China Fellowship
Forecasted
China Fellowship supports emerging design students in China through independent travel and research on the Foundation’s current topic to broaden their education and inform teaching or professional practice.
Funder: SOM Foundation
Due Dates (Anticipated): April 2027 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: $15,000 annually to one student for independent travel and research
Summary: Supports emerging design students in the People’s Republic of China through independent travel and research addressing the SOM Foundation’s current topic.
Key Information: Applicants must be in the last two years of an eligible professionally accredited degree program in the People’s Republic of China.
Description
Established in 2006, the SOM Foundation’s China Fellowship supports emerging design leaders in architecture, landscape architecture, interior architecture, and urban design. It funds independent travel and research that broadens students’ education and contributes to their future professional and academic careers. Research must address the Foundation’s current topic, with findings developed into conclusions or suggestions for teaching and/or professional practice.
The 2026 topic, “Exploring the Potential of Mobility Corridors,” examined how movement infrastructure shapes the built environment and supports sustainable growth, ecosystems, and communities. The Foundation’s 2026–2027 research framework is “AI, the Built Environment, and Human Agency.” Past fellowship research has explored housing equity, air quality, water security, public space, and urban regeneration.
