CAS-ANSO Scholarship 2027 in China: Eligibility, Stipend, Supervisor and How to Apply

The CAS-ANSO Scholarship funds international students for master’s and PhD study in China at the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS) and institutes of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. It was formerly called the ANSO Scholarship for Young Talents. Each year it supports up to 200 master’s and 300 PhD students. The 2027 call is expected to open in mid-October 2026 and close on 31 January 2027.

This guide explains what the scholarship covers, who can apply, why the supervisor comes first, the documents and how to apply step by step. The 2027 dates are estimates based on the last round. It was last checked on 4 October 2026.

CAS-ANSO Scholarship 2027 at a glance

What does the CAS-ANSO Scholarship cover?

• Tuition waiver
• A monthly stipend of 3,000 CNY for master’s students, for up to 36 months
• A monthly stipend of 6,000 or 7,000 CNY for PhD students, for up to 48 months, depending on the qualification test
• Health insurance
• Application fee waiver

International travel is not listed among the benefits, so plan for your own flight.

Who can apply?

• You are not a Chinese citizen.
• You meet the admission requirements for international students at USTC or UCAS.
• You have proof of English or Chinese language proficiency.
• A supervisor at USTC, UCAS or a CAS institute has agreed to supervise you.

Earlier calls set age limits of 30 for master’s and 35 for PhD applicants. Confirm this in the 2027 call. You cannot apply to both USTC and UCAS in the same round.

The supervisor comes first

You cannot complete this application without a host supervisor, so finding one is the real first step. Shortlist professors whose research matches yours, and write to each one separately with your CV and a short description of your interests. Our guide on how to email professors for CSC and ANSO scholarships gives a template and timing advice.

USTC or UCAS: which should you choose?

You can apply to only one of them in a round, so decide early.

• USTC, the University of Science and Technology of China, is a single university based in Hefei.
• UCAS, the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, is based in Beijing and works with Chinese Academy of Sciences institutes in many cities. Your research may be done at one of those institutes.

Choose by supervisor, not by name. The right place is the one where a professor works on your topic and agrees to take you.

How to write to a professor

• Read two or three of the professor’s recent papers first, and mention one in your email.
• Keep the email short: who you are, your degree and results, your research interest and why it fits their group.
• Attach your CV. Add a short research proposal if you have one.
• Send one email to one professor at a time, and wait about a week before a polite follow-up.

Documents you need

• Online application in the USTC or UCAS admission system
• Passport copy
• CV and research proposal
• Degree certificates and transcripts
• Two recommendation letters
• Supervisor acceptance or comment page, as the university requires
• Proof of language proficiency

Expected timeline

How to apply, step by step

1. Shortlist professors at USTC, UCAS or CAS institutes.
2. Email each professor individually and ask whether they can supervise you.
3. Choose one university. Apply in the USTC system or the UCAS system, never both.
4. Select the CAS-ANSO Scholarship inside the application.
5. Upload your documents, including the supervisor’s page.
6. Submit before the deadline.

Tips to strengthen your application

• Make your research proposal match the supervisor’s current projects.
• List publications, conference papers and research projects clearly in your CV.
• Ask referees who supervised your research, and give them enough time.
• Prepare your language certificate before the call opens.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Applying before a supervisor has agreed.
• Applying to both USTC and UCAS.
• Sending the same email to many professors at once.
• Waiting for the call to open before contacting professors.

Is the CAS-ANSO Scholarship right for you?

It suits you if:

• you want a research master’s or PhD in the natural sciences, engineering or a related field;
• you are willing to contact professors yourself and wait for replies;
• you are under the age limit set in the call;
• you are comfortable living in China for three to four years.

Look elsewhere if:

• you want to apply without a supervisor’s agreement;
• you want a bachelor’s degree, which this scholarship does not fund;
• you need your international flight paid, since travel is not among the listed benefits.

