Are you passionate about nuclear science and seeking a fully-funded opportunity to pursue a Master’s or PhD in one of China’s top research universities? If so, the Atomic Energy Scholarship (AES) Program at Xi’an Jiaotong University is open for 2026.

The AES Program, started by the China Atomic Energy Authority (CAEA) and the Ministry of Education of China, aims to cultivate top international talent in nuclear energy and related fields. Following the success of Phase 1 (2018–2022), which educated over 200 scholars from 30+ countries, Phase 2 (2023–2027) continues the mission with expanded reach and resources. Each year, 100 students from developing countries will receive comprehensive support to study Master’s and Doctoral degrees in nuclear science and engineering across top Chinese universities.

Xi’an Jiaotong University (XJTU) is a member of China’s prestigious C9 League, known for its cutting-edge research and outstanding academic excellence. Ranked 10th in the Shanghai Rankings, XJTU offers a personalized, all-English curriculum and a world-class research environment. As a host university for the AES program, XJTU is the ideal place for aspiring nuclear science scholars to gain advanced knowledge and contribute to global atomic innovation.

13 universities participate in the AES program and offer programs in the Atomic Energy Scholarship Program :

• Xi’an Jiaotong University (XJTU)
• Harbin Engineering University (HEU)
• Tsinghua University
• Peking University (PKU)
• University of Science and Technology of China (USTC)
• Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU)
• Zhejiang University (ZJU)
• Sichuan University (SCU)
• Sun Yat-sen University (SYSU)
• Lanzhou University (LZU)
• North China Electric Power University (NCEPU)
• Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST)
• South China University of Technology (SCUT)

Key Details and Dates

• Application Deadline: May 15, 2026
• Program Start Date: Fall 2026
• Funding Type: Full Scholarship
• Host Institution: Xi’an Jiaotong University
• Eligible Countries: All developing countries (excluding China)
• Eligible Gender: Male/Female
• Target Group: Students and professionals in nuclear-related fields
• Field: Nuclear Energy Science and Engineering, Nuclear Technology, Nuclear Fuel Cycle and Materials
• Study Level: Master’s and PhD (Doctoral)
• Number of Opportunities: 100 Scholarships
• Duration: Master’s: 2–3 years; PhD: 3–4 years
• Program Language: English
• Host Country: China

Research Directions & Fields

The program is hosted by the School of Energy and Power Engineering under the major of Nuclear Science and Technology. The research focuses on three principal domains:

• Nuclear Energy Science and Engineering (Nuclear Energy Systems Engineering)
• Nuclear Technology and Applications (Applied Nuclear Technology Development)
• Nuclear Fuel Cycle and Materials (Advanced Nuclear Fuel Cycle and Materials Science)

Scholarship Benefits

The selected candidates will benefit from the scholarship as follows:

• Full Tuition Coverage
• Free University Dormitory or Accommodation Subsidy
• Monthly Living Allowance:
  • Master’s students: CNY 3,000/month
  • Doctoral students: CNY 3,500/month
• Comprehensive Medical Insurance
• Access to state-of-the-art research facilities and top international supervisors

Additional benefits:

• Supervisors have global research experience and strong student training expertise.
• An all-English program designed for international students with no language barriers.
• XJTU’s Nuclear Science and Technology ranked Best Academic Subject in China by Shanghai Ranking 2024.

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants must be non-Chinese citizens in good health from non-Chinese and developing countries
• Bachelor’s degree holders under age 35 (for Master’s applicants)
• Master’s degree holders under age 40 (for PhD applicants)
• Strong academic background in nuclear engineering, energy, mechanics, physics, chemical engineering, etc.
• Proficiency in English (IELTS ≥ 6.0, TOEFL ≥ 80, Duolingo ≥ 110, or equivalent)
• Applicants with work experience in nuclear or related fields will receive priority

Required Documents

Applicants must submit the following documents:

• Chinese Government Scholarship Application Form (from the CSC site)
• Xi’an Jiaotong University Application Form (auto-generated)
• Physical Examination Record for Foreigners & Blood Test Report
• Valid Non-criminal Record
• Highest Diploma and notarized copies
• Academic Transcripts (undergraduate + postgraduate if applicable)
• Two Recommendation Letters from professors/associate professors. For PhD programs, a recommendation letter from a potential supervisor is compulsory, whereas for Master’s programs, it is optional.
• Study Plan or Research Proposal (min. 1000 words for master’s and 1500 words for PhD)
• Research Achievements (optional)
• Language Proficiency Certificate
• Valid Passport Copy

How to Apply?

Step 1: Complete the online AES application for the China Scholarship Program at the CSC website:
– Program Type: B
– Agency No.: 10698

Step 2: Complete the online application for your program at  Xi’an Jiaotong University’s portal:

Step 3: Wait for the university to issue a payment notice and pay the application fee (800 RMB)

Step 4: Track your application via the portal and email for admission updates

Note: All applications and documents must be in Chinese or English. Hard-copy submissions are not accepted.

Apply for Scholarship |   Apply to Xi’an Jiaotong University program

Further details and information are available on the official Xi’an Jiaotong University website.

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