Want to Study in China? Apply for UCAS Fully Funded Scholarship 2026!

Want to Study in China? Apply for UCAS Fully Funded Scholarship 2026!

The University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS) Scholarship 2026 is a major opportunity for international students who want to pursue a Master’s or Doctoral degree, conduct research, or join short-term academic visits at top Chinese research institutes. UCAS offers both full and partial scholarships — the full award typically covers tuition, a monthly stipend, basic accommodation, medical insurance and the application fee. If you’re serious about a research career or an advanced degree and want a scholarship that’s focused on science and innovation, this guide walks you through everything you need to know — explained in plain language, with practical tips for applicants from South Africa and the rest of Africa.

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Introduction — what is the UCAS Scholarship (in plain words)

UCAS (the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences) is the graduate and research university of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), China’s premier network of research institutes. The UCAS Scholarship for International Students is designed to bring talented young researchers and students from around the world to study and work at CAS institutes and UCAS colleges. The scholarship exists in two variants: a full scholarship (which covers tuition, a monthly stipend, basic accommodation, medical insurance and application fee waiver) and a partial scholarship (which covers selected items, e.g., tuition and some fees). Full awards are typically aimed at Master’s and PhD candidates and place strong emphasis on research performance and fit with a potential supervisor.

UCAS runs several scholarship calls each year, including its own UCAS Scholarship and also participation in wider Chinese government scholarships and partner programmes. The 2026 calls build on the same model: targeted support for graduate-level study and research, with a focus on science, technology and innovation.

Why it matters — opportunities this scholarship creates

At a practical level, UCAS scholarship winners get access to some of China’s best research facilities, labs, and scientific mentorship. For early-career researchers or master’s students pursuing science, engineering, biotechnology, earth science, physics or data science, UCAS provides an immersive research environment that’s hard to match anywhere else.

Beyond the laboratory, the scholarship opens doors to:

• World-class research mentorship: many UCAS supervisors are leading scientists in their fields.
• Paid living allowance and financial stability: the full scholarship provides a stipend (supplemented by research assistantships in many cases) so students can work on research without the constant stress of earning a living. According to UCAS information, doctoral students receive RMB 2,500/month and master’s students RMB 2,000/month as a base; faculty or host institutes often top this up through assistantships so the total monthly support will be no less than RMB 3,500 for doctoral and RMB 3,000 for master’s candidates.
• Academic networks: collaboration with CAS institutes, exposure to international conferences and possible joint projects back home.
• Pathways into research or industry: a UCAS degree can lead to research roles, PhD continuation, or technical positions in academia and industry globally.

If you want to build a research career, especially in STEM fields, UCAS is a strong platform. It’s also relevant for policy-focused graduates (e.g., climate science, planetary health) who want research experience to inform national-level policy or community programs.

Aim and benefits — what the scholarship actually covers

The UCAS Scholarship for International Students offers two main types of awards: full and partial. The full scholarship is generous and aims to remove financial barriers so awardees can focus on academic progress.

Full scholarship components (summary)

• Tuition waiver: PhD students: RMB ~40,000/year (exempted); Master students: RMB ~30,000/year (exempted).
• Monthly stipend: Base stipends of RMB 2,500 (PhD) and RMB 2,000 (Master’s), with host supervisors/institutes usually providing assistantships so totals are no less than RMB 3,500 (PhD) and RMB 3,000 (Master’s).
• Accommodation: Basic accommodation is provided for awardees at UCAS Beijing-based facilities; for CAS institutes outside Beijing the host institute will support accommodation arrangements.
• Medical insurance: the scholarship covers the standard insurance premium (about RMB 800/year as commonly listed).
• Application fee waiver: the usual processing fee is waived for scholarship applicants.
• Duration: typically no longer than 36 months for master’s or doctoral stays under certain visiting/study categories — exact limits depend on the specific call.

The partial scholarship

Who is eligible — the rules you can’t ignore

UCAS sets clear eligibility rules for each track (Master’s, PhD, visiting research). Common rules in the 2026 call include:

• Applicants must not hold Chinese citizenship and must have a valid foreign passport.
• Language competency: applicants should be proficient in English or Chinese depending on the chosen program’s language of instruction.
• Age limits (these differ by track): for PhD applicants typically born after 1 January 1991; for Master’s, born after 1 January 1996; visiting and joint-program categories have different age caps — always confirm on the official call.
• If currently enrolled in a degree in China at the same level (e.g., you already have a Master’s in China), you are usually ineligible for the same-level UCAS scholarship. Check the rules carefully — violations can lead to disqualification.
• Applicants must meet UCAS admission criteria for international students; specific program requirements vary by institute and supervisor.

These criteria are strict and will be enforced at screening — so make sure your documents are correct and you meet the age and academic rules for your track.

Documents required — what to prepare before you apply

UCAS typically requests the following documents for scholarship applications and admissions. Prepare certified scans (PDF) and keep originals safe for visa processing if admitted.

