Fully Funded Global China Fellows Program at Boston University Open for 2026

Boston, MA – The Global China Initiative (GCI) at Boston University is now accepting applications for the 2026 Global China Fellows Program (GCF). This fully funded fellowship offers scholars from around the world the opportunity to conduct policy-oriented research on China's role in shaping global affairs. The deadline for applications is December 19, 2025.

The GCF program aims to cultivate the next generation of thought leaders capable of contributing to policy-relevant research concerning China's overseas economic activities and engagement. Fellows will collaborate with Boston University researchers and the Global Development Policy Center (GDP Center), engaging in one of four key workstreams.

Program Details and Focus Areas

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

The program focuses on four specific workstreams:

Data Analysis for Transparency and Accountability (D.A.T.A.): Examining the transparency and accountability mechanisms surrounding China's overseas investments and development projects. Forestry, Agriculture, Indigenous Rights, and the Belt and Road Initiative (FAIR-BRI): Analyzing the environmental and social impacts of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) on forestry, agriculture, and indigenous communities. Energy and Climate: Investigating China's role in global energy markets and its impact on climate change mitigation and adaptation. China and the International Financial Architecture (CHIFA): Exploring China's influence on the international financial system and its implications for global governance.

Financial Benefits and Eligibility

The Global China Fellows Program provides comprehensive financial support to its fellows, including:

Competitive Stipend Modest Funding for Data Collection Fieldwork expense coverage Relocation Expenses

To be eligible for the GCF program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Open to applicants from all countries. Must be available to travel to the United States in person. Must be able 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.

Expert Perspective on the Importance of China-Focused Research

Dr. Evelyn Zhao, a professor of international relations specializing in Chinese foreign policy, emphasizes the critical need for programs like the GCF. "Understanding China's global economic activities is paramount in today's interconnected world. The GCF program provides a crucial platform for emerging scholars to conduct rigorous, policy-relevant research that can inform decision-making and promote a more nuanced understanding of China's role in shaping global affairs," Dr. Zhao stated.

Historical Context and Current Relevance

The establishment of the Global China Initiative and the Global China Fellows Program reflects a growing recognition of China's increasing influence on the world stage. Historically, Western-centric perspectives have dominated international relations research. However, as China's economic and political power has grown, there's been a corresponding need for more diverse and in-depth analyses of its policies and impacts.

This program addresses a crucial gap in understanding China's complex interactions with the rest of the world, particularly in developing countries. By focusing on areas such as the Belt and Road Initiative, energy and climate, and international finance, the GCF program directly tackles some of the most pressing global challenges of our time.

Application Process

Interested applicants should submit the following materials in one PDF document to the Global China Initiative Team (gci@bu.edu) with the subject line “<<LastName_FirstName>> 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.

The Broader Landscape of International Fellowships

The GCF program joins a growing number of fellowships designed to promote international collaboration and research. These programs are vital for fostering cross-cultural understanding and addressing global challenges that require collective action. The emphasis on policy-relevant research within the GCF program distinguishes it as a valuable opportunity for scholars seeking to make a tangible impact on the world.

Another expert, Dr. Kenji Tanaka, a research fellow at the Institute for Global Studies, notes the importance of these fellowships in shaping future policy. "These programs are not just about academic research; they're about training the next generation of policymakers and advisors who can navigate the complexities of a multipolar world. The GCF program's focus on China's global impact is particularly relevant, given the country's growing influence in international affairs."

Prospective applicants are encouraged to visit the Global China Initiative website at Boston University for more information and to access the application portal.