How to Apply for the CSC Scholarship at University of Science and Technology of China
Hefei, Anhui
Portal links verified July 2026. Universities occasionally change systems: if a link fails, search '<university name> international student application' or tell us via the contact page.
Admissions timeline
CSC/CGS round: opens October–December, and most university deadlines fall between January and April. Deadlines are set per university and per program: always check the current admission notice on the official portal linked above.
Typical intake: September; some universities offer a smaller March intake.
Manually verified against official admission notices on July 3, 2026. Other universities may also be open: absence from this list does not mean closed. We update this list periodically.
USTC is a research powerhouse in the natural sciences, especially physics, quantum information, chemistry, and computer science. With recognised strengths in engineering & technology, University of Science and Technology of China is a strong destination for international students seeking the fully funded Chinese Government Scholarship for the 2026-2027 academic year. This guide walks you through exactly how to apply for the CSC scholarship at University of Science and Technology of China, from choosing your program to submitting your documents online.
The University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), founded in 1958 by the Chinese Academy of Sciences, is a small but globally elite C9 League university dedicated to the natural sciences and engineering. Based in Hefei, capital of Anhui province, USTC is famous worldwide for physics and quantum information science: it has been at the centre of China's landmark quantum computing and communication breakthroughs.
Beyond physics, USTC is exceptional in chemistry, mathematics, computer science, and materials science. It is a deeply research-intensive institution, and its close ties to the Chinese Academy of Sciences give students access to major national laboratories and facilities. For science and engineering applicants who want to do serious research, few places in China compare.
USTC is also one of only two universities: with the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences: that host the ANSO (Alliance of International Science Organizations) Scholarship, which provides a monthly stipend of CNY 3,000 for master's students and up to CNY 7,000 for PhD students, with applications usually due around the end of January. This makes USTC a strategically attractive choice for young international researchers, whether via CSC or ANSO.
Admission is strongly supervisor-driven: securing a professor's interest before applying materially improves your odds, so treat your first email as a compact research pitch. Hefei is a mid-sized city with New Tier 1/Tier 2 living costs, a quieter atmosphere than the megacities, and a strong science-focused student culture. Confirm both the CSC and ANSO timelines on USTC's international office and the ANSO website, as their deadlines differ.
CGSIS Agency Number
10358
Always confirm the agency number inside CGSIS before submitting.
Typical CSC deadline
CSC deadlines vary; ANSO applications close around end of January.
Global standing
A C9 League research powerhouse in the natural sciences, small but globally elite.
English-taught programs
Research-focused English-taught master's and PhD study, strongly supervisor-driven.
Strongest departments & majors
City snapshot
- Climate:
- Hefei: humid subtropical: cold damp winters, hot humid summers.
- Living costs:
- New Tier 1 / Tier 2 city: roughly CNY 1,500–2,500/month (accommodation covered).
- Student life:
- Focused, research-intensive campus in Hefei; smaller and quieter than the megacities, with a strong science culture.
Scholarships available at University of Science and Technology of China
Scholarship availability is based on program type and province; always confirm on the university's international admissions page for the current intake.
Hefei, Anhui: living costs
Estimated monthly living costs (food, transport, phone, personal items) excluding accommodation, which the CSC scholarship covers via free on-campus housing or a subsidy.
The 7 steps to apply at University of Science and Technology of China
Confirm that University of Science and Technology of China offers your program at your degree level and supports the CSC channel (most accept Type B), then add it to your shortlist.
Identify a potential supervisor at University of Science and Technology of China whose research matches yours and email them to request pre-admission: an acceptance letter is optional but a strong plus.
Secure two recommendation letters from professors or associate professors to submit with your University of Science and Technology of China application.
Prepare your English proficiency evidence (or HSK for Chinese-taught programs) as required by University of Science and Technology of China.
Complete the Foreigner Physical Examination Form with lab reports in time for the University of Science and Technology of China deadline.
Write a tailored study plan or research proposal that references specific programs, labs, or supervisors at University of Science and Technology of China.
Submit everything on the official CSC portal using the unique Agency Number for University of Science and Technology of China, then track your application through to results.
What the scholarship covers at University of Science and Technology of China
Tuition
Fully waived at the host university
Accommodation
Free on-campus housing or a housing subsidy
Medical insurance
Comprehensive insurance for international students
Monthly stipend
Bachelor's CNY 2,500 · Master's CNY 3,000 · PhD CNY 3,500
Deadlines & timeline
University of Science and Technology of China sets its own deadline: always confirm the exact date on the official admissions page well ahead of time.
Application fee
No separate university application fee for international applicants (confirmed on the 2026 official admission guide).
University application fees typically range CNY 400-800; a few universities charge none, and a few waive it for CSC awardees. The CSC portal itself is always free.
Fee amounts verified against official 2025-2026 admission notices; universities update fees yearly: confirm on the linked portal.
Find faculty & official info
Browse the official website to identify potential supervisors and their research groups. We link to the official site rather than listing individual professor emails: always find current contact details on department pages.
Official websiteTips for emailing professors
- Reference a specific lab or research group and connect it to your background.
- Attach a concise one-page CV and a short study/research statement.
- State clearly that you plan to apply through the CSC (Chinese University Program) channel.
Need a starting point? Use our email-to-a-professor template.
University of Science and Technology of China CSC scholarship FAQ
What makes USTC special?
USTC is a small, elite C9 university focused on the natural sciences and engineering, world-famous for physics and quantum information. It is one of only two universities (with UCAS) that offers the ANSO scholarship.
Can I apply for the ANSO scholarship at USTC?
Yes. USTC and the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences are the two ANSO host institutions. ANSO offers a monthly stipend of CNY 3,000 (Master's) to up to 7,000 (PhD), with a deadline usually around the end of January.
Is USTC good for non-science fields?
USTC is highly specialised in the natural sciences, engineering, and mathematics. If your field is humanities, business, or medicine, other flagship universities will be a better fit.
How important is a supervisor at USTC?
Very important. USTC admissions are strongly supervisor-driven, so securing a professor's interest before you apply substantially improves your chances for research degrees.
Does University of Science and Technology of China accept CSC Type B applications?
Most CSC partner universities, including University of Science and Technology of China, accept Type B (Chinese University Program) applications where you apply directly to the university. Confirm the current channel and the university's unique Agency Number on its international students office page before you apply.
Is the CSC scholarship at University of Science and Technology of China fully funded?
Yes. The Chinese Government Scholarship covers tuition, on-campus accommodation or a housing subsidy, comprehensive medical insurance, and a monthly stipend (CNY 2,500 for Bachelor's, CNY 3,000 for Master's, and CNY 3,500 for PhD) for successful applicants at University of Science and Technology of China.
What is the application deadline for University of Science and Technology of China?
Deadlines are set by each university and typically fall between December and April, with many closing by March. Check the official University of Science and Technology of China admissions page for the exact 2026-2027 deadline as early as possible.
What can I study at University of Science and Technology of China on a CSC scholarship?
University of Science and Technology of China in Hefei, Anhui has strengths in Engineering & Technology. Explore its program catalogue for English-taught and Chinese-taught options at your degree level, and identify a potential supervisor whose research matches your interests.
Figures based on China Scholarship Council program information. Always verify current details on campuschina.org and your target university's admissions page.
Related universities
Ready to begin? Read the full step-by-step CSC application guide or the complete 2026-2027 overview.