Excellent Young Scientists Fund (Overseas) Program

Project Overview

The Excellent Young Scientists Fund Program (Overseas) aims to attract and encourage outstanding young scholars from overseas who have achieved notable accomplishments in natural sciences, engineering, and technology. Successful applicants will return to (or come to) China to conduct innovative research in their chosen fields. The program is designed to accelerate the growth of young scientific and technological talents, cultivate academic leaders poised to reach the global frontiers of science, and contribute to China’s development as a global powerhouse in science and technology.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants for the Excellent Young Scientists Fund Program (Overseas) should meet the following criteria:

1. Abide by the laws and regulations of the People’s Republic of China, uphold scientific ethics, and exemplify the spirit of scientists in the new era;
2. Born on or after January 1, 1986;
3. Hold a Ph.D. degree;
4. Research directions primarily in natural sciences, engineering, technology, etc.;
5. From the date of obtaining the Ph.D. until June 15, 2026, applicants should generally have held formal teaching or research positions in prestigious overseas universities, research institutions, or corporate R&D centers for at least 36 consecutive months. For those who obtained their Ph.D. overseas and have demonstrated exceptional performance, the work experience requirement may be relaxed (this does not apply to Ph.D. degrees obtained through joint domestic-overseas training programs). For applicants who held a salaried position in China while working overseas, the duration of such employment will not count toward the overseas work experience.
6. Have achieved research or technical results recognized by peer experts and demonstrate the potential to become an academic leader or outstanding talent in their field.
7. Applicants should not yet have returned to China full-time, or must have returned to China on or after January 1, 2025. Upon receiving the funding notification, successful candidates must resign from their overseas positions and work full-time in China for at least 3 years.

Restrictions: The program adheres to the national requirements for the coordination and alignment of science and technology talent plans. An individual may only undertake one talent program at the same level and apply for only one program in a single application year. Reverse-level applications are not permitted.

Program Funding

• Funding Amount: RMB 1 million to 3 million
• Funding Period: 3 years

Support Measures

Nanchang University provides successful applicants with distinguished professorships (within the state institutional framework), competitive research funding, and excellent remuneration. Awardees are eligible for the Jiangxi Provincial High-Level Talent Certification, enjoying exclusive services and preferential policies from both the province and the city, including medical care, school enrollment for children, and spousal employment assistance.

• Appointment Position: Distinguished Professor or Researcher (State Institutional Establishment).
• Remuneration: Annual salary of RMB 500,000 to 800,000.
• Research Funding: Superior research facilities and start-up funds.
• Academic Team: Support for team building during the first term, including 1-2 team members and an annual enrollment quota of 1 Ph.D. student and 2-3 Master’s students.
• Housing: Access to on-campus temporary housing; option to purchase one “Qianhu Lanjing” apartment near the campus at a preferential price, or receive a housing subsidy of 1 million to 1.8 million RMB.
• Medical Services: Premium medical care provided by the university’s five affiliated Tier-3 Class-A hospitals.
• Spouse Employment: Proper arrangement for spousal employment or a one-time living allowance.
• Children’s Education: Access to seamless, premium K-12 educational services (from kindergarten through high school) at multiple prime locations throughout the city.

Way to apply

Please send your resume to rcb@ncu.edu.cn with the subject line “Excellent Young Scientists Fund Program (Overseas)”. Your resume should include basic personal information, educational background, work experience, and academic achievements. Nanchang University’s dedicated team will provide professional guidance and meticulous support to assist you throughout the application process. We look forward to helping you reach new heights in your career!