2026 UNESCO Great Wall China Scholarship

Job Description

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Application Deadline: January 23, 2026
Study Destination: China (Asia)
Funding Type: Fully Funded (Master’s & PhD + Visiting Scholar Programs)
Eligible Applicants: International candidates from all countries

Applications are now open for the 2026 UNESCO Great Wall China Scholarship, a fully funded fellowship program that supports international students, educators, and researchers pursuing postgraduate studies or academic exchanges in China.

The scholarship covers full tuition, accommodation, comprehensive medical insurance, travel expenses, visa fees, and provides an annual living stipend of ¥42,000. This initiative is part of the UNESCO–China Fund-in-Trust (CFIT) Program and is aimed especially at candidates from developing countries.

UNESCO strongly encourages applications from women, African countries, and Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

Program Summary

• Host: UNESCO
• Destination: China
• Study Level: Master’s | PhD | General & Senior Visiting Scholar Programs
• Eligible Countries: All
• Funding: Full Scholarship + Accommodation + Travel + ¥42,000 Annual Stipend
• IELTS: Not required (English proficiency required)
• Deadline: January 23, 2026

Scholarship Details

The UNESCO/China Great Wall Co-Sponsored Fellowships Programme 2026–2027 provides fully funded opportunities for:

• Postgraduate degrees (Master’s & PhD)
• General Scholars (1-year)
• Senior Scholars (1-year research or study visits)

Candidates from 135 developing countries are eligible. Those from CFIT-supported countries are especially encouraged to apply, particularly in Education-related fields.

Eligibility Requirements

1. General & Senior Visiting Scholar Programmes (One-Year)

General Scholars:

• Must hold a high school diploma
• Maximum age: 45 years

Senior Scholars:

• Must hold a Master’s degree or be an Associate Professor (or above)
• Maximum age: 50 years

Language Requirements:

• English proficiency
• For Chinese-taught programs: HSK Level 3

2. Degree Programmes (Master’s & PhD)

Master’s Applicants:

• Bachelor’s degree
• Maximum age: 35 years

Doctoral Applicants:

• Master’s degree
• Maximum age: 40 years

Language Requirements:

• English proficiency
• For Chinese-taught degrees: HSK Level 4

Additional Requirements

Applicants must:

• Meet the admission standards of their chosen Chinese university
• Be in good mental and physical health

Scholarship Benefits

• Full tuition coverage
• Free on-campus accommodation
• Monthly stipend:
  • ¥3,000 (General Scholars)
  • ¥3,500 (Senior Scholars & Postgraduate Students)
• Comprehensive medical insurance
• Travel support for academic activities within China

How to Apply (Step-by-Step)

1. Review the Official Guidelines

Understand the full requirements before applying.

2. Contact Your National Commission for UNESCO

Each country manages its own nomination process.
Find your commission through the UNESCO directory.

3. Prepare Your Documents

Commonly required documents include:

• Admission or pre-admission letter from a Chinese university (optional but recommended)
• Completed scholarship application forms
• Language certificates
• Health/Physical Examination Form
• Academic transcripts and certificates
• Other supporting documents as required

4. Submit Online via the Chinese Government Scholarship Portal

Register and apply at the official CGS website:
Upload all required documents.

5. Submit to Your National Commission for UNESCO

After the CGS submission, submit your application to UNESCO through their portal.

6. Final Submission (If Nominated)

Your National Commission will forward your file.
You may also be required to email your application to UNESCO.