The UNESCO/People’s Republic of China Co-Sponsored Fellowships Programme, known as “The Great Wall,” offers seventy-five (75) scholarships to students and scholars from developing Member States. This prestigious fellowship allows recipients to conduct one year of specialized research or advanced study in various fields at Chinese universities. For African scholars, this is an exceptional opportunity to gain exposure to China’s advanced research infrastructure while building lasting academic bridges between their home nations and the People’s Republic of China.
Eligibility
- Applicants must be nationals of invited Member States in Africa, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
- For General Scholar Programs, candidates must hold a high school diploma and be under 45 years old.
- For Senior Scholar Programs, candidates must hold a Master’s degree or an associate professor position and be under 50 years old.
- Applicants for Master’s programs must hold a Bachelor’s degree and be under 35.
- Applicants for Doctoral programs must hold a Master’s degree and be under 40.
- Candidates must be in good health, both mentally and physically.
- Proficiency in English is required (or HSK Level 3/4 for Chinese-taught programs).
Benefits
- Full tuition waiver for the duration of the one-year fellowship.
- Monthly stipend to cover living expenses (CNY 3,000 for General Scholars and CNY 3,500 for Senior Scholars).
- Free on-campus accommodation or an accommodation subsidy.
- Comprehensive medical insurance for the duration of the stay in China.
- One-time international travel allowance (round-trip economy airfare).
- Access to specialized laboratories and academic mentorship in China.
Application Steps
- Contact the National Commission for UNESCO in your home country to express interest and check local deadlines.
- Apply online through the Chinese Government Scholarship Information System (CGSIS).
- Select “Category Type B” and use the specific Agency Number provided for the UNESCO fellowship.
- Upload all required documents, including academic transcripts, research plans, and the Foreigner Physical Examination Form.
- Submit the application to the National Commission for UNESCO in your country for official nomination.
- Once nominated, ensure your documents are sent to the UNESCO headquarters in Paris via the official email provided.
Deadlines
- Local National Commission deadlines: January 23, 2026 (varies by country).
- Final UNESCO deadline for official nominations: February 10, 2026.
Official Links
- UNESCO Great Wall Fellowships: https://www.unesco.org/en/fellowships/greatwall
