CAS-ANSO Scholarship (Degree Program) 2025: Call for Applications

Part I: Introduction to the CAS-ANSO Scholarship

The CAS-ANSO Scholarship 2025 (Degree Program) presents a unique opportunity for international students seeking to pursue their Master’s or Ph.D. studies in China at the esteemed Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) or partner institutions such as the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) and the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS). Offered under the umbrella of the Alliance of National and International Science Organizations (ANSO), this scholarship supports around 200 Master’s and 300 Ph.D. students annually, focusing on young scientists and academics with exceptional potential.

Established in 2018, ANSO is an alliance of 36 scientific institutions and organizations globally, including CAS. The organization is dedicated to enhancing the capabilities of science, technology, and human well-being worldwide, particularly in Belt and Road (B&R) regions. The scholarship is designed to foster global scientific collaboration and innovation, promote knowledge exchange, and equip future leaders with the necessary skills to address pressing challenges worldwide.

One key sub-category, the ANSO-CAS-TWAS/UNESCO Ph.D. Scholarship, prioritizes candidates from Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and female applicants, with additional funding provided by UNESCO and TWAS. This scholarship is part of a broader initiative to contribute to sustainable development goals (SDGs) and support global scientific excellence.

Part II: Scholarship Benefits and Coverage

The CAS-ANSO Scholarship 2025 is a fully funded scholarship that ensures students can focus on their academic pursuits without the burden of financial constraints. Here are the key benefits:

1. Full Tuition Coverage
   • Awardees receive complete coverage of tuition fees for the duration of their study program.
2. Monthly Stipend
   • Non-EU/EFTA students: €30,000 per year
   • EU/EFTA students: €11,500 per year
3. Comprehensive Living Allowance
   • An allowance that helps cover essential living costs, allowing scholars to focus on their research and studies.
4. Health and Accident Insurance
   • Comprehensive insurance to cover health and accident-related costs during the program duration.
5. International Travel Allowance
   • This allowance supports travel expenses from the scholar’s home country to China and back.
6. Access to ANSO’s Scholar Development Program
   • Scholarship holders gain exclusive access to a range of professional development opportunities, including workshops, seminars, and personal development programs hosted by ANSO.

Note: Scholars selected for the ANSO-CAS-TWAS/UNESCO Ph.D. sub-category will have items 1-4 covered by CAS and items 5-6 funded by TWAS/UNESCO.

Part III: Fields of Study

The CAS-ANSO Scholarship supports a diverse range of fields of study, enabling scholars to pursue research across several cutting-edge disciplines. The following programs are available:

• Science, Technology, and Engineering
  • Biotechnology, Life Sciences, Engineering, Environmental Science, Applied Sciences, and more.
• Mathematics and Physical Sciences
  • Pure and Applied Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Earth Sciences.
• Computer Science and Information Technology
  • Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, and Cybersecurity.
• Humanities and Social Sciences
  • Anthropology, Economics, International Relations, and more.

Successful candidates can expect a rich research environment that encourages cross-disciplinary collaboration and exposure to advanced research facilities.

Part IV: Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the CAS-ANSO Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. Nationality Requirements
   • Applicants must not hold Chinese citizenship.
2. Academic Qualifications
   • Master’s program applicants must have been born after January 1, 1995.
   • Ph.D. program applicants should be born after January 1, 1990.
   • All applicants should hold a Bachelor’s degree (for Master’s applications) or a Master’s degree (for Ph.D. applications) with a GPA of 80% or above.
3. Language Proficiency
   • Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in English or Chinese, as required by the specific program they are applying for.
4. Non-engagement in Other Activities
   • Scholarship awardees cannot take up other assignments during the scholarship period, as it may conflict with their academic pursuits.
5. Ineligibility for Certain Candidates
   • Applicants currently pursuing a Master’s degree in China cannot apply for a Master’s program through this scholarship. Similarly, those already enrolled in a doctoral program in China are ineligible for the Ph.D. scholarship.

