How to Apply for ANSO scholarship: Requirements & Deadline
If you are a science or technology student looking for a fully funded opportunity to study in one of the world’s most research-intensive countries, the ANSO Scholarship might be exactly what you have been searching for. This is not a small regional program. We are talking about up to 500 scholarships awarded every year, covering everything from tuition to accommodation to a monthly living stipend, all in China, one of the fastest-growing academic powerhouses in the world today.
In this article, we are going to break down everything you need to know about the ANSO Scholarship, who it is for, what it covers, the exact eligibility requirements, the application process, and some practical tips to help you put together a strong application. Whether you are applying for a master’s degree or a PhD, this guide has you covered.
What Is the ANSO Scholarship?
The ANSO Scholarship, now formally called the CAS-ANSO Scholarship, is an international scholarship program funded and administered by the Alliance of International Science Organizations (ANSO) in partnership with the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). It was previously known as the ANSO Scholarship for Young Talents when it was first launched in 2019.
ANSO, which stands for the Alliance of International Science Organizations for the Belt and Road Regions, is a non-profit, non-governmental international scientific organization founded in 2018. Its founding members include the Chinese Academy of Sciences and 36 other scientific institutions, universities, and international organizations from around the world. The organization was created with the mission of improving regional and global capacity in science and technology, and promoting broader international cooperation and knowledge exchange.
The CAS-ANSO Scholarship is one of ANSO’s flagship programs. Its primary goal is to train and cultivate young scientists from all over the world by giving them access to world-class research facilities and academic programs at leading Chinese institutions. Since its launch, hundreds of international students have benefited from this opportunity every year.
The scholarship has two main categories. The first is the Degree Program, which is what most applicants are interested in. The second is a Non-Degree Program for researchers and professionals. In this article, we will focus primarily on the Degree Program since it covers both master’s and PhD studies.
The ANSO-CAS-TWAS/UNESCO PhD Scholarship: A Special Sub-Category
In addition to the main CAS-ANSO Scholarship, there is also a very important sub-category that was officially launched in 2022. It is called the ANSO-CAS-TWAS/UNESCO PhD Scholarship. This variant of the scholarship is specifically for PhD students from developing countries.
The ANSO-CAS-TWAS/UNESCO PhD Scholarship is funded through a tri-party agreement between ANSO, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS), which operates under UNESCO. Up to 40 PhD students from developing countries are selected for this category every year. Among those, 10 scholarships are specifically prioritized for candidates engaged in climate-related research.
The TWAS/UNESCO sub-category also gives special, though not exclusive, consideration to two priority groups: students from Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and women. If you are from a developing country and are passionate about scientific research, this particular category is something you should seriously explore alongside the main scholarship.
Host Institutions: Where Will You Study?
The ANSO Scholarship supports graduate studies at two primary institutions in China, both of which are globally recognized for research excellence. You can also be placed at CAS institutes across China, depending on your field of study.
University of Science and Technology of China (USTC)
The University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) is one of China’s most prestigious universities. It was established in 1958 by the Chinese Academy of Sciences and became the first institution to launch a graduate school in China, back in 1978. It is widely known as the “Cradle of Scientific Elites” and is a vital center for innovation in China.
USTC provides both undergraduate and postgraduate programs across its 34 schools. It also houses specialized research facilities including the Suzhou Institute, Shanghai Institute, Beijing Institute, Institute of Advanced Technology, and the First Affiliated Hospital of USTC.
In terms of global rankings, USTC is ranked 51st in the world according to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026. In the Nature Index 2025, it ranks 2nd globally among leading research institutions. It has five disciplines ranked in the top 1 per thousand of the ESI International Ranking 2025, including Physics, Material Science, Chemistry, Engineering, and Computer Science. It also has 17 disciplines in the world’s top 50 of the ARWU Subject Rankings 2025, including Nano Science and Technology and Energy Science and Technology.
University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS)
The University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS) is the largest graduate education institution in China. Its predecessor was the Graduate University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, established in 1978. Today, UCAS has about 70,000 ongoing students, including nearly 2,000 international students from around 100 countries.
