ANSO, the Alliance of International Science Organizations in the Belt and Road Region, runs one of China’s most generous scholarship programs for postgraduate students from developing countries. If you are applying for a Master’s or PhD in the sciences, this is worth looking at alongside CSC.
What is the ANSO scholarship?
The ANSO scholarship supports Master’s and PhD students from developing countries (particularly those along the Belt and Road) to study at Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) institutions and select Chinese universities. The focus is on science, technology, engineering, and related fields.
ANSO was established in 2018 by the Chinese Academy of Sciences. The scholarship program reflects China’s goal of building scientific capacity in partner countries.
Who is it for?
- Master’s and PhD applicants from developing countries
- Students in STEM fields: physics, chemistry, biology, environmental science, earth sciences, engineering, computer science, mathematics, and related areas
- Applicants willing to study at CAS-affiliated research institutions or partner universities
Benefits
| Benefit | Coverage |
|---|---|
| Tuition | Fully covered |
| Accommodation | Provided or housing allowance |
| Living stipend | Comparable to CSC rates (CNY 3,000-3,500/month) |
| Health insurance | Included |
| Round-trip airfare | Covered |
The ANSO scholarship package is similar to CSC in scope but is administered separately.
How to apply
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Identify your target research group. ANSO placements are at CAS institutes and affiliated universities. Browse the CAS website for research groups aligned with your interests.
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Contact a supervisor. Like CSC, having a professor’s agreement is important. For ANSO, it is practically essential. Our guide to cold emailing Chinese professors provides templates that work for both university professors and CAS researchers.
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Apply through the ANSO portal. The application is online, usually at anso.org.cn or the CAS international students portal.
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Submit documents. Academic transcripts, research proposal, recommendation letters, passport, and health examination form.
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Wait for review. ANSO typically announces results between May and July.
How does it compare to CSC?
| Feature | ANSO | CSC |
|---|---|---|
| Degree levels | Master’s, PhD | Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD, General Scholar |
| Field focus | STEM and applied sciences | All academic fields |
| Institutions | CAS institutes and select universities | 274+ Chinese universities |
| Application method | Through ANSO portal, often with CAS supervisor | Embassy or university channel |
| Competition | Lower (narrower applicant pool) | High |
| Belt and Road priority | Yes, explicit | Implicit |
If your field is in the sciences and you want to study at a CAS institute, ANSO is a strong alternative to CSC. For humanities, social sciences, and non-STEM fields, CSC remains your primary option.
Tips
CAS institutes are research powerhouses. The Chinese Academy of Sciences is separate from the university system and consistently leads China in scientific output. Studying at a CAS institute gives you access to top-tier labs and research groups.
Pick your field carefully. ANSO prioritizes fields aligned with Belt and Road development needs: environmental science, sustainable energy, water resources, agriculture, and technology. Your research proposal should reflect this alignment. For broader advice on field selection, see our major selection guide.
The supervisor relationship is everything. ANSO placements are heavily supervisor-dependent. If a CAS researcher agrees to supervise you, your application is almost certainly going to succeed.
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply for ANSO and CSC simultaneously?
Yes. They are separate programs. If you receive both, you choose one.
Is ANSO only for Belt and Road countries?
Priority is given to BRI countries, but applicants from other developing countries are also eligible.
Are humanities programs available?
Very limited. ANSO is primarily a science and technology scholarship.
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