Understanding China’s expanding role in global development is essential for governments, businesses and researchers. The Global China Fellows Program at Boston University’s Global Development Policy (GDP) Center is designed to foster a new generation of scholars who can critically examine China’s overseas economic activities and their implications for financial stability, human well‑being and environmental sustainability. Since its inception in 2017, the program has supported over 40 pre‑ and post‑doctoral fellows from around the world. These fellows conduct policy‑oriented research and commentary on China’s influence, bridging the gap between academic inquiry and policy action. Applications for the 2026–2027 cohort are now open, offering a fully funded fellowship and an exceptional opportunity to collaborate with experts and institutions worldwide.
Fellowship Overview
The Global China Fellows Program is a flagship initiative of the Global China Initiative (GCI) housed within the Boston University Global Development Policy Center. It provides a unique platform for pre‑ and post‑doctoral researchers to engage in policy‑oriented research concerning China’s overseas economic activity and engagement with international institutions. Fellows are paired with a Boston University (BU) faculty member, a GDP Center senior academic researcher or a non‑resident fellow and work under one of four thematic work streams:
- Data Analysis for Transparency and Accountability (D.A.T.A.) – focusing on improving transparency around China’s overseas projects.
- Forestry, Agriculture, Indigenous Rights and the Belt and Road Initiative (FAIR‑BRI) – exploring the impacts of infrastructure and development projects on natural resources and local communities.
- Energy and Climate – examining China’s role in energy access, renewable energy and climate mitigation.
- China and the International Financial Architecture (CHIFA) – investigating China’s engagement with global financial institutions and sovereign debt governance.
Fellows spend roughly half of their time contributing to existing GCI research projects and the other half developing their own independent research. By the end of the fellowship year they are expected to produce at least one working paper. This balance of collaborative and independent work allows participants to gain research experience while pursuing innovative ideas.
Fellowship Details
- Country: United States (Boston, Massachusetts)
- Host Organization: Boston University Global Development Policy Center (Global China Initiative)
- Duration: One academic year (approximately nine months), with fellows spending 20 hours per week on GCI projects and 20 hours on independent research.
- Funding/Type: Fully funded fellowship providing a competitive stipend, modest funding for data collection or fieldwork and potential reimbursement of relocation expenses. Fellows work in‑person at the GDP Center offices in Boston.
Eligibility Criteria
Required qualifications
To be considered for the program, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Academic Status: Pre‑doctoral applicants must have completed their qualifying or comprehensive exams and defended their dissertation proposal, while post‑doctoral applicants must have successfully defended their dissertation by August 2026.
- Research Focus: Applicants should demonstrate strong research interest and expertise in China’s overseas economic activities and engagement with international institutions.
- Disciplinary Background: The program welcomes scholars from diverse disciplines, especially natural and social sciences, engineering and business. Quantitative methodological and modeling expertise is strongly preferred.
Preferred qualifications
While not mandatory, the following attributes enhance competitiveness:
- Regional experience: Knowledge of priority regions beyond China, such as Africa, Latin America or Southeast Asia.
- Language skills: Fluency in Chinese or another language relevant to priority regions.
- Topical expertise: Experience analyzing China’s role in expanding energy access and renewable energy, decarbonization, climate change, biodiversity and indigenous lands, debt sustainability or reforms to the global financial architecture.
- Quantitative skills: Familiarity with data analysis, GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS) and scripting languages like Python or R can strengthen an application (as indicated in recent job descriptions). Though not explicitly listed on the official call, these skills can help applicants contribute effectively to data‑driven work streams.
Additional considerations
- International candidates: Applicants from any country are welcome and there is no geographical restriction. However, those on J‑1 visas or similar programs must secure approval from their sponsoring institution to earn income from another institution. Boston University’s International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) works with successful candidates to determine the appropriate immigration classification.
- In‑person participation: Fellows are expected to reside in Boston and work at the GDP Center offices for the duration of the fellowship.
Benefits & Funding
One of the biggest attractions of the Global China Fellows Program is its generous support package. Fellows receive a competitive stipend, which helps cover living expenses during their time in Boston. The program also provides modest funding for data collection and fieldwork, enabling fellows to conduct high‑quality research. Additionally, participants may be reimbursed for relocation expenses when moving to Boston. These benefits ensure that financial constraints do not hinder participation.
Beyond monetary support, the fellowship offers numerous professional development advantages:
- Mentorship and collaboration: Fellows work closely with BU faculty, GDP Center researchers and senior non‑resident fellows. This mentorship fosters academic growth and helps refine research methodologies.
- Independent project funding: Fellows spend half of their time pursuing an independent research project, giving them space to develop ideas and produce a working paper that contributes to policy dialogue.
