USTC Research Internship Program 2026–2027 – Fully Funded Research Internship in China

The University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) Research Internship Program offers undergraduate and graduate students an opportunity to gain hands-on research experience in advanced laboratories under the guidance of USTC professors.

The program is designed for third- and fourth-year undergraduate students, master’s students and PhD students who want to strengthen their research skills and gain international academic experience. Internships are available for 3 months to 1 year, with limited USTC scholarships available for outstanding applicants.

Quick Facts

• Program: USTC Research Internship Program
• University: University of Science and Technology of China (USTC)
• Location: Hefei, Anhui, China
• Program Type: Research Internship
• Duration: 3 months to 1 year
• Eligible Students: Undergraduate Year 3/4, Master’s and PhD students
• Age: 18–40 years
• Scholarship: USTC Fellowship
• Level A Stipend: RMB 2,500/month for Bachelor students, RMB 3,000/month for Master’s students and RMB 3,500/month for PhD students
• Level A Benefits: Tuition waiver, medical insurance, university dormitory and monthly stipend
• Application: Online
• Fall Level A Deadline: March 31
• Spring Level A Deadline: September 30
• Language: Good command of English

About the USTC Research Internship Program

The USTC Research Internship Program allows international students to participate in research projects and gain practical experience in state-of-the-art laboratories at one of China’s leading research universities.

Interns work under the guidance of USTC professors and can gain valuable experience in cutting-edge research areas. The program is particularly useful for students planning to pursue a Master’s, PhD or postdoctoral career at USTC, as it provides opportunities to develop academic relationships with faculty members and researchers.

In addition to research activities, students can apply for free Chinese language and culture classes to learn basic Chinese and explore the local Hui culture.

USTC Research Internship Scholarship

USTC offers limited scholarships to outstanding research internship applicants, and applicants are evaluated for scholarship eligibility as part of the application process.

There are three USTC Fellowship levels:

USTC Fellowship Level A

Level A provides the most comprehensive financial support:

• Tuition waiver
• Comprehensive medical insurance
• Free university dormitory
• Monthly stipend of:
  • RMB 2,500 for Bachelor students
  • RMB 3,000 for Master’s students
  • RMB 3,500 for PhD students

USTC Fellowship Level B

Level B includes:

• Tuition waiver
• Comprehensive medical insurance
• Free university dormitory

USTC Fellowship Level C

Level C provides:

• Tuition waiver

Because the number of scholarships is limited, applicants should prepare a strong academic and research profile.

Program Duration

The USTC Research Internship can last between:

3 months and 1 year.

Students can choose an internship period according to their academic circumstances and the requirements of the research project.

Who Can Apply?

The program is open to international students who meet the following requirements:

• Must be a non-Chinese citizen with a foreign passport.
• Must be between 18 and 40 years old.
• Must be in good health.
• Must currently be enrolled as a full-time:
  • Third- or fourth-year undergraduate student
  • Master’s student
  • Doctoral student
• Must have no criminal record.
• Must have a good command of English.

The program is therefore suitable for students who are already pursuing university-level studies and want to gain additional research experience in an international academic environment.

Benefits of the USTC Research Internship

Research Experience

Students work on research projects in advanced USTC laboratories under the supervision of university professors.

International Academic Exposure

The internship provides international students with the opportunity to experience China’s research and higher education environment.

Opportunity to Build Academic Connections

Participants can develop relationships with USTC faculty members and students. This can be particularly valuable for students considering future Master’s, PhD or postdoctoral applications at USTC.

Chinese Language and Culture

Interns can apply for free Chinese language and culture classes and gain exposure to local culture.

Scholarship Support

Outstanding applicants may receive USTC Fellowship support covering tuition, insurance, accommodation and, for Level A recipients, a monthly stipend.

Internship Costs for Self-Funded Students

Students who do not receive a scholarship can also participate on a self-funded basis.

The official USTC information lists the following tuition rates:

International student dormitory fees are listed at approximately RMB 500–1,000 per month, depending on room type and size. Insurance costs RMB 160 per month.

Application Deadlines

Applicants seeking USTC Fellowship Level A must apply online during the following periods:

• Fall semester: January 1 – March 31
• Spring semester: July 1 – September 30

Applicants applying for Level B, Level C or self-funded study must complete their online application at least three months before the intended starting date.

How to Apply for the USTC Research Internship

The application process is completed online.

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Make sure you are a non-Chinese citizen, meet the age requirement and are currently enrolled in an eligible undergraduate or graduate program.

Step 2: Select the Research Internship Program

Create an account in the USTC online application system and select:

Non-degree → Research Internship

Step 3: Complete the Application

Fill out the online application form and upload all documents requested by the system.

Step 4: Apply for Scholarship

Applicants interested in the USTC Fellowship should select the appropriate scholarship option during the application process.

Step 5: Wait for Evaluation

USTC evaluates applicants and determines scholarship awards for outstanding candidates.

Visa, Insurance and Accommodation

Admitted international students must use the official admission documents and JW201/JW202 Visa Application Form to apply for a student visa at a Chinese embassy or consulate.

International students are required to purchase the required medical insurance.

For accommodation, Level A and Level B fellowship students can receive on-campus accommodation on a first-come, first-served basis. If university accommodation is full, students may need to arrange off-campus housing.

Level C and self-funded students are responsible for finding off-campus accommodation, although USTC provides assistance with housing arrangements.

Why Apply for the USTC Research Internship?

The program can be especially valuable for students planning an academic or research career.

Key advantages include:

• Research experience in advanced laboratories
• Supervision by USTC professors
• International research exposure
• Opportunity to build academic networks
• Potential preparation for future Master’s or PhD applications
• Chinese language and cultural learning
• Scholarship opportunities for outstanding applicants
• Flexible internship duration from 3 months to 1 year

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply for the USTC Research Internship?

Third- and fourth-year undergraduate students, Master’s students and PhD students can apply, provided they meet the other eligibility requirements.

Is the USTC Research Internship fully funded?

Not every internship is fully funded. USTC offers limited fellowships to outstanding applicants. Level A provides tuition waiver, medical insurance, free university accommodation and a monthly stipend. Levels B and C provide more limited support.

How much is the USTC internship stipend?

USTC Fellowship Level A provides RMB 2,500 per month for Bachelor students, RMB 3,000 for Master’s students and RMB 3,500 for PhD students.

How long is the internship?

The research internship can last from 3 months to 1 year.

What is the age limit?

Applicants must be between 18 and 40 years old.

Do I need to be a current student?

Yes. Applicants must currently be enrolled full-time in an eligible third- or fourth-year undergraduate, Master’s or doctoral program.

Can I apply without a scholarship?

Yes. Students can apply for Level B, Level C or participate as self-funded students.

Can the internship help with future USTC admission?

Yes. USTC states that the internship can help students develop relationships with faculty and students, potentially providing a competitive advantage when applying for Master’s, PhD or postdoctoral programs at USTC.

How to Apply

Interested students should apply through the official USTC online application system and select Non-degree → Research Internship.

Official USTC Research Internship Program: USTC Research Internship Program

Applicants seeking the Level A fellowship should pay particular attention to the March 31 fall-semester deadline and September 30 spring-semester deadline.