The Tang Visiting Scholar’s Fellowship

The Tang Visiting Scholar’s Fellowship is offered each year to one scholar for an in-residence research period of 10 months at Columbia University. The proposed projects are expected to be in relation to early China. The applicant must be non-US based, and preference is given to scholars from East Asia.

Fellowship funds can be used to cover airfare, living expenses, and fees accrued during the fellow’s residence at the university. The Fellowship also includes a modest travel fund for the fellow to visit other US cities or institutions. The successful candidate may be invited to teach short-term courses or seminars which, if it happens, will carry a supplemental adjunct salary.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Applicants must have PhD degree in hand at the start of the fellowship period, or have outstanding research credential.
• Applicants must be able to manage day-to-day conversation in English.
• Applicants must be affiliated with an academic institution in their country of origin.
• Past recipients are not eligible to apply for two years, except for projects evaluated by the Tang Executive Committee as necessary to receive multiple years of support.
• Applicants who have held a J visa may not be eligible to apply for two years after the completion of the previous J programs.

Application Requirements:

• Basic application form
• Accepted proof of English proficiency (one of the following):
  • Official diploma from an academic institution where English is the language of instruction; Or
  • Results of a recognized English language test (test results are valid for 2 years): including TOFEL, IELTS and other similar internationally recognized tests; Or,
    • Internet-based TOEFL (minimum score of 79)
    • Paper-based TOEFL (minimum score of 550)
    • IELTS (minimum score of 6.5)
  • Evidence of previous successful J-1 exchange programs, e.g. copies of previous Forms DS-2019 or a letter from the previous J-1 visa sponsor; Or
  • Passing a phone, video conference or in-person interview arranged by the Tang Center
• 10 – 15 page double-spaced project proposal (in English)
  • Proposal contents should include the following:
    • The purpose of the project
    • Research methods
    • Potential contributions of research findings
• Project timeline
• Travel itineraries (if travel budget is requested)
• Curriculum Vitae (in English)
• Two letters of recommendation (in English)

The application deadline for the 2025-2026 academic year is extended to December 30, 2024.

Click HERE to apply for the Tang Visiting Scholar’s Fellowship!
Click HERE to see the past recipients of the fellowship.