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Post-doctoral Fellowship in China Studies

Overview

The UoH-HYI Post-doctoral Fellowship in China Studies (PFCS), offered by the University of Hyderabad-UoH (India) and the Harvard-Yenching Institute-HYI (US), is a unique opportunity for recent PhDs in China Studies to conduct research and teach at top Indian universities. This two-year fully funded fellowship is open to Indian scholars who have completed their doctoral studies with a specific focus on China across various disciplines of the social sciences and humanities. The fellowship supports talented Indian scholars in developing critical insights, generating original research, producing new knowledge, and developing expert competence while strengthening China studies across Indian institutions.

The Program awards 2-4 fellowships annually, each with a duration of 24 months. The exact number depends on the availability of suitable candidates. Fellows will receive a 24-month stipend plus an annual research award, commencing after the final selection and joining the host/partner institution.

For details, please visit the University of Hyderabad website.

Areas of Specialization

Social sciences and Humanities: These include, but are not limited to, anthropology, archaeology, cultural studies, economics, gender studies, geography, history, international relations, language and literature, legal history, film and media studies, philosophy, political science, religion, and sociology

Funding Support

  • Stipend: US$1750 per month (equivalent in Indian rupees)
  • Research award: US$6500 per annum (equivalent in Indian rupees)

Research awards can be used by fellows for minor equipment, consumables, contingencies, domestic & international travel for fieldwork and conferences /workshops.

Qualifications for Eligibility

  • Applicants must be Indian citizens and scholars of China, and be affiliated with an academic institution or university in India.
  • Applicants with proficiency in Mandarin for academic research purposes are highly desirable.
  • Applicants must not have permanent or tenured positions.
  • Applicants must have been awarded their Ph.D. not earlier than January 1, 2021.
  • Applicants will be asked to submit proof of Ph.D. conferral.
  • For employed applicants, a No-Objection Certificate (NoC) from the current employer, allowing full-time participation for the entire 24-month duration, must be submitted at the time of joining the host institution.

How to Apply

Applicants are required to submit their applications through the official application form. Additionally, they will also have to provide the following documents.

  • Curriculum vitae detailing academic background, qualifications, and experience.
  • Statement of Intent mentioning the applicants’ research interests in China studies and India-China comparatives.
  • Research statement for the two-year of fellowship appointment period (max. 5-page double-spaced).
  • A proposed syllabus for a course the applicant would be interested in teaching, together with a brief description of any other China Studies courses or subject areas the applicant would be qualified to teach.
  • Writing sample (dissertation chapter or other paper) no longer than 30 pages (whether single-spaced or double-spaced).
  • If applicable, documentation of Chinese language training or proficiency, including relevant certification and evidence of the applicant’s use of Mandarin in previous research.
  • Two letters of recommendation.

Selection Process

Selected candidates from the pool of applicants will be invited for the interview with the Fellowship Selection Committee. The interview will consist of two parts/stages: Chinese Language Assessment, followed by Academic Assessment. Following the interviews and before final selections are made, the Fellowship Selection Committee will consider each candidate’s research interests, teaching qualifications, prospective host institution, and the availability of an appropriate academic mentor. Partner institutions may review candidates’ profiles to determine their suitability for placement.

Fellows Activities/Deliverables

  • Fellows are required to contribute to developing the course curriculum on broad aspects of China studies at the host institution.
  • Fellows are required to teach one course in an academic year.
  • Fellows are required to assist the host university in implementing its China studies programs.
  • Fellows are required to develop their research into academic papers for leading academic journals and books, and to present their research to a larger audience of experts, mentors, and researchers of China.
  • All publications should acknowledge the UoH-HYI Post-doctoral Fellowship in China Studies program.
  • Fellows are required to be based at their host institution throughout the fellowship period. Research-related travel may be undertaken in accordance with the host institution’s policies.
  • Fellows are not eligible to receive any other fellowship from any government and non-governmental source during the tenure of the fellowship.

Fellowship Supervision and Termination

  • Fellows will be matched with experienced academic mentors in the host/other partner institutions. Although the mentors can be self-selected by fellows, the mentors cannot be their doctoral guides/co-guides.
  • Supervisors/mentors will guide the fellows throughout the two-year fellowship period in their research. The supervisors/mentors and the Fellowship Selection Committee will review the annual progress of the fellows and provide periodic feedback.
  • If any fellow wishes to terminate the fellowship, the incumbent fellow shall immediately inform the UoH-HYI Post-doctoral Program Coordinator, through the mentor (academic and administrative), and the host institute, in writing, with due diligence.
  • UoH-HYI reserves the right to terminate the fellowship at any stage if it is convinced that appropriate progress is not being made or the grant has not been utilized properly.

Partner Host Institutions

The University of Hyderabad (UoH) seeks to partner and collaborate with high-ranking public (central and state) and private institutions in India that are committed to building a robust China studies program. Currently, UoH has signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Visva-Bharati University and Ashoka University. Similar academic partnership agreements are being processed with Christ University, Gauhati University, and Doon University.

Timeline

Early November 2026: Launch call for applications
January 15, 2027: Application window closes, Selection process begins
Early February: Interview notifications
Late February: Interviews are conducted
Mid-March: Successful candidates notified
Early April: Host-institution placements announced
August 1, 2027: Fellowship officially starts

Additional Information

Questions regarding this fellowship may be addressed to Ms. V. Krishnaveni, Program Officer, UoH-HYI PDF Program, University of Hyderabad, at chinastudiesfellowship@uohyd.ac.in.