The Global China Fellows Program 2026 at Boston University (BU) offers a prestigious fully funded fellowship for international scholars and researchers passionate about China’s global economic engagement. Hosted by the Global Development Policy (GDP) Center under the Global China Initiative (GCI), this fellowship focuses on developing future leaders who can produce impactful, policy-relevant research on China’s role in reshaping global affairs.
Through this program, fellows will collaborate with BU faculty, participate in high-level research, and gain valuable insights into the dynamics of global economic policy, sustainability, and development.
Details About the Global China Fellows Program 2026
- Host Country: United States
- Location: Boston University, Global Development Policy Center
- Program Name: Global China Fellows (GCF) Program
- Financial Coverage: Fully Funded
- Application Deadline: December 19, 2025
The Global China Initiative (GCI) seeks to connect researchers across the Global South and the Global North to bridge the gap between academic research and policymaking.
GCI Work Streams
Fellows will work alongside BU researchers and global partners in one of the following four major workstreams:
- Data Analysis for Transparency and Accountability (D.A.T.A.) – Enhancing data-driven insights for global accountability.
- Forestry, Agriculture, Indigenous Rights, and the Belt and Road Initiative (FAIR-BRI) – Exploring the environmental and social impact of China’s overseas initiatives.
- Energy and Climate – Investigating China’s global climate and sustainability commitments.
- China and the International Financial Architecture (CHIFA) – Examining China’s participation in global financial governance.
These research areas equip fellows to generate real-world policy impact while fostering cross-border collaboration.
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Financial Benefits
The Global China Fellows Program 2026 provides comprehensive financial support to ensure fellows can focus entirely on their research:
- Competitive stipend for living expenses
- Funding for data collection and fieldwork
- Relocation support for international fellows
- Access to academic resources and mentorship at BU
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants from all countries are welcome to apply. There are no geographical restrictions. To qualify, candidates must:
- Be available to travel to the U.S. and obtain a J-1 visa
- Show strong research interest and expertise in China’s global economic activities
- Pre-doctoral candidates must have passed qualifying exams and defended their dissertation proposal
- Post-doctoral applicants must have successfully defended their dissertation by August 2026
Career Outcomes and Global Impact
Past GCI Fellows have gone on to work at prestigious institutions and organizations such as:
- Peking University
- University of Denver
- Overseas Development Institute
- Boston Consulting Group
This fellowship serves as a powerful launchpad for academic and policy research careers in global development, economics, and sustainability.
Required Documents
To apply, candidates must prepare the following:
- Recent CV
- 1–2 page cover letter outlining academic training, research interests, and experience
- 1–2 page working paper proposal detailing research question, methods, and significance
- Contact details of two references
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How to Apply
Applicants should compile all materials in a single PDF and send it via email to the Global China Initiative Team at
gci@bu.edu
with the subject line:
“LastName_FirstName GCI Fellow Application 2025–2026”
For more scholarship opportunities, please visit International Scholarships.
