The UCAS Scholarship for International Students 2026, offered by the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS), is a highly competitive funding opportunity designed to attract outstanding international students to China for Master’s and Doctoral degrees, as well as for research, academic visits, and joint programs. As one of China’s most research-intensive institutions, UCAS provides a strong academic ecosystem backed by the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), making this scholarship particularly attractive for students aiming for research-led careers.

This scholarship is structured to reduce financial barriers for talented students worldwide by offering full and partial funding options, covering tuition, stipends, accommodation support, medical insurance, and application fees. For students seeking high-quality graduate education in science, engineering, technology, and interdisciplinary research, the UCAS Scholarship 2026 stands out as a reliable and prestigious option.

About the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS)

The University of Chinese Academy of Sciences is closely affiliated with the Chinese Academy of Sciences, China’s national academy for natural sciences. UCAS consistently ranks among the top research institutions in Asia and globally due to its strong emphasis on scientific innovation, advanced laboratories, and supervision by leading researchers.

UCAS offers graduate programs primarily in science, engineering, information technology, environmental studies, and interdisciplinary fields. Many students conduct their research directly within CAS institutes, gaining exposure to real-world scientific challenges and large-scale national research projects.

UCAS Scholarship for International Students 2026 – Overview

Item	Details
Scholarship Name	UCAS Scholarship for International Students
Year	2026
Host Institution	University of Chinese Academy of Sciences
Host Country	China
Degree Levels	Master’s, PhD, Visiting & Joint Programs
Scholarship Type	Full and Partial
Monthly Stipend	Up to RMB 3,500 (PhD) / RMB 3,000 (Master’s)
Tuition Fee	Fully waived under Full Scholarship
Duration	Up to 36 months
Application Deadline	31 January 2026 (Beijing Time)

Scholarship Coverage and Financial Benefits

The UCAS Scholarship is divided into Full Scholarship and Partial Scholarship, depending on the applicant’s category and academic profile.

Full Scholarship Coverage

• Full tuition fee waiver
• Application fee waiver (RMB 600)
• Monthly stipend
• Basic accommodation support
• Comprehensive medical insurance

Tuition Fee Waiver
• PhD students: RMB 40,000 per year
• Master’s students: RMB 30,000 per year

Monthly Stipend
• PhD students receive RMB 2,500 from UCAS
• Master’s students receive RMB 2,000 from UCAS
• Additional research assistantship provided by supervisors and CAS institutes
• Total monthly support is no less than RMB 3,500 for PhD students
• Total monthly support is no less than RMB 3,000 for Master’s students

Accommodation
• Basic accommodation provided in Beijing-based faculties
• Support for accommodation arrangements at CAS institutes outside Beijing

Medical Insurance
• Annual insurance coverage worth RMB 800

Duration
• Master’s and PhD programs funded for up to 36 months
• No extension beyond the approved duration

Partial Scholarship Coverage

• Tuition fee waiver
• Medical insurance
• Application fee waiver

Duration
• Master’s and PhD programs: up to 36 months
• Joint programs and visiting students: 6 to 24 months

Eligibility for UCAS Scholarship for International Students 2026

Applicants must meet the following conditions:

• Must not hold Chinese citizenship
• Must possess a valid foreign passport
• Must be friendly to China and comply with Chinese laws and UCAS regulations
• Must demonstrate proficiency in English or Chinese
• Must meet UCAS admission requirements for international students
• Must not take other employment during the scholarship period

Age Requirements

The UCAS Scholarship for International Students 2026 has defined age eligibility requirements for different applicant categories. PhD applicants must have been born on or after 1 January 1991, while master’s degree applicants must have a birth date on or after 1 January 1996.

For academic exchange categories, the programme requires senior visiting students to be born on or after 1 January 1981, and regular visiting students on or after 1 January 1986. Applicants applying under joint degree or joint programme pathways face no age restriction, making this option accessible to candidates

Important Notes

• Current Master’s students in China cannot apply for a Master’s scholarship
• Current PhD students in China cannot apply for a PhD scholarship
• Applicants cannot apply with two supervisors simultaneously

Application Procedure

The application process for UCAS Scholarship for International Students 2026 is conducted entirely online.

• Log in to the UCAS Online Admission System
• Complete the international student application form
• Select “UCAS Scholarship for International Students” as the funding option
• Upload all required academic and personal documents
• Submit the application before the deadline

Application Deadline
Master’s and PhD programs: 31 January 2026 (Beijing Time). Early submission is strongly recommended to avoid system congestion and document verification delays.

Comparison with Similar China Scholarships

Scholarship	Host	Funding Level	Duration
UCAS Scholarship	UCAS (China)	Full / Partial	Up to 36 months
Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC)	Chinese Universities	Fully Funded	Degree duration
Shanghai Government Scholarship	Shanghai Universities	Partial / Full	Degree duration
CAS-TWAS Fellowship	CAS Institutes	Fully Funded	Up to 4 years

More Information About UCAS Scholarship for International Students 2026

1. Is the UCAS Scholarship fully funded? Yes, the full scholarship covers tuition, stipend, accommodation support, insurance, and application fees.
2. Is IELTS required? English or Chinese proficiency is required, but specific test requirements depend on the program.
3. Can I apply without a supervisor? Most programs require prior contact with a supervisor, especially for PhD applicants.
4. Is the scholarship available for joint programs? Yes, joint and visiting programs are eligible under partial funding.
5. Is there an application fee? No, the application fee of RMB 600 is waived under the scholarship.
6. Can I extend the scholarship duration? No, the scholarship duration cannot exceed 36 months.
7. Where will I study? Students study at UCAS colleges and affiliated CAS institutes across China.
8. How competitive is the UCAS Scholarship? It is highly competitive and awarded based on academic merit and research potential.

If you are an ambitious international student seeking fully funded graduate education in China, the UCAS Scholarship for International Students 2026 offers an excellent pathway into world-class research and academic training. Start preparing your documents early and submit your application well before the January 2026 deadline. APPLY NOW. Visit the official website for more details.

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