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The NSFC Visiting Fellowship 2026 (Invitational Visiting Fellowship for European Scholars, IVFES) is a two-year international research funding program under the National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Natural Science Foundation of China).
It supports joint applications between European researchers and China-based principal investigators working on active NSFC-funded projects. The program funds collaborative research visits, academic exchanges, and training activities in China from 2027 to 2028, with total funding of up to 300,000 RMB per project. Applications open on 3 August 2026 and close on 15 September 2026.
WhatsApp ChannelWhat is the NSFC Visiting Fellowship (IVFES)?
The IVFES is a joint research exchange program where a China-based principal investigator (PI) invites a European researcher to participate in collaborative research activities in China.
It supports:
- Joint research projects
- Academic seminars and workshops
- Lectures and training activities
- Summer schools
- Use of large scientific research platforms in China
The program focuses on long-term collaboration between research teams rather than short academic visits.
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NSFC IVFES 2026 key facts (quick overview)
Program name: Invitational Visiting Fellowship for European Scholars (IVFES)
Funding body: National Natural Science Foundation of China
Duration: 2 years (Jan 2027 – Dec 2028)
Funding amount: Up to 300,000 RMB per project
Expected awards: Around 200 fellowships
Minimum stay requirement: 30 days per year in China
Application deadline: 15 September 2026 (16:00 Beijing time)
Also Check: DSIT Fellowship 2026–2027 in UK
Who can apply? (Eligibility criteria)
European applicant requirements
To be eligible, the European researcher must:
- Hold European nationality
- Be under 45 years old (as of 1 January 2026)
- Hold a PhD degree
- Work full-time at a European university or research institution
- Not holding a full-time job in China
- Have research expertise aligned with the Chinese host project
Chinese applicant requirements
The China-based partner must:
- Hold an active NSFC-funded project
- Have at least 3 years of remaining project funding
- Be able to host and support visiting research activities
The application must be submitted jointly by both partners.
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How much funding does IVFES provide?
Each approved project can receive up to 300,000 RMB in direct costs over two years.
Covered expenses include:
- International round-trip airfare
- Domestic travel within China
- Accommodation and living costs for visiting scholars
- Research collaboration and academic event costs
Important rule: Indirect costs are not included.
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How long must researchers stay in China?
European fellows must spend at least:
- 30 days per year in China
This ensures continuous collaboration rather than short-term visits.
What can the funding be used for?
The program supports practical research cooperation activities such as:
- Joint laboratory work
- Data collection and fieldwork
- Academic workshops and training sessions
- Teaching and guest lectures
- Participation in large-scale research infrastructure projects
Required application documents
Applications must be submitted online through the NSFC system and include:
- Joint research and visiting proposal (English + bilingual sections)
- CV of the European researcher
- Official invitation letter from the Chinese host institution
- Cooperation agreement (including research plan and IP terms)
- Up to five representative publications per applicant
Applications without complete documents are rejected.
NSFC IVFES 2026 timeline
- Application opens: 3 August 2026
- Deadline: 15 September 2026 (16:00 Beijing time)
- Project start: 1 January 2027
- Project end: 31 December 2028
Late submissions are not accepted.
Step-by-step application process
- Chinese PI logs into the NSFC system
- Selects IVFES under the international cooperation funding category
- Links the application to an ongoing NSFC project
- Uploads the joint proposal and supporting documents
- Submits application before deadline
- Host institution reviews and confirms submission
Only complete and jointly validated applications are considered.
Why the NSFC Visiting Fellowship matters
The IVFES is structured to strengthen long-term research collaboration by embedding European scholars into China’s funded scientific ecosystem.
Key advantages include:
- Access to major research infrastructure in China
- Co-authorship opportunities with established NSFC-funded teams
- Integration into long-term international research networks
- Stable funding support for sustained collaboration
The main limitation is the requirement for a pre-existing Chinese partner with an active NSFC project.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NSFC IVFES program?
It is a two-year research exchange fellowship supporting European scholars to collaborate with Chinese researchers funded by NSFC.
How much funding is provided?
Up to 300,000 RMB per project over two years.
Who is eligible?
European PhD holders under 45 with full-time academic positions and a Chinese partner with an active NSFC project.
When is the deadline for 2026 applications?
15 September 2026 at 16:00 Beijing time.
How long must fellows stay in China?
At least 30 days per year during the project period.
Conclusion
The NSFC Visiting Fellowship 2026–2028 is a structured research mobility program focused on joint scientific output between Europe and China. With competitive funding, defined mobility requirements, and integration into existing research projects, it is positioned as a long-term collaboration mechanism rather than a short-term fellowship opportunity.
