The ASEAN-China Young Leaders Scholarship (ACYLS) is a program designed to enhance educational and cultural exchanges between ASEAN Member States (AMS) countries and China. This scholarship program, established as part of the broader ASEAN-China Strategic Partnership, aims to develop the next generation of leaders by providing them with opportunities to study in China. It offers full scholarships for master’s and doctoral degrees, short-term research, and training courses in China. The scholarship covers tuition, accommodation, round-trip airfare, medical insurance, and stipends.In this guide, we will delve into the origin of the program, eligibility criteria, application process, required documents, benefits, deadlines, and tips for preparation.
ACYLS Application Guidelines
Who Can Apply
The ASEAN-China Young Leaders Scholarship Program is open to citizens of ASEAN member countries who demonstrate exceptional academic performance and leadership potential. The scholarship seeks to support young leaders who are eager to contribute to the development of their home countries and the ASEAN-China relationship.
1. Eligibility Criteria
- Citizen of an ASEAN Member State
- Good physical and mental health
- Language Proficiency:Must demonstrate proficiency in English or Chinese, depending on the medium of instruction at the chosen university. (Ex: Proficient in English IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL 80)
- Educational qualifications and age limits:
- Must have a strong academic record, typically with a minimum GPA requirement specified by the host institution.
- Master’s applicants: Undergraduate degree, under 45
- Doctoral applicants: Master’s degree, under 45
- Research applicants: Undergraduate degree
- Minimum one-year work experience
- Not a concurrent awardee of a Chinese government scholarship;
- Meets other admission requirements of the Chinese universities to which the applicant has applied.
2. Supporting Categories and Scholarship Length
- Master’s Programs:2-3 years
- Doctoral Programs:3-4 years
- Short-term ResearchScholars: 4-5 months
- Instruction Language:English
3. Scholarship Coverage and Benefits
- Monthly Stipend:Master’s (4,000 RMB), Doctoral (5,000 RMB), Research (5,000 RMB)
- One-time Settlement Fee:3,000 RMB
- Round-trip Airfare:Economy class
- Tuition:Fully covered
- Accommodation:Single room in university dormitory
- Medical Insurance:Comprehensive coverage
4. Required Documents
- Application form
- Valid passport copy
- Notarized highest diploma and transcripts
- Study plan or research proposal
- Two recommendation letters
- English proficiency certificate
- Foreigner Physical Examination Form (if staying over 6 months)
- Resume or CV
- Non-criminal record report
N.B. Applicants must submit authentic and valid documents and upload clear scanned copies to CGSIS. Failure to meet the requirements may negatively impact scholarship results.
When submitting applications to the ACYLS national focal points and AUN Secretariat, applicants should adhere to the specified requirements.
5. How to apply
Application Procedures:-
- Online Application:Submit your online application through the Chinese Government Scholarship Information System (CGSIS) by visiting campuschina (campuschina.org) and clicking “Scholarship Application for Students” to log in. Completing and uploading all required documents online is mandatory for every applicant.
- Document Submission:Prepare the application documents according to the “List of Application Documents” and upload all the required documents into the online application system. Also submit the hard copies of application form and relevant documents to the ACYLS national focal points/AUN Secretariat as required before the deadline. ACYLS national focal points of ASEAN Member States and AUN Secretariat will then review the qualifications of all applicants and provide the list of recommended recipients to the Joint Committee of the ACYLS, which will decide the recommendation list.
- Review and Placement:The China Scholarship Council (CSC) will only process the applications recommended by the Joint Committee. Applicants not included in the list will not be considered. CSC may, if necessary, consult with the candidates in proposing alternate host universities, field of study, etc.
6. Application Timeline
- January-March:Apply to national focal points or ASEAN University Network (AUN)
- March-April:Review and recommendation
- May-July:Placement by CSC and final results
- August:Admission documents and preparations
- September:Registration in China
Designated university
| No. | University | City |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Peking University | Beijing |
| 2 | Tsinghua University | Beijing |
| 3 | Renmin University of China | Beijing |
| 4 | Beijing Normal University | Beijing |
| 5 | China Agricultural University | Beijing |
| 6 | Beijing Foreign Studies University | Beijing |
| 7 | Beijing Language and Culture University | Beijing |
| 8 | University of Science and Technology Beijing | Beijing |
| 9 | Beijing Jiaotong University | Beijing |
| 10 | Communication University of China | Beijing |
| 11 | Central University of Finance and Economics | Beijing |
| 12 | University of International Business and Economics | Beijing |
| 13 | Nankai University | Tianjin |
| 14 | Tianjin University | Tianjin |
| 15 | Fudan University | Shanghai |
| 16 | Shanghai Jiao Tong University | Shanghai |
| 17 | Tongji University | Shanghai |
| 18 | East China University of Science and Technology | Shanghai |
| 19 | Shanghai University of Finance and Economics | Shanghai |
| 20 | Nanjing University | Nanjing |
| 21 | Zhejiang University | Hangzhou |
| 22 | Xiamen University | Xiamen |
| 23 | Wuhan University | Wuhan |
| 24 | Huazhong University of Science and Technology | Wuhan |
| 25 | Hunan University | Changsha |
| 26 | Sichuan University | Chengdu |
| 27 | Beihang University | Beijing |
| 28 | Beijing Institute of Technology | Beijing |
| 29 | China Foreign Affairs University | Beijing |
| 30 | Shanghai University | Shanghai |
| 31 | Guangxi University | Nanning |
| 32 | Guizhou University | Guiyang |
| 33 | Yunnan University | Kunming |
Tips for Coming to China
- Visa Application:Obtain a student visa, Check How Apply for a Student Visa
- Registration and Health Verification:Complete upon arrival
- Residence Permit:Apply within the first month
- Funding for Airfare:Ensure economy class ticket reimbursement
Apply for the ASEAN-China Young Leaders Scholarship to advance your academic and professional career while experiencing China’s rich culture and educational opportunities. Visit the official website for more details and start your application today.
