The USTC Research Internship Program 2027 offers international students an opportunity to conduct academic research at the University of Science and Technology of China. Eligible undergraduate, Master’s, and PhD students can join a research internship lasting from three months to one year.
- USTC Research Internship Program 2027 Overview
- About the University of Science and Technology of China
- Funding Levels Under USTC Research Internship Program 2027
- Financial Benefits
- Internship Duration
- Available Research Fields
- Eligibility Criteria
- English-Language Requirement
- Required Documents
- Selection Criteria
- Visa, Insurance and Accommodation
- Deadline for USTC Research Internship Program 2027
- Tips for a Strong Application
- How to Apply for USTC Research Internship Program 2027
- Final Thoughts
Applicants may also compete for a USTC Fellowship. Depending on the fellowship level awarded, financial support can include a tuition waiver, free university accommodation, comprehensive medical insurance, and a monthly stipend of up to RMB 3,500.
The Level A application window for students planning to begin in the Spring 2027 semester is open from July 1 to September 30, 2026. Students should submit their complete online application before the deadline.
Applicants interested in another research opportunity in Asia can explore the GIST Scholarship 2027 in South Korea.
USTC Research Internship Program 2027 Overview
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Host country | China |
| Host institution | University of Science and Technology of China |
| Program name | USTC Research Internship Program 2027 |
| Program type | Research internship |
| Study levels | Undergraduate Year 3 or 4, Master’s and PhD |
| Eligible applicants | International students |
| Internship duration | 3 months to 1 year |
| Funding levels | Level A, Level B and Level C |
| Maximum stipend | RMB 3,500 per month |
| Spring application period | July 1–September 30 |
| Fall application period | January 1–March 31 |
| Application method | Online |
| Language requirement | Good command of English |
About the University of Science and Technology of China
The University of Science and Technology of China, commonly known as USTC, is a public research university located in Hefei, Anhui Province. It was established in 1958 by the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
USTC is known for education and research in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, computer science, life sciences, management, and related fields. The university provides students with access to research laboratories, academic supervisors, international partnerships, and scientific facilities.
Research interns can gain experience in an academic environment while working on projects related to their education and research interests. The program can also help participants strengthen their academic profiles, improve research skills, and prepare for future graduate study.
Funding Levels Under USTC Research Internship Program 2027
Applicants can request one or more USTC Fellowship levels through the online application system. The university evaluates each application and decides which fellowship level may be awarded.
Level A Fellowship
Level A is the most comprehensive funding option available to research interns.
It includes:
- Full tuition waiver
- Comprehensive medical insurance
- Free university dormitory
- Monthly stipend
The monthly stipend depends on the applicant’s current level of study:
| Student level | Monthly stipend |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate student | RMB 2,500 |
| Master’s student | RMB 3,000 |
| PhD student | RMB 3,500 |
Applicants who want Level A funding must apply during the official fellowship application period.
Level B Fellowship
Level B provides important support but does not include a monthly stipend.
It covers:
- Full tuition waiver
- Comprehensive medical insurance
- Free university dormitory
This option can significantly reduce the cost of participating, although recipients should prepare money for meals, transportation, personal expenses, and other costs.
Level C Fellowship
Level C provides:
- Full tuition waiver
Recipients are generally responsible for accommodation, medical insurance, living expenses, travel, visa costs, and other personal expenses.
Self-Financed Admission
Applicants who are not selected for a fellowship may still be considered for admission as self-financed research interns.
A self-financed participant must normally cover:
- Tuition or applicable program fees
- Accommodation
- Medical insurance
- Meals and daily expenses
- International and local transportation
- Visa-related expenses
- Personal costs
Applicants should review their admission letter carefully to understand the exact financial arrangements.
Financial Benefits
The USTC Research Internship Program 2027 can provide substantial support to selected international students.
