ANSO Scholarship (Fully Funded Study in China)

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The ANSO Scholarship for Young Talents is a premier, fully funded award for international students seeking to pursue postgraduate education in China. This scholarship is sponsored by the Alliance of International Science Organisations (ANSO), with the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) serving as the leading founding member. ANSO’s mission is to promote scientific cooperation and cultivate young scientists from around the world. Every year, the program supports 200 Master’s students and 300 PhD students with competitive financial coverage.

The CAS-ANSO Scholarship provides recipients with an unparalleled opportunity to conduct cutting-edge research at China’s top scientific institutions. The degree program is primarily hosted at two highly-ranked universities: the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) and the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS). Additionally, awardees complete their practical research at one of the over 100 specialized CAS research institutes nationwide, gaining access to world-class facilities and expert mentorship.

This scholarship is designed for non-Chinese citizens who demonstrate exceptional academic merit and scientific potential. The award is a cornerstone of ANSO’s commitment to advancing sustainable development by strengthening science and technology capacity in developing countries. Successful applicants will secure funding for the entire duration of their postgraduate studies, allowing them to focus entirely on their research and academic goals in a highly dynamic international environment.

Also apply for China CSC Scholarships Fully Funded, China.

Available Programs and Host Institutions in Detail

The ANSO Scholarship primarily targets applicants for Master’s and PhD degree programs across a wide range of natural sciences, technological sciences, and high-tech innovation fields.

Host Institutions

The official degree is granted by one of two primary universities, though the practical research is decentralized:

University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS): This institution is the main educational arm of CAS and enrolls students for research across more than 100 CAS research institutes (e.g., institutes of physics, chemistry, or biology).
University of Science and Technology of China (USTC): A C9 League university known for its excellence in science and technology. USTC also utilizes CAS institutes for practical research, offering degrees in fields like Material Science, Engineering, and Computer Science.

Applicants must choose only one supervisor from one institute/school affiliated with either UCAS or USTC for their application.

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Scholarship Coverage and Details

The ANSO Scholarship offers comprehensive coverage, ensuring the awardee’s education is fully funded.

Coverage

The scholarship includes full tuition waiver, health insurance, and an application fee waiver. It also covers travel expenses.

Coverage Item	Master’s Program	PhD Program
Tuition Fee	Full waiver	Full waiver
Monthly Stipend	RMB 3,000	RMB 6,000 to RMB 7,000
Health Insurance	Comprehensive coverage	Comprehensive coverage
Travel	One-time international travel allowance (home country to China)	One-time international travel allowance (home country to China)
Fees	Application and enrollment fees waived	Application and enrollment fees waived

Details

Program	Duration	Sponsoring Organization
Master’s Program	Up to 36 months	Alliance of International Science Organisations (ANSO)
PhD Program	Up to 48 months	Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) is the leading founding member

Eligibility and Requirements

Candidates must meet eligibility criteria for both the scholarship and the host university’s international student admission standards.

Requirement Category	Master’s Program	PhD Program
Nationality	Must be a Non-Chinese citizen.	Must be a Non-Chinese citizen.
Academic	Must hold a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent).	Must hold a master’s degree (or equivalent).
Age	Specific age limits apply (typically under 30 or 35, depending on the host university).	Specific age limits apply (typically under 35 or 40, depending on the host university).
Health	Must be in good physical and mental health.	Must be in good physical and mental health.
Language	Must demonstrate proficiency in English or Chinese (HSK levels).	Must demonstrate proficiency in English or Chinese (HSK levels).
Exclusions	Cannot hold other assignments or scholarships during the award period.	Cannot hold other assignments or scholarships during the award period.

Key Application Materials

Applicants must carefully prepare and submit an application with five essential documents.

To strengthen an application, candidates must prepare the following materials:

Application Form: The signed and completed application form is required.
Passport: A scanned copy of the first page of a valid passport is mandatory.
Academic Transcripts: Certified copies of your diplomas and transcripts for all prior degrees must be included.
Recommendation Letters: Letters from your CAS host researcher and potentially one other academic authority are required.
Study Plan: A detailed plan outlining your research background, objectives, and timetable is necessary.
Photo: A recent color passport-sized photo must be uploaded.

How to Secure a CSC Scholarship to Study in China.

Deadline

Applicants must pay close attention to application deadlines. The deadline generally falls in early to mid-February of the year of intake. For the 2026 intake, the deadline is often around February 15, 2026 (Beijing Time), though the CAS-ANSO-TWAS PhD deadline can be January 31, 2026. You must check the specific deadline on the UCAS or USTC admission portal.