Fully Funded Fellowship for Pre-Doctoral & Post-Doctoral Researchers
A flagship fellowship under the Global China Initiative (GCI) at Boston University’s Global Development Policy Center (GDP Center), the Global China Fellows Program provides a one-of-a-kind opportunity for emerging scholars to conduct policy-oriented research on China’s role in shaping global affairs. Since its inception in 2017, the program has supported over 40 fellows worldwide, fostering research that bridges academia and policymaking.
Fellowship Summary
| Host Institution | Boston University, Global Development Policy Center (GDP Center) |
|---|---|
| Program Name | Global China Fellows Program |
| Fellowship Type | Pre-Doctoral & Post-Doctoral |
| Fields of Research | Global Development, China’s Overseas Economic Activity, Energy & Climate, International Financial Architecture, Forestry & Indigenous Rights, Data Analysis |
| Duration | 2026–2027 Academic Year |
| Location | Boston, USA |
| Funding | Competitive stipend (covers research, travel & professional development) |
| Application Deadline | December 19, 2025 (11:59 PM EST) |
| Mode | In-Person at GDP Center, Boston University |
Program Overview
The Global China Fellows Program aims to train the next generation of policy-oriented, interdisciplinary scholars studying China’s overseas economic activities and engagement with international institutions. Fellows collaborate closely with GDP Center researchers, Boston University faculty, and Global South institutions, conducting impactful research that promotes financial stability, human well-being, and environmental sustainability.
Each fellow is paired with a supervising mentor (a BU faculty member, GDP Center researcher, or Non-Resident Fellow) and contributes:
- 20 hours/week to ongoing research projects
- 20 hours/week to their independent research project
At the end of the fellowship year, fellows are expected to produce one working paper for publication.
Research Focus Areas
- Data Analysis for Transparency and Accountability (D.A.T.A.)
- Forestry, Agriculture, and Indigenous Rights (FAIR)
- Energy and Climate
- China and the International Financial Architecture (CHIFA)
Eligibility Criteria
Required:
- Pre-doctoral applicants: must have completed comprehensive exams and defended their dissertation proposal.
- Post-doctoral applicants: must have defended their dissertation by August 2026.
- Strong research interest in China’s global economic engagement and international institutions.
Preferred:
- Experience in regions such as Africa, Latin America, or Southeast Asia.
- Fluency in Chinese or a regional language from the areas of research.
- Background in fields such as:
- Energy access, renewable energy, and climate change
- Biodiversity and Indigenous land rights
- Global debt architecture, financial safety nets, or RMB internationalization
- Quantitative and modeling expertise (especially in natural or social sciences, engineering, or business).
Fellowship Benefits
- Competitive stipend covering fieldwork, conference travel, and professional development.
- Opportunity to collaborate with leading researchers in global development and policy.
- Direct mentorship from BU faculty and GDP Center experts.
- Access to BU’s extensive academic and policy network.
For International Candidates
- International scholars must receive approval from their sponsoring institution to earn income from another organization.
- Those without a valid U.S. scholar visa may qualify for immigration sponsorship through BU’s International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO).
- The ISSO assists with visa classification and related documentation once affiliation is confirmed.
Application Procedure
Applicants must send one PDF containing the following materials to gci@bu.edu, using the subject line:
“[LastName_FirstName] GCI Fellow Application 2026-2027”
Required Documents:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- 1–2 page Cover Letter – describing academic training, research interests, and experience
- 1–2 page Working Paper Proposal – outlining research question(s), methodology, plan, and significance
- Contact information for two references
Deadline: December 19, 2025 (11:59 PM EST)
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Past Fellows Have Been Placed At
- Peking University
- University of Denver
- Overseas Development Institute
- Boston Consulting Group
- …and other top academic and development institutions.
Fellows’ Testimonials
“The fellowship broadened my understanding of the interplay between economic policy, sustainability, and development. It was truly transformative.”
— Magalie Masamba, 2021–2022
“A perfect balance between scholarship and policy relevance. The environment encouraged collaboration and growth.”
— Jake Werner, 2020–2022
“Even virtually, the fellowship provided immense academic and personal support — I gained lifelong collaborators.”
— Victoria Chonn Ching, 2020
Current Global China Fellows (2026)
Congyi Dai • Julie Radomski • Tianyi Wu • Zheng Zhai • Chishan Zhang • Andrea Zhu
Host Institution Contact
Boston University Global Development Policy Center (GDP Center)
53 Bay State Road, Boston, MA 02215
Email: gci@bu.edu
Website: www.bu.edu/gdp
Pardee School of Global Studies
