This fully funded fellowship programme, sponsored by the Government of the People’s Republic of China, provides an opportunity for students and scholars from developing countries to conduct one year of study or research at designated Chinese universities. The programme aims to foster international exchange and build human capacity.
Financial Benefits
This is a fully funded programme. The benefits include:
- Tuition Waiver: Full exemption from tuition fees.
- Accommodation: Free on-campus university accommodation or an accommodation subsidy.
- Living Stipend: A monthly stipend of CNY 3,000 for general scholars and CNY 3,500 for senior scholars.
- Medical Insurance: Comprehensive medical care and protection scheme for international students in China.
- International Travel: One round-trip international flight ticket from the beneficiary’s home country to China.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Nationality: Must be a citizen of a developing UNESCO Member State.
- Age and Education:
- General Scholars: Must hold at least a high school diploma and be under the age of 45.
- Senior Scholars: Must hold a Master’s degree or be an associate professor (or higher) and be under the age of 50.
- Language: Must be proficient in English. Knowledge of Chinese is not required for most programs but may be beneficial.
- Health: Must be in good physical and mental health.
Application Process
- Application Deadline: The deadline for National Commissions to submit nominations to UNESCO is January 23, 2026. Applicants must check with their own country’s National Commission for their specific internal deadline, which will be earlier.
- How to Apply: The application process involves two key steps:
- National Commission: Applicants must first apply through the National Commission for UNESCO in their home country.
- China Scholarship Council (CSC): Endorsed candidates must also complete an online application through the China Scholarship Council (CSC) portal.
- Selection: The National Commission is responsible for selecting and endorsing candidates. The final selection is made by the Chinese authorities and the concerned universities.
Application Link:
For full details and to begin the application process, candidates should contact their country’s National Commission for UNESCO and consult the official UNESCO announcement.
