To all aspiring students, what could be better than pursuing your postgraduate studies or research in China with all your finances covered? UNESCO, through its official portal, announced the call for applications for its flagship “UNESCO/China Great Wall Co-Sponsored Fellowships 2026” for the September 2026 intake. By the fellowship name, you would have an idea who is offering this fellowship. A prestigious fellowship program, jointly organized by UNESCO in collaboration with the People’s Republic of China, aims to promote human resource development in developing countries and enhance international exchanges in the areas of culture, communication, science, and technology.
The UNESCO/China Fellowship programme is intended for high-achieving students from eligible member states from Africa, Latin America, Asia-Pacific, Europe and Arab regions to pursue postgraduate level studies (Master’s or PhD) or undertake individual research in various fields such as education, natural science, social & Human Sciences, Culture, communication, and technology at one of the participating Chinese universities.
The degree programs are available in both English and Chinese, making it more accessible for international students. The fellowship is offering a total of 27 fellowships for the academic session 2026-27. The fellowship does not require any fee at any stage of the application process. Individuals interested in the fellowship need to submit their applications no later than Friday, 23 Janaury 2026. Find out more details about the UNESCO China fellowship, coverage, eligiblity criteria, and degree duration below.
UNESCO/China The Great Wall Fellowships 2026: Overview
| Host Country | China |
|---|---|
| Jointly Funded By | UNESCO / Government of China |
| Number of Fellowships | 27 |
| Intake | September 2026 |
| Coverage | Fully Funded |
| Study Level | Master’s, PhD & Individual Research |
| Application Deadline | January 23, 2026 |
Also, Check:
- NUS Young Fellowship Programme 2026 in Singapore
- UNESCO Chair Fellowship 2026 Bolzano, Italy (Digital – Remote)
Study Duration
- Masters & Doctoral Programs: 2-5 Years
- Visiting Scholars Programme (Research): 1 year
Study Areas
The fellowships are available in the areas that align with UNESCO’s mission of international cooperation and sustainable development, such as:
- Education, Natural Sciences, Engineering & Technology, Human & Social Sciences, Culture & Arts, Information & Communication, or relevant fields.
To check out the proposed study programmes, visit here
Eligiblity Criteria
General Criteria
- Accepting applications from nationals of 135 developing member states across Latin America, Europe, the Arab Region, Asia Pacific regions
- Applicants’ age must be below 45 years for all the offered degree programs
- Individuals must be in good mental and physical health to attend the program
- Proficiency in the English language
- Must be nominated by the National Commission for UNESCO in their home countries
- Strong preference will be given to the women applicants and applicants from Africa and small island developing states
Academic Requirements
- Visiting Scholars (General): Have completed two years of an undergraduate degree or possess a high school diploma at the time of application
- Visiting Scholar (Senior): Holding a master’s degree or an associate professor position
- Master’s Degree: Holding a Bachelor’s degree in releveant area
- PhD Degree: Holding a master’s degree in a relevant study area
Coverage
The fellowships are co-sponsored by the Government of China and UNESCO; the programme offers generous support to selected participants. The coverage includes:
Coverage by the Republic of China
- Full tuition fee waiver for the duration of the degree program
- On-campus accommodation
- A monthly Allowance to cover living expenses in China
- Comprehensive health coverage
Coverage by UNESCO
- One round-trip airfare coverage to/from China
- Monthly pocket allowance to cover minor expenses
- One-time termination allowance
Also, Check:
- One Young World Fellowship 2026 in London, UK (Paid)
- INSAIT Graduate Research Fellowship 2026 in Bulgaria
How to Apply?
Indivuals interested in the UNECO/China fellowship programme need to follow the following steps to apply for the fellowship:
Step 1: All candidates must carefully read the Application Guidelines before starting the application.
Step 2: Reach out to the National Commission for UNESCO in your home country to inquire about the application procedure. You can check out the contact information of the National Commission here
Step 3: Applicants must secure a pre-admission invitation letter from the target Chinese universities in the applied study program. Individuals with offer letters will be prioritized
Step 3: Submit an online application via the Chinese Government Scholarship information system
Step 4: Submit your application and the required documents to the National Commission of UNESCO in your home country by no later than Friday, January 23rd, 2026
For more details and information regarding the fellowship, visit the offical link below