How to prepare each document

Research proposal

Keep it focused: the problem, why it matters, what has already been done, your method and a rough timeline. Two to four pages is usually enough unless the university gives a template. Match it to your supervisor’s research, and ask the supervisor to comment on it before you submit.

CV

Put education, research experience, publications and technical skills first. List your thesis title and your role in each project. Our academic CV template shows the order to use.

Recommendation letters

You need two. Choose teachers or supervisors who can describe your research ability with examples. Letters should be on official letterhead, signed and dated.

Supervisor page

USTC and UCAS each use their own form for the supervisor’s acceptance or comments. Send it to your supervisor as soon as they agree to take you, because professors are busy near the deadline.

Language proof

Prepare an English or Chinese certificate that the university accepts. If your earlier degree was taught in English, ask whether an official letter from your university is enough.

A preparation plan

1. Three to four months before the deadline: list professors at USTC, UCAS and CAS institutes, and read their recent papers.
2. Three months before: start emailing professors, one at a time.
3. Two months before: once a professor agrees, draft your research proposal together.
4. Six weeks before: ask your referees for letters and prepare your language proof.
5. One month before: open your application in the USTC or UCAS system and get the supervisor page signed.
6. Two weeks before: upload all documents, check them and submit.

Do not send emails during Chinese public holidays or university breaks, when professors rarely reply.

After you apply

The university checks your documents and may ask for corrections, so watch your email and the application system. Candidates are then evaluated, and results are usually announced in spring or summer. If you are selected, the university sends the admission notice and the visa form you need for a student visa. Studies begin in September.

Living in China as a scholarship student

The monthly stipend is meant to cover your daily costs, and tuition and health insurance are paid for you. Housing arrangements depend on the university, so ask the international students office whether a dormitory place is available and what it costs. Most international students learn some basic Chinese in their first year, even on English-taught programmes, because it makes daily life much easier. Plan your budget for the flight and the first month before your first stipend arrives.

Similar scholarships to consider

• CSC Scholarship: the Chinese Government Scholarship, which covers many more universities.
• Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme: a well-paid PhD fellowship open to all nationalities.
• GIST Scholarship: funded science and engineering study in South Korea.
• KAUST Fellowship: funded MS and PhD study in Saudi Arabia.
• JUSTCOOL PhD: a joint PhD admission at Fudan, SJTU and Tongji for students finishing a bachelor’s degree in maths, physics, chemistry or biology.

Final checklist before you submit

• A supervisor at USTC, UCAS or a CAS institute has agreed in writing to take you.
• You applied in only one system: USTC or UCAS, not both.
• You selected the CAS-ANSO Scholarship inside the application.
• The supervisor’s acceptance or comment page is signed and uploaded.
• Your research proposal matches the supervisor’s field and has been read by them.
• Two recommendation letters are on letterhead, signed and dated.
• Your degree certificates, transcripts and passport copy are clear and complete.
• Your English or Chinese language proof is attached.
• You meet the age limit in the current call.

Check the application system a few days after you submit. Universities sometimes return applications for small corrections, and a returned application that is not fixed in time is not evaluated.

Frequently asked questions

Is IELTS required for CAS-ANSO?

You need proof of English or Chinese proficiency. The university’s call lists what it accepts.

Is there an application fee?

The scholarship includes an application fee waiver.

Do I need a supervisor before applying?

Yes.

Can I apply to both USTC and UCAS?

No, not in the same round.

How much is the stipend?

3,000 CNY a month for master’s students and 6,000 or 7,000 CNY for PhD students.

How long does the funding last?

Up to 36 months for a master’s degree and up to 48 months for a PhD.

Is there an age limit?

Earlier calls used 30 for master’s and 35 for PhD applicants. Confirm it in the 2027 call.

Where to apply

Follow the call on the official ANSO scholarship page. See our CAS-ANSO Scholarship page, and our CSC Scholarship guide for the Chinese Government Scholarship.