Established in 1928, the Harvard-Yenching Institute (HYI) is an independent foundation dedicated to advancing higher education in Asia in the humanities and social sciences, with special attention to the study of Asian culture. It offers fellowship programmes to faculty members and doctoral students at leading East, Southeast, and South Asian universities in all fields of the humanities and social sciences. Besides, it supports several publication series at Harvard University and in Asia, publishes a book review series and working paper series, and provides support for the Harvard-Yenching Library as well as other research initiatives.

The Harvard-Yenching Visiting Scholars Programme offers faculty members in the humanities and social sciences (not limited to China Studies or East Asian Studies) the opportunity to undertake 11 months of study and research at Harvard University and/or other appropriate universities. Approximately 20 applicants are chosen each year as researchers at HYI, with full access to Harvard University libraries and facilities.

HYI seek outstanding scholars whose work is academic rather than applied. Scholars working on countries other than their own and scholars whose research is transnational, and includes one or more Asian countries, are especially welcome. Applicants do not have to be working on Asian studies topics to be eligible. There is no age limit for applicants. However, preference is given to mid-career scholars who are in the formative and crucial stages of their academic career. Future promise is prioritized over past achievements.

The Visiting Scholars Programme is now inviting applications for 2027-28. The visit period is from August 2027 to June 2028.

ELIGIBILITY

• Applicants should have served at CUHK for at least three years (prior to 1 August 2024) as a full-time teaching appointee of Assistant Professor rank or above.
• Preference would be given to mid-career scholars who are in the formative and crucial stages of their academic career.
• Scholars who received their PhD from an institution outside of Asia within the past five years (after 2022) are not eligible.
• Previous recipients of a Visiting Scholar Fellowship from HYI are not eligible to reapply for this programme.

ELIGIBLE FIELDS

Candidates’ fields of research in the humanities and social sciences to be considered are as follows:

Scholars in the fields of Economics, Education, Geography, Law, Psychology, and Public Administration may be considered, but must check with HYI before submitting applications. If the research field of any potential candidate falls outside the disciplines mentioned above and eligibility is uncertain, please contact Lindsay Strogatz (hyiprog@fas.harvard.edu) before submitting an application.

SELECTION CRITERIA

The selection criteria include English proficiency, academic training (including PhD degree in most cases), quality and originality of the research proposal, demonstrated depth of subject knowledge, and feasibility of conducting the research at Harvard University and/or other major universities in the United States. In cases where qualifications are roughly equal, priority is given to candidates who have not recently spent substantial time at an American university.

SCOPE OF SUPPORT

The following provisions will be provided to the selected fellow:

• Round-trip economy-class airfare
• A stipend of US$78,888 distributed over the period of the fellowship
• Health insurance (up to US$5,500)
• Funding (up to US$5,000) for hiring a research assistant or an editor, and for participating in academic conferences or/and making brief research trips in North America

LEAVE

Selected fellow(s) are expected to spend 11 months during August 2027-June 2028 at Harvard University and/or other appropriate universities under the programme. They should apply for their own accumulated leave and academic leave (or sabbatical leave if applicable), and/or no-pay study leave to pursue the fellowship programme.

ONLINE INFORMATION SESSIONS
HYI will host two online information sessions for prospective applicants to learn more about the fellowship.

APPLICATION

Applicants should submit the internal application form to the Office of Academic Links (oal_schemes@cuhk.edu.hk) by 15 July 2026 (Wednesday) for consideration by a central panel at CUHK. Selected applicant(s) will be notified in early August 2026. They should then submit an online application along with three reference letters and other supporting documents for consideration by HYI. The full application to HYI is due on 15 September 2026 (Tuesday). Successful applicant(s) will be informed of the result by late February 2027. 

To learn more about the programme, please visit the HYI website.

ENQUIRIES

Please contact Ms. Olivia Kwok, Programme Manager (Global) at the Office of Academic Links.

Last updated in May 2026