The ANSO Scholarship details and how Nigerian students can apply
The ANSO Scholarship offers fully funded study opportunities in China for international students, including Nigerians. It supports master’s and PhD studies for qualified applicants. Applications are submitted online through the official portals of partner institutions, such as the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS) and the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC).
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Key takeaways
- The ANSO Scholarship is open to high-achieving Nigerian students applying for Master’s and PhD programs at the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) or the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS).
- Successful applicants receive full tuition, a monthly stipend of 3,000 CNY to 7,000 CNY, plus health insurance and airfare reimbursement.
- Applicants must meet the age requirements: for the Master’s program, born on or after 1 January 1996; for the PhD program, born on or after 1 January 1991.
- All applications are processed online through the official admission portals of either the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) or the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS).
The ANSO Scholarship 2026: a complete guide
The CAS-ANSO Scholarship, formerly called the ANSO Scholarship for Young Talents, is a fully funded scholarship launched in 2019 to support young scientists worldwide. It has two tracks: degree and non-degree programs. Each year, the degree program funds 100 to 200 Master’s students and 300 PhD candidates from around the world, including Nigerians.
Students can pursue postgraduate studies at the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS), and other institutes under the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) across China.
ANSO scholarship requirements
The ANSO Scholarship eligibility criteria help applicants determine if they qualify for this fully funded master’s and PhD programme in China. Below are the key requirements.
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- Applicants must be non-Chinese citizens.
- Applicants should be proficient in either English or Chinese.
- Master’s applicants must be born on or after 1 January 1996.
- PhD applicants must be born on or after 1 January 1991.
- Applicants must satisfy international admission requirements set by the University of Science and Technology of China or the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences.
- Applicants are not allowed to take on other jobs or assignments during the scholarship period.
- Applicants already enrolled in a master’s or PhD program in China are ineligible; any violations may result in disqualification and reporting.
How to apply for the ANSO Scholarship
The ANSO Scholarship application is completed online through the official portals of partner universities. Below is a step-by-step guide to applying for the ANSO Scholarship.
- Select either the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) or the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS) as your host institution; applying to both at the same time is not allowed.
- Check the 2026 application guidelines and program announcements on the ANSO Scholarship official website or the official website of your chosen university to gather all required documents.
- Use the official online admission portal to apply for the USTC or UCAS ANSO Scholarship.
- Create an account and complete the digital application before the designated deadline.
- In the application, go to the funding or scholarship section and choose the CAS-ANSO Scholarship to ensure your file is considered for this award.
- PhD applicants who also want to be considered for the ANSO-CAS-TWAS/UNESCO PhD Scholarship should tick the additional box in the application system.
- Submit your completed application and ensure your referees upload their recommendation letters through the portal before the deadline to avoid disqualification.
ANSO Scholarship benefits
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The ANSO Scholarship is designed for international students, including Nigerians, and provides full financial support to help scholars focus on their studies and research. Key benefits include:
- Tuition waiver for the full duration of the program.
- The ANSO Scholarship stipend provides PhD students with 6000 CNY to 7000 CNY per month for up to 48 months, and Master’s students with 3000 CNY per month for up to 36 months.
- Health insurance coverage throughout the scholarship period.
- Application fee waiver.
- International travel allowance or reimbursement for one trip from the awardee’s home country to China.
- One-time visa and residence permit allowance.
What expenses does the ANSO scholarship cover?
The ANSO Scholarship is fully funded, covering tuition and application fees. It also includes a monthly stipend of 3,000 CNY for master’s students and 6,000 CNY to 7,000 CNY for PhD students, health insurance, on-campus housing or an accommodation allowance, and a one-time subsidy for international travel and visa or residence permits.
Which universities participate in the ANSO scholarship?
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The ANSO Scholarship is offered at the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS), and various institutes of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS).
What was the ANSO Scholarship deadline?
The ANSO Scholarship deadline for the 2025/2026 academic year was 31 January 2026 (Beijing Time).
The ANSO Scholarship offers Nigerian students full financial support to pursue Master’s and PhD programs in China. Through this program, scholars gain access to world-class universities, research resources, and opportunities that foster academic growth, practical experience, and international career development.
DISCLAIMER: This article is not sponsored by any third party. It is intended for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional advice or help and should not be relied on to make decisions of any kind. Any action you take upon the information presented in this article is strictly at your own risk and responsibility!
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Proofreading by Kola Muhammed, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
