Global China Fellows Program at Boston University Announces Fully Funded 2026 Fellowship

Boston University's Global China Initiative (GCI) has announced its fully funded Global China Fellows Program (GCF) for the 2026 academic year. The program aims to cultivate the next generation of thought leaders focused on policy-relevant research concerning China's role in shaping global affairs. The fellowship is open to applicants from around the world and offers a unique opportunity to collaborate with Boston University researchers and contribute to critical policy discussions.

Fellowship Details and Objectives

The GCF program, hosted by the Global Development Policy Center (GDP Center) at Boston University, provides fellows with a platform to engage in research and analysis related to China's overseas economic activities. The primary objective is to equip participants with the knowledge and skills to contribute meaningfully to policy debates surrounding China's global engagement.

Host Country: USA Location: Boston University, Global Development Policy Center Benefits: Fully Funded Deadline: December 19th, 2025

Research Streams and Collaboration

Fellows will collaborate with researchers from the GDP Center, Boston University faculty, and institutions based in the Global South. This collaboration will focus on policy-relevant research within one of four GCI workstreams:

Data Analysis for Transparency and Accountability (D.A.T.A.) Forestry, Agriculture, Indigenous Rights, and the Belt and Road Initiative (FAIR-BRI) Energy and Climate China and the International Financial Architecture (CHIFA)

According to Dr. Kevin Gallagher, Director of the GDP Center and a leading expert on China's global economic impact, "The Global China Fellows Program plays a crucial role in fostering informed and nuanced perspectives on China's evolving role in the world. By bringing together talented researchers from diverse backgrounds, we aim to generate impactful research that informs policy decisions and promotes sustainable development."

Financial Support

The fully funded fellowship includes:

Competitive Stipend Modest Funding for Data Collection Fieldwork expenses (if applicable) Relocation Expenses

Eligibility Criteria

The Global China Fellows Program welcomes applications from individuals meeting the following criteria:

Open to applicants from all countries. Must be available to travel to the United States in person. Must be eligible to obtain a J-1 Visa. Pre-doctoral applicants must have completed their qualifying exams and defended their dissertation proposal. Post-doctoral applicants must have successfully defended their dissertation by August 2026. Must demonstrate a strong research interest and expertise in China’s overseas economic activities and engagement with international institutions.

Impact and Alumni Network

The GCF program boasts a strong track record of placing fellows in prominent academic and research positions. Previous fellows have secured positions at institutions such as Peking University, the University of Denver, and the Overseas Development Institute, and consulting roles at firms like Boston Consulting Group. This demonstrates the program's success in nurturing talent and fostering impactful careers.

Dr. Alicia Garcia-Herrero, Chief Economist for Asia Pacific at Natixis and an adjunct professor focusing on China's economic policy, highlights the importance of programs like GCF: "Understanding China's global economic activities requires rigorous research and international collaboration. The Global China Fellows Program provides a valuable platform for fostering such collaboration and developing a new generation of experts who can contribute to informed policy debates."

Application Process

Interested applicants should submit the following materials in one PDF to the Global China Initiative Team (gci@bu.edu) with the subject line "> GCI Fellow Application 2025-2026":

Recent Curriculum Vitae A 1-2 page cover letter highlighting the applicant’s academic training, research interests, and experience A 1-2 page working paper proposal outlining the research question(s), methodology, research plan, and its significance Contact information for two references.

Historical Context and the Evolution of International Fellowships

The Global China Fellows Program is part of a long tradition of international fellowships designed to promote cross-cultural understanding and collaboration in research. Following World War II, programs like the Fulbright Program were established to foster academic exchange and build bridges between nations. Today, in an increasingly interconnected world, fellowships like the GCF play a vital role in addressing complex global challenges and fostering informed policy-making. The focus on China's global role reflects the growing importance of understanding its economic and political influence on the world stage. These programs help to diversify perspectives in research, leading to more robust and relevant findings.