ANSO Scholarship 2027: Fully Funded Master's and PhD Study in China

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ANSO Scholarship 2027: Fully Funded Master's and PhD Study in China


The ANSO Scholarship for Young Talents, officially known as the CAS-ANSO Scholarship, is an international scholarship programme that supports students pursuing master's and doctoral degrees in China. Sponsored primarily by the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), the programme aims to develop scientific talent and strengthen international cooperation in science, technology and research.

The scholarship provides opportunities to study at the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS), the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), and participating CAS research institutes. International applicants, including eligible students from Nigeria and other African countries, can apply if they satisfy the nationality, age, academic and language requirements.

For students planning to begin postgraduate studies in 2027, the next step is to monitor the official announcement for the new application cycle. As of October 2026, the official ANSO website has published the results of the 2026 scholarship round, but a confirmed 2027 application deadline has not yet been established in the information available for this article.

ANSO Scholarship 2027 Benefits

The CAS-ANSO Scholarship offers financial support to successful applicants. The benefits published in the 2026 call provide a useful guide, although applicants must confirm the funding terms for the 2027 intake when the new call is released.

The main benefits listed for the degree programme include:

  • Tuition fees: A tuition waiver for the eligible degree programme.

  • Monthly stipend for master's students: CNY 3,000 per month, for up to 36 months.

  • Monthly stipend for PhD students: CNY 6,000 or CNY 7,000 per month, depending on the applicable qualification-test conditions, for up to 48 months.

  • Medical insurance: Health insurance under the scholarship arrangements.

  • Application fee: Waiver of the application fee.

  • International travel support: An allowance or reimbursement for one eligible trip from the awardee's home country to China.

  • Visa and residence permit support: A one-time allowance for eligible expenses.

The stipend is intended to help students meet living expenses while studying in China. The scholarship's coverage and payment conditions are governed by the official call and the student's admission notice.

Applicants should not assume that all benefits will remain identical for the 2027 cycle. They should check the latest announcement before making financial or travel arrangements.

Who Can Apply for the CAS-ANSO Scholarship?

The scholarship is intended for international students who want to undertake graduate study in science, technology and related disciplines at eligible Chinese institutions.

The main eligibility requirements in the 2026 call included the following.

1. Nationality

Applicants must not hold Chinese citizenship. The programme is open to eligible international candidates who meet the relevant admission requirements.

2. Age Requirements

The 2026 call used the following birth-date conditions:

  • Master's applicants: Born on or after 1 January 1996.

  • PhD applicants: Born on or after 1 January 1991.

These dates relate to the 2026 intake and should not automatically be applied to the 2027 cycle. Applicants must check the new call for its official age limits.

3. Academic Qualifications

Applicants must meet the admission requirements for their selected degree and university.

Master's candidates generally need an appropriate bachelor's degree. PhD candidates must satisfy the doctoral admission requirements of their selected institution, including the required previous qualifications.

Specific academic requirements can vary by programme, department and research institute.

4. Language Proficiency

Applicants must be proficient in English or Chinese, in accordance with the scholarship and university requirements. The language tests, accepted certificates and possible exemptions depend on the relevant admission guidelines.

5. Existing Study in China

Under the 2026 rules, applicants already pursuing a master's degree at a Chinese institution were not eligible for the master's category. Similarly, applicants already undertaking doctoral study in China were not eligible for the PhD category.

Applicants should review the latest rules to determine how their current academic status affects eligibility.

6. Other Commitments

The 2026 call stated that scholarship recipients should not take up other assignments during the scholarship period. Applicants should read the funding and university regulations carefully to understand their obligations.

Meeting these conditions does not guarantee selection. Applicants must also satisfy the admission requirements and undergo the relevant evaluation.

Which Universities Participate in the ANSO Scholarship?

The CAS-ANSO Scholarship degree programme supports postgraduate study through two major universities and participating research institutes associated with the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS)

UCAS is a research-focused university in China with graduate programmes across scientific and engineering disciplines. Applicants can explore its master's and doctoral offerings and identify programmes that match their academic background and research interests.

University of Science and Technology of China (USTC)

USTC is a science and technology university offering postgraduate programmes in several research areas. Applicants should review the university's available graduate programmes and admission requirements before applying.

Chinese Academy of Sciences Research Institutes

The scholarship also supports study at participating CAS institutes around China. The available subjects and research opportunities depend on the institution and the programme.

Important: Applicants must follow the scholarship and admission instructions of the university they choose. The 2026 call stated that candidates could not apply for the CAS-ANSO Scholarship at both UCAS and USTC simultaneously. Applicants should verify the corresponding rule in the next call before submitting an application.

Eligible Fields of Study

The CAS-ANSO Scholarship focuses on science, technology and research-related postgraduate education. Available disciplines depend on the university, department and research institute.

Potential areas of study may include:

  • Computer science and information technology

  • Artificial intelligence and data science

  • Engineering

  • Chemistry

  • Physics

  • Biological sciences

  • Environmental and earth sciences

  • Materials science

  • Mathematics

  • Agricultural and related sciences

  • Other scientific and technology-related disciplines offered by participating institutions

This is an indicative list, not a guarantee that every subject will be available under every participating institution. Applicants should consult the official graduate programme catalogue to confirm their intended course, supervisor and research area.