UCAS is authorized to confer all master’s and doctoral degrees in the scientific disciplines and 90 percent of all degrees in the engineering disciplines. According to the Global University Ranking by Essential Science Indicator in September 2025, UCAS ranked number one in China and number ten worldwide. It also ranked 5th globally among leading research institutions in the Nature Index released in August 2025, and 54th globally in the U.S. News 2025-2026 Best Global Universities Rankings.
UCAS has established close ties with over 80 world-renowned universities and is a member of the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU). It is also building overseas joint centers for education and research based on CAS overseas institutions, aimed at improving technological innovation capacity in Belt and Road countries.
CAS Institutes Around China
Beyond the two main universities, selected scholarship awardees may also be placed at various CAS institutes spread throughout China. CAS is the leading national research organization in China and includes over 100 research institutes covering fields from basic science to applied technology. Being placed at a CAS institute gives you access to cutting-edge laboratories, senior researchers, and highly specialized scientific environments.
What Does the ANSO Scholarship Cover?
The CAS-ANSO Scholarship is a fully funded scholarship. Here is a detailed breakdown of everything it covers:
1. Tuition Fees
The scholarship covers all tuition fees for the full duration of your master’s or PhD program. You do not need to pay anything for your academic studies at the host institution.
2. Accommodation
Scholarship recipients receive free accommodation at the host institution’s student facilities. This significantly reduces the overall cost of living in China, especially in major academic cities like Beijing and Hefei.
3. Monthly Stipend
Awardees receive a competitive monthly stipend to cover their daily living expenses. The stipend amounts are as follows: Master’s students receive 3,000 CNY per month. PhD students receive 6,000 CNY per month before passing their qualification test, and 7,000 CNY per month after passing the qualification test. These stipends are paid for up to 36 months for master’s awardees and up to 48 months for PhD awardees.
4. Medical Insurance
Comprehensive medical insurance is provided to all scholarship recipients throughout the duration of their studies in China.
5. Application Fee Waiver
Applicants for the ANSO Scholarship are exempt from paying any application fee. This makes it completely free to apply, removing a common barrier for students from developing countries.
6. International Travel Allowance
The scholarship provides a one-time international travel allowance to cover the round-trip airfare from your home country to China. Note that this travel subsidy is not available for applicants who are already on-site in China at the time of application.
7. Visa and Residence Permit Allowance
Costs associated with applying for a Chinese study visa and obtaining a residence permit in China are reimbursed under the scholarship. This is a practical benefit that many scholarships overlook, and it is a real relief for students navigating the visa process for the first time.
It is worth noting that for the ANSO-CAS-TWAS/UNESCO PhD Scholarship sub-category, items 1 through 4 above are funded by CAS, while items 5 and 6 (if applicable) are funded by TWAS/UNESCO. For all other CAS-ANSO Scholarship recipients, all items are covered by CAS.
Duration of the Scholarship
The duration of the scholarship depends on your level of study. For master’s degree students, the scholarship is awarded for a maximum of 36 months, which is three years. For PhD students, the scholarship is awarded for a maximum of 48 months, which is four years.
The scholarship is contingent on satisfactory academic performance. All awardees are required to complete centralized training in Chinese language and Chinese culture, finish all required academic credits, complete practical research, and submit their degree thesis at their host institution. If an awardee fails their annual assessments, the consequences include termination of the scholarship, discontinuity of their studies, or being provided only with a certificate of attendance rather than a formal degree.
Eligibility Requirements for the ANSO Scholarship
Before investing time in your application, make sure you meet all the eligibility criteria. Here is what the official call for applications requires:
Citizenship
You must not hold Chinese citizenship. The scholarship is exclusively for non-Chinese nationals. All nationalities from outside China are eligible, provided they meet the other requirements.
Language Proficiency
You must be proficient in either English or Chinese. This is an important requirement. Many programs at USTC and UCAS are offered in English, so English proficiency is typically sufficient. However, if your chosen program is in Chinese, you will need to demonstrate Chinese language proficiency.