Depending on the fellowship level, benefits may include:
- Full tuition waiver
- Free on-campus accommodation
- Comprehensive medical insurance
- RMB 2,500 monthly stipend for undergraduate interns
- RMB 3,000 monthly stipend for Master’s interns
- RMB 3,500 monthly stipend for PhD interns
- Research experience at a leading Chinese university
- Access to laboratories and academic facilities
- Opportunities to work with academic researchers
- International academic and cultural experience
- Development of research and professional skills
The program does not state that international airfare is included in the regular research internship fellowship. Applicants should prepare for flight expenses unless their official offer confirms additional travel support.
Internship Duration
The research internship can last from three months to one year.
The exact duration may depend on:
- The applicant’s proposed study plan
- The research project
- The academic department
- The expected entry date
- Fellowship availability
- University approval
- The applicant’s home-university schedule
Applicants should choose realistic starting and ending dates and ensure they can remain enrolled at their home institution throughout the internship where required.
Available Research Fields
Research opportunities may be available across USTC schools, departments, laboratories, and research centres.
Possible areas include:
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Materials science
- Computer science
- Artificial intelligence
- Software engineering
- Electronic information
- Engineering science
- Earth and space sciences
- Environmental science
- Life sciences
- Biomedical research
- Management science
- Data science
- Energy and technology
Availability depends on the host department, supervisor, research project, and university capacity. Applicants should select an academic field connected to their current education and research interests.
Students looking for another funded opportunity in East Asia can also check the Hokkaido University MEXT Scholarship 2027.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants for the USTC Research Internship Program 2027 must meet the official eligibility requirements.
Candidates must:
- Be non-Chinese citizens.
- Hold a valid foreign passport.
- Be between 18 and 40 years old.
- Be in good physical and mental health.
- Have no criminal record.
- Have a good command of English.
- Be currently enrolled as a full-time student.
- Be studying in undergraduate Year 3 or 4, a Master’s program, or a doctoral program.
- Submit a complete online application.
- Provide all required supporting documents.
- Meet any additional requirements of the proposed department or research field.
Applicants should remain registered at their home university during the proposed research period. Students who have already graduated and are no longer enrolled may not meet the program’s general student-status requirement.
Meeting the basic conditions does not guarantee admission or Level A funding. USTC conducts a comprehensive evaluation of each candidate.
English-Language Requirement
Applicants must have a good command of English because research activities and communication may be conducted in English.
The official research internship information does not list a fixed minimum IELTS or TOEFL score. However, applicants should provide accurate evidence of their language ability if the application system or academic department requests it.
Evidence may include:
- An English-language test certificate
- Proof that the current degree is taught in English
- A letter from the home university
- Previous academic or research experience conducted in English
- An interview with the proposed department
Applicants should check whether their intended research area has additional language requirements.
Required Documents
Applicants for the USTC Research Internship Program 2027 should prepare the following documents:
- Completed online application form
- Copy of an ordinary passport valid for at least one year
- Updated curriculum vitae
- Official certificate of current university enrolment
- Study plan
- Academic transcripts for the highest level of study
- At least one recommendation letter
- Additional academic or research documents, when requested
- Certified translations of documents not issued in Chinese or English
The recommendation letter should be written by a full professor or associate professor and should include the referee’s telephone number and email address.
The study plan should clearly explain:
- The applicant’s academic background
- Current degree and research interests
- Preferred research area at USTC
- Goals for the internship
- Proposed internship duration
- Expected academic outcomes
- How the experience supports future plans
Documents issued in another language must be accompanied by notarised translations in Chinese or English.
Selection Criteria
USTC may evaluate applications based on:
- Academic performance
- Relevance of the applicant’s current degree
- Quality and clarity of the study plan
- Research experience
- Recommendation letter
- English-language ability
- Suitability for the proposed research field
- Availability of supervision and laboratory space
- Completeness of the application
- Overall potential for academic development
Applicants who request multiple fellowship levels may be offered a different level from their first choice. The university has the right to determine the most appropriate funding category after reviewing the complete application.