ANSO Scholarship for Master's Students

The master's category is designed for eligible international graduates seeking advanced education in a relevant scientific or technical discipline.

Under the 2026 funding terms, successful master's students could receive a tuition waiver, a monthly stipend of CNY 3,000 for up to 36 months, health insurance, an application fee waiver and eligible travel and visa-related support.

Applicants should identify a suitable master's programme and confirm its entry requirements. They should also prepare academic records and any other documents specified by the university.

A scholarship application is not a substitute for admission. Candidates must complete the required university application process and meet the conditions for their selected programme.

ANSO Scholarship for PhD Students

The PhD category supports qualified international students pursuing doctoral research at UCAS, USTC or participating CAS research institutes.

Under the 2026 call, the monthly stipend was CNY 6,000 or CNY 7,000, depending on the applicable qualification-test conditions, for up to 48 months. Other listed benefits included tuition coverage, health insurance, an application fee waiver and eligible travel and visa-related support.

Doctoral applicants should pay close attention to research alignment. They should identify a suitable programme and, where required by the institution, research area or supervisor before submitting an application.

The scholarship may be especially relevant to candidates who intend to build research careers in scientific and technological fields. However, admission and funding remain subject to the programme's selection process and conditions.

ANSO-CAS-TWAS/UNESCO PhD Scholarship

The CAS-ANSO Scholarship also includes a separate PhD scholarship category associated with TWAS and UNESCO. This route is intended for eligible doctoral applicants from developing countries.

The programme has given special consideration to candidates from least developed countries and to women. The published programme information has also identified climate-related research as a priority area for a portion of the awards.

This category has its own funding arrangements. Under the published programme rules, CAS covers specified core benefits, while TWAS/UNESCO provides partial funding for certain additional expenses where eligible.

Applicants interested in this route should read the specific call carefully. They should select the relevant option in the application system if instructed and confirm that they meet the requirements for both the doctoral programme and the special scholarship category.

Documents Required for the ANSO Scholarship

The required documents depend on the university, degree programme and application cycle. Applicants should follow the official checklist rather than rely on an outdated list from a previous year.

Documents commonly requested for graduate admission may include:

  • A valid passport or other required identification.

  • Academic transcripts.

  • Bachelor's degree certificate for master's applicants.

  • Previous degree certificates required for doctoral admission.

  • Curriculum vitae or résumé.

  • Personal statement or statement of purpose.

  • Research proposal or research plan, where required.

  • Recommendation letters.

  • Evidence of language proficiency, if required.

  • Other supporting documents specified by UCAS, USTC or the relevant research institute.

Applicants should ensure that names, dates and academic details are consistent across all documents. Where translations or certified copies are required, they should follow the university's instructions.

How to Apply for the ANSO Scholarship 2027

The application process involves selecting an eligible graduate programme and completing the relevant university admission and scholarship procedures.

Step 1: Check the New Scholarship Announcement

Visit the official ANSO website and look for the CAS-ANSO Scholarship call for the 2027 intake. Confirm the opening date, deadline, eligibility rules and funding conditions.

Step 2: Choose Your University

Decide whether to apply through UCAS or USTC, then review the available programmes. The selected degree must match your qualifications and academic interests.

Step 3: Check the Programme Requirements

Read the university's graduate admission guidelines. Check the required previous qualifications, age conditions, language proficiency requirements and any programme-specific criteria.

Step 4: Prepare Your Application Documents

Collect your academic records, identification, CV, recommendations and other required materials. Prepare a research proposal or statement of purpose if the programme requests one.

Step 5: Complete the Online Application

Use the official admission system for your chosen university. Select the CAS-ANSO Scholarship option when instructed and complete every required section.

Step 6: Review the Application Before Submission

Check your documents, personal information and programme selection. Do not submit applications to both UCAS and USTC for the same CAS-ANSO Scholarship round if the published rules prohibit it.

Step 7: Submit Before the Official Deadline

The 2026 application deadline was 31 January 2026, but this date must not be treated as the confirmed deadline for 2027. Follow the date announced for the next cycle and allow enough time for referees to submit their documents.

Step 8: Monitor Your Application

Check your email and admission account for updates. Successful applicants should carefully read their admission notices, funding conditions and registration instructions.

When Will the ANSO Scholarship 2027 Application Open?

The official 2027 application schedule should be confirmed through ANSO, UCAS or USTC. The previous degree-programme call opened on 15 October 2025 for the 2026 intake, with an application deadline of 31 January 2026. Those dates provide historical context only and do not confirm the schedule for 2027.

Applicants should monitor the official programme page regularly rather than assume that the next call will follow precisely the same timeline.

Final Thoughts

The CAS-ANSO Scholarship is an important opportunity for eligible international students seeking master's or PhD education in China. Its published benefits include tuition coverage, a monthly stipend, health insurance and eligible travel and visa-related assistance.

Students planning to apply for 2027 should begin researching suitable programmes and preparing their academic documents now. However, they should wait for the official 2027 call to confirm the deadline, age limits, funding amounts and application instructions.


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