NSFC Visiting Fellowship 2026 for European Researchers (Up to 300,000 RMB Funding)
The NSFC Visiting Fellowship 2026 (Invitational Visiting Fellowship for European Scholars, IVFES) is a two-year international research funding program designed to support collaborative research visits and academic exchanges between European researchers and China-based principal investigators. This program aims to foster long-term research collaboration and provides funding for various activities, including joint research projects, seminars, and training in China.
With a total funding of up to 300,000 RMB per project, the fellowship encourages European scholars to engage deeply with China's scientific community, ensuring a minimum stay of 30 days per year in China to facilitate continuous collaboration.
Eligibility
To apply, European researchers must:
- Hold European nationality
- Be under 45 years old (as of 1 January 2026)
- Hold a PhD degree
- Work full-time at a European university or research institution
- Not hold a full-time job in China
- Have research expertise aligned with the Chinese host project.
The China-based partner must have an active NSFC-funded project and be able to support visiting research activities.
Benefits
Each approved project can receive up to 300,000 RMB, covering international airfare, domestic travel within China, accommodation, living costs, and research collaboration expenses.
