NSFC Invitational Visiting Fellowships 2027, China (RMB 300,000 Funding for European Researchers)
The NSFC Invitational Visiting Fellowship for European Scholars (IVFES) 2027 is now open for applications, offering up to RMB 300,000 in funding to support collaborative research projects between European researchers and Chinese host institutions.
Organized by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC), this fellowship aims to strengthen research cooperation between Europe and China by funding academic exchanges and joint research activities. The programme supports PhD-qualified European scholars who wish to collaborate with Chinese researchers on active NSFC-funded projects.
Unlike traditional scholarship programmes that provide direct stipends to individuals, the IVFES 2027 is a project-based fellowship, covering mobility, accommodation, and research collaboration costs over a two-year period.
Degree Level
The NSFC Invitational Visiting Fellowship 2027 is a postdoctoral and research-level fellowship programme for academic researchers. It is intended for scholars with a PhD degree and an active academic or research appointment.
Available Subjects
The fellowship is open to applicants from a wide range of research areas, particularly:
- Natural Sciences
- Engineering
- Applied Sciences
- Technology
- Interdisciplinary Scientific Research
- STEM-related Fields
Applicants must have research interests aligned with an active NSFC-funded project in China.
Benefits
Selected collaborative projects may receive up to RMB 300,000, which can be used for:
- International round-trip airfare
- Domestic travel within China
- Accommodation and living expenses
- Workshops and seminars
- Joint research activities
The funding is designed specifically to support research mobility and collaboration between European scholars and Chinese institutions.
Projects will run from January 2027 to December 2028, and fellows must spend at least 30 days per year in China.
Eligible Nationalities
The programme is open to European researchers holding academic or research positions in European institutions.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the NSFC Invitational Visiting Fellowship 2027, European applicants must:
- Hold a PhD degree
- Have a full-time academic or research position in Europe
- Be under 45 years old as of 1 January 2026
- Have research interests aligned with a Chinese host researcher
- Participate in a joint application with a Chinese collaborator
The Chinese host applicant must:
- Hold an active NSFC-funded project
- Have at least 3 years project duration
- Provide institutional support for the collaboration
Because the programme requires an existing partnership with a Chinese host institution, applicants are encouraged to establish research collaborations before applying.
Application Procedure
Required Documents
Applicants typically need to prepare:
- Joint application form
- Research collaboration proposal
- Proof of PhD qualification
- Academic Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Proof of current academic or research appointment
- Supporting documents from the Chinese host institution
Applicants should ensure that all documents clearly demonstrate the research collaboration plan and expected outcomes.
How to Apply
To apply for the NSFC Invitational Visiting Fellowship for European Scholars 2027, follow these steps:
- Identify a Chinese research partner with an active NSFC-funded project
- Develop a joint research proposal with the Chinese host
- Prepare all required supporting documents
- Submit the application through the designated NSFC application platform
- Ensure submission before the deadline
Since the programme is highly partnership-based, early coordination with the host institution is essential.
Application Deadline
The deadline to apply for the NSFC Invitational Visiting Fellowship 2027 is:
15 September 2026 (16:00 Beijing Time)
Late submissions are unlikely to be accepted.
