The World Academy of Science (TWAS/UNESCO) Scholarship 2026, offered under the ANSO-CAS-TWAS/UNESCO partnership, provides an exceptional opportunity for international students from developing countries to pursue doctoral studies in China. The scholarship offers full tuition coverage, a monthly stipend of up to ¥7,000, and campus accommodation for successful applicants.
This scholarship is the result of a collaborative agreement between the Alliance of International Science Organizations (ANSO), the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), and The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS/UNESCO) — all united in their mission to advance scientific development in the Global South.
Scholarship Summary
- Host Country: China
- Category: Postgraduate Scholarships | PhD Scholarships
- Eligible Countries: All Developing Countries
- Reward: Full Scholarship | ¥7,000 Monthly Stipend | Accommodation
- Deadline: January 31, 2026
Scholarship Details
Each year, up to 40 outstanding scholars from developing countries are selected to study in China for doctoral programs lasting up to 4 years through the World Academy of Science Scholarship.
The Alliance of International Science Organizations (ANSO) is a non-profit and non-governmental body established in 2018, consisting of 37 global institutions and universities. Its goal is to enhance global capacity in science, technology, and innovation, improve livelihoods, and promote stronger scientific cooperation.
Launched in 2019, the ANSO Scholarship for Young Talents aims to cultivate promising scientists from around the world. Every year, the program supports 200 Master’s students and 300 PhD students at prestigious Chinese institutions including the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS), and CAS research institutes across China.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the World Academy of Science Scholarship, applicants must:
- Not hold Chinese citizenship
- Be nationals of developing countries in the Global South (TWAS list)
- Be proficient in English or Chinese
- For PhD programs, be born on or after January 1, 1988 (inclusive)
- Meet the admission requirements of either USTC or UCAS
- Not take up other assignments during the scholarship period
- Not be currently enrolled in a doctoral program in China (otherwise disqualified)
- Apply to only one institution ; either USTC or UCAS (dual applications will be disqualified)
Scholarship Benefits
The ANSO-CAS-TWAS/UNESCO Scholarship 2026 provides the following benefits:
- Full tuition waiver
- Monthly stipend: ¥6,000–¥7,000 (depending on qualification test results) for up to 48 months
- Health insurance coverage
- Application fee waiver
- International travel allowance (one trip from home country to China)
- One-time visa allowance
Note:
- CAS covers tuition, stipend, health insurance, and application fees.
- TWAS/UNESCO covers travel and visa allowances.
- Awardees already residing in China at the time of application will not receive travel subsidy.
- All scholars must complete Chinese language and culture training, meet academic requirements, and complete their PhD thesis at approved institutions.
- Any student who fails qualification or annual assessments may face:
- Termination of the scholarship
- Discontinuation of studies
- Receipt of only a certificate of attendance instead of a degree
How to Apply
The scholarship is hosted by either the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) or the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS).
To apply, candidates should:
- Visit the official admission portal of either USTC or UCAS
- Select “The ANSO Scholarship for Young Talents” when filling the application form
- Check the box for ANSO-CAS-TWAS/UNESCO Scholarship in the system
- Apply to only one of the following institutions:
- Submit the completed application and required documents before the January 31, 2026 deadline
Important: Applicants are not allowed to apply to both USTC and UCAS simultaneously. Doing so will lead to automatic disqualification.
To begin the scholarship application process, click HERE
To receive more scholarship updates, click HERE
To join EDUSPUR WhatsApp Channel, click HERE
