Launched in 2013, the New Sinology Program Doctoral Program is an international academic exchange initiative administered by the Center for Language Education and Cooperation. It aims to cultivate young sinologists and boost the development of sinology worldwide. In partnership with top-tier universities at home and abroad, the program supports overseas young scholars engaged in sinology and China studies to pursue doctoral degrees or conduct advanced academic research in China. Eligible overseas young scholars are warmly invited to apply.
As one of the earliest universities authorized to undertake the New Sinology Program, Beijing Foreign Studies University has enrolled 65 doctoral candidates under this program to date. For the 2026-2027 academic year, applications are open across 16 schools and research centers including the School of Chinese Language and Literature, National Research Center for Foreign Language Education, School of Russian Language and Literature, and Law School.
1. Program Introduction
Sino-Foreign Joint Supervised Doctoral Program: Funding is provided for outstanding currently-enrolled doctoral students from overseas universities to study, conduct joint research and complete doctoral dissertations at our university. The study duration ranges from one semester to two academic years.
In-China Doctoral Degree Program: Financial support is offered to outstanding overseas master’s degree holders to pursue full-time doctoral degrees at BFSU with a standard schooling length of four years.
2. Funding Benefits & Academic Support
Financial Support: Coverage of tuition fees, living stipends and research allowances.
Academic Resources: Access to elite academic lectures, thematic reading seminars, field-based courses, professional workshops, regional academic forums and sinologist roundtables for in-depth academic exchanges with Chinese and international scholars.
Career Development Priority: Graduates enjoy priority access to other initiatives under the New Sinology Program, including doctoral dissertation publication, translated work release, in-China academic visits and participation in international academic conferences.
Postdoctoral Opportunities: Priority eligibility for postdoctoral programs under the New Sinology Program after graduation.
Alumni Network: Become an official New Sinology Program scholar and join the exclusive alumni community for long-term academic connection.
3. Eligibility Requirements
Applicants shall be committed to humanities and social science research related to China, possess solid academic foundations and clear research orientations, and be capable of conducting research in Chinese.
Sino-Foreign Joint Supervised Doctoral Program: Non-Chinese citizens; HSK Level 3 or above; officially enrolled doctoral students at accredited overseas universities.
In-China Doctoral Degree Program: Non-Chinese citizens; HSK Level 5 or above; holders of formal master’s degrees or final-year master’s graduates.
4. Application Procedures
Check the list of doctoral supervisors for the New Sinology Program at Beijing Foreign Studies University via the official website:
http://www.chinese.cn/page/#/pcpage/csp
Submit all required application documents as instructed.
Application Period: Open until February 28, 2026
5. Required Application Documents
For Sino-Foreign Joint Supervised Doctoral Program
Abstract of master’s thesis or other academic achievements
Current doctoral student enrollment certificate
Abstract of ongoing doctoral dissertation (if applicable)
Detailed research proposal for study in China
Two recommendation letters from professional experts in relevant fields
Valid HSK Level 3 or above official score report
Scanned copy of passport bio-page
For In-China Doctoral Degree Program
Notarized full undergraduate academic transcript
Notarized full postgraduate academic transcript
Notarized degree certificate (official graduation certification for final-year master students)
Detailed doctoral research proposal
Two recommendation letters from professional experts in relevant fields
Valid HSK Level 5 or above official score report
Scanned copy of passport bio-page
6. Review Process
Preliminary review by the host university and Chinese supervising professors
Peer academic expert evaluation
Unified online video interview
Final comprehensive assessment by the expert committee
7. New Sinology Pre-Doctoral Camp
To help promising overseas young scholars engaged in sinology and China studies gain a comprehensive understanding of the latest developments and future trends in relevant fields, the Center for Language Education and Cooperation launches the New Sinology Pre-Doctoral Camp. Featuring lectures by leading scholars, the camp delivers cutting-edge academic insights, research guidance, doctoral application tips, career planning advice and academic writing training to enhance applicants’ research capabilities.
8. Important Notes
The final list of scholarship recipients is officially confirmed by the Center for Language Education and Cooperation, Ministry of Education. After the announcement of admission results, successful candidates will be notified via email to complete online applications through the BFSU International Student Online Service System. Our university will conduct enrollment qualification verification, and issue official admission notices and visa application documents to qualified applicants.
For inquiries during application, please contact the designated staff via email.
Center for Language Education and Cooperation
Ms. Wang: wangxinsheng@chinese.cn
Beijing Foreign Studies University
Mr. Yuan: yuanziyang@bfsu.edu.cn
