NSFC Research Fund for International Scientists (RFIS)

NSFC Research Fund for International Scientists

Supports international researchers at Chinese host institutions with research grants for deep collaboration.

⚠ This may reflect a past cycle — verify the current call on the funder's site.

The NSFC Research Fund for International Scientists (RFIS) is the National Natural Science Foundation of China's dedicated grant instrument for foreign principal investigators conducting basic research at mainland Chinese host institutions. First established to attract international talent, the program operates under a three-tier structure with annual funding of CNY 200,000 (Tier I), CNY 400,000 (Tier II), or CNY 800,000 (Tier III) in direct costs per year. In 2026 the program is housed within NSFC's newly branded Science Fund for Global Challenges and Sustainability umbrella, reflecting a strategic emphasis on sustainability and international research collaboration.

Tier eligibility is determined by career stage: Tier I requires a doctorate awarded in 2020 or later; Tier II requires a doctorate from 2011 or later and associate professor rank; Tier III requires associate professor or higher rank with demonstrated international standing and achievement. Projects run for one year (January–December 2027) or two years (January 2027–December 2028). Eligible scientific domains include mathematics, physical sciences, chemistry, life sciences, earth sciences, engineering, materials, information sciences, management sciences, and health sciences; interdisciplinary proposals are restricted to Tier II and Tier III. All proposals are written in English with a bilingual English-Chinese abstract. The 2026 submission deadline was March 20, 2026 at 16:00 Beijing time (now closed); the next cycle is expected to open in early 2027.

Foreign PIs cannot apply directly; a mainland Chinese host institution must sponsor and formally submit the application on the researcher's behalf. The principal investigator must commit to residing at that host institution for at least nine months per year during the grant period. Applicants holding concurrent NSFC Young Scientists, Excellent Young Scientists, Distinguished Young Scholars, or Creative Research Group grants are excluded. The RFIS is the primary entry point for international researchers seeking access to NSFC's peer-review infrastructure and the broader Chinese academic network.