If you’re a talented student from a developing country looking for a fully funded PhD programme abroad, the ANSO CAS TWAS UNESCO PhD Scholarship 2026 offers one of the best opportunities in Asia. This scholarship allows you to pursue a doctoral degree in China at world-class institutions under top scientific supervision, while receiving financial support and international exposure.
Below is everything you need to know – benefits, eligibility, application process, tips – to decide whether you should apply and how to prepare a winning application.
What is the Scholarship?
The ANSO-CAS-TWAS/UNESCO PhD Scholarship is a sub-category of the broader (Degree Program). It is jointly supported by the (CAS), the (TWAS) under the umbrella of (ANSO), and the (UNESCO).
Launched in 2022, the sub-category focuses specifically on PhD students from developing countries (the Global South), enabling up to 40 young scientists each year to study at Chinese institutions.
The goal is to train and empower early-career researchers who can contribute to scientific capacity in their home countries, especially in fields aligned with global development and sustainable science.
Key Benefits (What You Receive)
As an awardee of the ANSO-CAS-TWAS/UNESCO PhD Scholarship you will receive a comprehensive support-package, enabling you to focus fully on your research without financial stress:
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Tuition Fee Waiver: Full tuition for your PhD programme at the host institution in China.
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Monthly Stipend: You will receive 6,000 CNY or 7,000 CNY per month (depending on whether you pass the university’s qualification test) for up to 48 months (4 years).
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Health Insurance: Coverage for health-related expenses during your study period.
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Application Fee Waiver: You won’t have to pay the application fee to the host institution.
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One-Time International Travel Allowance: A travel subsidy for your journey from your home country to China (one trip only) – if eligible. Note: Awardees already in China at application time may lose this benefit.
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One-Time Visa or Residence Permit Support: Some of your visa costs will be covered by TWAS/UNESCO if eligible.
These benefits make the scholarship truly “fully funded” for most recipients, meaning you should not incur significant out-of-pocket costs during the programme.
Who Can Apply? Eligibility Criteria
To submit a strong and valid application, you must meet all the core eligibility criteria for this scholarship:
Nationality & Citizenship
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Must not hold Chinese citizenship.
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Must be a national of a developing country (Global South).
Age Limit
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For PhD applicants: Born on or after 1 January 1991 (i.e., roughly 35 years old or younger at time of application).
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Some earlier calls show for born after 1 Jan 1990. Always check the specific year for the current call.
Academic & Language Requirements
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You must hold a Master’s degree (or equivalent) and meet the host institution’s admission criteria.
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Proficiency in English or Chinese.
Other Conditions
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You must not currently be enrolled in a PhD programme in China. If you are, you will not be eligible for this PhD scholarship.
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You must not apply for the CAS-ANSO scholarship at both host institutions (i.e., both (USTC) and (UCAS) simultaneously). Doing so may disqualify you.
Fields of Study
Eligible fields for this PhD scholarship include (but are not strictly limited to):
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Agricultural Sciences
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Structural, Cell & Molecular Biology
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Biological Systems & Organisms
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Medical & Health Sciences (incl. Neurosciences)
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Chemical Sciences
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Engineering Sciences
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Astronomy, Space & Earth Sciences
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Mathematical Sciences
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Physics
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Social & Economic Sciences.
Priority Groups
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While all eligible candidates may apply, special (but non-exclusive) consideration is given to women and to applicants from Least Developed Countries (LDCs).
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Also, approximately 10 scholarships each year are prioritised for climate-related research topics.
Application Timeline + Procedure
Here’s a typical timeline and application process – you should verify exact dates in the current call:
Timeline
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Call Opens: Typically mid-October (for 2026 call: 15 October 2025)
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Deadline: 31 January 2026 (Beijing Time) for applicants & referees.
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For earlier years, some websites show deadlines in mid-February (e.g., 15 February 2025) – always check the official announcement.
Application Process
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Choose one host institution (USTC or UCAS) and ensure you meet their admission requirements.
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In the online admission portal of your chosen university:
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First, select the “CAS-ANSO Scholarship (Degree Program)”.
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Then tick the option for ANSO-CAS-TWAS/UNESCO PhD Scholarship to indicate your interest in the sub-category.
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Prepare your application materials (see below). Upload them before the deadline. Following submission, referees (if required) submit their recommendations too.
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After you are admitted by the host university, you will be considered by TWAS/UNESCO for the sub-category award.
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If selected: you register, arrive in China, commence your PhD study and abide by the scholarship conditions (including annual assessments, language/culture training etc.).
Required Documents (typical)
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CV / résumé
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Academic transcripts (Bachelor’s, Master’s) & certificates
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Research proposal aligned with one of the eligible fields
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Two or three academic reference letters
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Language proficiency certificate (English or Chinese) if needed
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Passport copy (non-Chinese nationality)
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Any host-institution-specific forms (supervisor acceptance, etc)
What Life & Expectations Are Like at Host Institutions
Where you will study
You will study at either USTC or UCAS (or affiliated CAS institutes) in China – institutions renowned for research excellence in science and technology. For example, USTC boasts multiple disciplines ranked in the global top 50.
