The Global China Fellowship 2025-26 in USA offered by the Global Development Policy Center (GDP Center) at Boston University is one of the most prestigious research fellowships for young scholars exploring China’s global role in sustainable development. Applications are now open for the 2025–2026 academic year.

This fully funded fellowship supports both pre-doctoral and post-doctoral researchers who wish to engage in policy-oriented, data-driven research on China’s overseas economic activities, energy transition, global finance, and environmental governance. Since 2017, the Global China Initiative has hosted over 40 fellows from around the world, contributing to high-impact publications and advancing cross-border academic collaboration.

Benefits of the Global China Fellowship Program 2025–26

• Fully Funded Support – Selected fellows receive a stipend to cover living expenses during their residency at Boston University.
• Prestigious Global Exposure – Work within Boston University’s Global Development Policy Center, a leading research institution on international policy and sustainability.
• Interdisciplinary Research Collaboration – Participate in ongoing research projects across four major themes:
  1. Energy & Climate (E&C)
  2. Forestry, Agriculture & Indigenous Rights (FAIR)
  3. Data Analysis for Transparency & Accountability (D.A.T.A)
  4. China and the International Financial Architecture (CHIFA)
• Publication Opportunity – Fellows produce a working paper for the GDP Center’s publication series.
• Networking & Mentorship – Connect with global experts, policymakers, and academic mentors specializing in China-related research.

 Eligibility Criteria

The fellowship welcomes applicants from all countries who meet the following criteria:

• Pre-doctoral applicants must have completed all PhD coursework and qualifying exams, and have defended their dissertation proposal.
• Post-doctoral applicants must have completed their PhD prior to the start of the fellowship.
• Research focus should align with China’s global engagement, sustainable development, or international finance.
• Language proficiency in Chinese or the language of a priority region (Africa, Latin America, Southeast Asia) is an added advantage.
• Candidates must demonstrate strong academic writing and research abilities.

Application Procedure for Global China Fellowship Program 2025–26

To apply for the Global China Fellowship 2025–26, applicants should submit the following documents:

1. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
2. Cover Letter highlighting research interests and suitability for the program
3. Working Paper Proposal (2–3 pages) related to one of the Global China Initiative’s research streams
4. Contact details of two referees

All materials should be combined into a single PDF file and emailed to [email protected] with the subject line:

“Global China Fellowship Application – [Your Name]”

Application Deadline: December 19, 2025 (11:59 PM EST).

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so early submission is encouraged.

Additional Information

Fellows are expected to dedicate around 20 hours per week to collaborative research and another 20 hours to their own independent study. The program takes place in person at Boston University, with possible flexibility for remote participation if required.

The Global China Fellowship offers more than financial support — it’s a chance to join a community of scholars redefining how China interacts with global systems in trade, climate, and development.

Join us on Telegram for more opportunities!