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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.

ClosedNational Natural Science Foundation of ChinaChina
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About

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 (…

What this grant funds

Mathematics, Physical Sciences, Chemistry, Life Sciences, Earth Sciences, Engineering, Materials, Information Sciences, Management Sciences, Health Sciences. Interdisciplinary limited to RFIS-II and RFIS-III tiers.

Key facts
CycleiHow often this grant runs — e.g. annually, on a rolling basis, or a one-off call.Annual
Next deadlineiThe next date applications are due. Rolling means you can apply any time.—
Decision timeiTypical time from the deadline to the funder's decision.—
Project durationiHow long the funded work is expected to run.12–24 months
Award typeiThe form of funding — grant, equity, loan, tax credit, etc.Grant
Match fundingiThe share of project costs you must cover yourself. 0% = fully funded.0%
Funding pooliThe total budget available across all awards in this round.—
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Last verified: 22 Jul 2026Source: www.nsfc.gov.cn