Age Requirements
The scholarship has age limits based on your level of study. For master’s program applicants, you must have been born on or after January 1, 1996. For PhD program applicants, you must have been born on or after January 1, 1991. These age limits apply to the 2026 intake and are typically updated slightly each year, so always check the most current call for applications.
Current Students in China
If you are currently pursuing a master’s degree at any university or institution in China, you are not eligible for the master’s program of this scholarship. Similarly, if you are currently pursuing a doctoral degree in China, you are not eligible for the PhD program. However, a current master’s student in China is allowed to apply for the PhD program of the CAS-ANSO Scholarship.
No Simultaneous Applications
You are not allowed to apply for the CAS-ANSO Scholarship through both USTC and UCAS at the same time. You must choose one institution and apply through its specific admission portal. Applying to both will result in immediate disqualification from both applications.
No Other Commitments
During the period of the scholarship, awardees must not take up other full-time employment or assignments. The scholarship is meant to support full-time study and research, and holding other positions is not allowed.
Friendly to China
Applicants must hold a valid foreign passport and maintain a positive relationship with China, abiding by Chinese laws and university regulations throughout the duration of their studies.
How to Apply for the ANSO Scholarship 2026
The application process is conducted entirely online. Here is a step-by-step walkthrough to guide you through it:
Step 1: Choose Your Institution and Program
The first decision you need to make is whether you want to apply through USTC or UCAS. Each institution manages its own admissions. Browse the programs available at each university and identify the master’s or PhD program that best fits your academic background and research interests. Make this decision carefully because you cannot apply to both.
Step 2: Review Admission Requirements
Each institution has its own specific admission requirements for international students. For USTC applicants, review the Application Guideline for Graduate Applicants on the USTC international admissions website. For UCAS applicants, check the specific call for master’s or doctoral programs for international students on the UCAS website. These requirements include minimum academic qualifications, language test scores, and other documentation.
Step 3: Prepare Your Application Documents
Gather all the required documents based on the guidelines of your chosen institution. Generally, you will need your academic transcripts, degree certificates, a research proposal or statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, proof of language proficiency, and a copy of your passport. All documents must be in English or Chinese.
Step 4: Submit Your Application Through the Official Portal
Log in to the official online admission system of your chosen institution and complete the application form. When filling out the form, make sure to explicitly select “CAS-ANSO Scholarship” as the scholarship you are applying for. If you also want to be considered for the ANSO-CAS-TWAS/UNESCO PhD Scholarship sub-category, check the additional box as instructed in the system. Do not forget this step, as it does not happen automatically.
For USTC: Apply through the USTC international student admission portal.
For UCAS: Apply through the UCAS online admission system for international students.
Alternatively, you can visit the official ANSO CAS-ANSO Scholarship page to access the full call for applications and find links to the admission portals.
Step 5: Ensure Your Referees Submit on Time
The deadline applies not only to your own application but also to your referees. Make sure the people writing your recommendation letters are aware of the deadline and submit their letters well before it. A late referee submission can disqualify your application even if everything else is submitted on time.
Step 6: Track Your Application
After submission, log in to your admission system account periodically to check the status of your application. Both USTC and UCAS will communicate updates through the portal and by email.
Application Deadline for 2026
The 2026 CAS-ANSO Scholarship opened for applications on October 15, 2025. The deadline for both applicants and referees is January 31, 2026 (Beijing Time). If you are reading this before that date, there is still time to apply. If you are reading after that date, the 2027 cycle is expected to open around October 2026, following the same annual pattern.
Please note that the exact opening and closing dates can vary slightly between USTC and UCAS. Always verify the specific dates on each institution’s official website before you begin your application.
About the Key Organizations Behind the Scholarship
Understanding the organizations behind a scholarship helps you write a more compelling motivation letter and demonstrates that you have genuinely researched the opportunity. Here is a brief overview of the key parties involved:
ANSO (Alliance of International Science Organizations)
ANSO is a non-profit international scientific organization founded in 2018 and based in Beijing. It is committed to advancing shared sustainable development of the Belt and Road Regions and supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through concrete international cooperation in science, technology, innovation, and capacity building. It focuses especially on addressing the needs of the Global South. ANSO promotes collaboration through research programs, visiting fellowships, and conference programs, with the CAS-ANSO Scholarship being one of its main tools for nurturing young scientists globally.
