1. The purpose of the Chinese Culture Research Fellowship Programme is to give financial assistance to foreign scholars studying issues in China in order to better understand modern China and delve deeper into China' s long history and rich and profound culture and traditions, thereby increasing the friendship between the people of China and the peoples of the rest of the world.


2. Requirements for an applicant
full citizenship of the country where he or she resides and a valid passport from that country


researcher of Chinese issues who is a professor or assistant professor or possesses a Phd degree or Master's degree with a minimum of three years research experience


adequate command of the Chinese language


no major health problems and age under 55


definite employment in applicant's own country studying Chinese issues.


3. Fields of research
Researchers may study Chinese language, culture, history, philosophy, education, economy, art history or other subjects.


Research work must be concentrated on the campus of an institute of higher learning. This fellowship programme does not arrange for research work carried out at other sites.


4. Fellowship period
The fellowship period can be determined in accordance with the applicant's research plans, not to exceed five months.


In line with the semesters of China's schools, research work should be carried out between February and June and between September and next January. The fellowship generally cannot be extended. Under special cireumstancesythe researcher may submit an extension plan to the Ministry of Education (MoE) for approval, along with proof of the school's accordance, one month before the original term expires. The extension may not exceed one month.


5. Application procedure
Applicant may obtain this Introduction and the "Chinese Culture Research Fellowship Application Form" from the nearest Chinese embassy or consulate. Three months before research work is to begin, applicant must submit completed application form,photocopy, of most recent diploma or certificate (English or photocopies of Chinese and English translations), recommendation letter from applicant' s employer and invitation letter from Chinese school to the Foreign Affairs Department of the MoE. Since the school Is selected by the applicant 9 the applicant must first send research plans to the school and inform the school of Intent to apply for this fellowship to obtain the school's agreement.


The MoE arranges for experts In the relevant field to examine and appraise the material submitted and directly Informs the applicant of the result within one month after the material is recieved, Incomplete or invalid material is not accepted.


Once the application has been accepted,the successful candidate may take the 'Admission Notice" and JW201 visa form sent by the MoE and proceed to the nearest Chinese embassy or consulate to obtain Chinese visa.


6. Expenses and other benefits
This fellowship covers the following expenses:
1)a set amount of research expenditures paid by the MoE of China directly to the school accepting the researcher


2)1700 RMB yuan the first month and 1500 RMB yuan per month thereafter for oncampus housingy,foodv,local transportation and miscellaneous necessities


3)in accordance with requirements of the research plan, an amount not to exceed 500 RMB yuan for assistance as approved by the school' s academic advisor for academic touring within China


4)emergency medical care


7.Rules for fellowship recipients
1)The successful candidate should inform the school of his or her arrival date as soon as possible after receiving the "Admission Notice".


2)Travel expenses to the school and back to the researcher's home country are to be borne by the researcher.


3)The researcher may not make changes in the research plan as approved by the school's academic advisor. Any academic tour should be approved by the school. The amount of travel expenses In excess of item 3) of section 6 above are to be borne by the re- searcher.


4)After the research work has been completed, the researcher should submit a written research report and list of any material to be carried out of the country to the school. It the research report is untinished, an outline may be submitted.


5)Should It be necessary to bring other family members gall expenses are to be borne by the researcher. It Is recommended that the researcher make thorough inquiries concerning conditions for housing other family members at the school before coming to China or make plans to stay in a hotel.


6)The researcher must obey the laws and regulations of the Chinese government as well the rules and regulations of the school where he or she is accepted.


7)During the period covered by the fellowship the researcher may not engage in any work unrelated to the submitted research plan.


8. Matters related to arrival In China
The fellowship recipient should notify the school in advance of the time of arrival and the flight or train number which will be bringing the recipient to the city where the school is located once reservations have been made.


If it Is Inconvenient for the researcher to proceed directly to a school located outside the capital,be or she may first go to the Foreign Affairs Department of the Beijing Language Institute when they arrive in Beijing. Personnel In this department can assist in arranging food and lodging and purchase train tickets for the researcher to go to the final destination.


The researcher should be sure to carry on his or her person the addresses and telephone numbers of the school receiving him or her and the Beijing Language Institute. Carrying a certain amount of American dollars just In case Is also recommended.


After arriving at the school, the researcher should promptly carry out the procedures for foreigners residing in China.

9. Matters relating to departure from China
When the researcher has finished his research work he should send a work report directly to the Foreign Affairs Department of the MoE, briefly describing the results of his or her research work In China. The Foreign Affairs Department of the MoE should be informed of the date the researcher plans to leave the country.


All exit procedures should conform to the regulations of the Chinese customs department.


10. The MoE hopes that after the researcher who receives the Chinese Culture Research Fellowship returns to his or her home country, he or she maintains academic contacts with the school, the academic advisor In particular, where the research was carried out. We would also welcome any comments the researcher might have.