Note: Applicants are advised not to apply to both USTC and UCAS simultaneously; doing so will result in disqualification.

Part V: Required Documentation

The CAS-ANSO Scholarship application requires several essential documents, including:

1. Degree Certificates
   • Bachelor’s or Master’s certificates, depending on the level of study.
2. Academic Transcripts
   • Complete academic records with GPA information.
3. Motivation Letter
   • A statement of purpose outlining the applicant’s academic goals, research interests, and reasons for applying to the CAS-ANSO Scholarship.
4. Recommendation Letters
   • Two to three letters of recommendation from previous academic or professional supervisors.
5. Resume (CV)
   • An updated CV detailing academic background, professional experience, research projects, and achievements.
6. English or Chinese Language Proficiency Certificate
   • Evidence of language proficiency, such as IELTS, TOEFL, or HSK.
7. Proof of Identity
   • Passport or other valid identification documents.
8. Other Supporting Documents
   • Any additional documents relevant to the application, such as publications or certificates.

Part VI: Application Timeline and Process

The CAS-ANSO Scholarship (Degree Program) 2025 is open for applications from October 20, 2024. Here is the detailed application process:

1. Visit the Application Portal
   • USTC applicants: Access the USTC Admission System
   • UCAS applicants: Access the UCAS Admission System
2. Complete Online Application
   • Select the “CAS-ANSO Scholarship” option in the application.
   • If you wish to be considered for the ANSO-CAS-TWAS/UNESCO Ph.D. sub-category, check the relevant box during the application process.
3. Submit All Required Documents
   • Ensure all required documents are uploaded before the deadline.
4. Application Deadline
   • The final deadline for both applicants and referees is February 15, 2025.

Note: The application process for USTC and UCAS may vary slightly; please check the respective websites for updates.

To learn more and apply, visit CAS-ANSO Scholarship  official application website.

Part VII: Contact Information

For questions regarding the application or scholarship management, applicants can reach out to the following contacts:

• Application Management
  • USTC: USTC Contact
  • UCAS: UCAS Contact
• Scholarship Management
  • ANSO and CAS: Ms. Zhongxiu Wang, scholarship@anso.org.cn
  • TWAS/UNESCO: Ms. Cristina Ballaben Simoes, fellowships@twas.org

Part VIII: About the Host Institutions

1. Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS)

CAS is China’s premier scientific research institution, with over 100 research institutes, two universities (USTC and UCAS), and numerous key laboratories and research centers. It plays a critical role in advancing scientific research and education and houses around 50,000 postgraduate students.

2. University of Science and Technology of China (USTC)

Founded in 1958, USTC is recognized for its advanced programs in science and technology. According to the 2025 Times Higher Education World Rankings, USTC is ranked 53rd globally. USTC offers cutting-edge research facilities and has a history of producing some of China’s top scientific talent.

3. University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS)

UCAS, China’s largest graduate education institution, focuses on merging research and teaching, with a commitment to fostering global cooperation. It ranked 17th worldwide in 2024 according to the ESI Global University Rankings and emphasizes training future leaders in science and innovation.

Part IX: Supporting Institutions

UNESCO-TWAS

Founded in 1983, TWAS aims to support scientific excellence in developing nations, offering scholarships, research funding, and scientific training. It works closely with UNESCO to fund the ANSO-CAS-TWAS/UNESCO Ph.D. Scholarship.

Part X: Summary and Final Thoughts

The CAS-ANSO Scholarship 2025 provides a prestigious opportunity for international students to engage in advanced scientific research and benefit from the world-class resources of CAS, USTC, and UCAS. By fostering interdisciplinary studies and international collaboration, this program empowers scholars to contribute to global scientific advancements and sustainable development goals.

Interested candidates are encouraged to start their applications early, gather required documents, and ensure they meet all eligibility criteria. The CAS-ANSO Scholarship not only facilitates academic growth but also offers an unparalleled cultural experience in one of the world’s leading scientific landscapes.

For more information, visit the official ANSO website.