Great Wall Co-Sponsored Fellowships
More details :
The Great Wall Co-Sponsored Fellowships Programme, jointly organized by UNESCO and the Government of the People’s Republic of China, aims to support the human resource development and capacity building of developing countries while fostering international cooperation in education, culture, communication, science, and technology. For the 2025-2026 academic year, 75 fellowships are available, including 47 new opportunities for candidates from 135 developing Member States across Africa, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Europe, and the Arab region. These fellowships enable undergraduate and postgraduate students to engage in advanced studies and contribute to global knowledge exchange.
The fellowships are hosted by selected Chinese universities and offer options for postgraduate degree programs (Master’s and Doctoral) lasting 2 to 5 years or a one-year Visiting Scholar programme. Programs are available in English or Chinese, and candidates applying for Chinese-taught courses must demonstrate prior proficiency in the language. Special emphasis is placed on fields of study in Education, with priority given to applicants from UNESCO-China Fund-in-Trust (CFIT) beneficiary countries, as well as women and candidates from Africa and Small Island Developing States (SIDS), in line with UNESCO’s commitment to gender equality and regional representation.
Eligibility :
Nationality
Applicants must be citizens of one of the 135 eligible developing Member States in Africa, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Europe, and the Arab region.
Educational Background
For Master’s or Doctoral Degree Programs:Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree (for Master’s) or a Master’s degree (for Doctoral) in a relevant field.
For the Visiting Scholar Program:Applicants must demonstrate substantial academic or research experience in their field.
Age Limit
Master’s degree applicants: Must be under 35 years old.
Doctoral degree and Senior Scholar applicants: Must be under 40 years old.
General Scholar applicants: Must be under 45 years old.
Language Proficiency
Applicants must meet the language requirements of their chosen program.
For Chinese-taught programs, applicants should have a certain level of Chinese proficiency.For English-taught programs, applicants may need to provide proof of English language proficiency.
Health Condition
Applicants must be in good health and fit to undertake academic studies in China.
Priority Fields
Priority will be given to applicants pursuing studies in Education and those aligned with UNESCO-China Fund-in-Trust (CFIT) initiatives.
Special Considerations
Women, candidates from Africa, and Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are strongly encouraged to apply in line with UNESCO’s commitment to gender equality and regional diversity.
Required documents :
Completed Application Forms
UNESCO fellowship application form.
Academic Documents
Certified copies of academic transcripts and certificates (in original language and English translation).
Language Proficiency
Proof of language proficiency in English or Chinese, depending on the medium of instruction for the chosen program.
Admission Documents (if available):
Pre-admission letters, admission notices, or invitations from Chinese universities or professors.
Recommendation Letters
Two letters of recommendation from academic or professional referees.
Research Proposal or Study Plan
Detailed proposal outlining the research objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes (for research-based programs).
Personal Identification
Copy of a valid passport or national ID.
Health Certificate
A medical fitness certificate issued by a recognized physician.
Other Supporting Documents
Certificates of academic or professional achievements (if applicable).
Important Notes:
Ensure all documents are certified and translated into English or Chinese where applicable.
Submit both physical and digital copies as required by your National Commission for UNESCO and the Chinese Government Scholarship System.
Incomplete or late submissions will not be considered.
How to apply :
Step 1: Understand the Requirements
Carefully read the Application Guidelines for the UNESCO/China Co-Sponsored Fellowships Programme to understand eligibility criteria and application procedures.
Step 2: Contact Your National Commission for UNESCO
Reach out to your country’s National Commission for UNESCO for national-level application procedures. Find contact details here.
Contact your target Chinese universities to inquire about admission. Applicants with admission documents (e.g., pre-admission letters or invitations from professors) will be prioritized during the selection.
Step 3: Online Application Submission
Complete your online application through the Chinese Government Scholarship Information System. Candidates must submit their online applications (Type A Application, Agency No.: 00001) on the Chinese Government Scholarship Information System
Refer to the Instructions for Online Application for detailed guidance on how to complete and submit the form.
Step 4: Submit to the National Commission
Submit your online application and all supporting documents to your country’s National Commission for UNESCO. Ensure this is done as early as possible.
Step 5: UNESCO Nomination
If you are nominated as a candidate, submit your online application form and supporting documents to thegreatwall@unesco.org.
Note: Only applications nominated by the National Commission will be accepted.
Step 6: Final Submission by National Commission
The National Commission will send letters of nomination, along with all required documents, to UNESCO Headquarters by 12 February 2025.
Applications that are incomplete or submitted after the deadline will not be considered.
Important Notes:
Submit applications early to allow processing by your National Commission.
Ensure all steps, including online registration, are completed before the deadline. Applications missing any step will be rejected.
The Scholarship Benefits:
Fellowships Facilities Offered by the Government of the People’s Republic of China:
Tuition Waiver: Full exemption from tuition fees for the enrolled academic program.
Monthly Living Allowance
General Visiting Scholar or Master’s StudentsCNY 3,000.
Senior Visiting Scholar or Doctoral Students: CNY 3,500.
Accommodation: On-campus accommodation or an accommodation subsidy.
Medical Insurance: Comprehensive Medical Insurance and Protection Scheme for International Students in China.
Facilities Offered by UNESCO:
International Travel: Covers airfare to and from China at the beginning and end of the fellowship.
Pocket Allowance: Monthly pocket allowance of USD 80.
Termination Allowance: Coverage for excess luggage charges upon returning to the home country.
Important Notes:
No financial or lodging support is provided for spouses or dependents by UNESCO or the Government of China.