- Networking opportunities: The program connects fellows to a global network of researchers, policymakers and partner institutions in the Global South. Previous fellows have gone on to positions at universities such as Peking University and the University of Denver, as well as development institutions and consulting firms.
- Policy engagement: The program has a strong track record of bridging academic research and policymaking. Fellows participate in seminars, workshops and dialogues with policymakers, ensuring their work informs real‑world decisions.
- Interdisciplinary environment: Working within the GDP Center exposes fellows to scholars from various disciplines. Testimonials from former fellows highlight how the interdisciplinary environment broadened their perspectives and strengthened their expertise.
Step‑by‑Step Application Process
Applying to the GC Fellows Program requires careful preparation. Follow these steps to ensure your application is complete and compelling:
- Check the official call and deadline: The 2026–2027 fellowship call stipulates that applications must be received by December 19, 2025 at 11:59 PM EST. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and screening interviews may begin as early as October.
- Prepare your documents: Compile the following materials into a single PDF:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): A comprehensive CV detailing academic training, research experience and publications.
- Cover letter (1–2 pages): Describe your academic background, research interests and how they align with the GCI work streams.
- Working paper proposal (1–2 pages): Outline your research question(s), methodology, plan and the significance of the proposed study.
- Contact information for two references: Provide names, email addresses and institutional affiliations.
- Submit via email: Send the PDF to gci@bu.edu with the subject line “GCI Fellow Application 2026‑2027”. Double‑check the subject format to ensure your application is properly catalogued.
- Prepare for interviews: Because applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, shortlisting and interviews may begin before the deadline. Be ready to discuss your research proposal and how it fits within the GCI’s mission.
- Obtain institutional approvals (international candidates only): If you hold a J‑1 visa or are employed by another institution, you will need documentation from your home institution allowing you to receive funding from Boston University. Coordinate with the ISSO to ensure your immigration status is in order.
- Plan for relocation: Once accepted, make arrangements to relocate to Boston. The program may reimburse reasonable relocation expenses.
Application Deadline
The application deadline for the 2026–2027 Global China Fellows Program is December 19, 2025 at 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time. Because screening interviews start in October and applications are considered on a rolling basis, early submission is strongly encouraged. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.
Tips for Applicants
- Align your research with GCI work streams: Tailor your working paper proposal to one of the four thematic areas DATA, FAIR‑BRI, Energy & Climate, or CHIFA. Demonstrating that your research complements the GCI’s focus increases your chances of selection.
- Highlight quantitative skills: If you have experience using GIS tools, statistical programming or data modeling, showcase these abilities. Quantitative expertise is highly valued.
- Demonstrate policy relevance: The program emphasizes bridging research and policymaking. In your cover letter and proposal, explain how your work could inform policy or contribute to public debates.
- Show international and regional awareness: Experience in Africa, Latin America or Southeast Asia, or fluency in relevant languages, can strengthen your application.
- Seek mentorship early: Reach out to potential BU faculty mentors whose research aligns with your interests. Building rapport can help refine your proposal and show initiative.
- Prepare for visa arrangements: If you are an international candidate, contact your home institution and BU’s ISSO early to ensure compliance with visa regulations.
Conclusion
The Global China Fellows Program offers a rare opportunity to explore how China’s overseas economic activities shape global development while receiving robust financial and academic support. By combining collaborative research with independent inquiry, the fellowship nurtures scholars who can bridge academia and policy, tackle complex global challenges and contribute original insights. Whether your expertise lies in energy and climate, data analysis, forestry and indigenous rights or international finance, this program provides the resources, mentorship and network to elevate your career. If you are passionate about understanding China’s role in the world and have a strong research proposal, don’t miss this chance.
Apply now and take the first step toward becoming a global changemaker!
Interested in the GCF Program? Click here to apply – and embark on a transformative fellowship experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is the Global China Fellows Program?
The program is a fully funded fellowship at Boston University’s GDP Center that supports pre‑ and post‑doctoral research on China’s overseas economic activities. - Who can apply for the fellowship?
Applicants can be from any country. Pre‑doctoral candidates must have completed qualifying exams; post‑doctoral candidates must defend their dissertation by August 2026. - What benefits do fellows receive?
Fellows get a competitive stipend, funding for data collection and fieldwork, mentorship from BU faculty and potential relocation reimbursement. - How long is the fellowship?
The fellowship typically spans one academic year, with fellows splitting time between GCI projects and their own research. - Is the program open to international candidates?
Yes, candidates from all countries can apply; however, those on J‑1 visas must obtain institutional approval to earn income from another institution. - How do I apply?
Submit a single PDF (CV, cover letter, proposal, references) via email to gci@bu.edu by December 19, 2025. Early application is encouraged.
