What the funding covers
- A tuition waiver and an application fee waiver.
- A monthly stipend of 6,000 or 7,000 CNY, depending on a qualification test, for up to 48 months.
- Health insurance.
- One international flight from your home country to China and a one-time visa allowance, paid by TWAS/UNESCO if you are eligible.
What you will still pay
| Cost | Who pays |
|---|---|
| Tuition and application fee | Waived |
| Living costs | A stipend of 6,000 or 7,000 CNY a month |
| Flight to China | TWAS/UNESCO, one trip, if eligible |
Who can apply
- Nationals of eligible developing countries in the South who do not hold Chinese citizenship.
- Born on or after 1 January 1991, for the PhD.
- Proficient in English or Chinese.
- Least developed countries and women receive special, non-exclusive consideration.
Which nationalities can apply
Open to nationals of developing countries on TWAS's list of developing countries in the South, so check your country there.
Documents you will need
- The USTC or UCAS online PhD application, with the CAS-ANSO Scholarship selected
- The ANSO-CAS-TWAS/UNESCO option ticked in the same application
- Evidence that you are a national of an eligible developing country
How to apply
- Apply for a PhD through the USTC or UCAS admission system and choose the CAS-ANSO Scholarship.
- Tick the ANSO-CAS-TWAS/UNESCO box in the application.
- Watch TWAS's PhD fellowships page for the next call; the last one closed on 31 January 2026.
- Write to fellowships@twas.org with questions.
Before you apply: things to know
- You can apply for only one programme a calendar year across TWAS and OWSD fellowships.
- The flight and visa items are paid by TWAS/UNESCO only if you are eligible.
- The next call's dates are not yet announced.
Common questions
Can Africans apply for the ANSO-CAS-TWAS PhD Scholarship?
It is for nationals of eligible developing countries in the South, with special consideration for least developed countries. Check your country on TWAS's list of developing countries.
How much does it pay?
Tuition is waived and the stipend is 6,000 or 7,000 CNY a month for up to four years, with health insurance and a flight to China.
When is the next deadline?
Not announced yet. The last call closed on 31 January 2026.