National Bureau of Asian Research (NBR) Chinese Language Fellowship Program

To better understand China and formulate effective policy, the United States needs to train a new generation of scholars who possess a deep understanding of China’s contemporary politics, society, and modern history, as well as fluency in Chinese language. These specialists are essential to inform U.S. public policy and to train successive generations of American experts. The Chinese Language Fellowship Program (CLFP) addresses these needs by providing fellowships of up to $50,000 for American graduate students (PhD and current or recent MA) so that they can devote one year to intensive Chinese language training at an institution of the fellow’s choice, generally in China or Taiwan. The fellowship is intended to cover all expenses at a graduate student level, including tuition, housing living stipend, and other miscellaneous fees.

The Chinese Language Fellowship offers two types of fellowships:

• PhD Track (up to $50,000) The PhD track of the Chinese Language Fellowship allows currently enrolled PhD students to participate in a language program of their choice in Taiwan or China for nine months followed by a summer language program during which fellows will take one-on-one classes where they may choose to read primary sources directly related their dissertation research.
• Prospective PhD Track (up to $40,000) The Prospective PhD track of the Chinese Language Fellowship allows current or recent master’s degree students planning to pursue a PhD to participate in a language program of their choice in Taiwan or China for nine months. Applicants to the Prospective PhD track must be currently enrolled in a master’s program or already possess a master’s degree.
• Demonstrate an intermediate Chinese language ability. The fellowship is NOT intended to help beginner students of Chinese.

Eligibility

Applicants must be:

• PhD students with a focus on China and policy, or recent Masters with a focus on China and policy who intend on enrolling in a doctoral program.
• U.S. citizens or permanent residents.