Luce/ACLS Early Career Fellowships in China Studies 2026–27 – Up to $45,000 for Humanities & Social Sciences Scholars – Apply by 5 November 2026

The American Council of Learned Societies (ACLS), in partnership with the Henry Luce Foundation, invites applications for the 2026–27 Luce/ACLS Early Career Fellowships and Travel Grants in China Studies. These awards support recent PhD scholars and graduate students in the humanities and interpretive social sciences conducting research and writing projects related to China. Deadline: 5 November 2026, 5:00 PM ET. This guide covers Luce/ACLS Early Career Fellowships in China Studies in full — funding, eligibility, deadlines and how to apply.

Award Types & Benefits

• Flexible Fellowship: $15,000 for the equivalent of three months of full-time research completed over a 12-month period — ideal for scholars with heavy teaching or service loads who cannot take a full leave
• Long-Term Fellowship: $20,000–$45,000 for four to nine months of full-time research leave
• Travel Grants: Funding for fieldwork travel, open to PhD students and non-tenure-track researchers at any career stage
• Award Period: Must begin between July 1, 2026, and September 30, 2027

Eligibility

• Recent PhDs in the humanities or interpretive social sciences, without tenure, and within eight years of receiving the PhD (for Fellowships)
• Research project must relate to China Studies
• Working knowledge of Chinese required; knowledge of other languages used in China studies (e.g., Tibetan, Uyghur) also considered
• Travel Grants open to PhD students and non-tenure-track researchers
• Applicants based at U.S. and Canadian institutions are encouraged to apply

Luce/ACLS Early Career Fellowships in China Studies: key details

How to Apply

• Deadline: 5 November 2026, 5:00 PM ET
• Apply through: ACLS Official Competition Page

This is one of the few dedicated fellowship programs for early-career scholars in China Studies, offering meaningful financial support to advance impactful research. Whether you are writing your first book or conducting fieldwork, the Luce/ACLS program provides the time and resources to take your scholarship to the next level.

Always verify deadlines and details on the official ACLS website before applying.

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