What is the CAS-ANSO Degree Program Scholarship?

The CAS-ANSO Degree Program Scholarship represents a flagship initiative designed to attract top global talent to China's premier scientific institutions. Launched in 2019 by the Alliance of National and International Science Organizations (ANSO), this program—previously known as the ANSO Scholarship for Young Talents—provides fully funded opportunities for international students to pursue Master's and PhD degrees at the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS), the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), and various institutes under the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). With support for up to 200 Master's students and 300 PhD candidates annually, it underscores China's commitment to fostering international collaboration in science, technology, and innovation.

This scholarship aligns with the Belt and Road Initiative and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), aiming to build scientific capacity in developing regions while addressing global challenges like climate change, health, and sustainable livelihoods. UCAS, as a key administrator for CAS-affiliated programs, oversees enrollment and degree conferral, offering access to world-class research facilities and mentorship from leading scientists.

Objectives and Background of ANSO

ANSO, founded in 2018 as a non-profit, non-governmental international organization, unites 37 members including CAS as the leading founder, TWAS (The World Academy of Sciences), UNESCO, and other global institutions. Its core mission is to enhance science and technology capacity worldwide, particularly in Belt and Road regions and the Global South, through initiatives in research, fellowships, and training.

The CAS-ANSO Scholarship embodies this vision by grooming young scientists who can contribute to Science, Technology, Innovation, and Capacity Building (STIC). A specialized sub-category, the ANSO-CAS-TWAS/UNESCO PhD Scholarship (introduced in 2022), targets up to 40 PhD students from developing countries each year, with 10 slots prioritized for climate-related research and preferences for women and Least Developed Countries (LDCs). This structure ensures diverse representation and impactful research outcomes.

Detailed Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the 2026 CAS-ANSO Degree Program Scholarship, applicants must meet stringent yet accessible criteria tailored to promising early-career researchers:

• Nationality: Non-Chinese citizens holding a valid foreign passport. Dual nationals must renounce Chinese citizenship.
• Age Limits: Master's applicants born on or after January 1, 1996; PhD applicants born on or after January 1, 1991.
• Language Proficiency: Strong command of English or Chinese, evidenced by IELTS, TOEFL, HSK Level 5 (minimum 180 score for Chinese-taught programs), or equivalent. Native speakers are exempt.
• Academic Standing: Hold a bachelor's degree (for Master's) or master's degree (for PhD) equivalent to Chinese standards; meet UCAS/USTC international student admission requirements.
• Current Status: Not enrolled in a Master's program in China if applying for Master's, or PhD if applying for PhD. No concurrent scholarships or assignments allowed.
• Health and Conduct: Good physical and mental health, no infectious diseases; commitment to Chinese laws and institutional rules.

Applicants already in China at the time of application forfeit travel subsidies but remain eligible otherwise. Simultaneous applications to both UCAS and USTC result in disqualification.

Comprehensive Benefits Package

The scholarship offers a robust support system rivaling top global programs, ensuring recipients focus solely on research and academics:

• Full tuition waiver for the program duration (up to 36 months for Master's, 48 months for PhD).
• Monthly stipend: Approximately 3,000 RMB for Master's and 7,000 RMB for PhD students, covering living expenses.
• Free on-campus dormitory accommodation or equivalent housing subsidy.
• Comprehensive medical insurance for the duration of stay.
• One-time settlement subsidy upon arrival.
• Round-trip international airfare reimbursement (economy class; not for those already in China).

For ANSO-CAS-TWAS/UNESCO PhD recipients, CAS covers core benefits, with TWAS/UNESCO supplementing travel where applicable. All scholars undergo mandatory training in Chinese language, culture, core credits, and research skills at UCAS or CAS institutes, with annual reviews determining continuation.

Participating Institutions: UCAS, USTC, and CAS Network

UCAS, established in 1978 as the graduate arm of CAS, educates over 70,000 students, including 2,000 internationals from 100 countries, across disciplines like sciences, engineering, and interdisciplinary fields. Degrees are conferred by UCAS on behalf of CAS institutes nationwide.

USTC, founded in 1958, excels in physics, chemistry, computer science, and life sciences, with campuses in Hefei, Suzhou, and Shanghai. CAS institutes span China, from Beijing's advanced labs to regional hubs, providing unparalleled research ecosystems with cutting-edge facilities like supercomputers and synchrotron sources.

This network positions scholars at the forefront of innovations in AI, quantum computing, biomedicine, and environmental science, contributing to China's leadership in global STEM.

Photo by Tyler Lastovich on Unsplash

Step-by-Step Application Process

Navigating the application is straightforward via dedicated portals:

1. Review Calls: Study the 2026 program calls on UCAS (UCAS Portal) or USTC sites.
2. Prepare Documents: Passport, photo, CV, degrees/transcripts, language proofs, papers, personal statement, two recommendation letters, supervisor acceptance (optional), financial proof (if self-funding).
3. Online Submission: Register, upload files, select "CAS-ANSO Scholarship," check TWAS box if applicable. Pay 600 RMB fee (waived for scholarship applicants).
4. Referee Submission: Ensure recommenders upload by deadline.
5. Contact Supervisor: Optional but recommended; find via institute websites.

Applications opened October 15, 2025, closing January 31, 2026 (Beijing Time). Expect interviews or exams post-submission.

Selection Process and Preparation Tips

Selections prioritize academic excellence, research potential, and alignment with ANSO goals. Committees review holistically, followed by interviews. Successful candidates receive admission notices by summer 2026, with registration in September.

Tips: Tailor statements to SDGs/Belt and Road; secure strong referees; highlight publications. Explore more scholarships on AcademicJobs.com for backups. For career advice, visit our higher education career advice section.

Success Stories and Alumni Impact

Since inception, hundreds of scholars have advanced groundbreaking research. For instance, past ANSO Master's recipients from USTC have published in top journals like Nature, crediting the program's mentorship. Reddit and Facebook communities buzz with stories of seamless transitions to postdocs in Europe and the US, or roles in home-country academia.

Alumni networks foster ongoing collaborations, amplifying China's soft power in global science. One PhD graduate from Pakistan advanced climate modeling at a CAS institute, applying insights to regional flood prediction—exemplifying real-world SDG impact.

Why Choose UCAS and CAS for Your Graduate Studies?

China's higher education landscape, led by CAS institutions, boasts over 3,000 universities, but UCAS stands out with its graduate focus and CAS integration. Beijing's vibrant ecosystem offers cultural immersion alongside research hubs. Compared to Western programs, CAS-ANSO provides competitive funding without debt, plus exposure to massive-scale projects like FAST telescope or quantum satellites.

For China-focused careers, check AcademicJobs China listings or university jobs.

Challenges, Comparisons, and Future Outlook

While competitive (thousands apply for 500 spots), the program's transparency aids preparation. Versus CSC scholarships, CAS-ANSO emphasizes science over humanities. Future expansions may target more interdisciplinary fields amid China's 14th Five-Year Plan.

Prospective applicants should monitor updates, as post-2026 intakes evolve with global needs.

Photo by Lan Lin on Unsplash

Next Steps and Resources

Though the 2026 deadline has passed, prepare for 2027 by refining profiles. Explore professor ratings on Rate My Professor, job opportunities at Higher Ed Jobs, and career tips via Career Advice. Post a job or find your next role at University Jobs.

This opportunity positions you at China's scientific vanguard—start building your application today.