Applications are now open for the Global China Fellows Program 2026 at Boston University, USA — a fully funded fellowship organized by the Global China Initiative (GCI).
This prestigious program brings together outstanding scholars and researchers from around the world to explore China’s role in shaping global affairs. Selected fellows will work closely with researchers from Boston University’s Global Development Policy Center (GDP Center) to produce policy-relevant research on China’s overseas economic activities and engagement.
The ultimate goal of the program is to develop the next generation of thought leaders who can bridge the gap between academic research and real-world policymaking.
Program Details
- Host Country: United States
- Host Institution: Boston University, Global Development Policy Center
- Funding Type: Fully Funded
- Application Deadline: December 19, 2025
Organizing Units:
- GCI – Global China Initiative
- GCF – Global China Fellows
- BU – Boston University
- GDP – Global Development Policy Center
Research Focus Areas
Fellows will collaborate with Boston University faculty and Global South–based institutions under one of the following GCI workstreams:
- Data Analysis for Transparency and Accountability (D.A.T.A.)
- Forestry, Agriculture, Indigenous Rights, and the Belt and Road Initiative (FAIR-BRI)
- Energy and Climate
- China and the International Financial Architecture (CHIFA)
The program promotes knowledge exchange between academia and policymakers, influencing global development discussions through evidence-based research.
Financial Benefits
Selected fellows will receive comprehensive financial support, including:
- Competitive monthly stipend
- Funding for data collection and fieldwork
- Relocation assistance to Boston
- Access to Boston University’s research resources and mentorship
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Global China Fellows Program, applicants must:
- Be citizens of any country (no geographical restrictions).
- Be available to travel to the United States in person.
- Be eligible for a J-1 visa.
- Pre-doctoral candidates: must have completed qualifying exams and defended their dissertation proposal.
- Post-doctoral candidates: must have defended their dissertation by August 2026.
- Demonstrate strong research interest and expertise in China’s overseas economic activities and engagement with global institutions.
Where Are Previous Fellows Now?
Alumni of the Global China Fellows Program have secured prestigious positions in renowned institutions such as:
- Peking University
- University of Denver
- Overseas Development Institute
- Boston Consulting Group
Required Application Documents
Applicants must submit the following materials (in one PDF file):
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- 1–2 page Cover Letter detailing academic background, research interests, and experience
- 1–2 page Working Paper Proposal outlining research questions, methods, and significance
- Contact information for two academic or professional references
How to Apply
Send your application materials in one PDF file to the Global China Initiative Team at gci@bu.edu
Use the subject line:
“LastName_FirstName GCI Fellow Application 2025–2026”
Check other opportunities:
Erasmus Mundus GLOCAL Scholarship 2026–2028 (Fully Funded in Europe)
Apply for the Russia JINR START Winter Program 2026 (Fully Funded)
EPFL Life Sciences Summer Research Program 2026 in Switzerland | Fully Funded
SI Scholarship for Global Professionals 2026 | Fully Funded Master’s Studies in Sweden
Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship Programme 2026 | Fully Funded Research Opportunity
