 6,000 – 7,000 / month
- Medical Insurance:
- Comprehensive basic medical insurance is provided.
- Application Fee:
- The admission application fee is covered.
- Visa Fee:
- Eligible for reimbursement (must comply with sponsor rules).
- International Travel: One-time round-trip travel reimbursement (must comply with sponsor rules).
Note on TWAS/UNESCO PhD Awardees: For the ANSO-CAS-TWAS/UNESCO PhD Scholarship, CAS sponsors the tuition, stipend, and medical insurance, while TWAS/UNESCO sponsors the visa fee and international travel if eligible. All other CAS-ANSO awardees receive full coverage (items 1-6) directly from CAS. Any awardee currently in China is NOT eligible for the travel subsidy.
Eligibility Criteria of the CAS-ANSO Scholarship 2026
Applicants must satisfy the following strict requirements to be considered for this competitive scholarship:
- Citizenship:
- Must NOT hold Chinese citizenship, possess a valid foreign passport, and abide by Chinese laws and institutional rules.
- Proficiency:
- Must be proficient in English or Chinese, as demonstrated by previous degrees or standardized test scores (if required by the institute).
- Academic Status (Current Students):
- Cannot be currently pursuing a Master’s degree at any university/institution in mainland China if applying for the Master’s program.
- Cannot be currently pursuing a Doctoral degree at any university/institution in mainland China if applying for the PhD program.
- Employment:
- Must NOT take up other assignments or hold another major scholarship during the program period.
- Age Limits (Strict):
- Master’s Program: Born after 1st January 1996 (inclusive).
- PhD Program: Born after 1st January 1991 (inclusive).
- Mandatory Restriction:
- Applicants are NOT permitted to apply for the CAS-ANSO Scholarship at both USTC and UCAS simultaneously.
Application Process (Step by Step Guide)
The application must be completed through the online portal for international students at UCAS:
Step 1: Preparation of Materials
Read Carefully all the information provided above to ensure all required academic documents, research proposals, and certificates are ready. Getting a strong letter of support is crucial. Read How to Ask for a Recommendation Letter for a Scholarship.
Step 2: Access the Application Portal
Log in to the Online Admission System for International Students at UCAS (or the relevant USTC portal if applying there) Through the link provided below.
Step 3: Complete and Submit Application
File and submit your application as requested in the system instructions before the deadline. Applying for highly competitive programs like this one requires the same precision as learning How to Write a Scholarship Essay that Wins.
Step 4: Scholarship Selection (Mandatory)
When prompted in the application system, you MUST choose the CAS-ANSO Scholarship as your intended source of funding.
Step 5: Optional TWAS/UNESCO Consideration (PhD Only)
If you are a PhD applicant from a developing country and wish to be considered for the specialized ANSO-CAS-TWAS/UNESCO PhD Scholarship (prioritizing climate research, LDCs, and women), check the designated box as instructed in the system.
Step 6: Referee Submission
Ensure your referees submit their letters of recommendation directly through the system before the final deadline. Throughout this rigorous process, implementing effective techniques like these Mind-Blowing Study Tips Elite Students Use can help you stay organized and focused.
Application Deadline
The timeline for the 2026 intake is highly condensed, demanding prompt action and attention to detail:
| Action | Date (Beijing Time) |
|---|---|
| Application Portal Opens (Estimated) | 15th October 2025 |
| FINAL DEADLINE for Applicants and Referees | 31st January 2026 |
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For more Information
- For ANSO
- For CAS
- For UNESCO-TWAS
- For UCAS
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What happens if I fail the annual assessment?
The scholarship is reviewed annually. Failure to pass assessments (academic progress, research output, or Chinese language training) may lead to serious consequences, including the termination of your scholarship, discontinuity of your study, and receiving only a certificate of attendance (not a formal degree).
Q: Am I required to learn Chinese?
Yes, the program is generally conducted in English, but all awardees are required to complete centralized training in Chinese language and Chinese culture. This ensures you can integrate effectively into the local environment and research institutes.
Q: I am an international student currently studying in China. Am I eligible for the travel subsidy?
No. The one-time round-trip international travel reimbursement is intended for students traveling to China from their home country. Any scholarship awardee physically on site in China at the time of application will NOT be eligible for the international travel subsidy.
Q: Must I acknowledge the scholarship in my publications?
Yes. Any work produced and published (e.g., papers, theses, patents) during the funding period must credit the host institute/school and UCAS, and explicitly acknowledge: “Sponsored by CAS-ANSO Scholarship for Young Talents.”
Q: Can I apply for the CAS-ANSO Scholarship at both UCAS and USTC simultaneously?
No. This is a mandatory restriction. Applicants are NOT permitted to apply for the CAS-ANSO Scholarship at both UCAS and USTC within the same application cycle. You must choose one institution as your primary host.
Q: Do I need to pay an application fee when applying for the degree program?
While standard international student applications often require a fee, the CAS-ANSO Scholarship covers the admission application fee for successful scholarship applicants. You should not be charged the fee upon selecting the scholarship during the online application process.
Q: Is the medical insurance provided sufficient for serious illness?
The scholarship provides comprehensive basic medical insurance. This covers accidents and hospitalizations for serious illnesses, but usually excludes pre-existing conditions, routine dental, or vision care. Details of the coverage plan will be provided upon arrival.
Q: Do I need to contact a professor or secure a supervisor before applying?
Yes, absolutely. Securing a potential supervisor/professor at a CAS Institute, UCAS, or USTC before submitting your application is mandatory. You must include the acceptance letter or email from this supervisor in your application package. The supervisor is critical to your final acceptance.
Q: Can I apply if I am currently enrolled in a Master’s program in China but plan to finish before the 2026 intake?
No. The eligibility criteria strictly state that you cannot be currently pursuing a Master’s or Doctoral degree at any university/institution in mainland China if applying for the respective program. You must have already completed your previous degree and not be enrolled in a Chinese institution at the time of application.
Q: Can I accept other scholarships or take up part-time employment during the program?
No. A condition of accepting the CAS-ANSO Scholarship is that you must NOT take up other assignments or hold another major scholarship (such as CSC or Chinese Provincial Government Scholarships) during the program period. This scholarship requires you to focus full-time on your studies and research.
