Fairbank Center grants enable students to pursue language study or research in Chinese studies. Grants can be used for travel to greater China or other locations for academic research or to participate in a language study program. Students are encouraged to plan their project, itinerary and budget in advance and then apply for a grant to help fund the proposed academic activity. Please check the specific details and application requirements for each type of grant.
Please review these FAQs about Fairbank Center grants.
If your question is not answered here, email fairbankcenter@fas.harvard.edu.
Summer Language Grants support undergraduates who plan to enroll in a summer language program for intermediate or advanced language study of languages necessary for research in China Studies.
Undergraduates apply here through CARAT
Summer Research Grants support undergraduates who plan to conduct academic research in or on Greater China (including Taiwan) during the summer. Priority given to thesis research projects.
Undergraduates apply here through CARAT
Deadline: February 10, 2025
Travel grants to support Harvard undergraduates to travel to Taiwan for advanced language training or academic research during the fall or spring semester.
Undergraduates apply here through CARAT
Deadlines: July 29 for Taiwan study during Fall semester
December 5 for Taiwan study during Spring semester
We offer a limited number of small grants to assist undergraduate students with financial need to participate in optional Winter Term (December-January) programs related to Chinese studies.
Deadline: October 30
Student Organization Grants
The Fairbank Center offers a small number of grants to support undergraduate or graduate student organizations engaged in projects or events relating to China Studies. One representative of the organization can submit an application with a project proposal and itemized budget. Requests are considered on a rolling basis, but student organizations are encouraged to apply as early as possible as funding is limited. For more information see the Student Organizations Grant application form.
Note: For projects spanning multiple countries and/or regions, the Fairbank Center will coordinate with the Asia-related centers and institutes based in Harvard’s Center for Government and International Studies to determine appropriate funding, based on content. Please indicate in your proposal for which other sources of funding you are applying.
Deadline: Rolling. Requests for funding should be submitted via email at least one month in advance of the event or project start date. To apply, email fairbankcenter@fas.harvard.edu and attach as PDFs: 1) completed Fairbank Center Student Organizations Grant application form, 2) project proposal with itemized budget, and 3) written confirmation of application approval from your student organization’s faculty advisor. Email harrietwong@fas.harvard.edu to let us know you have applied or if you have any questions.