The UNESCO Great Wall China Fellowship 2026-2027 is open to students and researchers from 135 developing countries for fully funded postgraduate studies and research in China. Benefits include a full tuition waiver, accommodation, health insurance, and a monthly stipend (up to CNY 3,500). Eligibility varies by program type (Master’s, PhD, Visiting Scholar) and includes age limits (35-50) and English/Chinese proficiency. Applications must be submitted online and through the candidate’s National Commission for UNESCO by January 23, 2026.
UNESCO Great Wall China Scholarship 2026 Summary Table
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Host Organization | UNESCO/China |
| Program Focus | Postgraduate Studies & Research in China |
| Category | Full Scholarship |
| Eligible Countries | 135 Developing Countries |
| Reward | Fully Funded: Tuition, Accommodation, Health Insurance, Travel, and ¥42,000 Stipend/Yr |
| Key Criteria | Age, Academic Qualification (Bachelor’s/Master’s), Language Proficiency |
| Application Deadline | January 23, 2026 |
UNESCO Great Wall China Fellowship Programme 2026-2027
The UNESCO/China Great Wall Co-Sponsored Fellowships Programme is a prestigious, fully funded opportunity designed to support advanced academic study and research in China. This initiative is a collaboration between UNESCO and the Chinese government, aimed at strengthening the human resources capacity of developing nations, particularly in the field of Education, which is a high priority given the focus areas of the UNESCO-China Fund-in-Trust (CFIT) Project.
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The scholarship targets students and researchers from 135 developing countries, with a strong emphasis on candidates from Africa, Small Island Developing States (SIDS), and women candidates, in line with UNESCO’s global priorities of Gender Equality, Africa, and SIDS.
Benefits and Specific Scholarship Awards
The Great Wall China Scholarship is comprehensive, providing successful candidates with full financial coverage for the duration of their selected program in China.
Tier 1: Core Financial Coverage (Fully Funded)
- Tuition Waiver: Covers tuition fees for the entire program duration.
- Accommodation: Provides free on-campus housing at the host Chinese university.
- Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical insurance coverage during the recipient’s stay in China.
- Travel and Visa: Covers costs related to travel and visa acquisition.
Tier 2: Living Stipend (Annual Value ¥42,000)
- Monthly Stipend: A generous monthly living allowance is provided, which translates to an annual value of approximately ¥42,000 (for Senior Scholars and Postgraduates):
- CNY 3,000 for General Scholars.
- CNY 3,500 for Senior Scholars and Postgraduate Students (Master’s and Doctoral).
- Travel Assistance: Support for travel-related costs within China for academic activities (e.g., fieldwork, conferences).
Tier 3: Academic Advantage
- No IELTS Required: While English proficiency is required, the scholarship does not explicitly mandate the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam, simplifying the application process for many international candidates.
- Priority Fields: Candidates in the fields of Education from UNESCO-China Fund-in-Trust (CFIT) Project beneficiary countries are strongly encouraged to apply.
Eligibility Requirements by Programme Type
Eligibility criteria vary significantly based on the chosen study program (Visiting Scholar vs. Degree Program). All candidates must meet the general requirements for age, language, and academic qualifications for their desired level.
| Programme Type | Academic Prerequisite | Age Limit (Maximum) | Chinese Language (If Chinese-Taught) |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Scholar (1-Year Visiting) | High School Diploma | 45 years old | HSK Level 3 |
| Senior Scholar (1-Year Visiting) | Master’s Degree or Associate Professor Position (or above) | 50 years old | HSK Level 3 |
| Master’s Degree | Bachelor’s Degree | 35 years old | HSK Level 4 |
| Doctoral Degree | Master’s Degree | 40 years old | HSK Level 4 |
Additional Mandatory Requirements:
- English Proficiency: English proficiency is required for all applicants.
- University Admission: Must meet the admission requirements of the applied universities in terms of academic ability, language proficiency, and other relevant criteria.
- Health: Must be in good health, both mentally and physically.
How to Apply for UNESCO Great Wall China Scholarship (Step by Step)
The application process is complex and requires submission to two different entities: the Chinese Government Scholarship Information System and the candidate’s National Commission for UNESCO.
- Review Guidelines: Read the Application Guidelines thoroughly from the official UNESCO website to understand all requirements and processes.
- Contact National Commission: Reach out immediately to the National Commission for UNESCO in your country for application procedures, as they are the nominating body.
- Secure University Admission (Optional but Prioritized): Obtain an Admission notice or pre-admission letter from a Chinese university (this is optional but provides a significant advantage).
- Prepare Documents: Compile required documents, including:
- Completed application forms.
- Language proficiency certificates (English and Chinese, if applicable).
- Physical Examination Form (mandatory).
- Submit Online Application (Campus China): Register and apply through the Chinese Government Scholarship Information System (https://www.campuschina.org) and upload all necessary documents.
- Submit to National Commission: Submit your online application (printout) and supporting documents to your country’s National Commission for UNESCO.
- Final Submission (Nominated Candidates Only): If you are successfully nominated by your National Commission, they will instruct you to email your application to the official UNESCO email address:thegreatwall@unesco.org.
Application Deadline: January 23, 2026
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the total annual living stipend value for a PhD student under this scholarship?
Postgraduate students (Master’s and Doctoral) receive a monthly stipend of CNY 3,500, which totals $\text{¥42,000}$ per year.
2. Is the IELTS or TOEFL exam explicitly required for this application?
No, the information provided states that English proficiency is required, but it is generally understood that the IELTS or TOEFL exam is not strictly mandatory for application to this specific program.
3. What is the maximum age limit for a candidate applying for a Master’s Degree Programme?
Candidates applying for Master’s Degree Programmes should not be older than the age of thirty-five (35).
4. Which specific groups are strongly encouraged to apply for the fellowship?
Women candidates and candidates from Africa and Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are strongly encouraged to apply, along with candidates interested in the field of Education.
5. What are the two primary bodies to which an applicant must submit their materials?
The applicant must submit their application materials to the Chinese Government Scholarship Information System (online) and to their country’s National Commission for UNESCO.
6. What is the Chinese language proficiency requirement for a Chinese-taught Doctoral Degree Programme?
A candidate applying for a Chinese-taught degree program (Master’s or Doctoral) must have Chinese proficiency that reaches HSK Level 4.
7. Does the scholarship cover travel costs from the home country to China?
Yes, the benefits include support for travel and visa-related costs.
8. What academic credential must a candidate hold to apply for the Senior Scholar Visiting Programme?
Candidates for the Senior Scholar Programme must hold a master’s degree or an associate professor position (or above).
9. What is the final deadline for the UNESCO Great Wall China Fellowship?
The final deadline for submissions is January 23, 2026.
10. What required document ensures the applicant meets health criteria?
Applicants must include a completed Physical Examination Form as part of their supporting documents.
