Fully Funded UNESCO China Fellowship 2026

The UNESCO China Fellowship 2026 is a prestigious, fully funded scholarship opportunity for students and researchers from 135 developing countries. This fellowship, co-sponsored by UNESCO and the People’s Republic of China, aims to promote international cooperation in education, culture, science, and technology. With 75 fellowships available, participants can pursue advanced studies at selected Chinese universities, enhancing their academic and research skills in various fields.

This program offers diverse academic opportunities, including one-year visiting scholar programs and full master’s or doctoral degree programs, with durations ranging from 2 to 5 years. The fellowship covers all essential expenses, such as tuition fees, accommodation, a monthly living allowance, medical insurance, and round-trip international airfare. This comprehensive support ensures that scholars can fully immerse themselves in their studies without financial concerns.

Details of the UNESCO China Fellowship:

• Host Country: China
• Host Institutions: Selected Chinese universities
• Program Levels: Master’s and PhD
• Scholarship Duration: Varies by program:
  • Visiting Scholar: 1 year
  • Master’s Degree: 2-3 years
  • Doctoral Degree: 3-5 years

Also check, KYOTO University Amgen Scholars Program 2026

Benefits of the UNESCO China Fellowship

Recipients of the UNESCO China Fellowship enjoy numerous benefits:

• Tuition Fees: Full exemption from tuition costs
• Monthly Living Allowance: Financial support for daily expenses
• Accommodation: On-campus housing provided
• Medical Insurance: Comprehensive health coverage
• International Airfare: Round-trip tickets between home country and China
• Additional Allowance: An extra $80 monthly stipend from UNESCO

Eligibility Criteria for the UNESCO China Fellowship

To be eligible for the UNESCO China Fellowship, applicants must:

• Nationality: Be citizens of one of the 135 invited developing Member States across Africa, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Europe, and Arab regions.
• Educational Background: Meet the specific academic requirements for the chosen program:
  • Visiting Scholars:
    • General Scholars: Hold a high school diploma and be under 45 years old.
    • Senior Scholars: Possess a master’s degree or an equivalent academic position and be under 50 years old.
  • Master’s and Doctoral Programs: Hold the requisite academic qualifications for postgraduate studies.
• Language Proficiency: Demonstrate proficiency in the language of instruction (English or Chinese) as required by the specific program.

Also check, National Taiwan University Scholarship 2026 in Taiwan

How to Apply for the UNESCO China Fellowship

To apply for the UNESCO China Fellowship, follow these steps:

1. Review Application Guidelines: Carefully read the application guidelines to understand eligibility requirements and submission procedures.
2. Contact National Commission: Reach out to the National Commission for UNESCO in your home country for detailed instructions on the application process.
3. Online Application: Submit your application through the Chinese Government Scholarship Information System.
4. Prepare Supporting Documents: Gather all necessary documents as specified in the application guidelines.
5. Submit to National Commission: Provide your completed application and supporting documents to your country’s National Commission for UNESCO before the specified deadline.

Documents Required

Applicants must submit the following documents:

• Application Form: Completed and signed application form.
• Academic Transcripts: Certified copies of academic records.
• Degree Certificates: Copies of diplomas or degree certificates.
• Language Proficiency Proof: Certificates demonstrating language proficiency (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS, HSK).
• Research Proposal or Study Plan: Detailed plan outlining proposed research or study objectives.
• Recommendation Letters: Two letters of recommendation from academic or professional references.
• Health Certificate: Completed foreign physical examination form.
• Passport Copy: Photocopy of a valid passport.

Also check, USTC Fellowship in China 2026

Application Deadline

The deadline for submitting applications to the National Commissions for UNESCO is February 12, 2026. Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications well before this date to allow for processing time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)