Cultural Institute of Macao S.A.R. Government (IC) - Academic Research Grant of Macao

Academic Research Grant of Macao

You will receive a grant of about 18,710 EUR to carry out a one-year research project on the culture of Macau. The funds are intended to support original academic work on the history, society and culture of Macau, as well as on its exchanges with mainland China and other countries. The funding is provided by the Macau Cultural Affairs Bureau (Instituto Cultural, IC). Since 1988, the Bureau has funded more than 160 projects, many of which have culminated in the publication of an academic book.

Who can apply

• Level: Whilst a completed PhD is not an explicit requirement, as all previous scholarship holders have held one, you are expected to demonstrate a high academic standard.
• Your topic: Your project focuses on the culture, history or society of Macau, or on exchanges between Macau, mainland China and other countries. The subject areas include history, archaeology, ethnology, religious and cultural studies, literature, urban planning and law.
• Nationality: Open to all nationalities. Both local and international scholarship holders are eligible to apply.
• Where you work: You do not need to be enrolled at a specific university, nor do you need to be resident in Macau.

How to apply

You should submit your application directly to the Research and Publications Department of the Office for Culture. A panel of experts assesses the applications anonymously. A selection panel then chooses the projects to be funded, usually between 4 and 6 per year.

How realistic are your chances?

This funding scheme is very narrowly defined: the project must relate specifically to Macau, and in practice, successful applicants hold a PhD, meaning that very few people meet the criteria. Nevertheless, the jury usually selects only 4 to 6 projects from around 30 to 40 applications, meaning that competition is ultimately very fierce. A clear proposal focused on Macau, backed by a sound methodology, stands out in particular.