Scholarships

CONFUCIUS INSTITUTE

​Application Guide for 2026 China Studies Program (CSP) Ph.D. Fellowships at Fudan University

Program Overview

The “China Studies Program” (CSP) Ph.D. Fellowships were established by the Center for Language Education and Cooperation in 2013. It is an international academic exchange initiative dedicated to cultivating young Sinology scholars and promoting the global development of Sinology.

The program mainly cooperates with leading universities in China and around the world, supporting outstanding young overseas scholars in the fields of Sinology and China studies to pursue doctoral degrees or undertake visiting research in China. The 2026 China Studies Program (CSP) Ph.D. Fellowships at Fudan University are now open for applications, and eligible young scholars who meet the requirements are welcome to apply.

Program Categories

• Joint Research Ph.D. Fellowship: This program funds overseas outstanding doctoral students registered in foreign universities coming to China for study, research and writing of their doctoral dissertations, for one semester or no more than two academic years.
• Ph.D. Fellowship in China: This program supports overseas outstanding master’s degree holders in pursuing doctoral degrees at Chinese universities. According to the university’s academic requirements, it is usually 3 to 4 years.

Funding and Program Support

• Financial support: coverage of tuition, living and research allowances;
• Academic resources: opportunities to participate in lectures with leading scholars, themed reading groups, field-based courses, specialized workshops, regional seminars, Sinologists’ forums, and other academic activities, fostering in-depth exchange and interaction with scholars from China and abroad;
• Future development: graduates receive priority support for other initiatives under the “China Studies Program,” such as doctoral dissertation and translation publication, research visits to China, and participation in international academic conferences;
• Postdoctoral Opportunities: priority consideration for postdoctoral positions under the “China Studies Program” after graduation.
• Alumni Engagement: Participants become “China Studies Program” scholars and join the alumni network, maintaining long-term connections and academic ties.

Eligibility for Applicants

The applicant should aspire to pursue research in humanities and social sciences related to China, possess a strong academic foundation, have a clear research topic or objective, and be capable of conducting research in Chinese. Specific requirements are as follows:

Joint Research Ph.D. Fellowship:

• Non-Chinese citizens;
• Language proficiency of HSK Level 3 or above;
• Officially registered doctoral students in regular foreign universities.

Ph.D. Fellowship in China:

• Non-Chinese citizens;
• Language proficiency of HSK Level 5 or above;
• A graduate with master’s degree, or a fresh graduate of master’s degree.

How to Apply

The applicant shall submit the online application at http://www.chinese.cn/page/#/pcpage/csp by February, 28, 2026.

Application Materials

Joint Research Ph.D. Fellowship:

• Abstract of master’s thesis or other research results;
• Proof of enrolment in a Ph.D. program;
• Abstract of Doctoral Dissertation (if applicable);
• Study plan during your stay in China;
•  2 letters of recommendation from experts in your field of study;
• HSK transcript.

Ph.D. Fellowship in China:

• Notarized transcripts of undergraduate and master’s studies, degree certificates (fresh master students should provide school documents) and a Chinese translation for each;
• Doctoral study plan;
•  2 letters of recommendation from experts in the field;
•  HSK transcript.

Review

• Review by the host university and the Chinese supervisor;
• Review by experts in the relevant academic field;
• Remote video interview;
• Final review by an expert committee.

Notes

The final admission list will be determined by the Center for Language Education and Cooperation. Once the official admission list is announced, our university will notify awardees via email to log in to Fudan University’s online application system for international students to complete the application. Applicants will undergo an admission eligibility review. Those who pass the review will receive an admission letter and visa application documents.

For more details, please refer to: http://www.chinese.cn/page/#/pcpage/csp. We warmly welcome outstanding young scholars from all over the world to apply.

If you have any questions, please contact wangxinsheng@chinese.cn or confucius@fudan.edu.cn.