The Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) have announced the CAS-TWAS President’s Fellowship Programme for 2027.
This is one of the highest-paying PhD scholarships in China. Every year, 200 international graduates are selected to pursue their PhD at two of China’s top universities – the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS) and the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) – or at any of the 100+ CAS institutes across China.
Fellowship Coverage & Benefits
The funding duration is up to 4 years, structured as:• Max 1 year of coursework and centralized training (including 4 months of compulsory Chinese Language and Culture) • 3 years of practical research and thesis completion Financial Package:• Monthly Stipend: RMB 7,000 or RMB 8,000 from CAS through UCAS/USTC. You get RMB 7,000 initially, and RMB 8,000 after passing the qualification test. This covers accommodation, living expenses, local travel and health insurance. • Tuition & Application Fee Waiver: 100% waived • International Travel: One-time airfare from your home country to China. TWAS covers 80 awardees from developing countries, CAS covers 120 (including 60 from developed countries). • Visa Fee: Covered once • Accommodation: On-campus dormitory and comprehensive health insurance Eligibility Criteria for 2027
Applicants must:1. Be a citizen of a country other than China. Both developing countries (140 slots) and developed countries (60 slots) can apply. 2. Be maximum 35 years old on 31st December 2027. 3. Hold a Master’s degree before 1st September 2027. 4. Have proof of English or Chinese language proficiency. 5. Provide evidence that you will return to your home country after completion (required by CAS-TWAS agreement). 6. NOT be currently pursuing a PhD in any university/institution in China. 7. Not take up other assignments during the fellowship. Important Rule: You CANNOT apply for both UCAS and USTC simultaneously. You can apply to only ONE supervisor from ONE institute/school.
Documents Required• Completed Admission Application Form (Attachment for UCAS/USTC) • Supervisor’s Comment Page (stamped and signed by host supervisor) • 2 Reference Letters (preferably from TWAS members, but not mandatory – must be on headed paper, signed, dated) • Notarized copies of Bachelor’s & Master’s degrees • Notarized transcripts • Detailed CV with research experience • Detailed Research Proposal • Photocopy of valid passport (at least 2 years validity) • Proof of English/Chinese • Copies of title pages & abstracts of max 5 published papers • Foreigner Physical Examination Form All documents must be in English or Chinese.
How to Apply for CAS-TWAS 2027 – Step-by-Step
Step 1: Find a Supervisor (Start Now)This is 80% of the application. Visit UCAS (english.ucas.ac.cn/Admissions) and USTC (en.ustc.edu.cn/faculty) faculty lists. Identify a professor whose research matches yours and email them your CV + research proposal. Subject: Request for Supervision – CAS-TWAS President’s Fellowship 2027.
Step 2: Apply on the Official PortalOnce a supervisor agrees, go to www.fellowship.cas.cn – create an account and fill the online form.
Step 3: Upload & Send DocumentsUpload all documents online. Then send ONE zipped file containing all your documents + the system-generated Application Form to your supervisor. Your supervisor will submit the hard copies to the fellowship office.
Remind your referees to send original reference letters to UCAS/USTC before the deadline.
Application Deadline
31st March 2027
Supervisor acceptance takes time, so start contacting professors by November/December 2026.
Contact for Enquiries• For UCAS: president-fellowship@ucas.ac.cn | +86 10 82672900 • For USTC: presidentfellow@ustc.edu.cn | +86 551 63600279SwitcherBrief Pro Tip: For South African and other African applicants, highlight how your research will impact your home country – TWAS prioritizes candidates committed to returning home and developing science in the South.Good luck!
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