Eligible Types of Affiliation

China/Hong Kong SAR (China) Students and Scholars proposing teaching or research projects in the U.S. may affiliate with research institutions, corporate research facilities, museums, libraries, accredited post-secondary academic institutions or similar types of institutions. The Institute of International Education (IIE) will sponsor the J-1 Exchange Visitor visa (Research Scholar or Professor category) for grantees from China/Hong Kong SAR.  Potential applicants who cannot be sponsored by IIE on a J-1 visa during the CUSP grant period are not eligible to apply to the CUSP.

U.S. Students and Scholars who propose to study, teach or conduct research in China/Hong Kong SAR (China) must affiliate with local institutions of higher education (universities or academies of social science). The proposed host institution should have official approval and be eligible to host international students and scholars. The host institution will issue the paperwork to secure the appropriate visa for the U.S. grantee.

Letter of Affiliation 

Letters of affiliation should be written in English, signed and on letterhead. If the letter is not in English, an English translation of the letter must be included in the application along with the original letter. Unofficial translations are acceptable.  

For Students

The affiliation letter for Students who propose to conduct research should come from the institution or individual in the host country with whom the applicant is proposing to work. The letter should confirm the writer’s intent to support the project, provide access to resources and other contacts and/or advise the applicant during the grant term. The letter should also address the feasibility of the applicant’s proposed project and identify the primary language to be used during the grant activity. 

Students that identify a host institution and include a letter of affiliation will be more competitive during the selection process. Before requesting the letter, applicants should provide a copy or summary of their project statement to their contact at their affiliated institution.  To identify potential host institutions, applicants may consult with faculty at their home institutions who may have contacts abroad in their discipline. CUSP is unable to suggest potential affiliations.

U.S. Students proposing to study in China or Hong Kong SAR (China) must apply independently to their study program and must also be accepted by the university. Acceptance is not required at the time of CUSP application, but applicants who include a letter of admission in their CUSP application will be more competitive during the selection process. Students may apply for a non-degree or certificate program, or a one-year Master’s degree. Please note that two-year’s Master’s degree and PhD programs are not eligible.   

For Scholars

A letter of affiliation is required for Scholars. Before requesting the letter, Scholars should provide potential hosts with a copy of their CV and a description of their proposed activities.
The affiliation letter should come from the host institution to which the applicant is being invited to teach and/or conduct research. The letter may include, but is not limited to, the following: a description of the proposed activities, including the time frame; resources that the host will provide; why the host is interested in the applicant’s project; and how the host expects it will benefit them. The letter should also identify the primary language to be used during the grant activity.