French Centre for Research on Contemporary China (CEFC) - CEFC short-term fieldwork grant for doctoral research on contemporary China

What you get

You will receive a monthly grant (subsistence allowance) of 1,200 EUR for field research on the Chinese mainland, in Hong Kong, Taiwan or Macau. You will also be reimbursed for a return flight ticket up to a maximum of 1,000 EUR. The grant is awarded by the French Centre for Research on Contemporary China (CEFC), which will also provide accommodation during your stay. The CEFC funds a total of up to 12 months, spread across all the projects it selects, meaning that a single grant tends to cover a few months rather than a whole year. Your fieldwork may begin on or after 1 September 2026.

Who can apply

• Degree level: You are a PhD student in the social sciences or humanities and have completed at least your first year of your PhD.
• Where you study: You are enrolled at a French higher education institution, began your doctoral studies in 2023 or later, and can provide a certificate of enrolment from a French doctoral school.
• Nationality: Applicants of all nationalities are welcome to apply, provided they are studying at a French university.
• Research topic: Your project studies political, economic, social or cultural change in contemporary China (post-1949), Taiwan, Hong Kong or Macau.
• Where you go: You will be living in China, Hong Kong or Taiwan for the duration of your stay at the CEFC.
• Languages: You are fluent in written and spoken English and French and have a good knowledge of Mandarin Chinese.

How to apply

Please email a single PDF file to the CEFC with the subject line ‘PHD SCHOLARSHIP 2026’. This should include your CV, a research proposal of up to 5 pages, a letter of recommendation from your supervisor and your certificate of enrolment. The application deadline is 31 March. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed via video call in the third week of May; the results will be announced in early June.

How realistic are your chances?

This scholarship is very narrowly defined. You must be a PhD student at a French university, be researching contemporary China, and be fluent in both English and French as well as having some knowledge of Mandarin – which means only a small number of people are eligible. If you clearly meet this profile and your project aligns with the CEFC’s research focus, your chances are good. Funding is limited to 12 months, to be shared amongst all selected projects; therefore, a rigorously argued and well-justified fieldwork plan is of the utmost importance.