The University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) has announced that applications are now open for its International Winter Camp 2026, a flagship short-term program that blends academic lectures, national-lab tours, and cultural immersion. Running from December 22 to 31, 2025, the camp welcomes outstanding undergraduate and master’s students from around the world to experience one of China’s most prestigious research universities first-hand.
Immersive Learning in China’s Innovation Hub
The Winter Camp takes place in Hefei, a rapidly growing technology center known as China’s “innovation capital.” Participants spend ten days on the USTC campus attending lectures delivered by leading professors, joining research lab tours, and engaging in daily Chinese-language sessions. Outside the classroom, guided visits to cultural landmarks and local attractions give students an authentic glimpse of Chinese history, modern life, and scientific ambition.
USTC, established by the Chinese Academy of Sciences, consistently ranks among the top universities in Asia for its research excellence in physics, computer science, and materials engineering. The Winter Camp provides international students with rare access to its academic ecosystem and research facilities.
Academic Focus and Activities
The 2026 Winter Camp combines classroom and field experiences across four core components:
- Basic Chinese Courses: Daily language classes to build communication skills and cross-cultural understanding.
- Academic Lectures: Sessions led by USTC experts covering frontier topics in science and technology.
- Lab Tours: Guided visits to national laboratories and research centers where participants witness real-time scientific experiments.
- Cultural Excursions: Organized trips around Hefei that highlight China’s artistic, historical, and modern landscape.
Each activity is designed to balance education and exploration, encouraging students to think beyond disciplinary boundaries and collaborate in an international setting.
Fees and Fellowship Support
The program fee is 3,000 CNY, which includes tuition, accommodation in twin-shared rooms, and all official field trips. Travel to China and personal insurance are not covered.
To make the program accessible to high-achieving applicants, USTC offers Fellowship Support for outstanding students. The fellowship may include partial or full coverage of travel subsidies, local accommodation, medical insurance, and stipends. This merit-based assistance recognizes exceptional motivation, academic standing, and potential for future collaboration with USTC.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be non-Chinese citizens in good physical and mental health, holding a valid foreign passport.
- Have a strong command of English, as it is the language of instruction.
- Be currently enrolled in an undergraduate or master’s program, or be a recent graduate seeking further study. Students who have already attended any USTC Summer or Winter Camp are not eligible to apply again.
How to Apply?
All applications must be submitted online through the USTC International Student Portal.
Applicants should:
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Register and select Non-Degree Programs → Winter Camp.
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Complete the online form, upload all required materials (transcripts, proof of enrollment, personal statement, passport copy), and submit the application before the deadline.
Fields marked with an asterisk in the portal are mandatory, and incomplete applications will not be processed.
Application Deadlines
The application deadline for the USTC International Winter Camp 2026 is November 20, 2025 (UTC/GMT +8).
The program dates are December 22 to December 31, 2025, and all academic and cultural activities will take place at the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) in Hefei, China.
