For international researchers passionate about China-related studies, a major fully supported doctoral fellowship opportunity has officially opened for 2026. Sun Yat-sen University (SYSU), one of China’s most prestigious institutions, is now inviting applications for the China Studies Program (CSP) PhD Fellowships, funded under the Center for Language Education and Cooperation (CLEC), Ministry of Education.
This fellowship is not just another academic scholarship — it is a rare global research gateway designed for young overseas scholars who want to conduct high-impact doctoral research inside China, with full academic access, living support, and international development opportunities.
If your work connects to China’s humanities, society, culture, politics, language, or global role, this could be your most strategic chance to study or complete your PhD research at one of China’s top universities in 2026.
What the CSP PhD Fellowship at SYSU Is Offering in 2026?
The China Studies Program was created to empower outstanding international scholars working on China-focused topics by giving them the resources, mentorship, and institutional support to pursue doctoral-level research in China.
For the 2026 intake, applicants can apply under two powerful fellowship tracks:
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Joint Research PhD Fellowship – for currently enrolled PhD students abroad who want to conduct dissertation research in China for 1 semester up to 2 academic years
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Full PhD Fellowship in China – for international Master’s degree holders who want to pursue an entire PhD degree at Sun Yat-sen University over 3–4 years
This means both early doctoral researchers and full-degree applicants have a fully supported pathway into China’s elite academic system.
Benefits of Winning the Sun Yat-sen University CSP PhD Fellowship
Winning the China Studies Program Fellowship at SYSU is more than financial support — it is an academic career accelerator built for future global China scholars.
This fellowship typically covers your major doctoral costs while placing you inside one of China’s top research universities, giving you unmatched access to:
Full tuition support, monthly living funding, and assistance with international travel costs, allowing scholars to focus entirely on research instead of financial burden.
Fellows also receive priority access to academic forums, customized seminars, high-level workshops, and professional supervision from mentors across both Chinese and international partner universities.
Beyond the PhD period, CSP graduates gain long-term academic advantages, including priority opportunities for dissertation publication, translations, further China-based research funding, and participation in international scholarly conferences.
For researchers building a global career in China studies, this is one of the most prestigious fellowship routes available in 2026.
Eligibility Requirements for CSP PhD Fellowships 2026
Applicants must show strong academic commitment to China-related humanities and social sciences research and be capable of conducting research in Chinese.
Key eligibility conditions include:
- Applicants must be non-Chinese citizens holding a valid foreign passport
- Must be in good physical and mental health for Chinese visa and residence requirements
- PhD Fellowship in China applicants must hold a Master’s degree or be graduating soon
- Joint Research Fellowship applicants must be officially enrolled PhD students at a recognized foreign university
- Must demonstrate strong academic performance, good moral character, and no disciplinary or criminal record
- Applicants must meet Chinese language research requirements through HSK certification
Language requirement:
- Full PhD Fellowship applicants need HSK Level 5 (minimum score 180)
- Joint Research Fellowship applicants need HSK Level 3 (minimum score 180).
Here is how to Apply: https://iso.sysu.edu.cn/en/application/scholarship/1420669.htm
The last date to apply for the China Studies Program (CSP) PhD Fellowships 2026 at Sun Yat-sen University is February 28, 2026, and applicants must complete both the CLEC portal submission and the SYSU online application process before the deadline closes.