CAS-ANSO Scholarship 2026 – Fully Funded China Degree Programs for International Students
Looking for a high-caliber, fully funded scholarship to study in China? The CAS-ANSO Scholarship (Degree Program) 2026 is your opportunity. Designed for international students, this scholarship enables you to pursue a Master’s or PhD degree at top Chinese institutions like USTC, UCAS, or CAS institutes — with tuition, living stipend, travel, insurance, and much more covered.
This article gives you everything you need as an international student: eligibility, benefits, application steps, deadlines, selection tips, and FAQs.
What Is CAS-ANSO?
ANSO (Alliance of National and International Science Organizations for the Belt & Road Regions) is a nonprofit international organization co-founded by the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and over 30 scientific institutions. It was created in 2018 to promote scientific cooperation, capacity building, and interaction across the Belt & Road regions and globally.
The CAS-ANSO Scholarship began in 2019 to support “young scholars,” giving full funding to excellent international students pursuing advanced degrees in China. There are two major categories: degree (Master & PhD) and non-degree. This article focuses on the **degree programme** for 2026 entry.
Why CAS-ANSO is a Top Choice for International Students
- Fully funded: You won’t pay tuition, and you’ll also receive a monthly stipend and other supports.
- Prestigious host institutions: USTC, UCAS, and CAS institutes are leaders in science and research in China.
- Global collaboration: Brings together top students from around the world under a shared scientific mission.
- Support structure: Language & cultural training, annual review, and project monitoring ensure quality and accountability.
What the Scholarship Covers (Benefits)
The CAS-ANSO Scholarship is generous. For 2025, its coverage is illustrative and likely to be similar for 2026.
For PhD Students
- Tuition waiver for all years.
- Monthly stipend of ¥6,000 to ¥7,000 CNY depending on passing a qualification exam, up to 48 months.
- Health insurance. :
- Waiver of application fees.
- Travel allowance (home → China) for one trip.
- One-time visa / residence permit allowance.
For Master’s Students
- Tuition waiver for the duration.
- Monthly stipend of ¥3,000 CNY for up to 36 months.
- Health insurance.
- Application fee waiver.
- International travel allowance (one trip).
- Visa / residence permit allowance.
Other Important Notes
- For ANSO-CAS-TWAS / UNESCO PhD subcategory, items like travel and visa support may be sponsored by TWAS/UNESCO rather than CAS.
- Awardees cannot already be studying in China (for the same degree).
- Eligibility includes commitment to language and cultural training, annual assessments, and thesis completion at eligible CAS institutions.
- Failure to meet annual review or regulations may result in termination or discontinuation of the scholarship.
Who Is Eligible?
Here are the main eligibility rules known from recent years:
- Applicants must not hold Chinese citizenship.
- Be proficient in English or Chinese.
- Age limits:
- Master’s: Born on or after 1 Jan 1995 (inclusive) in recent years.
- PhD: Born on or after 1 Jan 1990 (inclusive).
- Meet the international student admission requirements of USTC or UCAS.
- No conflicting assignments or work during the scholarship period.
- Applicants already enrolled in Master’s (for Master’s track) or PhD (for PhD track) programs in China are ineligible.
- Cannot apply to both USTC and UCAS simultaneously under the CAS-ANSO Scholarship.
Number of Scholarships & Special Priority
Each year, CAS-ANSO supports around 100–200 Master’s students and 300 PhD students across USTC, UCAS, and CAS institutes.
A special subcategory, ANSO-CAS-TWAS/UNESCO PhD, was introduced in 2022 to prioritize students from least developed countries (LDCs) and women. Up to 40 PhD scholarships are allocated annually in this subcategory.
Application Procedure & Timeline
For 2026, the process and timeline are likely very similar to previous cycles. Below is a breakdown from recent calls.
Important Dates
- Call opens: 15 October 2025 (tentative) — check USTC / UCAS for updates.
- Deadline for applicants & referees: 31 January 2026 (Beijing Time).
- For comparison, in previous calls the deadline was 15 Feb.
How to Apply
- Submit your graduate application via USTC or UCAS international admission systems. Choose “CAS-ANSO Scholarship” as one funding option.
- If applying for the ANSO-CAS-TWAS/UNESCO PhD category, check the appropriate box in the application.
- Upload required documents (CV, transcripts, proposals, references, language proof, etc.).
- Referees will submit recommendation letters (as requested in the portal).
- The university evaluates applications, and award notices are delivered through the application systems.
Tips to Boost Your Chances
- Start preparation early — gather transcripts, secure strong references, outline your research plan well before deadline.
- Align your research with CAS, USTC or UCAS priority fields — being relevant helps.
- Emphasize your motivation to contribute to science cooperation across the Belt & Road regions.
- If applying for the TWAS/UNESCO subcategory, highlight sustainable and climate-related research if relevant.
- Proofread carefully and ensure documentation in English or Chinese is clear and complete.
- Don’t apply simultaneously in both USTC & UCAS under CAS-ANSO (that disqualifies you).
Common Questions & Answers
1. Do I need to know Chinese before applying?
Proficiency in English or Chinese is required. Full Chinese fluency is not a must. Language training is often part of the scholarship benefits.
2. Can I apply if I’m already researching in China?
No. Applicants already enrolled in a Master’s (for Master track) or PhD (for PhD track) in China are ineligible.
3. If selected, must I complete the degree at USTC or UCAS only?
Yes — awardees must complete the degree at USTC, UCAS, or designated CAS institutes in China.
4. What happens if I fail yearly assessments?
The scholarship may be terminated or discontinued. You might receive a certificate of attendance instead of a degree.
5. When will I know results?
Notification is typically via application portal or email. For example, the 2025 call’s evaluation completed by June.
6. Are there restrictions on travel funding?
If you’re already in China at the time of application, you won’t receive travel subsidies.
Official Link
To read full, updated details and apply, check the official webpage of the CAS-ANSO Scholarship: CAS-ANSO Scholarship (Degree Program)
