Application is now open for 2025–26. Apply here.

Does the Chinese Language Fellowship Program support online Chinese language classes?

Fellows are allowed to pursue advanced language training through this fellowship online in exceptional circumstances, but strong preference is given to applicants willing to study abroad.

I am a PhD student in a discipline other than political science. Can I still apply for this fellowship?

Yes. Although the fellowship is primarily designed for PhD students in political science, NBR and the independent advisory council will give full consideration to applicants from other disciplines, provided your research has policy relevance.

I am a 5th/6th year PhD student. Is it too late for me to do an intensive language study?

No. Any PhD students who have not yet finished their degree can apply to the Chinese Language Fellowship, although fellowship candidates usually apply within the first three years of their program.

When are my letters of recommendation due?

You should instruct your letter writers to submit their recommendations no later than February 17, 2025 directly to Senior Project Manager Dylan Plung at [email protected].

I am a graduate student at a university outside the United States. Can I still apply to the fellowship?

Yes. Although the fellowship is primarily designed for PhD and MA students at American universities, NBR and the independent advisory council will give full consideration to American applicants in PhD programs overseas.

Does the fellowship support short-term language training over the summer?

No, fellows must participate in an intensive language program for at least one academic year.

Can I conduct dissertation research as I undergo intensive language training?

All fellows are expected to devote themselves to full-time language study throughout the fellowship program. However, PhD Track fellows may use the additional training period provided in the summer months to conduct more targeted research in Chinese.

Can I defer my fellowship award?

NBR will grant deferrals under exceptional circumstances and will review deferral requests on a case-by-case basis.

Does the fellowship support study of Chinese dialects (e.g. Cantonese or Taiwanese)?

NBR and the independent advisory council will review applications to study Chinese dialects such as Cantonese and Taiwanese on a case-by-case basis.

How do you define intermediate Chinese language ability?

CLFP fellows should have completed at least two or three years of college-level Chinese before beginning the fellowship. Applicants with non-traditional language learning backgrounds may also apply, but should explain their circumstances in their application materials.

Should I apply to the language program of my choice along with my application to the fellowship?

Yes. Since fellowship awards will not be announced until April, we recommend that candidates submit an application to their preferred language programs alongside their fellowship applications.

I am a prospective applicant in a PhD program who intends to take a leave of absence in my first year for a Chinese language study. Should I apply to the PhD track or the Prospective PhD track of the Chinese Language Fellowship?

If you are concurrently applying to PhD programs and the Chinese Language Fellowship, please apply to the Prospective PhD track of the Chinese Language Fellowship.

It has been several years since I earned my Master’s degree, but I still plan on pursuing a PhD in the future. May I still apply to the PhD track of the fellowship?

Recent MA-level graduates may apply. NBR and the independent advisory council will give full consideration to applicants who possess a Master’s degree and can explain their plans to pursue a PhD program in the near future.

Can first-year students in a Master’s program apply to the prospective PhD track of the fellowship, and undertake language study between the two years of their degree program?

Yes. NBR and the independent advisory council will give full consideration to applicants who are currently enrolled in a Master’s program and can explain their plans to pursue a PhD program in the near future.

Can graduating seniors or recent graduates with only a Bachelor’s degree apply to the prospective PhD track of the fellowship, and undertake language study before beginning their Master’s degree/PhD program?

No. To apply for the Prospective PhD track of the fellowship, an applicant must already be enrolled in a Master’s program or already possess a Master’s degree.

What language programs does the CLFP support?
This program typically sends fellows to either the International Chinese Language Program (ICLP) at National Taiwan University or the Inter-University Program for Chinese Language Study (IUP) in Beijing, and strong preference is given to applicants interested in studying at these programs. If you intend to apply to a different language program, please consult NBR’s Fellowship Program team at [email protected].