Are you an ambitious undergraduate, graduate, or PhD student and want to have practical research experience at an excellent Chinese university? The best place to begin would be the USTC Research Internship Program 2026 which is provided by the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC). It is a non-degree, fully funded, three to one-year internship opportunity, affording international students not only the opportunity to work in state-of-the-art laboratories under the guidance of expert mentors, but also to receive stipends and accommodations, and participate in intensive cultural programs, all in the vibrant city of Hefei.
Key Highlights
| Feature | Details |
| Host Country | China |
| Organization | University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) |
| Degree/Program Level | 3 months to 1 year |
| Coverage | Fully funded (tuition waiver, medical insurance, accommodation, stipend) |
| Eligibility | International students (3rd–4th year undergrads, Master’s, PhD; ages 18–40) |
| Deadline | March 31 (for Fall), Sept 30 (for Spring, Level A) |
Detailed Description
The USTC Research Internship Program offers foreign students to participate in non-degree research at the esteemed labs at USTC, either in their 3rd or 4th year of undergraduate study, master or PhD studies. Students receive a pre-acceptance by a USTC professor in their field of interest, then submit an application via the online portal to the non-degree Research.
USTC offers three fellowship levels:
- Level A: covers tuition waiver, medical insurance, free dormitory and monthly stipend (Y=2,500 to Y=3,500 based on academic standing).
- Level B: Free accommodation, tuition waiver and insurance.
- Level C: Tuition waiver only.
Program Benefits
- Work in world-class labs.
- Apply to USTC to pursue a Master degree, a PhD or a postdoctoral degree.
- Free access to the language and culture classes in Chinese and the cultural hotspots.
- Get funding: stipend, insurance, accommodation by level.
Eligibility Criteria
- Nationality: should be a foreign national but not a Chinese nation.
- Academic Stage: 3rd/4th year undergrad, Master or PhD.
- Age: 18-40 years old.
- Health/Conduct: Good physical/mental; No criminal record.
- Language: Fluent in English; skills in the Chinese language-where possible-is a plus.
Required Documents
- Pre-acceptance letter of a professor in USTC.
- Valuable copy of the passport (min. one-year expired)
- CV and research proposal in your field.
- Recommendation letter (by full or associate professors).
- Transcripts, certificate of enrolment, degree certificates (where applicable) and notarized translations of these where non-English/Chinese.
- Language evidence, where possible (English or Chinese).
Application Process
- Identify USTC faculty members in your area of research of interest and obtain a pre-acceptance.
- Application online: choose Non-degree – Research Internship in the application system of USTC.
- Complete the information, attach your files and send.
- Check your email about admission or visa information.
Deadline
- Level A Fall Fellowship: January 1 – March 31.
- Level A Fellowship (Spring): July 1 – September 30.
- Levels B, C or Self-Funded: Make an application at least 3 months prior to your planned date of commencement.
How to Apply
To apply, visit the official website below:
FAQs
1. Can juniors apply?
No. Only 3rd/4th year undergrads, Master and PhD students are eligible.
2. Is the internship paid?
Yes–Level A Fellowships have stipends. Tuition waivers and accommodation can still be given to other people.
3. Do I need Chinese proficiency?
No, it’s optional. Good English is required; elementary Chinese is given during the program.
4. Can the duration be extended?
Possibly–it depends on the approval of your supervisor.
5. What are the living arrangements?
Fellows in the A/B levels receive campus housing (first come, first served). Others have to find off campus accommodation (through university).
5. Is the stipend taxable?
Not usually taxable as an intern in China, but enquire with appropriate authorities.
Conclusion
The USTC Research Internship Program represents a unique opportunity leading to innovative research, intercultural experience, and intellectual development all within a free-of-charge program. Its rolling intakes, high levels of funding and access to one of the best research institutions in Asia makes it an opportunity worth taking. The first way to increase your likelihood of success is to contact professors at USTC in your area of interest early, order your paperwork together, and apply before deadlines: March 31 Fall and September 30 Spring.