About The National Bureau of Asian Research

NBR is an independent, nonpartisan research institution based in Seattle and Washington, D.C. We bring world-class scholarship to bear on the evolving strategic environment in Asia through original, policy-relevant research, and we invest in our future by training the next generation of Asia specialists.

With power, risk, and opportunity concentrating in Asia, we tackle those critical issues that America's leaders need to understand - because the decisions they make matter and the stakes are high. As the nation's Asia policy think tank, we envision a future that is free, open, secure, and prosperous for all.

Chinese Language Fellowship Program, 2026-2027

NBR's Chinese Language Fellowship Program (CLFP), funded by the Carnegie Corporation of New York, awards two types of fellowships to American graduate students for one academic year of full-time intensive Chinese language training in Taiwan or China.

PhD Track (up to $50,000)

The PhD track of the CLFP allows currently enrolled PhD students to participate in a language program in Taiwan or China for nine months, followed by a summer language program during which fellows will take one-on-one classes where they may choose to study primary sources directly related to their dissertation research.

Prospective PhD Track (up to $40,000)

The Prospective PhD track of the CLFP allows current or recent master's degree students planning to pursue a PhD to participate in a language program in Taiwan or China for nine months. Applicants to the Prospective PhD track must be currently enrolled in a master's program or recently graduated from a master's program.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for a fellowship, an applicant will:

• Demonstrate, through transcripts from classes taken and/or the results of language assessment tests, an intermediate Chinese language ability. The fellowship is NOT intended to help beginner students of Chinese.
• Be able to devote themselves to full-time intensive Chinese-language study for one academic year. The fellowship is NOT intended to support substantive graduate research.
• Desire to inform U.S. policy toward China through improved expertise and understanding, or to contribute to scholarly research and teaching on China in order to develop future generations of China specialists.
• Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident of the United States.

Application Requirements

To be considered for a fellowship, an applicant must submit:

• A complete application form, answering questions about academic experiences, Chinese language skills, and Chinese language classes taken.
• A two-page summary resume, inclusive of academic and professional honors received (full academic CVs will not be reviewed).
• A two-page cover letter that addresses how their proposed Chinese language program will contribute to their language training, doctoral studies, and future plans.
• Two letters of recommendation sent directly by the reference to Fern Hinrix at fellowships@nbr.org by February 16, 2026
• • One from an academic supervisor or professor.
  • One from a recent Chinese language teacher or someone who can speak to your current Chinese language ability.
• Electronic transcripts from all educational institutions you are currently attending and/or from which they have received a degree (please upload as PDFs in the application portal).

If not evident through transcripts or if you are applying to the Prospective PhD track...

• Please explain your plans to pursue a PhD program in your cover letter.
• Please ask your academic supervisor or professor to address your aptitude for a PhD program in his/her letter of recommendation.

Application Deadline and Selection Process

Applications are due by 11:59 PM (ET) on February 16, 2026. The Fellowship Program team will review all applications and make recommendations to an independent selection committee that will meet and make final decisions in March. Awards will be conferred and announced in April 2026.

Contact

If you have any questions about this opportunity, please contact fellowships@nbr.org.

Additional Information

This is an educational fellowship program and is not an advertisement for employment with The National Bureau of Asian Research.

NBR is committed to a workplace where inclusion is not only valued but prioritized. We're an equal opportunity employer and strive to create a welcoming and diverse environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, pregnancy or parental status, creed, military or veteran status, religion, ancestry or national origin, disability, or other status or characteristic protected by applicable law.

If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during either the application or the recruiting process, please email your request to employment@nbr.org.