The NBR Chinese Language Fellowship 2026 is a prestigious opportunity funded by the Carnegie Corporation of New York. It is designed to cultivate the next generation of American scholars and policy experts by providing them with the linguistic tools necessary to engage deeply with China’s contemporary politics, society, and history.
About the NBR Chinese Language Fellowship 2026
The NBR Chinese Language Fellowship is a prestigious program of 9 months designed to develop professional-grade language fluency among future US-China experts. It is available to students enrolling for PhD program. It is open to applicants till 16th February 2026.
Objective of NBR Chinese Language Fellowship 2026
The NBR Chinese Language aims:
To strengthen US expertise on China by supporting advanced language training for graduate students. It also aims to bridge the gap between academic research and policy relevance, ensuring that future specialists can conduct primary source research and engage in high-level policy analysis. The program specifically targets students who have already reached an intermediate level and wish to achieve professional-grade fluency through immersive full-time study in China and Taiwan, ultimately fostering a more informed and nuanced US approach to China-related issues.
Key Highlights of NBR Chinese Language Fellowship 2026
| Scholarship | NBR Chinese Language Fellowship 2026 |
| Funded by | Carnegie Corporation of New York |
| Target Audience | Phd Student |
| Funding Level | $50,000 & $ 40,000 |
| Application deadline | 16 February 2026 |
| Article Category | Scholarship |
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be a US citizen or a permanent Resident
- Applicants must be a current PhD student, a master’s student, or a recent graduate planning to pursue a PhD
- Must demonstrate intermediate proficiency
- Ability to devote one full academic year to intensive language study without other work or research obligations
Assessment Process
Assessment of applicants for the scholarship :
- Technical Review: NBR staff verify eligibility and completeness of applications.
- Selection Committee: An independent committee of China experts reviews applications based on academic merit, Language merit, language aptitude, and the potential to contribute to US -China Policy or scholarship.
- Final Decision: Recommendations are finalised in late winter, with official notifications sent in early spring.
Financial Benefits
- PHD Track: Upto $50,000
- Prospective PhD Track: Upto $ 40,000
Important Dates
- Deadline – 16 February 2026
Required Documents
- Online Application Form
- Summary Resume (Maximum 2 Pages)
- Cover Letter (2-page statement on how the program fits your career or research goals)
- Transcript (Official electronic copies from all post-secondary institutions)
- Two letters of Recommendation (One from an academic supervisor and one from a recent Chinese language instructor)
Features of NBR Chinese Language Fellowship 2026
- Financial support: Provides upto $ 50,000 ( PhD track) and $ 40,000 for prospective PhD track to cover tuition, living stipends, and travel
- Immersive Focus: Requires 100 % commitment to language study, and fellows are prohibited from conducting outside research or employment to ensure maximum fluency gains.
- Elite Placement: Supports enrolment in top-tier intensive programs like ICLP ( Taiwan) or IUP ( Beijing)
- Strategic Impact: Focuses on developing professional- grade fluency to support US-China policy analysis and academic research
Application Process of NBR Chinese Language Fellowship 2026
- Identify your preferred language program (ex, ICLP in Taiwan & Beijing).
- Submit all documents through the NBR Application Portal.
- Ensure recommenders send their letters directly to NBR by the deadline.
Helpline Number
Mail: fellowships@nbr.org | employment@nbr.org.
FAQs – NBR Chinese Language Fellowship 2026
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