Program Orientation

The Excellent Young Scientists Fund (Overseas) aims to attract and encourage outstanding young scholars overseas (including non-Chinese foreign talents) who have achieved remarkable results in natural sciences, engineering and technology to return to (or come to) China for work. Scholars may independently select research directions to conduct innovative research, promote the rapid growth of young scientific and technological talents, cultivate a cohort of outstanding academic backbones with the potential to reach the global frontier of science and technology, and contribute to building China into a scientific and technological powerhouse.

To further improve the talent funding system of the science fund, give full play to the role of the science fund in attracting and cultivating talents, and attract outstanding young talents from overseas to return to (or come to) China for work, the National Natural Science Foundation of China (hereinafter referred to as the NSFC) will continue to implement the Excellent Young Scientists Fund (Overseas) program in 2026.

Key Application Advantage: The entire application process can be completed overseas without returning to China (coming to China) in advance, and there is no requirement for prior domestic employment or social security payment. After being selected, talents must work full-time or on a flexible part-time basis.

1. Funding amount: RMB 1–3 million
2. Funding duration: 3 years

Host Institutions

Host institutions already registered with the NSFC may submit applications directly after accessing the application system and completing the required information. Institutions not yet registered with the NSFC shall first submit a registration application via the system, and may apply for the Excellent Young Scientists Fund (Overseas) upon approval. The application system is open as of the date of this announcement.

1.Basic Eligibility

Applicants for the Excellent Young Scientists Fund (Overseas) shall meet the following requirements:

(1) Abide by the laws and regulations of the People's Republic of China, maintain sound scientific ethics, and conscientiously practice the spirit of scientists in the new era.

(2) Born on or after January 1, 1986.

(3) Hold a doctoral degree.

(4) Research directions mainly focus on natural sciences, engineering and technology, etc.

(5) After obtaining the doctoral degree and before June 15, 2026, applicants shall generally have held a formal teaching or research position at well-known overseas universities, research institutions, or corporate R&D centers, with at least 36 consecutive months of work experience. Applicants who obtained their doctoral degrees overseas with exceptionally outstanding achievements may be granted appropriate relaxation of the work experience requirement (this exemption does not apply to those who obtained overseas doctoral degrees through Sino-foreign joint training programs). For applicants who concurrently hold a paid position in China during their overseas work period, the tenure of the domestic paid position shall not be counted towards overseas work experience.

(6) Have achieved scientific research or technological outcomes recognized by peer experts, and demonstrate the potential to become academic leaders or outstanding talents in their fields.

(7) Applicants shall not have returned to (or come to) China yet, or shall have returned to (or come to) China for work after January 1, 2025. Upon receiving the funding award notice, applicants must resign from their overseas positions and work full-time in China for no less than 3 years.

2. Application Restrictions

The relevant requirements for the coordinated alignment of national science and technology talent programs shall apply. An individual may only undertake one national science and technology talent program at the same level, may submit only one application in the same application year, and may not apply for a program at a lower level than a program they have already undertaken.

(一)Notes for Applicants

1. Eligible applicants may, in accordance with the program guidelines, sign an employment contract or letter of intent with the host institution, log in to the information system after April 10, 2026, and complete the Application Form for the Excellent Young Scientists Fund (Overseas) of the National Natural Science Foundation of China online. Applicants shall commit to the authenticity and accuracy of the application information and be responsible for the authenticity of all submitted materials.
2. Applicants shall complete the application form online in simplified Chinese or English in accordance with the filling instructions and writing outline, and upload supporting attachments. Both applicants and host institutions shall carefully prepare the application materials, provide detailed ID numbers, passport numbers and work experience records, and ensure all information is complete and accurate.
3. The Excellent Young Scientists Fund (Overseas) adopts a paperless application process. Applicants shall submit the electronic application form, attachments, impartiality commitment letter and other materials online to the host institution, which will review the materials and submit them online to the NSFC.

（二）Notes for Host Institutions

1. Host institutions shall carefully organize the application work and ensure the authenticity, completeness and regulatory compliance of all application materials.
2. Host institutions shall submit their electronic application forms and supporting materials before the application deadline of June 15, 2026.
3. When submitting the electronic application form, host institutions shall confirm each item one by one via the information system, sign the commitment letter, and then submit the application to the NSFC.