ASEAN-China Young Leaders Scholarship (ACYLS)

Benefits & funding

• Tuition, a single-room university dormitory, comprehensive medical insurance, and an international economy-class round trip are covered. Exceptionally expensive tuition, including some MBA programs, is assessed case by case.
• The monthly stipend is RMB 4,000 for master’s students and RMB 5,000 for doctoral students and research scholars.
• Master’s students, doctoral students, and research scholars receive a one-time RMB 3,000 settlement allowance.
• Degree students receive airfare for their first trip to China, their return after graduation, and one annual home visit except in the graduation year. Research scholars receive one round trip capped at RMB 6,000.
• Master’s funding lasts 2–3 academic years, doctoral funding 3–4 academic years, and research funding 4–5 months.

Eligibility

• Applicants must be citizens of Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, or Vietnam. No separate residency or gender requirement is stated.
• At least one year of work experience in a government body, public or private institution, university, think tank, or similar organization is required. Experience connected with international affairs, ASEAN-China affairs, China, or ASEAN is preferred rather than mandatory.
• Applicants need English proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL 80 and must be in sound physical and mental health.
• Master’s applicants need an undergraduate degree and must be under 45. Doctoral applicants need a master’s degree and must be under 45. Research applicants need at least an undergraduate degree; the guide states no age cap for this track.
• Applicants cannot concurrently hold another Chinese government scholarship and must meet the chosen university’s admission requirements.

Application process

1. 1
   Contact the ACYLS national focal point in the applicant’s home country, or the ASEAN University Network Secretariat for eligible university faculty and staff, to confirm local requirements.
2. 2
   Complete the Chinese Government Scholarship Information System application through Campus China, selecting Type A and agency number 0025, and upload all required documents.
3. 3
   Submit the application form and supporting hard copies to the relevant national focal point or AUN Secretariat as required before its deadline.
4. 4
   The national body or AUN Secretariat reviews candidates, the joint committee decides the nomination list, and the China Scholarship Council arranges university placement.

Program timeline

1. February 4, 2026

   The 2026 cycle was announced open.

2. Application deadline.

   March 1, 2026

3. National focal points and the AUN Secretariat review and nominate candidates.

   March–April 2026

4. The China Scholarship Council coordinates university placement.

   May–July 2026

5. Final results are communicated.

   End of July 2026

6. Admission documents are issued.

   August 2026

7. Recipients arrive and register at host universities.

   September 2026