The CIW China Studies Fellowship is a fully immersive, year-long study program for Australian university graduates, designed to strengthen Chinese language skills and deepen understanding of China through formal studies and lived experience. Based at Xi’an Jiaotong–Liverpool University (XJTLU) in Suzhou, the Fellowship consists of three components:
(i) Intensive Chinese language studies over two semesters,
(ii) Four elective courses on China’s economy, society, politics, history and culture (two per semester)
(iii) Summer internship in a Chinese enterprise, or summer research project mentored by ANU and XJTLU academics.
XJTLU hosts one of China’s strongest Chinese-as-a-second language programs. Applicants will test into one of 12 levels of Chinese. Advanced speakers will also be able to take specialized Chinese language courses for business, translation, and teaching Chinese.
The Fellowships are generously supported by a grant from the National Foundation for Australia-China Relations 澳中基金会.
Eligibility
Applications are welcome from all eligible Australian citizens who have demonstrated a commitment to Chinese language and/or China studies during their undergraduate degrees and/or who wish to undertake the Fellowship in parallel with an Honours degree at their home institution. Preference will be given to applicants who completed their undergraduate studies within the previous five years.
Funding available
Funding will be provided to cover:
- Tuition fees at XJTLU.
- Flights — direct, economy airfares between Canberra and Shanghai.
- Accommodation at XJTLU.
- A stipend towards living costs in Suzhou.
- Contribution towards optional excursions.
- Insurance and visa costs — travel insurance and visas will need to be arranged for the duration of the program.
Conditions of Award
- Applicants must be Australian citizens.
- Applicants must have demonstrated a commitment to Chinese language and/or China studies during their undergraduate degrees.
- Applicants must be available to participate in the full year of the Fellowship, which will run from February 2026 to January 2027.
Evaluation criteria
Each application will be evaluated against the criteria listed below.
- A completed application form and relevant supporting documents that observe word-limit requirements.
- Evidence of a commitment to Chinese language and/or China studies by the applicant.
- A clearly articulated understanding of how the Fellowship will benefit the applicant's learning, future studies and/or career.
- Evidence of strong performance during formal studies (transcripts).
- Endorsements from two referees indicating the suitability of the applicant for the Fellowship.
Decision process
Applications will be assessed on a competitive basis by a panel of ANU China studies’ specialists from a range of disciplinary backgrounds. The panel will be chaired by the CIW Director.
Submitting an application
Applications for funding for 2026
The deadline for applications is 27 July 2025 for Fellowships commencing in February 2026. Applicants will be advised of the outcome in the week beginning Monday 18 August 2025.
Please complete the online application form.
For further information or advice, please contact ciw@anu.edu.au.
Information Session, coming soon*
A copy of the PowerPoint presentation from the 2025-2026 CIW China Studies is available here.