UCAS Scholarship 2026 offers an incredible opportunity for international students to pursue higher education in China with full financial support. Hosted by the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS), this fully funded program covers tuition fees, application fees, accommodation, medical insurance, and a generous monthly stipend of ¥3,500. It aims to attract outstanding global talents who wish to pursue master’s or doctoral degrees, conduct research, or join academic exchange programs at UCAS colleges and CAS institutes.
The UCAS Scholarship 2026 includes two categories — the Full Scholarship, which provides complete financial coverage, and the Partial Scholarship, offering specific funding support. It also welcomes international graduate students from other universities to participate in joint study or research programs. This prestigious award not only promotes academic excellence but also fosters international collaboration in science and innovation. Below, you’ll find detailed information on eligibility criteria, benefits, and the step-by-step application process.
Benefits of UCAS Scholarship 2026
Waiver of Tuition:
- PhD candidates are not required to pay the RMB 40,000 annual tuition.
- Master’s students are not required to pay the RMB 30,000 annual tuition.
Monthly Allowance:
- PhD students receive RMB 2,500 per month from UCAS, while master’s students receive RMB 2,000 per month.
- Depending on academic achievement, the institute or host supervisor may offer further research assistantships.
- For PhD students and Master’s students, the total monthly compensation is at least RMB 3,500 and RMB 3,000, respectively.
- Accommodation: Students in UCAS faculties or institutes in Beijing are given basic housing.
- Medical Insurance: An RMB 800 annual premium is paid.
- Application cost: The RMB 600 application processing cost is waived.
- Duration: Master’s and doctoral programs have a maximum duration of 36 months; extensions are not permitted.
Eligibility Criteria for the UCAS Scholarship 2026
- Citizenship requirements include not being a citizen of China, having a valid foreign passport, being favorable to China, and abiding by UCAS and Chinese laws.
- Language Proficiency: Either Chinese or English proficiency is required.
Age Requirements:
- Applicants for a PhD must be born on or after January 1, 1991.
- Applicants for master’s degrees must be born on or after January 1, 1996.
- Senior visiting students who were born on or after January 1, 1981
- Students who often visit: born on or after January 1, 1986
- Applicants for joint programs: No age restrictions
- Eligibility: Must fulfill the requirements listed in the 2026 Calls for Programs for International Students for UCAS international student admission.
Required Documents
- Scanned copy of the passport information page
- Scanned copy of all academic certificates
- Complete CV
- Motivation letter
- Two reference letters from Professors or Associate Professors
How to Apply for the UCAS Scholarship 2026
- Visit the official UCAS Scholarship website
- Choose your preferred program and host supervisor at UCAS.
- Prepare all required documents (degree certificates, transcripts, reference letters, etc.).
- Complete the online application form on the UCAS system.
- Submit your application before the official deadline.
- Wait for the evaluation and selection results via email.
The UCAS Scholarship 2026 offers full or partial funding for international students to pursue master’s, PhD or visiting programmes at UCAS/CAS. Full support includes tuition waiver, stipend, accommodation and insurance; partial covers tuition, fee waiver and insurance only. Applicants must be non-Chinese, meet age criteria, apply by 31 Jan 2026 and register if selected.
What is the UCAS Scholarship 2026?
The UCAS Scholarship 2026 is offered by the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences to support international students pursuing a master’s degree, doctoral degree, research courses or academic visits at UCAS colleges or CAS institutes.
What types of support does the UCAS Scholarship 2026 provide?
For the full scholarship, support includes waiver of tuition (RMB 30,000/year for master’s, RMB 40,000/year for PhD), a monthly stipend (RMB 2,000 for master’s, RMB 2,500 for PhD plus additional support), basic accommodation and medical insurance.
What is covered under the partial scholarship version for UCAS 2026?
The partial scholarship covers tuition exemption, medical insurance and application fee waiver—but does not include the monthly stipend or accommodation support. Duration for master’s/doctorate is up to 36 months and for visiting students 6–24 months.
What is the maximum duration for the UCAS Scholarship 2026?
For master’s and doctoral students under the full or partial versions, the duration is up to 36 months with no extension for the full scholarship. For visiting students under the partial version, duration is 6 to 24 months.
Who is eligible to apply for UCAS Scholarship 2026?
Eligibility: applicants must be non-Chinese citizens holding a valid foreign passport, be proficient in English or Chinese, and meet age criteria (born after 1 Jan 1996 for master’s, 1 Jan 1991 for PhD). Applicants currently in China pursuing a comparable degree are not eligible.
What is the application deadline for UCAS Scholarship 2026?
For master’s and doctoral program applicants the deadline is 31 January 2026 (Beijing Time). For senior visiting and regular visiting programmes there is no fixed deadline stated.
Do applicants need to apply for admission separately when applying for UCAS Scholarship 2026?
Yes, applicants must apply via the UCAS Online Admission System for International Students and choose “UCAS Scholarship for International Students” in the application. They must also meet the admission criteria of the university.
Can students already studying in China apply for the UCAS Scholarship 2026?
No, if you are currently pursuing a master’s degree at any university in China, you are not eligible for the master’s scholarship; and if you are currently in China pursuing a doctoral degree, you cannot apply for the PhD option under this scholarship.
What stipend and accommodation support are available under the full scholarship option?
Under the full scholarship: PhD students get a base monthly stipend of RMB 2,500 and master’s students RMB 2,000; plus supervisor/institute support so minimum monthly totals of RMB 3,500 for PhD and RMB 3,000 for master’s. Basic accommodation is provided for those in Beijing-based institutes.
What obligations do awardees of the UCAS Scholarship 2026 have?
Awardees must register when instructed, abide by the laws and university regulations, participate in any required annual reviews and examinations. Failure to comply or pass review may result in suspension or termination of the scholarship.
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