Applications are now open for the Invitational Visiting Fellowship for European Scholars (IVFES) 2027, a strategic research mobility programme designed to strengthen collaboration between Europe and China.
The fellowship is offered by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, one of the country’s leading scientific funding bodies, as part of its broader effort to expand international research partnerships.
Programme Overview
The IVFES 2027 is not a traditional individual fellowship but a project-based collaboration programme. It supports European researchers to work closely with Chinese counterparts on existing, funded research projects in mainland China.
This structure ensures that visiting scholars are integrated into active research environments, rather than operating independently.
Key Features
- Joint application between European and Chinese researchers
- Integration into an active NSFC-funded project
- Multi-year collaboration framework
Funding and Duration
Each selected project can receive funding of up to:
- RMB 300,000 (approximately $40,000+)
What the Funding Covers
The grant is allocated toward collaboration-related expenses, including:
- International round-trip travel
- Domestic travel within China
- Accommodation and living expenses
- Workshops, seminars, and joint research activities
⚠️ Note: Institutional overheads and indirect costs are not covered, meaning funds are strictly dedicated to research collaboration.
Programme Timeline
- Duration: January 2027 – December 2028 (2 years)
- Mobility Requirement: Minimum of 30 days per year spent in China
Eligibility Criteria
For European Applicants
Candidates must:
- Hold a PhD degree
- Be under 45 years of age (as of 1 January 2026)
- Be employed in a full-time academic or research position in Europe
- Demonstrate clear research alignment with a Chinese host institution
For Chinese Partners
The Chinese principal investigator must:
- Hold an active NSFC-funded project (minimum 3-year duration)
- Provide institutional support for the collaboration
Who Should Apply?
This fellowship is best suited for:
- Early- to mid-career academics seeking international collaboration
- Researchers in STEM and applied sciences, particularly fields where China has advanced infrastructure
- Scholars aiming to co-author publications or expand into Asian research networks
It is less suitable for:
- Independent researchers without institutional backing
- Applicants without an existing or potential Chinese research partner
Competitiveness and Strategic Considerations
Approximately 200 fellowships are expected to be awarded, making the programme moderately competitive in terms of numbers.
However, the real barrier lies in partnership formation. Securing a qualified Chinese collaborator with an active NSFC grant is essential—and often the most challenging step.
Strong applications typically demonstrate:
- Clear scientific merit and research alignment
- Complementarity between European and Chinese teams
- Potential for long-term collaboration and impact
Why This Fellowship Matters
The National Natural Science Foundation of China designed this programme as part of a broader strategy to:
- Integrate international expertise into China’s research ecosystem
- Strengthen global scientific cooperation
- Enhance the impact of ongoing domestic research projects
For participants, this means access to:
- Large-scale research infrastructure
- High-impact applied research environments
- Expanding global academic networks
Application Deadline
- Deadline: 15 September 2026 (16:00 Beijing time)
Applicants are strongly advised to begin partner discussions well in advance.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted jointly with a Chinese partner through the official platform:
NSFC IVFES Programme: https://www.nsfc.gov.cn/
