The University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) Research Internship Program offers a unique opportunity for graduate students or 3rd/4th-year undergraduate students to participate in research projects and gain valuable experience in advanced research fields within the university’s laboratories.
Scholarships Offered
USTC provides a limited number of scholarships to outstanding students, divided into three levels:
Level A
- Full tuition waiver.
- Comprehensive medical insurance.
- Free on-campus accommodation.
- Monthly stipend:
- 2,500 RMB (≈ 392 USD) for undergraduate students.
- 3,000 RMB (≈ 470 USD) for master’s students.
- 3,500 RMB (≈ 550 USD) for PhD students.
- 2,500 RMB (≈ 392 USD) for undergraduate students.
Level B
- Full tuition waiver.
- Comprehensive medical insurance.
- Free on-campus accommodation.
Level C
- Full tuition waiver.
Duration of Internship
From 3 months up to 1 year.
Program Benefits
- Develop research skills in modern laboratories under the guidance of USTC professors.
- Improve chances of admission into USTC Master’s, PhD, and postdoctoral programs by building connections with faculty and students.
- Apply for free Chinese language and culture courses to learn basic Chinese and explore the unique Hui culture.
Application Deadlines
- Level A:
- January 1 – March 31 (for Fall Semester).
- July 1 – September 30 (for Spring Semester).
- January 1 – March 31 (for Fall Semester).
- Level B, Level C, and self-funded students:
Applications must be completed online at least 3 months before the program start date.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be non-Chinese citizens holding a foreign passport.
- Be between 18 and 40 years old.
- Be in good health.
- Be enrolled full-time in undergraduate Year 3 or 4, Master’s, or PhD programs.
- Have no criminal record.
- Have a good command of English.
How to Apply
- Contact USTC professors in the desired research field and obtain pre-acceptance before submitting the online application.
- Supervisors’ Profiles: [From here]
- Schools’ Websites: [From here]
- Supervisors’ Profiles: [From here]
- Access the online application portal.
- Register, select “Non-degree → Research Internship”, complete the application form, upload the required documents (fields marked with * are mandatory), and submit the application.
Important Notes
- After acceptance is confirmed, applicants must pay a pre-registration fee of 500 RMB (≈ 73 USD) via online payment to receive admission materials. The remaining fees are to be paid in RMB (cash or card) upon arrival on registration day.
- The pre-registration fee is non-refundable, and all other fees are also non-refundable after registration.
- Admitted students must submit the Visa Application Form (JW202) along with the admission notice to the Chinese embassy or consulate to apply for a Student Visa. The visa must remain valid throughout their stay in China.
- All international students are required to purchase medical insurance according to state and university regulations at a cost of 160 RMB (≈ 23 USD) per month.
- On-campus accommodation is provided on a first-come, first-served basis for Level A and Level B scholarship students.
- If on-campus housing is unavailable, or for Level C and self-funded students: They must find off-campus accommodation, with assistance provided by the university.
- International students living off campus must register their residence at the local police station immediately and provide their full address and phone number at the time of registration.
