Chevening LSE Fellowship for Mid-Career Professionals from China
The Chevening LSE Fellowship supports mid-career professionals from China who want to conduct research in social science disciplines at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). The fellowship is funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and includes programme fees, living expenses, return economy airfare, and support for research-related activities. Applications are open until 6 October 2026 at 11:00 UTC.
Quick Overview
Programme: Chevening LSE Fellowship
Opportunity Type: Fellowship
Host Institution: London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)
Target Group: Mid-career professionals from China
Programme Start: October
Programme End: December or March, depending on the duration
Deadline: 6 October 2026 at 11:00 UTC
Financial Support: Programme fees, living expenses, return economy airfare, and research-related allowance
About the Chevening LSE Fellowship
The Chevening LSE Fellowship is funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. It is designed for mid-career professionals from China who want to carry out research in key thematic areas.
Applications are welcomed across all social science disciplines. The programme places particular emphasis on:
• International relations
• Public policy and administration
• Public diplomacy
• Social policy
• Economic policy
• Environmental policy
• Development studies
The fellowship takes place at the London School of Economics and Political Science.
Research Experience at LSE
The programme allows three successful applicants to work on a defined research project at LSE.
Selected fellows are expected to identify and secure an advisor. They are then hosted by a department, institute, or centre at LSE that aligns with their research interests.
During the fellowship, participants are expected to work on their research and complete a paper. They will present the paper at the end of the fellowship.
Fellows may also audit relevant lectures, subject to instructor approval. They can also participate in seminars and discussion groups.
Also read: Wilson Center Research Fellowship 2027–2028
Benefits and Financial Coverage
Each Chevening LSE Fellowship includes the following confirmed support:
✓ Full programme fees
✓ Living expenses for the duration of the fellowship
✓ Return economy airfare
✓ Allowance package for research-related activities
The fellowship therefore provides financial support for both programme participation and research-related activities.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet Chevening’s standard fellowship eligibility criteria in addition to the programme-specific requirements.
For the Chevening LSE Fellowship, applicants must:
• Be a citizen of China.
• Currently live in China.
• Intend to return to China at the end of the period of study.
• Hold a postgraduate-level qualification or equivalent professional training or experience in a relevant area at the time of application.
• Have at least five years of work experience before applying, or be currently enrolled as a PhD candidate.
• If currently pursuing a PhD, the PhD must not be with a UK, EU, or USA university.
Strong applicants are also expected to demonstrate an excellent academic record and a clear interest in their chosen research area.
This may be demonstrated through professional development, relevant work experience, projects, or research output. Examples listed by the programme include journal articles, policy papers, reports, and other publications.
Applicants are also expected to show enthusiasm for engaging with LSE’s intellectual community and contributing to the academic activities of their host department.
Check: DDC x TrygFonden Fellowship Program 2027 at SDU
Research Proposal and Advisor Requirements
All applications must include a research proposal.
Applicants do not need to secure an LSE advisor before applying. However, the programme states that it can be helpful to have someone in mind whom the applicant would like to work with or engage with during the fellowship.
After selection, fellows are expected to identify and secure an advisor whose expertise aligns with their research interests.
Fellowship Period
The fellowship starts in October.
The programme ends in December or March, depending on the fellowship duration.
During this period, fellows focus on their defined research project while participating in relevant academic activities at LSE.
Explore: CYD Fellowships 2026 at EPFL in Switzerland
Application Process
Applicants should first review the programme-specific eligibility requirements and ensure that they also meet Chevening’s standard fellowship eligibility criteria.
The application should include the required research proposal.
Candidates can then submit their application through the official Chevening application system. Applicants are not required to have secured an LSE advisor before submitting their application.
Application Deadline
Applications for the Chevening LSE Fellowship are open until:
6 October 2026 at 11:00 UTC
Applicants should ensure that their application and required research proposal are submitted through the official application system by the stated deadline.
Official Link
Submit your application through the official application link below.
