1. Introduction
The Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS) is a national organization for scientific research, technology transfer and education in agriculture. It is always striving to provide solutions to a broad range of challenges in sustaining agricultural development through innovative research and technology transfer. For detailed information about CAAS, please visit the CAAS website at http://www.caas.net.cn/en.
The Graduate School of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (GSCAAS) is a higher education institution mainly focusing on graduate education (Agency No. 82101). As the education arm of CAAS, GSCAAS has been ranked among China’s first-class graduate schools, with an overall competitive edge in the disciplines of agriculture. It offers Master’s and Doctoral programs to international students through 34 institutes of CAAS. The study duration is usually 3 years for both Master’s and Doctoral programs. Certificates of graduation and degrees are awarded to those who have met the requirements of graduation and degree conferral. The instruction language of the graduate programs is mostly English or bilingual (Chinese-English).
In 2007, GSCAAS received the qualification of Chinese Government Scholarship Granting Institution from the Ministry of Education of China. Therefore, GSCAAS now offers international students various scholarship opportunities, including the Chinese Government Scholarship (CGS), the Beijing Government Scholarship (BGS), the GSCAAS Scholarship (GSCAASS) and the GSCAAS-OWSD Fellowship (https://owsd.net/). It has also launched two joint PhD programs in collaboration with the University of Liege in Belgium, and Wageningen University & Research in the Netherlands. At present, there are 523 international students (from 57 different countries across 5 continents) at GSCAAS, 90% of whom are Ph.D. students. GSCAAS is further developing its international education program and welcomes all academically outstanding students worldwide to apply to pursue their higher education with this institution.
2. Categories of Study
(1) Master’s Student
(2) Doctoral Student
(3) Visiting Scholar
(4) Senior Visiting Scholar
3. Graduate School of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences Scholarships Doctoral and Master’s Programs
| Disciplines | Primary Disciplines | Programs |
| Natural Science | Atmospheric Sciences | Meteorology |
| * Biology | * Physiology | |
| * Microbiology | ||
| * Biochemistry and Molecular Biology | ||
| * Biophysics | ||
| * Bioinformatics | ||
| * Ecology | * Agroecology | |
| * Protected Agriculture and Ecological Engineering | ||
| * Agricultural Meteorology and Climate Change | ||
| Engineering | Agricultural Engineering | * Agricultural Mechanical Engineering |
| * Agricultural Water-soil Engineering | ||
| * Agricultural Bio-environment and Energy Engineering | ||
| Environmental Science and Engineering | Environmental Science | |
| Environmental Engineering | ||
| Food Science and Engineering | Food Science | |
| Cereals, Oils and Vegetable Protein Engineering | ||
| Processing and Storage of Agricultural Products | ||
| Agricultural Products Processing Equipment | ||
| Agriculture | * Crop Science | * Crop Cultivation and Farming System |
| * Crop Genetics and Breeding | ||
| * Crop Germplasm Resources | ||
| * Agro-product Quality and Food Safety | ||
| * Medicinal Plant Resources | ||
| * Agro-products Processing and Utilization | ||
| * Horticulture Science | * Pomology | |
| * Vegetable Science | ||
| * Tea Science | ||
| * Ornamental Horticulture | ||
| * Agricultural Resource and Environment Science | * Soil Science | |
| * Plant Nutrition | ||
| * Agricultural Water Resource and its Environment | ||
| * Agricultural Remote Sensing | ||
| * Agricultural Environmental Science | ||
| * Plant Protection | * Plant Pathology | |
| * Agricultural Entomology and Pest Control | ||
| * Pesticide Science | ||
| * Weed Science | ||
| * Invasion Biology | ||
| * GMO Safety | ||
| * Biological Control | ||
| * Animal Science | * Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction | |
| * Animal Nutrition and Feed Science | ||
| * Special Animals Rearing（including Silkworms, Honeybees, etc.） | ||
| * Environmental Science & Engineering of Livestock and Poultry | ||
| * Veterinary Medicine | * Basic Veterinary Science | |
| * Preventive Veterinary Science | ||
| * Clinical Veterinary Science | ||
| * Chinese Traditional Veterinary Science | ||
| * Veterinary Pharmaceutics | ||
| Science of Forest | Wildlife Conservation and Utilization | |
| * Grassland Science | * Utilization and Conservation of Grassland Resources | |
| * Forage Genetics, Breeding and Seed Science | ||
| * Forage Production and Utilization | ||
| Management Science | Management Science and Engineering | |
| * Economics and Management of Agriculture and Forestry | * Agricultural Economics & Management | |
| * Agro-technical Economics | ||
| * Agricultural Information Management | ||
| * Industrial Economics | ||
| * Agricultural Information Analytics | ||
| LIS & Archives Management | Information Science | |
| * Information Technology and Digital Agriculture | ||
| * Regional Development | ||
Note：1. In total 51 Doctoral degree programs and 62 Master’s degree programs;
2. Programs marked “*” are Doctoral and Master’s degree programs while programs not
marked “*” are only Master’s degree programs.
