Tsinghua University Shuimu Scholar Program: High-Impact STEM Postdoc Fellowship

Author: Michael | Published: August 6, 2026

Shuimu Scholar Program

The Shuimu Scholar Program at Tsinghua University provides two years of structured support for postdoctoral researchers. It is open to applicants across science, engineering, mathematics, social sciences, and related fields. Fellows sign a full-time contract, receive university benefits, and must secure a faculty supervisor before applying.

Responsibilities and Academic Expectations

• Fellows must complete projects and list Tsinghua University as their primary affiliation.
• Supervise graduate students, manage lab equipment, and present findings at seminars.
• Register with the China National Postdoctoral Affairs Management Committee is mandatory.
• International fellows must secure a Z work visa and register locally upon arrival.
• A formal evaluation occurs at the 12-month mark. Renewal for the second year depends on satisfactory progress.

Benefits: Funding Package

• Annual Salary: Annual Salary of RMB 300,000 (pre-tax).
• Housing Allowance: RMB 42,000 annually if university housing is unavailable. Fellows in campus housing pay reduced rent instead of receiving the allowance.
• Healthcare & Insurance: Standard university medical coverage.
• Education Benefits: Access to Tsinghua-affiliated schools for dependents.
• Supervisor Stipends: Departments may add supplemental research funds from grants.

Candidate Eligibility Requirements

1. 35 years or younger at the time of application.
2. PhD awarded within the past three years. Doctoral candidates who will defend before the fellowship start date are eligible.
3. Full-time work at Tsinghua University. Secondary employment is prohibited.
4. Strong English or Chinese skills required for departmental research.

Check KWI Research Scholarship Fellowship, Florida State University Scholarship and Bond University HDR Scholarship in Australia detailed guides to explore other scholarship opportunities.

Required Application Documents

1. Completed Shuimu Scholar Application Form.
2. Your Updated CV with full publication list.
3. Research Proposal.
4. Two recommendation letters.
5. Supervisor Acceptance Letter from a Tsinghua faculty member.
6. Doctoral degree certificate or official transcript

Application Timeline

• First Round:
  • Submission: January – April
  • Department Review: May
  • Results: June
• Second Round:
  • Submission: July – October
  • Department Review: November
  • Results: December

Starting Your Application

Begin by identifying a faculty sponsor. Search Tsinghua’s departmental directories for professors whose research aligns with your expertise. Send a professional email with your CV, a short outline of your research proposal, and a summary of your doctoral publications. Ask directly if they can host your Shuimu Scholar application.

Once you secure written confirmation, create an account on the university’s application portal. Upload all required documents, ensure referees send their letters directly to the department, and submit before the deadline.

View full guidelines and access the online website through the Tsinghua Postdoctoral Affairs Office.

You can also see Rutherford Foundation PhD Fellowship in New Zealand, IRC Postdoctoral Fellowship and British Academic Postdoctoral Fellowships detailed guides for other Scholarship opportunities.

Michael – Founder and Editor at Suretripacademia, your dedicated resource for unlocking global mobility and international educational opportunities. WhatsApp l Facebook l TikTok

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