UNESCO/China — Great Wall Co-Sponsored Fellowships
UNESCO + Government of China
About the grant
Jointly funded: the Chinese government (CSC) fully covers tuition, dormitory accommodation and a monthly stipend (approximately CNY 3,000-3,500), and provides medical insurance. UNESCO, in turn, covers international travel costs, a monthly pocket-money allowance, and a one-time termination allowance at the end of the programme, and coordinates candidate selection through National Commissions. No financial support or housing is provided for spouses or dependents.
Who can apply
Open to citizens of 135 invited developing countries; Uzbekistan is officially included in the list of invited states under the "Asia and the Pacific" region. The programme offers 75 fellowship places in total (about 27 of which open annually to new candidates). Age limits vary by level: general programme — under 45, senior scholar programme — under 50, Master's — under 35, PhD — under 40 (all as of September 2026). English proficiency is required.
Developing countries
How to apply
1. Contact Uzbekistan's National Commission for UNESCO. 2. Register online in the Chinese Government Scholarship Information System at campuschina.org (a pre-admission letter is required). 3. Submit the completed documents to UNESCO through the National Commission.
Important dates
Annual
For the 2026-2027 cycle: candidates were required to submit applications to their National Commission for UNESCO by 23 January 2026, with commissions forwarding official nominations to UNESCO by 10 February 2026 (this deadline has already passed as of today, 12 July 2026; results were expected to be announced by 15 August 2026). Exact dates for the 2027-2028 cycle have not yet been announced, but are expected around January.
Useful tips
- Take IELTS or TOEFL in advance — most scholarships require at least 6.5.
- Request recommendation letters at least 2 months early — professors need time.
- In your motivation letter, clearly state your goals and plans after returning to Uzbekistan.
Other grants in this category
Fulbright Foreign Student Program (USA)
U.S. Department of State
Full scholarship: tuition, monthly living stipend, international and domestic airfare, and J-1 Exchange Visitor health insurance. The program enables recipients to earn a Master's degree in the U.S. or conduct research under the Open Study/Research Award.
Türkiye Bursları — Turkish Government Scholarships
Turkish Government (YTB)
Full funding: tuition, accommodation, a monthly stipend (approximately TRY 4,500 for Bachelor's, TRY 6,500 for Master's, TRY 9,000 for PhD students), health insurance, a one-year Turkish-language course, and round-trip airfare.
Chevening Scholarship
UK Government (FCDO)
Full scholarship: university tuition fees, a monthly living allowance (rate varies by city), return flights to and from the UK, visa costs, and additional grants (e.g. for research). Available only for one-year master's programmes.