2026 China National Talent Programme

China Qiming Program

2026 China Qiming Plan Β· Torch Plan Β· Ruijin Plan Β· Yangtze River Scholars Β· Overseas Outstanding Youth Application. Three innovative talent schemes with generous remuneration for world-class researchers and scientists.

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Remuneration & Benefits

1M RMB
Signing Gift upon Contract Completion
5–8M RMB
Personal Research Funds over 3 Years
2–4M RMB
Personal Funds for Young Talents (under 10 yrs exp.)
100M RMB
Maximum Project Funding (subject to requirements)
✈️ Complimentary airfare to China 🏠 Free accommodation in China πŸŽ“ Tuition-free education for children πŸ‡¨πŸ‡³ Green card eligibility after project πŸ₯ Post-retirement social welfare benefits

Three Innovative Talent Schemes

The Qiming Plan's Innovative Talent Schemes connect researchers with China-based enterprises that define specific research problem statements. Applicants need not submit a research proposal β€” instead, they are matched to existing problem statements in their field.

πŸ₯‰ Project 1

Innovative Bronze Talent Scheme

Eligibility Requirements
  • PhD degree (or equivalent) in science or technology
  • More than 3 years of post-PhD work experience in well-known enterprises, universities, or research institutions
  • Outstanding performance in their field
  • Minimum 3-year contract commitment upon selection
πŸ₯ˆ Project 2

Innovative Silver Talent Scheme

Team Composition

One Leader + 2 to 5 Core Members. Each member must sign a minimum 3-year contract.

Leader Requirements (any one or more)
  • Selected for the Bronze Innovative Talent Scheme
  • First/sole corresponding author in Nature, Science, Cell or a journal with impact factor β‰₯ 30
  • Senior member (Fellow) of an internationally renowned academic organisation
  • Professor or Associate Professor at a world-renowned university
  • Holder of international or domestic invention patents; Chairman/CEO/CTO of an enterprise with β‰₯500M RMB annual revenue or β‰₯20M RMB annual tax payment
Core Member Requirements
  • PhD + more than 3 years post-PhD experience in well-known enterprises, universities, or research institutions
πŸ₯‡ Project 3

Innovative Gold Talent Scheme

Team: Leader + 2 to 5 Core Members
Leader Requirements (any one or more)
  • Nobel Laureate (Physics, Chemistry, Physiology, or Medicine)
  • Winner of: China's Highest National Science & Technology Award, Copley Medal, Turing Award, Fields Medal, Wolf Prize, Abel Prize, Lasker Prize, Crafoord Prize, Shaw Prize, US National Medal of Science/Technology, French National Medal of Scientific Research
  • Member of an Academy of Sciences or Engineering from a developed country
  • CEO or CTO of a Fortune 500 company within the past 10 years
  • President or Vice-President of major international academic organisations: IEEE, IEE, IEC, APS, AIMBE, ACM, ASME, SIAM, AIAA, RSC, and others
  • President or Vice-President of a university ranked in the global top 150

General Eligibility Criteria

All applicants to any Qiming Plan scheme must satisfy the following foundational criteria:

  • PhD degree completed before 31st August 2023
  • Must be based in the field of science and technology (applicants from humanities, linguistics, or non-scientific fields are not eligible)
  • Applicants applying AI, machine learning, and mathematical algorithms to scientific fields are welcome
  • Must not currently be working in Mainland China as a regular employee
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Tentative Programme Timeline

Milestone Date
Research problem statements received from Chinese enterprises 15 May – 30 oct 2026
Researcher–problem statement matching period 1 May – 30 oct 2026
Final results announcement First week of November 2026
Commencement of work February – june 2027

πŸ“Œ Note

Researchers may request a delay to the commencement date by submitting a formal request to the managing authority.

Support & Guarantee Policies

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Living Subsidy

Government finance provides a one-time living subsidy of 1 million RMB per person for Innovation & Entrepreneurship project selections, and 500,000 RMB for Youth project selections.

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Welfare Benefits

Selected talents enjoy full support policies including pension and medical care coverage, children's schooling support, salary and benefits packages aligned with national standards.

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Matched Government Funding

Provincial, municipal, and district-level governments match national funding on a 1:1 basis. Total support for Innovation & Entrepreneurship projects reaches approximately 5 million RMB; Youth project support reaches approximately 2.5 million RMB.

Required Application Documents

The applicant completes the application form and supporting materials, which are then recommended by the employer to the local competent authority.

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Identity Documents

Scanned copy of national ID card or passport.

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Academic Qualifications

Scanned copies of academic qualifications and degree certificates.

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Employment Documents

Scanned copies of work contracts or letters of employment intent signed with the intended employer.

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Work Experience Proof

Documentation confirming professional work experience and positions held.

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Research Achievement Evidence

Proof materials for project hosting or participation, plus evidence of scientific research achievements, publications, and citations.

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Enterprise Qualifications

Enterprise qualifications, certifications, and related honours (where applicable). Explanatory materials for any exceptions to standard application conditions.

Submit Your Application

Ready to Join China's Premier Talent Programme?

Our team will guide you through every step of the application process β€” from eligibility assessment to contract signing.