What’s expected of you
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Complete required training in Chinese language and culture (centralised).
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Fulfil credit requirements (as set by the host institution) and undertake original research under supervision.
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Meet annual reviews/qualifying tests. Failure to meet standards may lead to scholarship termination or discontinuation of PhD status.
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Publish or produce research results as required by your school/institute; acknowledge “Sponsored by CAS-ANSO Scholarship for Young Talents” where required.
Living in China
As a fully funded student, you receive a monthly stipend of 6,000/7,000 CNY (~USD 800-1,000 depending on exchange rate) which should cover living expenses in cities like Hefei (USTC) or Beijing (UCAS). Be sure to budget wisely for accommodation, daily cost, travel back home etc.
China offers rich cultural exposure, research infrastructure, and access to international conferences. Make sure to prepare for a new educational system, language difference (if unfamiliar), and cultural norms.
Why This Scholarship is a Strong Choice for You
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Fully funded: You get tuition waived + monthly stipend + health coverage + travel/visa support.
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Prestige: Studying at CAS-affiliated top institutions boosts your academic CV and research network.
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Global exposure: China’s scientific ecosystem is expanding; you’ll work with global peers, supervisors, labs.
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Impact: The scholarship aims at supporting scientists from the Global South – meaning your return to your home country may carry strong value and relevance.
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Priority for underserved groups: Women, candidates from Least Developed Countries, and those working on climate-related research have extra consideration.
Key Tips for Preparing a Winning Application
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Start early: Secure your MSc transcripts, prepare your research proposal, ask referees for letters well in advance.
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Craft a strong research proposal: Align your topic with the eligible fields. Emphasize novelty, impact, relevance to development or global challenges.
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Demonstrate your motivation & fit: Why China? Why that university? Why that research theme? Show how you will benefit and contribute.
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Highlight your academic record: Even if you are from a developing country, show how you excelled in your previous studies or research.
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Reference requirements: Ensure all your referees submit letters by the deadline.
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Check eligibility carefully: Age, nationality, existing enrolment in China, simultaneous applications to both host institutions – errors here are common reasons for disqualification.
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Prepare for interview (if any): Some candidates may be asked to attend an online interview or provide additional documentation.
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Budget and plan for relocation: Even though much is funded, plan for initial settling down, visa formalities, and cultural adaptation.
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Stay informed: Visit the official scholarship pages for any updates or changes to deadlines or procedure.
Common Questions (FAQs)
Q: How many scholarships are available each year?
A: For the ANSO CAS TWAS UNESCO PhD Scholarship 2026 sub-category, up to 40 PhD students from developing countries are selected each year.
Q: What is the monthly stipend?
A: It’s 6,000 CNY or 7,000 CNY per month, depending on whether you pass the host university’s qualification test, and it lasts for up to 48 months.
Q: Am I eligible if I already study or live in China?
A: If you are already pursuing a PhD in China, you are not eligible. Also, if you are already based in China at application time, you may lose the travel allowance benefit.
Q: Can I apply to both USTC and UCAS under this scholarship?
A: No. You must choose one host institution. Applying to both simultaneously may disqualify you.
Q: Does this scholarship cover travel and visa costs?
A: Yes, a one-time travel allowance and visa support are included for eligible awardees. However, travel/visa support is provided by TWAS/UNESCO and subject to eligibility rules.
Verdict: Should You Apply?
If you are a student from a developing country, under around 35 years old, hold a Master’s degree, and are looking to embark on a PhD in China. Yes, you should seriously apply for the ANSO CAS TWAS UNESCO PhD Scholarship 2026. It offers one of the best fully funded international PhD opportunities available right now, with strong institutional support, global visibility, and a clear link to development impact.
However, you must commit to strong preparation research proposal, application documents, language skills, and meeting the host institution criteria. The competition will be strong (only up to 40 awards globally), so you’ll need to present an exceptional profile.
Next Steps (for You)
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Visit the official scholarship page: [TWAS opportunity page] (see search result) to download the latest call for applications.
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Select your preferred host institution (USTC or UCAS) and check their international PhD admission guidelines.
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Prepare your research proposal and gather your academic documents.
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Get your referees lined up.
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Mark the deadline (for 2026: 31 Jan 2026, Beijing Time) in your calendar and plan to submit early.
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Consider contacting your university’s international office or a consultancy (if you have access) for support with documents/visa.
Conclusion
The ANSO CAS TWAS UNESCO PhD Scholarship 2026 is a golden opportunity for ambitious doctoral students from the Global South. Fully funded, globally recognised, based in China’s top research institutions, this scholarship can open doors to advanced scientific research, international networks and a high-impact career. If you meet the eligibility and are willing to put in the work now, this could be the launchpad you’ve been searching for.
Apply early. Prepare thoroughly. Make your research count.