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USTC International Winter Camp 2027 | Research Internship & Chinese Language Program

The University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) invites international undergraduate and master's students to apply for its International Winter Camp 2027, featuring academic lectures, national laboratory tours, daily Chinese lessons, and cultural immersion in Hefei. Outstanding participants may receive USTC Fellowship support covering travel, insurance, accommodation, and stipends.

October 14, 2026 ⏰ Deadline: Nov 8, 2026

Quick Overview

Host CountryChina
University/OrgUniversity of Science and Technology of China (USTC)
Degree LevelShort Course
Funding TypePartial Funding
Fields of StudyChinese Language, Research Internship, Science and Technology
DeadlineNovember 8, 2026

Scholarship Overview

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You apply directly with the provider. We never charge for applications or ask for payment details. How we verify scholarships

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Program Overview

The University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) has opened applications for its International Winter Camp 2027, a two-week non-degree research internship program designed for international students seeking hands-on research experience and Chinese cultural immersion. Running from December 19, 2026 to January 1, 2027, this program combines academic rigor with practical exposure to one of China’s most dynamic scientific institutions.

Participants will engage with expert lecturers, tour national laboratories, receive daily Chinese language instruction, and explore the vibrant city of Hefei—home to USTC’s main campus and a hub for science and technology innovation in China.

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What the Program Includes

The Winter Camp curriculum balances academic development with cultural exploration:

  • Basic Chinese courses – Daily language instruction to build practical communication skills
  • Academic lectures – Expert-led sessions across scientific disciplines
  • Lab tours – Access to USTC’s national laboratories and research facilities
  • Cultural site visits – Organized excursions to experience local heritage and contemporary Chinese life

Program Details

Dates December 19, 2026 – January 1, 2027
Location Hefei, Anhui Province, China
Duration 14 days
Format In-person, residential program

Program Fees and What’s Covered

The full program fee is 3,000 CNY (approximately USD 420). This fee includes:

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  • Tuition for all courses and lectures
  • Accommodation in twin rooms
  • Field trips and cultural excursions

Not included: International and domestic travel expenses, medical insurance, meals, and personal spending.

USTC Fellowship: Funding for Outstanding Students

USTC offers competitive USTC Fellowship support for outstanding applicants. The fellowship may include—fully or partially:

  • Travel subsidy (international airfare)
  • Medical insurance coverage
  • Local accommodation
  • Living stipend

The fellowship is merit-based and awarded to selected participants after application review. Specific award amounts are determined individually and not published in advance.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:

  • Hold non-Chinese citizenship with a valid foreign passport
  • Be in good mental and physical health
  • Demonstrate good command of English (no specific test score required)
  • Be currently registered as an undergraduate or master’s student, OR have completed an undergraduate or master’s program and wish to continue studies at USTC

Important restriction: Applicants who have previously participated in any USTC International Winter Camp or Summer Camp are not eligible to apply.

Application Process

Follow these steps to submit your application:

  1. Visit the USTC online application portal
  2. Register for a new account
  3. Select Start Application
  4. Navigate to Application → Non-Degree Programs Application → Winter Camp
  5. Complete all required fields (marked with asterisks)
  6. Upload required documents
  7. Submit before the deadline

Required Documents

The application requires completion of all mandatory fields and document uploads. Specific document requirements are indicated by asterisks in the online system. Typical materials may include:

  • Valid passport copy
  • Proof of current student enrollment OR degree certificate
  • English proficiency evidence (if applicable)
  • Personal statement or motivation letter
  • Recent photograph

Check the online portal for the complete, official document checklist.

Why This Matters for African Applicants

For students from Zimbabwe and the SADC region, this program offers several strategic advantages:

  • No application fee – Reduces financial barriers to entry
  • English-medium instruction – No Mandarin requirement for admission
  • Research exposure – Access to China’s top-ranked science university and national labs
  • Network building – Connections with researchers and students across Asia and beyond
  • Pathway to further study – Experience that strengthens applications for USTC degree programs or scholarships like the Chinese Government Scholarship

USTC is particularly strong in physics, chemistry, materials science, and computer science—fields where African researchers are increasingly sought after for international collaboration.

Important Dates

Application Deadline November 8, 2026 (UTC/GMT+8)
Program Dates December 19, 2026 – January 1, 2027

Contact Information

For questions not answered in this guide:

Email: visiting@ustc.edu.cn

Apply on the official site →

You apply directly with the provider. We never charge for applications or ask for payment details. How we verify scholarships

Funding Coverage

USTC Fellowship may cover travel subsidy, medical insurance, local accommodation, and stipend fully or partially; program fee of 3000 CNY covers tuition, twin-room accommodation, and field trips

Eligibility Criteria

Non-Chinese citizens with valid foreign passport; good physical and mental health; good English command; currently enrolled undergraduate or master's student, OR completed undergraduate/master's program seeking further study at USTC; previous USTC Winter/Summer Camp participants ineligible

Required Documents

Valid passport; proof of enrollment or degree certificate; documents as marked required in online application system

Application Process

Register on USTC online application portal → Start Application → Non-Degree Programs Application → Winter Camp → complete form → upload required documents → submit before deadline
Apply Now — Official Website

You will be redirected to the official scholarship application page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. The program is open to all non-Chinese citizens with valid foreign passports. There are no country restrictions for African applicants, and English proficiency (rather than Chinese) is the language requirement.
The USTC Fellowship may fully or partially cover international travel subsidy, medical insurance, local accommodation, and a living stipend. The fellowship is merit-based and awarded to outstanding students after application review. Specific amounts are determined individually and not guaranteed.
Yes. The eligibility criteria explicitly include students who have completed an undergraduate or master's program and wish to further their learning at USTC. You do not need to be currently enrolled.
Required documents are indicated by asterisks in the online application system. Typically these include a valid passport copy, proof of student enrollment or degree certificate, and possibly English proficiency evidence and a personal statement. Check the portal for the official, complete checklist.
You must budget separately for international airfare to China, domestic travel to Hefei, meals throughout the program, medical insurance (unless awarded fellowship coverage), visa fees, and personal expenses. The program fee covers only tuition, twin-room accommodation, and field trips.
No. Applicants who have already taken part in any USTC International Winter or Summer Camp are explicitly ineligible for this program. This restriction applies regardless of which camp you attended or when.