Get Ready for Chinese Government ANSO Scholarship 2027-2028 Entry
If you plan to apply for the CAS-ANSO Scholarship Degree Program 2027–2028, August, September and October 2026 are the best months to prepare—especially if you want to apply through UCAS and contact potential supervisors before the official application season becomes crowded.
The first thing to understand is the structure.
ANSO is the scholarship framework.
CAS is the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the major research network behind the program.
You normally apply through either UCAS — the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences — or USTC, the University of Science and Technology of China.
If you choose UCAS, your research may be carried out at a UCAS school or one of the many participating CAS research institutes across China.
Is a Professor Acceptance Letter Required for ANSO scholarship?
Not always—but for UCAS applicants, it can be very useful.
Under the latest UCAS admission guidance, applicants may submit their application without already having a supervisor. However, UCAS also encourages applicants to contact suitable professors before applying, and candidates who receive supervisor support may upload the official Supervisor’s Acceptance Form.
That means an acceptance letter or form is not a guaranteed ticket to the scholarship, but it can strengthen your research fit and show that a professor is already interested in supervising your work.
For USTC applicants, the process is different. USTC states that applicants do not need to secure a host supervisor before submitting the online application.
So do not panic if you cannot obtain an acceptance letter. First decide whether you are applying through UCAS or USTC, because the strategy is different.
Why August–October Matter
The previous CAS-ANSO cycle opened in mid-October, so applicants waiting until the portal opens may lose valuable preparation time. and August and September are ideal for:
- identifying suitable CAS institutes;
- finding professors working in your exact research area;
- reading their recent publications;
- preparing your academic CV;
- drafting a short research proposal;
- contacting professors politely;
- arranging recommendation letters and academic documents.
By October, you should ideally know your university route, target institute, research field and potential supervisor.
How to Find CAS Professors to apply for Acceptance Letter?
Start from the official UCAS international admissions website and explore its lists of colleges, CAS institutes, majors and supervisors.
Do not email professors randomly.
Shortlist researchers whose current work genuinely overlaps with your previous studies or proposed research. Read at least one or two of their recent papers before contacting them.
A personalized email has a much better chance of being read than a generic message sent to dozens of professors.
Short Email Template to Ask for Acceptance Letter for ANSO Scholarship
Subject: Prospective CAS-ANSO 2027 Applicant – [Research Field]
Dear Professor [Surname],
I am [Name], currently [completing/holding] a degree in [Field] from [University, Country].
I plan to apply for the CAS-ANSO Scholarship 2027 through UCAS and am particularly interested in your research on [specific topic].
My previous research focuses on [one short sentence]. May I ask whether you expect to accept international students for the 2027 intake and would consider supervising my proposed research?
I have attached my CV and brief research summary.
Kind regards,
[Name]
What If Professors Do Not Reply?
Do not assume your scholarship chances are over.
Send one polite follow-up after a reasonable period and continue researching other relevant supervisors.
Most importantly, remember that UCAS applicants can still apply without an acceptance form, while USTC does not require applicants to find a supervisor before applying.
What Should You Prepare Now?
Before the 2027 call opens, prepare your passport, academic CV, transcripts, degree certificates, language-proficiency evidence, motivation letter, research summary and details of two academic referees.
PhD applicants should also organize evidence of previous research and publications, if available.
One important rule from the latest CAS-ANSO cycle is that applicants should not apply through both UCAS and USTC simultaneously. Choose one route carefully.
The best strategy right now is simple: use August and September to find your research fit, not merely a famous university name.
If you are confused about choosing between UCAS and USTC, finding the right CAS institute, contacting professors or preparing your research proposal, leave your degree level and research field in the comments so the issue can be addressed before applications open.