Applications are now open for the UNESCO–People’s Republic of China Great Wall Co-Sponsored Fellowships Programme 2026–2027, a prestigious international fellowship supporting advanced studies and research for candidates from developing countries.

This long-standing programme reflects a shared commitment by UNESCO and the Government of China to strengthen human capital, expand access to higher education, and promote global academic exchange in fields that contribute to sustainable development and international cooperation.

About the Fellowship

The Great Wall Fellowship provides fully funded opportunities for students and researchers to study or conduct research at selected universities in China. A total of 75 fellowships are available for the academic cycle, including 27 new awards open to applicants from 135 developing UNESCO Member States across Africa, Asia-Pacific, Arab States, Latin America and the Caribbean, and parts of Europe.

Fellows may pursue:

• One-year Visiting Scholar programmes (General or Senior level), or

• Master’s or Doctoral degree programmes lasting between 2 and 5 years, depending on the course of study.

Programmes are offered in English or Chinese, subject to availability at host universities. Applicants to Chinese-taught programmes must meet minimum Chinese language requirements.

Fields of Study

Study areas are aligned with priority disciplines supported by the China Scholarship Council (CSC) and cover a wide range of subjects in education, science, technology, culture, communication, and related fields relevant to national and global development.

Application Process

Candidates must submit their applications through the National Commission for UNESCO in their home country.

Key dates:

• Applicant submission deadline: 23 January 2026

• Official nomination deadline (by National Commissions): 10 February 2026

Shortlisted candidates will be officially nominated to UNESCO and processed through the Chinese Government Scholarship system.