USTC Research Internship 2026 in China (Fully Funded)
China hosts leading research hubs with advanced labs. The University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) in Hefei ranks among top global institutions for science and tech. The USTC Research Internship Program welcomes international undergraduate (3rd/4th year) and graduate students to join projects under professors.
USTC offers limited fellowships with stipends, housing, and insurance for outstanding applicants. Duration ranges from 3 to 11 months. No IELTS required; English proficiency suffices for most.
From my guidance on Asian programs, success hinges on early professor contact. One student from Germany secured full Level A by aligning research interests. Another missed pre-acceptance and got rejected. Tools like Numbeo show Hefei costs ¥3,000-5,000/month. Full fellowship covers most.
What Is the Internship?
The Fully Funded International Internship offers hands-on research in cutting-edge labs. Open to internationals with professor pre-acceptance.
Key facts:
- 3-11 months, flexible start.
- Non-degree visiting.
- Fellowships: Level A (full + stipend), B (tuition/housing/insurance), C (tuition).
- Stipend for Level A: ~2,500-3,500 RMB/month by level.
- Fall 2026 focus.
Hefei modern, affordable, central China. World-class facilities.
Eligibility Criteria
You qualify if:
- Non-Chinese passport.
- 18-40 years old.
- Good health, no criminal record.
- High school diploma minimum.
- Strong English.
- 3rd/4th year undergrad or graduate.
No strict GPA; professor decides fit.
Opinion: Pre-acceptance critical. Flexible rules suit diverse backgrounds.
Internship Benefits
Limited, merit-based.
Level A:
- Tuition waiver.
- Insurance.
- Free dorm.
- Stipend (2,500 RMB Bachelor, 3,000 Master, 3,500 PhD approx).
Level B/C lower.
Table: Fellowship Levels
| Level | Tuition Waiver | Housing | Insurance | Stipend |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | Yes | Free | Yes | Yes |
| B | Yes | Free | Yes | No |
| C | Yes | No | No | No |
On-campus priority for A/B. Recent limited but competitive.
Research Areas
Broad fields:
- Chemistry/Materials
- Computer Science/Tech
- Earth/Space Sciences
- Engineering
- Information Science
- Life Sciences
- Mathematical Sciences
- Physical Sciences
- Management/Public Affairs
- Special labs (NSRL, SKLFS)
Supervisor list on schools sites.
Required Documents
- Pre-acceptance letter.
- Passport.
- CV.
- Transcripts.
- Recommendation letters.
- Personal statement.
- Health form.
How to Apply for USTC Research Internship?
- Find professor via en.ustc.edu.cn/Schools.htm.
- Email for pre-acceptance.
- Online at application.ustc.edu.cn: Non-degree > Research Internship.
- Upload docs including pre-acceptance.
- Submit.
APPLY FOR THE USTC RESEARCH INTERNSHIP
Deadline: Level A windows (e.g., Jan-Mar fall); others 3 months before start. For 2026, apply early.
Tip: Tailor email to professor work. Attach CV/statement.
Why Join USTC Research Internship?
Top CAS university. Advanced labs. Diverse community.
Hefei growing, low costs, good food/transport.
Contrarian: Professor hunt takes time. But direct access beats structured programs. Reddit: Rewarding for proactive.
Other Opportunities
Useful Links
- ic.ustc.edu.cn/en/v7info.php?Nav_x=51 – Official program, detailed.
- en.ustc.edu.cn/Schools.htm – Supervisors search.
- application.ustc.edu.cn – Portal clear.
- numbeo.com Hefei – Costs accurate (¥4,000 single).
- studyinchina.edu.cn – Visa/living.
- goingmerry.com – Clean.
Application Checklist
- Research professors.
- Get pre-acceptance.
- Prepare CV/statement.
- Health proof.
- English evidence if needed.
- Apply 3+ months ahead.
- Visa plan (X2).
- Budget backup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
No pre-acceptance (auto reject). Generic emails. Late apply. Assume full funding (competitive). Off-campus housing ignore.
PAA: Deadline? Rolling, windows for full. Stipend exact? Varies, ~2,500-3,500 RMB. Age 18-40.
Living Costs in Hefei
Single ¥3,000-5,000/month (Numbeo Jan 2026). Rent ¥1,500 shared. Food ¥1,000. Fellowship covers well.
Numbeo honest: Cheaper than Beijing/Shanghai.
Strong opinion: USTC top for hands-on research. Pre-acceptance effort pays off big. Great prep for grad apps.
Questions? Comment. Check ic.ustc.edu.cn/research-internship now.
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