The UNESCO–China Great Wall Fellowships are now accepting applications for the 2026–2027 academic year. This programme has become one of the most attractive opportunities for students from developing countries who want to study in China on a fully funded scholarship. If you are planning to pursue a master’s degree, PhD or a one-year research programme, this is the time to start preparing.
Table of Contents
UNESCO–China Great Wall Scholarship Summary
| Host Country | China |
| Host Organization | United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) |
| Eligible Nationalities | All |
| Degree Level | Visiting Scholars, Master’s and PhD |
| Duration | 1 to 3 Years |
| Deadline | January 23, 2026 |
Also Check: CAS-ANSO Scholarship 2026 in China
What This Fellowship Offers
The programme will award seventy-five fully funded fellowships. Out of these, twenty-seven seats are open for new applicants from 135 developing countries across Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America and the Arab region.
The fellowship covers:
• Full tuition
• Accommodation
• Monthly stipend
• Medical insurance
• Research support from top Chinese universities
Depending on the track, you can apply for a one-year visiting scholar programme or a full master’s or doctoral degree.
Also Check: WHOI Summer Student Fellowship 2026
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must belong to one of the invited countries listed by UNESCO. The main eligibility points include:
• Age limit: up to 35 for master’s applicants and up to 40 for PhD applicants
• A bachelor’s degree for master’s programmes, or a master’s degree for doctoral studies
• Good physical and mental health
• English proficiency (or HSK Level 3–4 if applying for Chinese-taught programmes)
• Meeting the admission criteria of your chosen Chinese university
Students who already have pre-admission letters from Chinese universities will have a stronger chance.
Also Check: China University of Petroleum Scholarship 2026
Application Deadlines You Should Not Miss
There are two important deadlines:
• 23 January 2026: Applicants must submit all documents to their country’s National Commission for UNESCO.
• 10 February 2026: National Commissions must forward nominated applications to UNESCO.
Applications sent directly to UNESCO will not be accepted.
How to Apply Step by Step
- Read the official guidelines on the UNESCO website.
- Contact your National Commission for UNESCO to understand your country’s internal process.
- Apply online through the Chinese Government Scholarship portal at CampusChina.org and upload all required documents.
- Collect admission or pre-admission documents from your target universities for better chances.
- Submit your full file to your National Commission before the January deadline.
- Once nominated, email your CSC application and documents to UNESCO at the address provided.
Why This Fellowship Stands Out
This programme builds cultural exchange, research cooperation and long-term academic partnerships. China’s top universities offer strong fields in engineering, agriculture, environmental science, IT, education and more. The fellowship also encourages women and applicants from Africa and Small Island Developing States.
The 2026–2027 Great Wall Fellowships are highly competitive, so starting early is key. If you belong to an invited country and meet the eligibility criteria, this programme can open doors to world-class education and global exposure.