4. Fees and Scholarships
4.1 Application Fee, Tuition, and Costs:
(1)Application Fee (charged after admission);
Master’s Student/Doctoral Student: 600 Yuan/person;
Visiting scholar/Senior Visiting Scholar: 400 Yuan/person.
(2) Tuition fee:
Master’s Student/Visiting Scholar: 30,000 RMB/person/year; Doctoral Student/Senior Visiting Scholar: 40,000 RMB/person/year. The yearly tuition must be paid at the beginning of each academic year.
(3) Insurance fee: RMB 800/year;
(4) Accommodation fee: 1500 RMB /month for one student;
Note: Students with Scholarships should follow the terms specified in the Scholarship Guideline.
4.2 Scholarships
(1) The Chinese Government Scholarship (CGS)
Applicants who apply for the Chinese Government Scholarships are required to apply either to GSCAAS or directly to the Chinese Embassy or qualified agency in their country. Please refer to the website:
http://www.campuschina.org/ for more details about this scholarship. The scholarship covers the following:
(a). A fee waiver for tuition and basic textbooks. Cost of experiments or internships beyond the program curriculum is at student’s own expense. Costs of books or learning materials other than the required basic textbooks must be covered by the student.
(b). Free on-campus dormitory accommodation.
(c). Living allowance (per month):
Master’s students & Visiting scholars: 3,000 RMB;
Doctoral students & Senior visiting scholars: 3,500 RMB.
(d). Fee to cover Comprehensive Medical Insurance.
Since the GSCAAS has a limited quota for the Chinese Government Scholarship-University program, applicants (especially those who apply for the Master’s program) are encouraged to apply for the CGS-Bilateral program from the Embassy
(http://www.campuschina.org/content/details3_74775.html). Before we issue a Pre-admission letter, applicants must provide copies of their CV, passport information page, research proposal, highest degree transcript, and the acceptance letter from one GSCAAS supervisor.
(2) The Graduate School of CAAS Scholarship (GSCAASS).
GSCAASS has been established by GSCAAS to sponsor international students and scholars with outstanding academic performance to pursue higher education at CAAS. Those who have received scholarships from the Chinese government or Beijing government are not eligible for the scholarship. The GSCAASS covers the following:
(a). A fee waiver for tuition and basic textbooks. Costs of experiments or internships beyond the program curriculum are at student’s own expense. Costs of books or learning materials other than required basic textbooks must also be covered by the student.
(b). Free on-campus dormitory accommodation (supported by GSCAAS supervisor).
(c). Research Assistantship (per month, supported by GSCAAS supervisor):
Master’s students & Visiting scholars: 3,000 RMB;
Doctoral students & Senior scholars: 3,500 RMB.
(d). Fee to cover Comprehensive Medical Insurance provided by GSCAAS.
(3) The Beijing Government Scholarship (BGS).
BGS has been established by the Beijing Government to sponsor international students and scholars with outstanding academic performance to pursue higher degrees in Beijing. The winners of BGS are exempt from tuition costs for the specific academic year. The GSCAAS supervisor will provide research assistant fellowship, accommodation fee of on-campus dormitory and Comprehensive Medical Insurance for the international student. Those who have received CGS are not eligible for BGS.
(4) GSCAAS-OWSD fellowship.
This fellowship has been jointly established by GSCAAS and the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD) and is offered to female scientists from Science and Technology Lagging Countries (STLCs) to undertake PhD research in natural, engineering, and information technology sciences at a host institute in the South. The next call for applications will open in early 2024; please refer to: https://owsd.net/career-development/phd-fellowship. GSCAAS will issue the applicants a preliminary acceptance letter when the eligible application documents are received. The GSCAAS-OWSD fellowship covers:
(a). A monthly allowance (USD 1,000) to cover basic living expenses such as accommodation and meals while in the host country;
(b). A special allowance to attend international conferences during the period of the fellowship;
(c). The opportunity to attend regional science communications workshops, on a competitive basis;
(d). A return ticket from the home country to the host institute for the agreed research period;
(e). Annual medical insurance contribution (USD 200/year), Visa expenses.
(f). Study fees (including tuition and registration fees) in agreement with the chosen host institute.
(5) Other Scholarships
GSCAAS welcomes international students/scholars supported by international organizations, foreign governments, research institutions, universities and organizations, to pursue a higher degree at GSCAAS.
5. Graduate School of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences Scholarships Application Guidance
5.1 Required status of applicants:
(1) Non-Chinese citizens;
(2) Healthy and willing to abide by the Chinese laws and decrees;
(3) Conform to the education and age requirements as follows:
(a). Master’s programs: holds a Bachelor’s degree and is under the age of 35;
(b). Doctoral programs: holds a Master’s degree and is under the age of 40;
(c). Visiting Scholar: has at least two years’ of undergraduate studies and is under the age of 35;
(d). Senior Visiting Scholar: holds a Master’s or higher degree, or has an academic title of associate professor or higher, and is under the age of 40.
