The Alliance of National and International Science Organizations for the Belt and Road Regions (ANSO)—a major non-profit and non-governmental international body—was established in 2018 to foster scientific collaboration and strengthen global research capacity. With the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and 36 renowned universities and scientific institutions as founding members, ANSO is committed to advancing science and technology, improving human wellbeing, and supporting international S&T cooperation.
One of ANSO’s flagship initiatives is the CAS-ANSO Scholarship, previously known as the ANSO Scholarship for Young Talents, officially launched in 2019. Its primary mission is to cultivate promising young researchers from around the globe by providing world-class postgraduate training in China.
The program offers two major categories:
- Degree Programs (Master’s & PhD)
- Non-degree Programs
Each year, the degree track supports 100–200 Master’s students and 300 PhD students to pursue graduate studies at the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS), or various CAS institutes across China.
ANSO-CAS-TWAS/UNESCO PhD Scholarship Sub-category
Introduced in 2022, the ANSO-CAS-TWAS/UNESCO PhD Scholarship is a sub-category of the CAS-ANSO degree program. Every year, up to 40 PhD candidates from developing countries are selected by TWAS/UNESCO, with 10 positions reserved for students involved in climate-related research.
In alignment with TWAS/UNESCO objectives, special (though not exclusive) priority goes to:
• Applicants from Least Developed Countries (LDCs)
• Women researchers
CAS remains the principal sponsor of the broader scholarship program, while TWAS and UNESCO co-fund this specific PhD category. ANSO encourages additional global partners to contribute to creating more diverse scholarship opportunities.
Benefits
The CAS-ANSO Scholarship 2026 offers an extensive support package for both Master’s and PhD awardees.
- Tuition Waiver. Fully covered for both Master’s and PhD programs.
- Monthly Stipend: PhD Students, 6,000–7,000 CNY per month (depending on qualification exam results), for up to 48 months. Master’s Students, 3,000 CNY per month, for up to 36 months.
- Health Insurance. Comprehensive medical coverage is included.
- Application Fee Waiver. There is no application processing fee.
- International Travel Allowance. A one-time travel subsidy or reimbursement for a flight from the awardee’s home country to China (one trip per awardee).
- Visa/Residence Permit Allowance. A one-time visa or residence permit subsidy.
Important Funding Notes
1. For ANSO-CAS-TWAS/UNESCO PhD Scholars:
• Items 1–4 are funded by CAS, while items 5–6 (if applicable) are funded by TWAS/UNESCO, depending on financial arrangements.
2. For all other CAS-ANSO Scholars:
• Items 1–6 are fully funded by CAS.
3. Travel and visa reimbursement standards follow sponsor-specific rules.
4. Applicants already residing in China at the time of application are not eligible for travel allowances.
Academic Requirements and Regulations
All scholars must complete:
• Centralized training in Chinese language and culture
• Required coursework
• Practical research
• Thesis completion at USTC, UCAS, or participating CAS institutes
Failure to meet annual academic assessments may lead to:
• Scholarship termination
• Discontinuation of the study program
• Issuance of only a certificate of attendance instead of a formal degree
Students must follow Chinese laws and all USTC/UCAS institutional regulations.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the CAS-ANSO Scholarship 2026, applicants must meet the following conditions:
- Must not hold Chinese citizenship
- Must be proficient in English or Chinese
- Age requirements: Master’s applicants must be born on or after 1 January 1996, while PhD applicants must be born on or after 1 January 1991
- Must meet the standard international student admission requirements of USTC/UCAS
- Must not take up employment during the scholarship period
- Applicants already enrolled in a Master’s or PhD program at any university in China are not eligible for the same level of study under this scholarship. Violations result in disqualification, and the case is reported to their current institution.
Application Procedure for CAS-ANSO Scholarship 2026
Application Opening Date: 15 October 2025. (Exact dates may differ for USTC and UCAS; applicants must check their respective websites.)
Application Deadline
• 31 January 2026 (Beijing Time)
Required Application Materials
• USTC Applicants:
Refer to the Application Guideline for Graduate Applicants to USTC (link provided on the official site).
• UCAS Applicants:
Refer to:
• Call for 2026 Doctoral Programs for International Students
• Call for 2026 Master’s Programs for International Students
2. Application Portal Instructions
All applicants must submit their applications via the USTC/UCAS online admission systems before the deadline.
When applying:
1. Select the option “CAS-ANSO Scholarship” in the system.
2. To be considered for the ANSO-CAS-TWAS/UNESCO PhD Scholarship, check the designated box in the application portal.
- USTC admission portal: (accessible through official USTC site)
- UCAS admission portal: Follow the link provided on the ANSO official scholarship page.
The CAS-ANSO Scholarships 2026 offer one of the most comprehensive fully funded opportunities for international students seeking advanced scientific training in China. With generous financial support, world-class research environments, and strong international collaboration, ANSO continues to empower young scientists and strengthen global research partnerships. Whether you’re pursuing a Master’s or PhD, this scholarship can be a transformative step in your academic journey