• Completed UCAS online application form (use the UCAS Online Admission System for International Students).
• Copy of passport (valid for the whole application process).
• Highest degree certificate and official transcript (translated to English/Chinese if necessary and certified).
• Research proposal (for PhD applicants) or study plan (for Master’s), tailored to the selected supervisor/institute.
• Two or more letters of recommendation (academic and/or professional, on official letterhead where possible).
• Proof of language proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL or HSK for Chinese-taught programs) if required by the program.
• Supplementary materials: publications, portfolios, certificates of awards or competitions (where relevant).
• Any required forms referenced in the UCAS call (e.g., scholarship declaration forms or supervisor confirmation letters).

Pro tip: start translating and notarising documents early — some translations and embassy checks can take weeks.

Application deadline and where to apply

For the UCAS Scholarship 2026, the standard application deadline is 31 January 2026 for many master’s and doctoral program calls — but confirm the exact deadline for your chosen program via the official UCAS call page.

Submit your application through the UCAS Online Admission System for international students. The official English UCAS admission and scholarship notices are published on UCAS’s international pages — use those pages to download the call documents and the detailed instructions: the UCAS scholarship call and program notices list required forms and the link to the online system.

Selection process — what the committee looks for

UCAS screening typically follows these steps:

1. Administrative check: Eligibility, complete documents, and application format are verified.
2. Academic evaluation: The selection panel evaluates academic records, the research proposal/study plan, publications, and letters of recommendation.
3. Supervisor matching: For PhD applicants, potential supervisors review proposals and may be consulted; supervisory fit is very important.
4. Final selection & offer: Successful candidates receive admission and scholarship offers and instructions for visa processing and arrival.

The message is simple: excellence matters, and fit with a research group or department is critical. If a CAS institute is interested in your profile and your research plan aligns with their work, your chance increases substantially.

What to expect if you are admitted — practical realities

If you receive a UCAS scholarship offer, you should expect a fast-moving administrative process: acceptance of the offer, visa application (Chinese X-type student visa), travel arrangements and pre-arrival orientation. UCAS will provide details on medical insurance, accommodation allocation (subject to availability and institute location) and registration procedures.

On arrival, you will register at UCAS or your host institute, attend orientation, and begin lab rotations or coursework, depending on your program. Research assistantships and supervisor-based funding may further supplement your stipend — this is common for doctoral students.

Common challenges and how to avoid them

Applicants often trip up on a few recurring issues. Here’s how to avoid them:

• Missing or improperly translated documents: Use certified translations and follow the call’s instructions for notarisation.
• Weak research proposal: Make your proposal focused, realistic and tied to a supervisor or CAS institute’s ongoing work.
• Poorly chosen referees: Choose referees who know your research and can provide concrete examples of your skills and potential.
• Applying to the wrong track: Check age and degree requirements carefully — being ineligible for the chosen track is a common cause of automatic disqualification.
• Delays in visa processing: Start visa paperwork immediately after accepting an offer and follow the Chinese consulate’s guidance closely.

Tips for success — make your application stand out

1. Target the right supervisor: For PhD applicants, identify potential CAS institute supervisors and reference their work in your proposal. A clear connection between your research idea and the supervisor’s expertise is persuasive.
2. Show research experience: Publications, conference presentations, or strong undergraduate/master’s thesis work will strengthen your case.
3. Be clear and concise: Scholarship reviewers read many applications — make yours easy to follow with clear aims, methods, and expected outcomes.
4. Use numbers & impact: Where relevant, quantify outcomes (e.g., “I led a project that improved water access for 1,200 households”).
5. Polish your CV and letters: Make sure referees know the scholarship deadlines and what to emphasize in their letters.
6. Proofread carefully: Typos and sloppy formatting reduce confidence in your application. Ask a mentor to review everything before submission.

Useful resources and official links

• UCAS Scholarship for International Students — official call and details (English): UCAS Scholarship 2026 (UCAS English site).
• UCAS admission notices and calls (master’s & doctoral program calls): Call for 2026 Master’s/Doctoral Degree Programs.
• UCAS Online Application System for International Students (where you submit applications): UCAS Online Admission System.
• China Scholarship Council and related government scholarship notices (for other China-funded scholarships): see relevant CAS and national pages (links are usually included in UCAS calls).
• Wikihii Scholarships hub — curated calls, tips and alerts: Wikihii.co.za Scholarships.

Conclusion — is UCAS right for you?

If you’re passionate about research and ready to join a high-intensity scientific environment, UCAS is a powerful choice. The scholarship removes major financial barriers and places you in a network of researchers and institutes that can accelerate your career. That said, success requires careful preparation: a focused research plan, strong references, correct paperwork and clear demonstration of fit with UCAS and your chosen institute.

Final checklist before you apply:

• Confirm eligibility for your chosen track (age, degree level, nationality).
• Prepare official transcripts and certified translations.
• Draft a concise, supervisor-linked research proposal (PhD) or study plan (Master’s).
• Contact potential supervisors where appropriate, and secure strong referees.
• Submit your application through the UCAS Online Admission System before 31 January 2026 (or the deadline stated in your program’s call).

Need help with your motivation letter, research proposal or CV? Join our WhatsApp community for personalised feedback and reminders: Jobs Connect ZA, and follow Wikihii.co.za for more scholarship guides and step-by-step application templates.