PhD Students:
To better understand China and formulate effective policy, the United States needs to train a new generation of scholars who possess a deep understanding of China’s contemporary politics, society, and modern history, as well as fluency in Chinese language. These specialists are essential to inform U.S. public policy and to train successive generations of American experts.
The NBR Chinese Language Fellowship Program (CLFP), funded by the Carnegie Corporation of New York, awards two types of fellowships to American graduate students for one academic year of full-time intensive Chinese language training, generally in Taiwan or China.
PhD Track (up to $50,000)
The PhD track of the CLFP allows currently enrolled PhD students to participate in a language program of their choice in Taiwan or China for ten months, followed by a summer language program during which fellows will take one-on-one classes in which they may choose to read primary sources directly related to their dissertation research.
Prospective PhD Track (up to $40,000)
The Prospective PhD track of the CLFP allows current or recent master’s degree students planning to pursue a PhD to participate in a language program of their choice in Taiwan or China for ten months. Applicants to the Prospective PhD track must be currently enrolled in a master’s program or recently graduated from a master’s program.
Application Requirements
To be considered for a fellowship, an applicant must submit:
- A complete application form, answering questions about academic experiences, Chinese language skills, and Chinese language classes taken.
- A two-page summary resume, inclusive of academic and professional honors received (full academic CVs will not be reviewed).
- A two-page cover letter that addresses how their proposed Chinese language program will contribute to their language training, doctoral studies, and future plans.
- A letter of recommendation from an academic supervisor or professor (sent directly by reference to Dylan Plung at dplung@nbr.org by February 17, 2025)
- A letter of recommendation from a recent Chinese language teacher (sent directly by reference to Dylan Plung at dplung@nbr.org by February 17, 2025).
- Electronic transcripts from all educational institutions you are currently attending and/or from which they have received a degree (please upload as PDFs in the application portal).
If not evident through transcripts or if you are applying to the Prospective PhD track…
- Please explain your plans to pursue a PhD program in your cover letter.
- Please ask your academic supervisor or professor to address your aptitude for a PhD program in his/her letter of recommendation.
Application Deadline and Selection Process
Applications are due by 11:59 PM (PT) on February 17, 2025. The Fellowship Program team will review all applications and make recommendations to an independent selection committee that will meet and make final decisions in March. Awards will be conferred and announced by mid-April 2025.
