NSFC General Program

The General Program (面上项目) is NSFC's flagship competitive grant, open to established principal investigators at Chinese universities and research institutions. It covers all nine scientific departments and supports 4-year projects in mathematics, physical sciences, chemistry, life sciences, earth sciences, engineering, information sciences, management sciences, and health sciences. As of 2023, direct-cost funding was reduced from CNY 650,000 to CNY 500,000 per project — a shift toward funding more projects at lower intensity. Applications are submitted annually through a concentrated-reception window (typically January–March), reviewed by departmental panels, and results announced mid-year. The overall NSFC approval rate was 13% in 2024, down from 25% a decade prior due to rapid growth in application volumes outpacing budget growth.

Each grant below is a distinct funding opportunity with its own eligibility, scope, and deliverables.