USTC Fellowship for Doctoral Programs 2026 Cohort Open
The University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) has officially announced the opening of applications for the USTC Fellowship for Doctoral Programs 2026, creating a major opportunity for international students aiming to pursue a PhD in China with strong financial and academic support. This fellowship is designed for the 2026–2027 academic intake and welcomes talented doctoral applicants from around the world who are seeking world-class research training at one of China’s top science and technology universities.
The USTC Fellowship stands out because it is offered in three structured funding levels, allowing the university to match financial support with an applicant’s academic strength and research potential. At the highest level, recipients may receive a full tuition waiver, comprehensive medical insurance, and a monthly stipend of up to RMB 7,000, making it one of the most attractive PhD funding options currently available in China. Other fellowship levels also cover tuition fees and provide living or accommodation subsidies, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent outstanding candidates from continuing their research careers.
One of the most appealing aspects of this fellowship is the flexible application structure. Applicants are allowed to apply for one, two, or all three fellowship levels at the same time, with the final decision made by USTC after a holistic evaluation of academic background, research proposal, and overall profile. Importantly, students are not required to secure a supervisor before submitting their application, as complete applications are forwarded to relevant schools and departments for review, followed by online interviews where faculty members select suitable candidates.
The fellowship is open to non-Chinese citizens who hold, or are about to complete, a master’s degree and meet USTC’s international doctoral admission requirements. Language flexibility is another advantage, with programs available in both English and Chinese, provided applicants meet the relevant language proficiency standards. Clear age limits apply depending on the fellowship level, and candidates must be willing to commit fully to their doctoral studies without holding other employment during the scholarship period.
Applications for the USTC Fellowship for Doctoral Programs 2026 are open from 16 October 2025 to 31 January 2026, giving prospective applicants several months to prepare strong research proposals, recommendation letters, and supporting documents. With its combination of academic prestige, generous funding, and streamlined application process, this fellowship represents a compelling pathway for international students seeking to build high-impact research careers in China’s rapidly advancing academic environment.