CAS (Chinese Academy of Sciences)
The Chinese Academy of Sciences is the leading national academy for natural sciences in China. It is the leading founding member of ANSO and the major funder of the CAS-ANSO Scholarship. CAS brings together scientists and engineers from China and around the world to address both theoretical and applied research problems. It oversees a vast research and development network that spans over 100 institutes across China.
TWAS (The World Academy of Sciences)
TWAS, which operates under UNESCO, is the World Academy of Sciences for the advancement of science in developing countries. It was founded in 1983 under the leadership of Pakistani physicist and Nobel Prize winner Abdus Salam and is based in Trieste, Italy. TWAS supports science in the developing world through research funding, education, training, and science policy. It co-funds the ANSO-CAS-TWAS/UNESCO PhD Scholarship sub-category and plays a key role in selecting recipients from developing countries.
Fields of Study Available Under the ANSO Scholarship
Because the scholarship is tied to USTC and UCAS, the available fields of study are aligned with the strengths of these two institutions. Both universities are particularly strong in science, technology, and engineering disciplines.
At USTC, strong programs exist in Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Chemistry, Material Science, Life Sciences, Environmental Science, Engineering, and Management. At UCAS, the breadth is even wider, covering virtually all scientific and engineering disciplines, as well as select humanities and social science programs. CAS institutes, where some awardees may be placed, offer highly specialized research opportunities in cutting-edge areas like space science, quantum computing, environmental science, and agricultural science.
If you are a student in a humanities or social science field with no scientific component, this scholarship may not be the right fit. The ANSO Scholarship is oriented toward STEM and research-heavy academic disciplines.
Tips to Strengthen Your ANSO Scholarship Application
The competition for the ANSO Scholarship is real. Up to 500 scholarships are available each year, but thousands of students from around the world apply. Here are some honest tips to help your application stand out:
Be Specific in Your Research Proposal
One of the most important parts of your application, especially for PhD candidates, is your research proposal or statement of purpose. Vague proposals that say you want to “contribute to science” without specifying how will not impress the selection committee. Identify a specific research problem, explain why it matters, and describe how you plan to approach it. Connect your proposal to the strengths of your chosen institution.
Choose a Supervisor Before You Apply
For PhD applicants in particular, it helps enormously to identify a potential supervisor at USTC or UCAS before submitting your application. Browse the faculty profiles at your chosen institution, find a professor whose research aligns with yours, and reach out to them via email. A faculty member who agrees to supervise you can significantly strengthen your application and improve your chances of admission.
Get Strong Recommendation Letters
Ask professors or supervisors who know your work well to write your recommendation letters. Generic letters add little value. You want letters that specifically describe your research skills, academic achievements, and potential for postgraduate work. Give your recommenders enough context and time to write meaningful letters.
Demonstrate English or Chinese Proficiency Clearly
If your native language is neither English nor Chinese, make sure you have valid proficiency test scores to include in your application. IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent scores for English-language programs are typically accepted. Check the specific language requirements of your chosen program at USTC or UCAS.
Apply Early and Double-Check Everything
Do not wait until the last week before the deadline to start your application. The online system can be slow or have technical issues close to the deadline, and you do not want to risk missing out because of something preventable. Give yourself at least three to four weeks to gather documents, write your statement of purpose, and coordinate with your referees.
What Happens After You Are Selected?
Once you are selected for the CAS-ANSO Scholarship, you will receive an official notification with admission details. You will then need to complete your registration at USTC or UCAS as indicated in your admission notice. Missing the registration window means losing your scholarship offer, so act promptly.
After arriving in China, all scholarship awardees are required to complete centralized training in Chinese language and culture as part of the program requirements. This is designed to help international students adapt to life and academic work in China. Depending on your program language and your prior Chinese language experience, this training period varies in intensity.
