100+ CAS Research Institutes
Complete your thesis inside a national research institute with a full-time CAS researcher as your supervisor.
Beijing, ChinaQS #360
University of Chinese Academy of Sciences
Research first — graduate study inside China’s national science academy
The University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS) began in 1978 as the Graduate School of the Chinese Academy of Sciences — the first graduate school established in the People’s Republic of China — and was renamed UCAS in 2012. It is a Double First Class university built on an unusual model: coursework is delivered on its Beijing campuses at Yanqihu, Yuquanlu, Zhongguancun and the Olympic Village, then students move into one of more than 100 CAS research institutes nationwide to complete their thesis work with a professional researcher as supervisor. Teaching spans 12 broad discipline categories across science, engineering, management and medicine, and UCAS ranks among the world’s highest-output institutions in the Nature Index. For international students it is a research-focused destination at the master’s and doctoral level, hosting more than 1,800 international students with English-taught degrees, CAS-ANSO and UCAS scholarships, and access to national laboratories and large scientific facilities that few universities anywhere can offer.
Double First-Class
- QS World Ranking
- #360
- Location
- Beijing, China
- Founded
- 1978
- International Students
- 1,800+
- Teaching Language
- English / Chinese
- Tuition
- CNY 30,000 - 40,000 / year
- Intake
- September
- Application Deadline
- April 15
Why Choose
Why Choose University of Chinese Academy of Sciences
Key reasons international students choose University of Chinese Academy of Sciences for their studies in China.
China’s First Graduate School
Founded in 1978 as the country’s first graduate school, purpose-built for master’s and doctoral research training.
Top Nature Index Output
Consistently among the world’s leading institutions for high-quality natural science publication output.
National Large Facilities Access
Work with national laboratories, telescopes, synchrotron and supercomputing platforms operated by CAS.
CAS-ANSO Scholarship Route
Dedicated fully funded scholarships for international master’s and doctoral candidates in science and technology.
Four Beijing Campuses
Coursework at Yanqihu, Yuquanlu, Zhongguancun and Olympic Village campuses across the capital and its mountains.
Rankings & Recognition
Academic Reputation
National designations and world rankings that signal academic strength and prestige.
QS World University Ranking#360
National Designations
Double First-Class
Programs
Programs for International Students
Explore the degree programs and academic strengths available to international students at University of Chinese Academy of Sciences.
Physics
MasterLanguage: English
Duration: 3 years
Tuition: CNY 30,000 / year
Intake: September
Scholarship: CAS-ANSO Scholarship eligible
Chemistry
MasterLanguage: English
Duration: 3 years
Tuition: CNY 30,000 / year
Intake: September
Scholarship: UCAS International Student Scholarship eligible
Computer Science & Technology
MasterLanguage: English
Duration: 3 years
Tuition: CNY 30,000 / year
Intake: September
Scholarship: CAS-ANSO Scholarship eligible
Materials Science & Engineering
DoctorLanguage: English
Duration: 4 years
Tuition: CNY 40,000 / year
Intake: September
Scholarship: CSC full scholarship eligible
Environmental Science & Engineering
DoctorLanguage: English
Duration: 4 years
Tuition: CNY 40,000 / year
Intake: September
Scholarship: CAS-ANSO Scholarship eligible
Management Science & Engineering
DoctorLanguage: English
Duration: 4 years
Tuition: CNY 34,000 / year
Intake: September
Scholarship: CSC full scholarship eligible
Admission
Admission Requirements
What you need to apply to University of Chinese Academy of Sciences as an international student.
- Academic RequirementsA relevant bachelor’s degree for master’s applicants and a relevant master’s degree for doctoral applicants. UCAS admits international students at graduate level only.
- Language RequirementsEnglish-taught: proof of English proficiency such as IELTS, TOEFL or prior education in English. Chinese-taught: HSK Level 5 with a score of 180 or above.
- Supervisor & Research PlanApplicants nominate a discipline and prospective supervisor at a CAS institute and submit a research proposal or study plan for academic review.
- Required DocumentsPassport, transcripts, degree certificates, study or research plan, language certificate, two recommendation letters from professors and a physical examination record.
- Application DeadlineApplications open October 15 and close April 15. Scholarship applicants should apply by January 31.
- Application FeeCNY 600, non-refundable, paid through the UCAS online admission system.
- Medical ExaminationA Foreigner Physical Examination Form is required and is re-checked in Beijing after arrival before registration is completed.
- Visa DocumentsUCAS issues the JW201 or JW202 form and Admission Notice so you can apply for an X1 student visa at a Chinese embassy.
Tuition & Scholarships
Costs & Funding
Transparent tuition, living costs and scholarship options for international students.
Cost Breakdown
- Annual Tuition
- CNY 30,000 - 40,000 / year
- Accommodation
- CNY 900 – 1,800 / monthOn-campus rooms from CNY 30 – 60 per day, subject to availability
- Application Fee
- CNY 600 (one-time)
- Medical Insurance
- CNY 800 / yearCompulsory comprehensive insurance for international students
- Estimated Living Cost
- CNY 2,500 – 4,000 / monthMeals, transport & personal expenses
Estimated First-Year CostCNY 65,000 – 100,000
Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC)
Coverage: Full tuition, on-campus accommodation, monthly stipend and comprehensive medical insurance.
Eligibility: Outstanding non-Chinese applicants for master’s or doctoral degrees at UCAS.
Deadline: January 31
CAS-ANSO Scholarship
Coverage: Full tuition waiver, monthly living stipend and medical insurance for the standard degree period.
Eligibility: International master’s and doctoral applicants in science and technology, with priority for Alliance of International Science Organizations member countries.
