Great Wall Program Scholarship: Benefits, Documents Required & More

The Government of the People’s Republic of China has launched 75 Great Wall program fellowships under UNESCO’s co-sponsorship to enhance the international exchange of education, communication, culture, technology, and science. 

For the past 30 years, the Great Wall program has focused on boosting developing countries' human resources and promoting academic excellence. The scholarship is available for advanced undergraduate and postgraduate studies for the 2024-25 academic year. 

Great Wall Program Scholarship: Benefits

Let us understand the benefits of the Great Wall program the Chinese government offers. 

• Tuition Fees: The scholarship offers a tuition waiver to recipients. Universities use this program's funds to support your study. 
• Accommodation: This scholarship program provides you with an accommodation subsidy or a free dorm at the university. Free dorm for on-campus accommodation or quarterly/monthly accommodation fees for off-campus students will be free. 
• Health: This program also offers a comprehensive Medical Insurance and Protection Scheme for international students in China. 
• Meals and Other Expenses: The stipend for general scholars is CNY 3,000 per month, and for senior scholars, it is CNY 3,500 per month to cover for meals and other expenses. 

The benefits offered by UNESCO are as follows:

• US$ 80 as a monthly stipend.
• One round-trip to and from China for international students.
• During your return to your home country, if you are charged extra for excess luggage, you will be paid US$ 200 as a termination allowance. 

There is no allowance for any dependents of the fellows

Great Wall Program Scholarship: Eligibility Criteria

Here is a comprehensive overview of the eligibility criteria for this scholarship.

• Students from 135 developing countries of Asia-Pacific, Africa, Europe, Latin America, and the Arab region are eligible to apply for this fellowship. 
• This program supports only general and senior scholars.
• If you are applying for the General Scholar Program, you must be under 45 and have a high school diploma. If you are applying for the Senior Scholar Program, you must at least be an associate professor or a master's degree holder and must not be over 50. 
• You must be able to prove your English proficiency level if you are applying for an English-taught program. Usually, IELTS or TOEFL scores are accepted.  
• If you apply for Chinese language-taught programs, your Chinese proficiency level must be at least HSK Level 3. For postgraduate students, it should be at least HSK Level 4. If you still need to get the required proficiency level, you must get approval from UNESCO and CSC (China Scholarship Council) for one year of Chinese language study. 

Great Wall Program Scholarship: Application Process

Here is your step-by-step guide for applying to the Great Wall program. 

1. Visit https://www.campuschina.org and click on the “Scholarship Application for Students” button. Upon creating an account with the portal, you can click on the “Application online” to start the process.
2. Edit all your personal information as required and verify and save those details. Please make sure that all these details are in line with your supporting documents. 
3. Once you complete this process, you will be redirected to the Application Status page. From there, you can choose the right Program Category.
4. Finally, complete the “Language Proficiency” and “Study Plan” sections and upload the required documents to “Submit” your application.  
5. Submit this application form and the documents to your country’s National Commission for UNESCO. 
6. Once your country’s National Commission for UNESCO confirms your nomination for the Great Wall scholarship, you must mail your application form along with the serial number and a photocopy of your passport to thegreatwall@unesco.org. 

Great Wall Program Scholarship: Documents Required

Take note of all the documents to be submitted during your application process for the Great Wall program. Keep them all ready for a smooth procedure.

• The Chinese Government Scholarship application form can be in English or Chinese. 
• A scanned copy of your original passport, which is valid post-March 1, 2024.
• Proof of your educational qualifications issued by your current institution in English or Chinese notarized translations.
• Academic transcripts should be attached with notarized translations if they are not in English or Chinese.
• Relevant certificates of your language proficiency proof. 
• At least 500 words research proposal or study plan written in English or Chinese.
• Two recommendation letters from associate professors or professors familiar with their work.
• Photocopy of the Foreign Physical Examination Form (Annex III. It should be completed in English.
• Proof of your non-criminal record verified by a local public security authority within 6 months of the deadline.
• All admission documents from your applied Chinese university. This may include:
  • Pre-admission letter
  • Admission notice
  • Invitation from professors, etc.

Other than that, you may need to submit the following documents if applicable:

• If you are applying for music study or fine arts, you must submit a CD containing your own work.
• If you are below 18 years old, you must submit valid documents of your legal guardians.

Great Wall Program Scholarship: Selection Process

The nature of UNESCO is intergovernmental. Hence, only applications declared by the National Commission for UNESCO will be considered. The respective Chinese university will do the selection process. UNESCO and the Chinese will consider diversity and gender equality when approving the nominees. The names of the selected fellows for the Great Wall program will be communicated through UNESCO. 

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