You will also need to apply for a Chinese study visa (typically an X-type visa) and register for a residence permit after arrival. The scholarship covers the associated costs, but the logistics are your own responsibility. Starting early with the visa application process is strongly recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions About the ANSO Scholarship
Is the ANSO Scholarship available for undergraduate students?
No. The CAS-ANSO Scholarship Degree Program is specifically for master’s and PhD students. Undergraduate applicants are not eligible for this particular scholarship.
Can I apply if I am already studying in China?
If you are currently enrolled in a master’s program in China, you cannot apply for the master’s category of the ANSO Scholarship. However, you can apply for the PhD category. If you are currently enrolled in a PhD program in China, you are not eligible for any category of this scholarship.
Is there an application fee?
No. The CAS-ANSO Scholarship application is completely free. There is an application fee waiver for all applicants.
Can I apply to both USTC and UCAS at the same time?
Absolutely not. You must choose one institution and apply only through that institution’s portal. Submitting applications to both will result in disqualification from both.
How competitive is the ANSO Scholarship?
Up to 500 scholarships are available each year, which is generous for an international scholarship program. However, the number of applicants worldwide is considerably higher. A strong academic background, a well-written research proposal, and genuine alignment with the research strengths of your host institution will give you a competitive edge.
Do I need to speak Chinese to study in China on this scholarship?
Not necessarily. Many programs at USTC and UCAS are available in English. However, you will still be required to complete some Chinese language and cultural training as part of your enrollment. If your program is taught in Chinese, you will need to demonstrate Chinese language proficiency.
What is the ANSO-CAS-TWAS/UNESCO PhD Scholarship and how is it different?
It is a sub-category of the main CAS-ANSO Scholarship specifically for PhD students from developing countries. Up to 40 students are selected for this category each year, with co-funding from TWAS and UNESCO. It gives priority to students from Least Developed Countries and women. You can indicate your interest in this sub-category when completing the standard CAS-ANSO application form.
Who should I contact if I have questions about my application?
For USTC-related queries, you can contact the CAS-ANSO Scholarship USTC Office at isa@ustc.edu.cn. For UCAS-related queries, PhD applicants can contact phd@ucas.ac.cn and master’s applicants can contact master@ucas.ac.cn. For scholarship-related inquiries at the ANSO level, you can reach the ANSO Secretariat at scholarship@anso.org.cn.
Why Study in China on the ANSO Scholarship?
Choosing where to study is a big decision. Some students default to Europe or North America when they think of international scholarships. But China is increasingly becoming a top destination for postgraduate research, and for good reason.
China invests more in research and development than almost any other country in the world. Its universities are climbing global rankings rapidly, and institutions like USTC and UCAS are genuinely world-class research environments. If you want to be at the forefront of scientific research in fields like materials science, environmental science, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, or biotechnology, studying in China puts you right at the center of some of the most exciting work happening in these areas.
The cost of living in Chinese university cities like Beijing and Hefei is also lower than in most Western countries. With free accommodation and a monthly stipend, your day-to-day life as an ANSO Scholar will be manageable and comfortable.
Finally, the global network you build during your time in China, with fellow international students, CAS researchers, and ANSO’s network of global scientific institutions, is something that will serve your career for years after you graduate.
Final Thoughts
The ANSO Scholarship is one of the most generous and well-structured fully funded scholarship programs available to international students today. With up to 500 awards annually, full coverage of tuition, accommodation, monthly stipend, travel, insurance, and visa costs, and the opportunity to study at two of China’s top research universities, it represents a genuine opportunity to transform your academic and professional career.
It is not the easiest scholarship to win, but with a focused application, a strong research proposal, good recommendation letters, and a clear alignment with what USTC or UCAS offers, your chances are very real. Do not let the competition discourage you from applying. Every successful scholarship recipient started exactly where you are now.
Take the first step today. Visit the official CAS-ANSO Scholarship page on the ANSO website to read the full call for applications and start your journey toward a fully funded postgraduate education in China.
