Apply for the UNESCO–China Great Wall Co-Sponsored Fellowships 2026–2027. 75 fully funded scholarships for Master’s, PhD, and visiting scholar programmes in China. Deadline: 23 January 2026.
Overview
The UNESCO and the Government of the People’s Republic of China are offering 75 fully funded fellowships under the UNESCO/China – The Great Wall Co-Sponsored Fellowships Programme 2026–2027.
These scholarships support postgraduate degree studies and visiting scholar programmes at selected Chinese universities through the China Scholarship Council.
- Programme: UNESCO/China Great Wall Fellowships 2026–2027
- Total Fellowships: 75
- New Recruitment Vacancies: 27
- Study Level: Visiting Scholar, Master’s, PhD
- Study Location: China
- Candidate Submission Deadline (National Commission): 23 January 2026
- Official Nomination Deadline: 10 February 2026
Applications must be submitted through National Commissions for UNESCO.
About the Programme
The fellowship programme aims to:
- Strengthen human resource development in developing countries
- Promote academic exchange and cultural cooperation
- Support research and higher education in fields aligned with UNESCO’s mandate
Programmes are tenable at selected Chinese universities and may be taught in English or Chinese, depending on the field of study.
Priority consideration is given to:
- Women candidates
- Candidates from Africa
- Candidates from Small Island Developing States (SIDS)
Available Study Options
1. One-Year Visiting Scholar Programmes
- General Scholar: High school diploma required (under 45 years old at enrolment)
- Senior Scholar: Master’s degree or associate professor (or above), under 50 years old
2. Degree Programmes
- Master’s Degree: Bachelor’s degree required, under 35 years old
- Doctoral Degree (PhD): Master’s degree required, under 40 years old
Duration ranges from 2 to 5 years, depending on the programme.
Fields of Study
Applicants should consult the official website of the China Scholarship Council for:
- Available academic disciplines
- Participating universities
- Language of instruction
Fields typically align with:
- Education
- Science and technology
- Culture
- Communication
- Engineering
- Social sciences
Eligibility Requirements
Candidates must:
- Be nationals of invited Member States (Africa, Asia-Pacific, Arab States, Latin America & Caribbean, Europe – as listed in the official annex)
- Meet age and academic qualification requirements
- Demonstrate required English proficiency
- Meet Chinese language requirements if applying for Chinese-taught programmes:
- HSK Level 3 (Visiting Scholars)
- HSK Level 4 (Degree Programmes)
- Be in good physical and mental health
- Meet admission requirements of the selected Chinese university
A pre-admission letter is mandatory for the 2026–2027 edition.
How to Apply
Step 1
Read the official Application Guidelines carefully.
Step 2
Contact your National Commission for UNESCO to understand national-level procedures.
Step 3
Submit your online application through the Chinese Government Scholarship Information System:
https://campuschina.org
Step 4
Submit your completed application and supporting documents to your National Commission by 23 January 2026.
Step 5
If nominated, send your application form and documents to:
thegreatwall@unesco.org
Step 6
National Commissions must submit official nominations to UNESCO by 10 February 2026.
Only applications endorsed by National Commissions will be considered.
Selection Process
- National Commissions pre-select and nominate candidates
- Chinese universities conduct academic selection
- Final approval by Chinese authorities and UNESCO
- Gender balance and geographic diversity are considered
Individual applications sent directly to UNESCO are not accepted.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is this scholarship fully funded?
Yes. The programme is fully funded under the UNESCO–China cooperation framework.
2. Can individuals apply directly to UNESCO?
No. Applications must be submitted through National Commissions for UNESCO.
3. Is a pre-admission letter required?
Yes. A pre-admission letter from a Chinese university is mandatory.
4. Are English-taught programmes available?
Yes. Programmes may be taught in English or Chinese, depending on availability.
5. What is the age limit?
Age limits vary:
- Master’s: Under 35
- PhD: Under 40
- Visiting Scholar: Under 45 or 50 depending on category
6. When will selected candidates be informed?
Selected candidates will be informed through their National Commissions after final approval.
Conclusion
The UNESCO–China Great Wall Co-Sponsored Fellowships 2026–2027 provide a prestigious, fully funded opportunity for students and researchers from developing countries to pursue advanced studies in China. With 75 fellowships available and priority given to women and candidates from Africa and SIDS, this programme represents a significant pathway for academic growth and international collaboration.
Eligible candidates should begin preparations early and coordinate closely with their National Commission to meet the deadlines.
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