Chinese Language Fellowship Program (CLFP) 2026-2027

The National Bureau of Asian Research (NBR) is currently accepting applications for its Chinese Language Fellowship Program (CLFP) for the academic year 2026-2027. This program is funded by the Carnegie Corporation of New York and offers fellowships to American graduate students for one academic year of full-time intensive Chinese language training in Taiwan or China.

📖 About the Program

The Chinese Language Fellowship Program (CLFP) provides two types of fellowships:

• PhD Track: Up to $50,000
• Prospective PhD Track: Up to $40,000

🎯 Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the fellowship, applicants must:

• Demonstrate intermediate Chinese language ability through transcripts or language assessment tests.
  (Note: This fellowship is NOT intended for beginner-level Chinese students.)
• Commit to full-time intensive Chinese-language study for one academic year.
  (Note: This fellowship does NOT support substantive doctoral research.)
• Have a desire to:
  • Advance U.S. public policy toward China through improved expertise and understanding.
  • Contribute to scholarly research and teaching on China, developing future generations of China specialists.
• Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident of the United States.

📝 Application Process

To apply for the fellowship, applicants must submit the following:

1. Complete Application Form

   • Answer questions about academic experiences, Chinese language skills, and Chinese language classes taken.

2. Two-Page Summary Resume

   • Include academic and professional honors received. (Full academic CVs will not be reviewed.)

3. Two-Page Cover Letter

   • Address how the proposed Chinese language program will contribute to:
     • Language training
     • Doctoral studies
     • Future career plans

4. Two Letters of Recommendation

   • One from an academic supervisor or professor (sent directly to fellowships@nbr.org by February 16, 2026).
   • One from a recent Chinese language teacher (sent directly to fellowships@nbr.org by February 16, 2026).

5. Electronic Transcripts

   • Submit transcripts from all educational institutions attended or from which a degree was received.
     (Upload as PDFs in the application portal.)

Additional Requirements for Prospective PhD Track Applicants:

• Explain plans to pursue a PhD program in the cover letter.
• Request the academic supervisor or professor to address the applicant's aptitude for a PhD program in their recommendation letter.

📅 Application Deadline

• February 16, 2026

🌟 Benefits of the Fellowship

• PhD Track: Up to $50,000
• Prospective PhD Track: Up to $40,000

🔗 Application Portal

• View details of the program: NBR Chinese Language Fellowship Program (CLFP)
• Apply here: NBR Chinese Language Fellowship Program (CLFP)

For further inquiries, contact Fern Hinrix at fellowships@nbr.org.

• PhD Track: up to $50,000
• Prospective PhD Track: up to $40,000