If you have ever dreamed of pursuing a fully supported PhD journey in China at one of the country’s most prestigious universities, this is the opportunity you’ve been waiting for. The 2026 Ph.D. Fellowships of the China Studies Program at Xiamen University (XMU) are now officially open, offering international doctoral researchers the chance to study, conduct high-impact China-related research, and receive full financial support in one of Asia’s most academically respected environments.
Backed by the Center for Language Education and Cooperation and hosted by Xiamen University, this fellowship is designed to attract outstanding overseas young scholars who want to explore China-focused research in the fields of Humanities and Social Sciences, while benefiting from tuition coverage, living support, travel funding, and research subsidies.
Nestled between green hills and the sea, Xiamen University is not only one of the most beautiful campuses in the world, but also one of China’s top-ranked institutions under the national Double First-Class Initiative, making this fellowship a powerful academic gateway into elite doctoral training.
What This Fellowship Offers?
Winning the China Studies Program Ph.D. Fellowship 2026 at Xiamen University means stepping into a fully funded academic experience where your research ambitions are backed with real financial and institutional support. This program is built for scholars who want more than just a degree — it’s for those ready to contribute meaningfully to global China studies.
The fellowship includes two major tracks:
- Joint Research Ph.D. Fellowship (for current overseas PhD students conducting dissertation research in China for up to two academic years)
- Ph.D. Fellowship in China (for master’s degree holders pursuing a full doctoral degree at XMU for up to four years)
Both tracks provide an exceptional pathway to become part of China’s growing international research ecosystem.
Benefits of Winning the Xiamen University China Studies Ph.D. Fellowship 2026
This fellowship is one of the most generous China-focused doctoral funding opportunities available for international applicants. Selected scholars receive comprehensive support that removes financial barriers and allows full academic focus.
The PhD fellowship at Xiamen University benefits include:
- Full tuition coverage at Xiamen University
- Monthly living expense support throughout the fellowship period
- Funding for international travel expenses
- Access to dedicated research subsidies for dissertation and academic work
- Priority consideration for additional China Studies Program support projects
- Opportunities for dissertation publication, translation funding, and extended academic engagement in China
- Invitations to international academic conferences and scholarly exchange platforms
This is not just financial assistance — it is a complete academic launchpad for future China studies leaders worldwide.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the 2026 Ph.D. Fellowships of the China Studies Program at Xiamen University, applicants must meet clear academic and language requirements and demonstrate strong potential in China-related research in the Humanities and Social Sciences. This fellowship is open to non-Chinese citizens in good health who have a solid academic foundation, a well-defined research goal, and the ability to conduct scholarly work with Chinese language competence, with preference given to candidates with stronger proficiency.
For the Joint Research Ph.D. Fellowship, applicants must be officially enrolled as doctoral students at a recognized foreign university and hold at least HSK Level 3 or above, allowing them to carry out dissertation-related research in China. For the Ph.D. Fellowship in China, candidates must hold a master’s degree (or be fresh graduates) and meet a higher language benchmark of HSK Level 5 with a minimum score of 210, as this track supports full doctoral degree study at Xiamen University.
Applicants pursuing English-medium doctoral programs must still fulfill the required Chinese proficiency standards in addition to any English requirements set by XMU. Furthermore, candidates who are currently receiving other scholarship funding are not eligible, and all applicants must also satisfy the official doctoral admission criteria outlined in Xiamen University’s graduate prospectus.
Apply: https://admissions.xmu.edu.cn/Scholarships/China_Studies_Program_PhD_Fellowships.htm
The last date to apply through the CSP Application System for the 2026 Ph.D. Fellowships of the China Studies Program at Xiamen University is February 28, 2026, while applicants must also complete their separate online application on Xiamen University’s International Student Application System by February 15, 2026, so early submission is strongly recommended.