FORGE YOUR FUTURE AT THE GREAT WALL: THE UNESCO-CHINA FELLOWSHIP OF A LIFETIME (2026/2027)

 

FORGE YOUR FUTURE AT THE GREAT WALL: THE UNESCO-CHINA FELLOWSHIP OF A LIFETIME (2026/2027)

An Invitation to Transform Your Vision, Advance Your Nation, and Write Your Chapter in a Story of Global Progress.

Imagine standing atop the Great Wall, a testament to human ambition and collaboration spanning millennia. Now, envision yourself at the forefront of a new kind of bridge-building—one of knowledge, innovation, and cross-cultural partnership. This is your opportunity. Applications are now open for the prestigious UNESCO/People’s Republic of China (The Great Wall) Co-Sponsored Fellowships Programme for the 2026/2027 academic year. This is more than a scholarship; it is a launchpad for the next generation of global leaders from the developing world.

A Legacy of Empowerment, A Future of Impact

Born from a shared vision between UNESCO and the Government of the People’s Republic of China, this programme is a powerful investment in human potential. Its core mission is to empower the architects of tomorrow from 135 developing nations across Africa, the Arab States, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Europe. By awarding 75 fully-funded fellowships—including 27 prestigious new openings—we are not just funding education; we are fueling the engines of sustainable development, scientific discovery, and cultural diplomacy in your home countries.

Your Academic Odyssey in a Dynamic Powerhouse

China stands as a living laboratory of the future—a fusion of ancient wisdom and cutting-edge innovation. Selected fellows will be hosted at renowned Chinese universities, where they will be immersed in an environment that fosters daily discourse on breakthroughs in renewable energy, digital communication, biotechnology, and cultural heritage preservation.

We offer two distinct pathways to align with your career trajectory:

The Pioneer’s Path (Visiting Scholar): A focused, one-year research residency for seasoned professionals and academics. As a General Scholar (with a high school diploma, under 45) or a Senior Scholar (with a Master’s/Associate Professorship, under 50), you will pursue bespoke research under the mentorship of leading Chinese experts, bringing back transformative insights to your institution.

The Architect’s Path (Degree Programme): A deep-dive academic journey to earn a globally recognised postgraduate degree. Pursue a Master’s (for Bachelor’s holders under 35) or a Doctorate (for Master’s holders under 40), with programmes spanning 2 to 5 years. Forge a legacy of expertise in fields critical to the future.

Language is Your Key, Not a Barrier

Programmes are available in English or Chinese. While English proficiency is essential, aspiring for a Chinese-taught programme (requiring HSK Level 3 for scholars, Level 4 for degree students) opens an unparalleled door to deeply engaging with China’s academic and cultural core. Consider this your chance to master the language of 1.4 billion people and one of the world’s leading economies.

Are You Our Next Fellow?

You must be a national of one of the 59 invited Member States listed below and possess more than just academic credentials—you must have the drive to create impact.

You are the ideal candidate if you:

Hold the requisite academic degree for your chosen path.

They are within the specified age limit, bringing fresh perspective or seasoned experience.

Possess the required English (and Chinese, if applicable) language proficiency.

Demonstrate outstanding academic merit and a compelling research or study plan.

Are in excellent health, ready to undertake this transformative journey.

Are committed to returning to your home country to apply your newfound knowledge.

Invited Nations:

Africa (46): Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Cabo Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, Togo, Uganda, United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

Arab States (13): Algeria, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, State of Palestine, Sudan, Syrian Arab Republic, Tunisia, Yemen.

(Also includes nations from Asia-Pacific, Latin America, & Europe – see official guidelines for full list).

Your Roadmap to Success: A Critical 6-Step Application Guide

The path to the Great Wall Fellowship is competitive and requires meticulous attention. Adhere strictly to these steps before the final deadline of 23 January 2026.

Step 1: Master the Blueprint.

Download and internalise the Official 2026-2027 Application Guidelines. This document is your rulebook.

Step 2: Engage Your National Commission – START HERE IMMEDIATELY.

This is non-negotiable. Contact your National Commission for UNESCO (find contacts via UNESCO’s website). They manage the national nomination process, which is mandatory. Concurrently, proactively reach out to your target Chinese universities. Securing a pre-admission letter or professor’s invitation significantly elevates your application.

Step 3: Craft Your Digital Dossier.

Prepare and submit a flawless online application on the Chinese Government Scholarship Information System (CampusChina: https://campuschina.org). Use the provided Instructions Guide. Assemble all required documents: academic transcripts, language certificates, a compelling study/research plan, and letters of recommendation.

Step 4: Secure National Nomination.

Submit your complete online application package to your National Commission for UNESCO by 23 January 2026.

Step 5: Confirm with UNESCO.

Once nominated by your Commission, you must forward your application documents to unesco-china-fellowships@unesco.org for confirmation.

Step 6: Final UNESCO Submission.

Your National Commission must submit the official nomination and all documents to UNESCO by 10 February 2026. Incomplete or late submissions will not be considered.

Answer the Call.

This fellowship is an invitation to join an elite network of change-makers. It is an investment in your genius, your resilience, and your potential to shape a more equitable, innovative, and interconnected world. Do not let this moment pass.

Seize your future. Build your legacy. Bridge your world.

For complete details, eligibility criteria, and the official application guidelines, visit the Official Fellowship Webpage on the UNESCO website today.

Application Deadline: 23 January 2026.