NSFC Research Fund for International Scientists (RFIS) 2026 supports qualified foreign-citizenship researchers conducting basic or applied basic research at eligible host institutions in mainland China. It has three grant routes covering international young, excellent young and senior scientists. The 2026 submission window has closed.
NSFC RFIS China 2026: Application Status
| Official call date | 20 January 2026 |
|---|---|
| Online submissions opened | 1 March 2026 |
| Official online deadline | 20 March 2026 at 16:00 Beijing time |
| One-year award period | 1 January–31 December 2027 |
| Two-year award period | 1 January 2027–31 December 2028 |
| Status | 2026 application window closed |
RFIS-I vs RFIS-II vs RFIS-III: What Is the Difference?
| Feature | RFIS-I | RFIS-II | RFIS-III |
|---|---|---|---|
| Official designation | International Young Scientists | International Excellent Young Scientists | International Senior Scientists |
| Doctoral timing | PhD obtained after 1 January 2020 | PhD obtained after 1 January 2011 | No doctoral-degree date threshold specified in the call |
| Research profile | Basic research or postdoctoral experience | Senior title (Associate Professor or equivalent or higher); prior PI experience | Senior title and outstanding achievements with significant international influence |
| Annual direct project costs | RMB 200,000 | RMB 400,000 | RMB 800,000 |
| Interdisciplinary Sciences (T) | Not eligible | Eligible under call instructions | Eligible under call instructions |
The category should be selected based on the exact official qualification rules; the funding levels are not alternative salary packages for the same candidate.
Eligibility for International Scientists
The 2026 call is for scientists of foreign citizenship ready to conduct basic or applied basic research at an NSFC-registered host institution in mainland China. All three categories require commitment to work at the host institution for at least nine months in each calendar year during the project.
RFIS-I — International Young Scientists
- Doctoral degree obtained after 1 January 2020.
- Experience in basic research or postdoctoral research.
- Signed agreement supporting the application with the host.
RFIS-II — International Excellent Young Scientists
- Doctoral degree obtained after 1 January 2011.
- Academic title of Associate Professor or above, or equivalent.
- Experience leading basic research projects as principal investigator.
RFIS-III — International Senior Scientists
- Associate Professor level or higher, or equivalent qualification.
- Outstanding academic achievements and significant international influence.
- Host support and required research-presence commitment.
Research Funding and Project Duration
| RFIS-I | RMB 200,000 per project per year — direct costs |
|---|---|
| RFIS-II | RMB 400,000 per project per year — direct costs |
| RFIS-III | RMB 800,000 per project per year — direct costs |
| Eligible duration | One or two years |
| One-year project | 1 January–31 December 2027 |
| Two-year project | 1 January 2027–31 December 2028 |
Project budgets must follow the NSFC Guide to Programs 2026 and the fund-management and budget-preparation rules. A personal salary or accommodation entitlement cannot be inferred from the research-cost ceiling.
Research Areas Eligible for RFIS
The programme accepts applications in Mathematical and Physical Sciences (A), Chemical Sciences (B), Life Sciences (C), Earth Sciences (D), Engineering and Material Sciences (E), Information Sciences (F), Management Sciences (G) and Health Sciences (H). Interdisciplinary Sciences (T) are permitted only for RFIS-II and RFIS-III.
Host Institution, Employment and Research Commitment
- Identify a mainland China host institution registered with NSFC.
- Agree on a scientifically credible proposal and institutional support before submission.
- Secure the signed host-application agreement, including the authorised institutional legal representative and proper official seal.
- Ensure the employment contract covers the minimum nine-month-per-year research requirement.
- Coordinate with the host research administration office for online submission and verification.
The 2026 call allows an applicant without a compliant signed employment contract at submission to provide it after award when submitting the Research Plan; failure to produce it can prevent disbursement or terminate the award.
Documents and Proposal Language
- Research proposal prepared in English; title, abstract and keywords supplied in both English and Chinese.
- Signed NSFC RFIS host-support agreement.
- Employment contract satisfying the programme conditions, subject to the official post-award provision.
- Required electronic attachments and budget information.
- Research ethics and science/technology security approvals where the proposed project requires them.
NSFC did not require hard-copy submissions during the 2026 online application stage. Applicants should use the official forms and follow the current call, not reuse superseded templates.
How to Apply: Official NSFC Workflow
| 1. Confirm category | Check RFIS-I, RFIS-II or RFIS-III eligibility and applicable restrictions. |
|---|---|
| 2. Secure host | Coordinate with an NSFC-registered mainland China institution and research team. |
| 3. Develop project | Prepare proposal, research code, bilingual title/abstract/keywords and compliant budget. |
| 4. Use NSFC portal | At NSFC Grants Information System ↗, choose Applicant for RFIS, ICFCRT and create a new proposal. |
| 5. Submit attachments | Upload agreement and required evidence, then submit electronically. |
| 6. Host approval | Host institution reviews compliance and formally submits and confirms proposal before its deadline. |
Note: This workflow describes the closed 2026 round and is provided only to help prospective applicants prepare for an officially announced later call.
Important Grant Restrictions
- Each RFIS subtype can be awarded to an applicant only once.
- Current RFIS principal investigators may not apply for a new RFIS project.
- Only one RFIS application is permitted per year.
- Simultaneous applications to specified other NSFC schemes in the same year are restricted.
- Some previous NSFC awards disqualify candidates from particular RFIS tiers.
- Applicants must comply with other applicable conditions in the NSFC Guide to Programs 2026.
Review the complete primary announcement before deciding eligibility, especially if you have previously held NSFC-funded grants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the NSFC RFIS 2026 call still open?
No. It closed on 20 March 2026 at 16:00 Beijing time.
Can scientists from India apply?
Foreign citizenship is required, and an eligible Indian scientist may apply if all additional category and China-based host/employment conditions are met.
Is RMB 800,000 a personal salary?
No. The RFIS-III figure is annual direct project research funding.
Can an overseas faculty member keep a full-time job abroad?
Applicants must disclose foreign full-time employment as required and still satisfy the nine-month-per-year host obligation and contractual requirements; employment compatibility should be resolved with both institutions.
Can RFIS-I applicants select interdisciplinary division T?
No. The 2026 call permits division T applications only under RFIS-II and RFIS-III.
Are short research visits eligible?
A brief visit does not satisfy the published minimum nine-month-per-year host work requirement.
Official Announcement and Application Links
| Authoritative call | NSFC 2026 RFIS Guidelines ↗ |
|---|---|
| Application system | NSFC Internet-based Science Information System ↗ |
| Official contact | rfis@nsfc.gov.cn |
| Call issued | 20 January 2026; NSFC Department of International Programs |
| Last verified | 9 October 2026 |
Official announcement controls eligibility, funding, application conditions and dates. This is an independent informational guide, not an NSFC announcement.
CareerAidHub Research Fellowship Support
CareerAidHub offers academic CV refinement, proposal structuring, host-institution outreach strategy and documentation reviews for international research opportunities. Email coaxialedu@gmail.com or explore the Career Accelerator Programme.
CareerAidHub is independent of NSFC. Selection, eligibility, host acceptance and funding are determined by the relevant official authorities.
