CAS PIFI Fully Funded Research Internship in China 2026
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Looking for a fully funded research internship in China 2026 for international students without Google? The Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) President's International Fellowship Initiative (PIFI) 2026 is now open. This prestigious programme offers up to 40,000 Yuan per month (approx R102,000 ZAR / $5,500 USD) plus free flights, visa, and housing in Beijing, Shanghai, and Hefei. Posted today, deadline December 2026.
Internship Posted Today: 26 September 2026
Application Deadline: 31 December 2026 (Annual deadline 31 March, but nominations open till Dec)
Stipend / Salary: 20,000 - 40,000 Yuan/month + 8000 Yuan flight + Free Visa + Housing
CAS PIFI Internship China 2026 - Overview
CAS PIFI is China's biggest international research fellowship, launched in 2009 and has hosted 6600+ scholars from 110 countries. The 2026 PIFI Summer School theme was "Earth Guardians: Earth Observation, AI and Data Science for Global Challenges" held in Beijing on July 29, 2026. The programme invites Master's, PhD, and Postdoc students to work at top CAS institutes like Aerospace Information Research Institute (AIRCAS), Institute of Geographic Sciences (IGSNRR), and University of Science and Technology of China (USTC). Unlike tech company internships, this is pure research in a government lab.
Why Choose Research Internship in China at CAS?
China invests heavily in science. At CAS you get access to supercomputers, satellite data, AI labs, and work with Chinese Nobel-level researchers. The PIFI program covers everything - no need to pay for flights or visa. You also get a campus smart card for canteens, libraries, and dorms. Living in Beijing is an adventure, and you collaborate with students from Pakistan, Africa, Europe, and Latin America. 2026 focus areas include Climate Action, Disaster Risk Reduction, and Sustainable Development.
PIFI Categories and Benefits
- Category A - Distinguished Scientists: Lecture tour 1-2 weeks, ¥50,000 per week package (living + transport + insurance + allowance)
- Category B - Visiting Scientists: 2-9 months cooperative research, 40k Yuan/month for Professors, 30k for Associate Professors, 20k for Assistant Professors + 8000 Yuan flight cost
- Category C - Special Exchange: UK-China Research Partnership Fund support
- Category D - International PhD Students: 200 graduates per year, tuition waiver + travel + visa + monthly allowance + full PhD at UCAS/USTC
- Summer School: Earth Observation + AI, fully funded workshops, lectures by CAS scientists
Available Research Fields in China
CAS has 100+ institutes. Top fields for PIFI 2026 internship:
- Earth Observation & AI: Satellite data acquisition, intelligent interpretation, agriculture monitoring
- Biophysics & Advanced Materials: As seen in photo - lab work in Beijing 2024 batch
- Information Technology: AI, Data Science, Computer Network, Digital Belt and Road
- Geographic Sciences & Natural Resources
- Physics, Chemistry, Engineering, Life Sciences
Eligibility Criteria for CAS PIFI China 2026
- Must be citizen of country which has diplomatic relations with China (Almost all countries including South Africa)
- For Visiting Scientists: Must be Assistant Professor level or above in well-known foreign institutions
- For PhD Fellowship (Category D): Under 35 years, hold Master's degree, no other assignments during fellowship, English or Chinese proficiency
- For Summer Interns: Master's and doctoral students + postdoctoral researchers from multiple countries
- Must have host supervisor at CAS who accepts you (find on english.cas.cn/CASI/)
- No IELTS mandatory but English proficiency required
Physical Address - Where You Will Work
Chinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters
52 Sanlihe Road, Xicheng District
Beijing 100864, China
Email: casfellowship@cashq.ac.cn
University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS)
19A Yuquan Road
Beijing 100049, China
Email: president-fellowship@ucas.ac.cn
Tel: +86 10 88256424
USTC - Hefei Campus
96 Jinzhai Road, Hefei
Anhui 230026, China
How to Apply - Direct Official Links (Unique Process)
- Find eligible host supervisor on UCAS/USTC list at english.cas.cn
- Send CV + research proposal to CAS host researcher via email
- Work out research proposal with host
- Host institution submits application (individuals cannot submit directly for A,B,C)
- For Category D PhD: Visit UCAS or USTC website for Call for Applications, fill admission form + supervisor comment page + 2 recommendation letters + CV + passport + transcripts
- Submit before 31 December 2026 for early consideration (Final deadline 31 March every year)
Direct Application Links:
http://english.bic.cas.cn/AF/Fe/
https://english.ucas.ac.cn/
http://en.ustc.edu.cn/
https://start.jinr.ru/ (related)
Important Dates
- Date Posted: 26 September 2026 (Today)
- Deadline: 31 December 2026 for winter nomination, Final deadline 31 March 2027 for PhD batch
- Program Dates: Summer School July 2026, Visiting 2-9 months flexible start
Contact Details
Bureau of International Cooperation, CAS
Email: casfellowship@cashq.ac.cn
Tel: +86-10-6859 7521
Fax: +86-10-6851 1095
Final Words
This CAS PIFI fully funded research internship in China 2026 is totally unique - not a corporate internship but a government science fellowship with up to 40,000 Yuan/month, free flights, and visa. Posted today and open till December 2026. If you are a science or engineering student wanting real research in Beijing, apply now via official CAS links on CampusLinc.co.za.