(4) English and/or Chinese proficiency.
5.2 Graduate School of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences Scholarships Application Documents
(Submitting via the online application system, not via Email)
(1) An Application Form for Study in CAAS-2024
From 2024, you are REQUIRED to fill out the Online Application System
http://111.203.19.143:8080/lxszs/usersManager/toLogin.do. For Part II of the Form, please leave it blank; this part is to be filled in by the applicant’s supervisor and host institution when we officially refer your case to the institute. Please choose the major and host supervisor cautiously based on the attached supervisor list and submit your application after a thorough discussion with the expected supervisor. Supervisors List-2024 Spring and Autumn Semester-2024-11-21 is newly updated and may continue to update.
(1)-b Online generated CSC Application Form (Only needed for Chinese Government Scholarship-Autumn semester).
https://studyinchina.csc.edu.cn/#/register Please upload this “Online generated CSC Application Form” as an attachment in the “Add supporting documents” of GSCAAS online application system.
(2) Photocopy of passport (with at least 2 years’ validity) – the personal information page;
(3) Highest diploma (notarized photocopy);
(4) Academic transcripts of the most advanced studies (notarized photocopy);
(5) Two reference letters from two Professors or experts with equal titles in related fields;
(6) CV and research proposal (no less than 400 words for visiting scholars, no less than 500 words for postgraduates);
(7) Language Proficiency Requirements: English Language Certificate; Or score reports of TOEFL, IELTS, CEFR, etc.; Or score reports of the Chinese Proficiency Test (HSK);
(8) Photocopies of degree thesis abstract, complete thesis (in soft copy) needed if it is written in English, and abstracts of maximum 5 representative academic papers (full papers are preferred), please do not submit the photocopies of unpublished papers;
(9) No Objection Certificate issued by the current employer (Please indicate that the employer has no objection to you applying for the scholarship, and your study leave will be granted accordingly);
(10) Foreigner Physical Examination Form (Please take health examination in the hospitals designated by the Chinese Embassy);
(11) Acceptance letter (optional). Applicants with acceptance letters from CAAS professors are preferred. Newly updated Supervisors List-2024 Spring and Autumn Semester-2024-11-21 (see attachment at the bottom). The supervisory list is still being updated, and more CAAS professors will join.
Note: All application documents are non-returnable regardless of the applicant’s admission status.
5.3. Application Deadline
(1) Applicants who apply for the Graduate School of CAAS Scholarship (GSCAASS) are required to submit application documents by December 25th, 2024, for enrolment in the spring semester and by April 30th, 2024, for enrolment in the autumn semester.
(2) Applicants who apply for the Chinese Government Scholarship (CGS) and Beijing Government Scholarship (BGS) are required to submit application documents between Feb. 1st and April 30th, 2024, for enrolment during the autumn semester. You may contact supervisors via email before submitting the application.
(3) Applicants must complete and submit the application via the Online Application System for GSCAAS International Students,at:
http://111.203.19.143:8080/lxszs/usersManager/toLogin.do.
6. Approval and Notification
GSCAAS will review all the application documents and send the Admission Notice and Visa Application Form for Study in China (Forms JW201 and JW202) to the qualified applicants around January. 15th, 2024, for spring semester enrolment and around July. 15th, 2024, for autumn semester enrolment.
7. Visa Application
International students should apply for a visa to study in China at a Chinese Embassy or Consulate General, using the original documents and one set of photocopies of the Admission Notice, Visa Application Form for Study in China (Form JW201/JW202), Foreigner Physical Examination Form (original copy and photocopy) and valid passport. Incomplete records or those without the signature of the attending physician, official stamp of the hospital or a photograph of the applicants are invalid. The medical examination results are valid only for six months. All applicants are kindly requested to take this into consideration while arranging and taking the medical examination.
8. Registration
International students must register with GSCAAS at the time specified in the admission notice, using the above-mentioned documents for visa applications. Those who are unable to register before the deadline must request written permission from the Graduate School of CAAS in advance. The registration time is March 4th–9th, 2024, for the spring semester, and September 1st–5th, 2024, for the autumn semester.
9. Duration of Study and Degree Conferral
The basic duration of study for both Master’s and Doctoral degrees is three years. Certificates of graduation and degrees will be awarded to those who have met the requirements of graduation and degree conferral.
The duration of a visiting study is normally less than two years. Applicants who complete the study or research plan will be awarded with a visiting study certificate of GSCAAS.
10. Contact Information
Coordinator: Dr. Dong Yiwei, International Education Office, the Graduate School of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences
E-mail: [email protected]; email addresses for all CAAS host institutes can be found in the Online Application System.
These email addresses should only be used for asking questions regarding the application and not for submitting application documents. Soft copies of all documents relating to an application should be submitted via the Online Application System
Mailing Address (for hard copy application materials): For the 2024 International Student Programs, applicants are required to submit hard copies of their application documents directly to the host institutes (do not submit the hard copies to GSCAAS). Address information for CAAS institutes can be found in the online application system.