The Peking University Boya Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026 is a prestigious, fully funded opportunity for outstanding early-career researchers worldwide. This fellowship offers up to 380 positions for innovative postdoctoral study in Beijing, China, allowing researchers to advance their careers at one of the leading global academic institutions. This blog provides a detailed overview of the fellowship, including application deadlines, benefits, eligibility, and application tips.

Basic Information about the Peking University Boya Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026

The Boya Postdoctoral Fellowship was established in 2016 to attract promising global research talent to Peking University (PKU). It offers a fully funded 24-month postdoctoral research program. The fellowship appeals to scholars from all nationalities, providing comprehensive support including salary, housing, insurance, and research subsidies. The key application deadlines for 2026 are: February 28, 2025 (Round One) and October 10, 2025 (Round Two).

Deadline (Two rounds🙂

• Round 1 (for PhDs completing in 2025):
  • Jan 1 – Feb 28, 2025: application window
  • Mar 20, 2025: preliminary results
  • Mid-April 2025: final decisions
• Round 2 (for PhDs completing by July 1, 2026):
  • Sept 1 – Oct 10, 2025: application window
  • Nov 10, 2025: preliminary results
  • End of Nov 2025: final decisions

• Duration: 24 months.

University/Institution Details

Peking University, founded in 1898 and based in Beijing, China, is one of the country’s most prestigious and historic universities. Known for its academic excellence and innovation, PKU offers a dynamic research environment with state-of-the-art facilities. The university encourages interdisciplinary collaborations and international exchange, making it an ideal hub for advanced postdoctoral research.

Study Areas Available under the Boya Postdoctoral Fellowship

The fellowship supports diverse academic disciplines, including but not limited to:

• Natural Sciences
• Social Sciences
• Humanities
• Economics and Business
• Engineering and Computer Science
• Interdisciplinary Studies

This broad range allows applicants from various research backgrounds to apply and contribute to the university’s academic mission.

Peking University Boya Postdoctoral Fellowship Benefits

Recipients of the Boya Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026 enjoy a comprehensive benefits package:

• Up to 380 fellowships (2025).
• Annual pre-tax salary of 200,000 RMB (~29,000 USD)
• Full social insurance coverage
• Includes social insurance + housing allowance.
• Extra housing subsidy: 60,000 RMB if no postdoc housing.
• Supervisor may add 30,000 / 60,000 / 90,000 RMB per year based on performance.
• Access to PKU’s advanced research facilities and resources
• Promotion Opportunities
  • After 2 years, postdocs can apply for senior research positions in PKU postdoc track.

Benefits Not Included

• Travel expenses to and from China
• Family dependents’ living costs
• Health insurance beyond the social insurance scheme
• Personal expenses unrelated to research activities

Eligibility Criteria for the Peking University Boya Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026

To be eligible for this fellowship, applicants must meet the following conditions:

• Hold a PhD degree awarded within the last three years or by the specified deadline (usually July 1, 2026 for Round Two)
• Be under 35 years old as of the application deadline
• Open to all nationalities
• Current PKU postdoctoral researchers may apply if their contract does not exceed six months from the application start date
• Registered PKU postdocs may apply (if contract ends/starts within 6 months).
• Selection based on: academic excellence, proposal quality, synergy with PKU resources, recommendations, and supervisor’s commitment.
• Applicants with at least two years of postdoctoral experience may apply for senior research tracks

Required Documents for the Application

Applicants must submit the following documents prepared in English or Chinese:

• Completed application form for the Boya Postdoctoral Fellowship
• An explicit endorsement letter from a prospective PKU postdoctoral supervisor detailing academic background, research potential, and support commitment
• Supervisor endorsement letter.
• 2 recommendation letters (one from doctoral advisor).
• All documents in Chinese or English.
• A detailed research proposal aligned with PKU’s resources and academic goals

Peking University Boya Postdoctoral Fellowship Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide

1. Identify and contact a suitable faculty member at PKU to act as your postdoctoral supervisor.
2. Obtain formal approval and endorsement from the supervisor.
3. Prepare all required documents into a single PDF file.
4. Submit the application via email to the relevant departmental coordinator as per PKU’s official guidelines.
5. Await preliminary and final evaluation results, with selections based on academic qualifications, research quality, and supervisor commitment.
6. Successful candidates receive offer letters and proceed with fellowship arrangements.

Tips for a Successful Application

• Select a PKU supervisor whose research expertise closely matches your proposal to demonstrate synergy.
• Write a clear, innovative, and feasible research plan that leverages PKU’s resources.
• Obtain strong recommendations emphasizing your academic integrity and research capabilities.
• Pay close attention to application deadlines (Feb 28 and Oct 10, 2025).
• Ensure all documents are carefully proofread and comply with formatting instructions.

Monthly Living Expenses for International Students (in USD)

Living costs in Beijing for international researchers can vary, but the average monthly expenses include:

• Rent (shared apartment or university dorm): $300 – $700
• Food and groceries: $200 – $350
• Transportation: $30 – $60
• Utilities and internet: $40 – $70
• Miscellaneous/personal expenses: $100 – $150
  Estimated total: $670 – $1,330 per month

Why Choose This Scholarship? Top 5 Reasons

1. Fully Funded Fellowship: Competitive salary with housing and insurance coverage.
2. Prestigious Institution: Research at a top-ranked university with excellent infrastructure.
3. Diverse Research Fields: Opportunities across various disciplines and interdisciplinary work.
4. International Exposure: Work alongside global academics in a culturally rich environment.
5. Career Advancement: Enhance your academic profile and networking opportunities in China and worldwide.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Boya Postdoctoral Fellowship

Q1: Can applicants from any country apply?
A1: Yes, the fellowship is open to researchers of all nationalities.

Q2: Is there an age limit for applicants?
A2: Yes, applicants must be under 35 years old as of the application deadline.

Q3: How many fellowships are awarded annually?
A3: Up to 380 fellowships are awarded, split between two application rounds.

Q4: What is the duration of the fellowship?
A4: Each fellowship lasts for 24 months.

Q5: Can current PKU postdoctoral researchers apply?
A5: Yes, if their contract will expire within six months of the application deadline.

Official Link:

In Conclusion
The Peking University Boya Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026 offers a remarkable chance for emerging scholars to contribute to global research while enjoying robust financial and academic support in Beijing, China. With its wide range of disciplines, excellent funding, and world-class institutional environment, this fellowship is a gateway to advancing one’s academic career on an international scale. Prospective applicants should start early, secure a supportive PKU supervisor, and prepare outstanding research proposals to maximize their chances of selection.