Visa, Insurance and Accommodation
Successful applicants will receive admission documents from USTC.
International students generally need the following documents to apply for a Chinese student visa:
- Admission Notice
- Visa Application Form for Study in China, such as JW201 or JW202
- Valid passport
- Additional documents required by the Chinese embassy or consulate
Students must enter China with the appropriate student visa and maintain valid immigration status throughout the internship.
Level A and Level B fellowship recipients receive university dormitory accommodation and comprehensive medical insurance as part of their funding package. Other participants may need to arrange and pay for accommodation and insurance separately.
Applicants should follow the instructions in their official admission documents because visa, insurance, and residence requirements may change.
Deadline for USTC Research Internship Program 2027
The application period depends on the intended semester and requested fellowship level.
Level A Fellowship Deadlines
- For the fall semester: January 1 to March 31
- For the spring semester: July 1 to September 30
Students planning to start during Spring 2027 should complete their Level A application by September 30, 2026.
Level B, Level C and Self-Financed Applications
Applicants requesting Level B, Level C, or self-financed admission must submit their application at least three months before their intended entry date.
Applicants should apply early so there is enough time for:
- Application review
- Departmental assessment
- Admission decisions
- Visa documentation
- Travel arrangements
- Accommodation preparation
Incomplete or late applications may not receive fellowship consideration.
Tips for a Strong Application
Applicants can strengthen their application by following these suggestions:
- Select a research area closely connected to your current degree.
- Prepare a specific and realistic study plan.
- Clearly explain what you want to learn at USTC.
- Highlight relevant laboratory, academic, or research experience.
- Include academic achievements, awards, publications, or projects in your CV.
- Ask an appropriate professor for a detailed recommendation letter.
- Check that the passport will remain valid for at least one year.
- Request the enrolment certificate and transcript early.
- Arrange notarised translations where necessary.
- Review every document before uploading it.
- Apply well before the September 30 deadline.
- Monitor the application account and email regularly.
The study plan should be personal and original. Applicants should avoid submitting generic text that does not explain their research interests or connection to USTC.
How to Apply for USTC Research Internship Program 2027
The application must be submitted online through the USTC international student application system.
Follow these steps:
- Visit the official USTC online application portal.
- Create an applicant account.
- Start a new application.
- Select “Non-degree Program.”
- Choose “Research Internship.”
- Complete the personal and academic information.
- Enter the proposed internship dates and research field.
- Upload the passport, CV, enrolment certificate, study plan, transcript, and recommendation letter.
- Select the preferred USTC Fellowship level.
- Applicants may request one fellowship level or multiple levels.
- Review the complete form carefully.
- Submit the application before the appropriate deadline.
- Check the registered email address and application portal for updates.
- Follow any additional instructions from USTC.
- If admitted, prepare the visa application and travel arrangements.
Here are some other great opportunities you can also apply for:
- CERN Administrative Programme 2027 in Switzerland | Paid Internship
- UN Online Volunteers Program 2027 | Become a UN Volunteer Online
- CERN Technical Student Program 2027 in Switzerland
- RISE Germany Internship 2027 | Fully Funded Research Internship in Germany
Final Thoughts
The USTC Research Internship Program 2027 is an excellent opportunity for international undergraduate, Master’s, and PhD students who want to develop research experience in China. Level A recipients can receive a tuition waiver, free accommodation, medical insurance, and a monthly stipend of up to RMB 3,500.
The availability of three fellowship levels gives applicants different possibilities for financial support. However, funding is competitive, and candidates may receive a different fellowship level or a self-financed admission offer.
Students planning to begin in Spring 2027 should prepare their passport, CV, enrolment certificate, transcript, study plan, and recommendation letter immediately. Submit the online application before September 30, 2026, and check all official instructions carefully before making travel arrangements.
