Fairbank Center grants enable students to pursue language study or academic research in Chinese studies. Grants can be used for travel to China, Taiwan, or to other locations for academic research or to participate in a language study program. Students must 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 study of a language necessary for research in Chinese Studies.
Funding is available for intermediate and pre-advanced level language study through the Harvard Taipei Academy Summer School program (apply by January 29 through Harvard Summer School, AND apply for a Fairbank Center language grant via the CARAT link below).
Funding is also available for all levels of language study and for other summer study programs, either for academic credit or not, through other programs based in Taiwan. For approval for academic credit for summer study abroad, contact the Office of International Education (OIE).
Undergraduates apply here through CARAT for Summer Language Grant (CARAT Opportunity 5006)
Deadline: February 2, 2026
Summer Research Grants support undergraduates who wish to conduct academic research in or on Greater China (including Taiwan) during the summer. Priority is given to senior thesis research projects. Funding is also available to support students who wish to pursue summer study-abroad programs in Taiwan, either for credit or not.
Undergraduates apply here through CARAT for Summer Research Grant (CARAT Opportunity 5008)
Deadline: February 9, 2026
The Fairbank Center’s Taiwan Studies Grants support Harvard undergraduates wanting to travel to Taiwan for language training or for academic study or research during the Fall or Spring semester. Proposed travel must have an academic purpose.
Funding can also support a gap-year or gap-semester for already enrolled undergraduates for academic study-abroad programs and/or senior thesis-related research in Taiwan. This funding is available only to students who plan to return to enroll at Harvard afterwards.
Note: Contact the Office of International Education (OIE) as soon as possible for information about how to apply for approval for academic credit. Once your study abroad plan has been approved by OIE, apply to the Fairbank Center for a Taiwan Studies Grant by the deadlines below.
Undergraduates apply here through CARAT
Deadlines: May 5 for Taiwan study during Fall semester
November for Taiwan study during Spring semester
We offer a limited number of grants to assist undergraduate students with financial need to participate in Winter session (December-January) academic work in Chinese studies. Proposed travel must be for a minimum of two weeks and the research must be essential for a thesis project and endorsed by a faculty thesis advisor.
We typically are not able to fund short language or study abroad programs during winter break. Students interested in language study abroad can consider applying for a Summer Language Grant.
Deadline: October 30
Student Organization Grants
The Fairbank Center offers grants to support student organizations planning programs or academic events that engage Harvard students in learning about Greater China. Proposals from student organizations planning educational activities in Taiwan will also be considered.
One representative of the registered student organization can submit an application with a project proposal and itemized budget. The application must be accompanied by a note of support from the organization’s faculty advisor. Requests for funding are considered on a rolling basis, but student organizations are encouraged to apply as early as possible (at least two months ahead) 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 two months 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.