Deadline: January 31
UCAS Scholarship for International Students
Coverage: Tuition exemption with a stipend, awarded to admitted degree-seeking international students.
Eligibility: Applicants with strong academic records and a supervisor’s support at a CAS institute.
Deadline: January 31
Beijing Government Scholarship
Coverage: Partial tuition award for degree-seeking international students studying in Beijing.
Eligibility: Admitted or enrolled international students with strong academic performance.
Deadline: January 31
Campus Life
Life on Campus
What daily student life looks like at University of Chinese Academy of Sciences.
Yanqihu Mountain Campus
The main coursework campus sits beside Yanqi Lake in Huairou, surrounded by mountains and purpose-built for graduate study.
On-Campus Housing
Dormitory rooms are available on the teaching campuses, allocated by room type and subject to limited capacity.
CAS Library Resources
Access to the National Science Library of CAS and its extensive international journal and database subscriptions.
Modern Sports Facilities
Gymnasiums, running tracks, football pitches and courts across the Yanqihu and Yuquanlu campuses.
Academic Lecture Culture
Frequent seminars and lectures by CAS academicians and visiting scientists form the core of campus life.
Beijing Campus Network
Zhongguancun and Yuquanlu campuses place students inside Beijing’s science and technology district.
Gallery
Campus Gallery
A visual tour of University of Chinese Academy of Sciences.
Research & Innovation
Research Strengths
Research capacity and innovation ecosystem at University of Chinese Academy of Sciences.
CAS Institute Network
Thesis research is carried out inside more than 100 CAS institutes covering every major scientific discipline.
Nature Index Leadership
Among the world’s highest-ranked institutions for output in high-quality natural science journals.
Large Scientific Facilities
Students use national facilities including synchrotron sources, radio telescopes and supercomputing centres.
Earth & Environmental Science
Major programs in atmospheric science, remote sensing, ecology and climate research through CAS field stations.
Advanced Materials & Physics
State key laboratories in condensed matter physics, semiconductors, catalysis and functional materials.
Academician Supervision
Supervisors include CAS academicians and full-time researchers rather than teaching-only faculty.
Career Outcomes
Graduate Outcomes
Where a degree from University of Chinese Academy of Sciences can take you after graduation.
Academic & Postdoctoral Careers
Most graduates continue into postdoctoral positions, university faculty roles or research institute appointments.
National Research Institutes
Direct recruitment into CAS institutes and other national laboratories where graduates already have research experience.
Technology R&D Roles
Graduates join semiconductor, AI, biotechnology and instrumentation companies across Beijing and the Greater Bay Area.
International Research Mobility
A CAS-affiliated doctorate and publication record supports research careers in home countries and abroad.
Publication-Backed Profiles
Students typically graduate with peer-reviewed publications, strengthening academic and industry applications.
CAS Alumni Network
Alumni hold senior scientific and policy roles across CAS institutes, universities and government agencies.
Student Support
International Student Support
How University of Chinese Academy of Sciences helps international students settle in and succeed.
Accommodation Assistance
Help applying for an on-campus dormitory room or finding nearby housing before you arrive in Beijing.
Residence Permit
Guided assistance converting your X1 visa into a residence permit within 30 days of arrival.
Orientation
Orientation covers registration, campus systems, laboratory safety, banking and daily life in Beijing.
Supervisor Matching
The International College helps confirm your discipline, institute placement and research supervisor.
Chinese Language Support
Mandarin courses for English-track students, plus academic Chinese classes offered by the International College.
Health Services
Campus clinic access, compulsory insurance enrolment and help with referrals to Beijing hospitals.
Emergency Assistance
Round-the-clock campus security and International College contacts for urgent situations.
Visa Guidance
Support with JW forms, visa renewals, exit-entry procedures and travel documentation.
Student Community
International student associations, national societies and cultural events across a 1,800-strong international body.
Timeline
Application Timeline
Key dates and milestones for applying to University of Chinese Academy of Sciences.
- October 15
Applications Open
The UCAS online admission system opens for international master’s and doctoral applicants.
- October – January
Contact A Supervisor
Identify your discipline and CAS institute, prepare a research plan and approach a prospective supervisor.
- By January 31
Scholarship Deadline
Submit your application under the CSC, CAS-ANSO or UCAS scholarship category to be considered for funding.
- By April 15
Self-Funded Deadline
Final date for self-funded applicants to complete the application and upload all documents.
- April – June
Review & Admission Results
Institutes review applications and interview candidates; successful applicants receive Admission Notices.
- June – July
JW Form & Visa Documents Issued
UCAS sends your Admission Notice and JW201 or JW202 form so you can begin your visa application.
- July – August
Apply For X1 Visa
Apply for your X1 student visa at the Chinese embassy or consulate in your home country.
- Early September
Arrival & Registration
Arrive in Beijing, move into your dormitory, register, complete the medical check—then coursework begins.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions international students ask most about University of Chinese Academy of Sciences.
Explore More
Other Universities in Beijing
Compare Beijing's leading universities to find your best match.
QS #14
Tsinghua University
C9 LeagueProject 985Project 211
Engineering, Computer Science, Architecture
English / Chinese
Most Competitive
CNY 26,000 - 40,000 / year
QS #13
Peking University
C9 LeagueProject 985Project 211
Medicine, Economics, Law
English / Chinese
Most Competitive
CNY 26,000 - 30,000 / year
QS #349
Beihang University
Project 985Project 211Double First-Class
Aeronautics, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science
English / Chinese
Most Competitive
CNY 30,000 - 42,000 / year
Take the First Step
Ready to Apply to University of Chinese Academy of Sciences?
Get a free academic assessment and our admissions team will confirm your eligibility, shortlist the best programs for your profile and guide you through every step of your application to University of Chinese Academy of Sciences.