China Qiming Program
2025 China Qiming Plan · Torch Plan · Ruijin Plan · Yangtze River Scholars · Overseas Outstanding Youth Application. Three innovative talent schemes with generous remuneration for world-class researchers and scientists.
Remuneration & 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 — instead, they are matched to existing problem statements in their field.
Innovative Bronze Talent Scheme
- 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
Innovative Silver Talent Scheme
One Leader + 2 to 5 Core Members. Each member must sign a minimum 3-year contract.
- Selected for the Bronze Innovative Talent Scheme
- First/sole corresponding author in Nature, Science, Cell or a journal with impact factor ≥ 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 ≥500M RMB annual revenue or ≥20M RMB annual tax payment
- PhD + more than 3 years post-PhD experience in well-known enterprises, universities, or research institutions
Innovative Gold Talent Scheme
- 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
Tentative Programme Timeline
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Research problem statements received from Chinese enterprises | 15 May – 31 Dec 2026 |
| Researcher–problem statement matching period | 1 May – 30 Dec 2026 |
| Final results announcement | First week of November 2026 |
| Commencement of work | February – March 2026 |
Note
Researchers may request a delay to the commencement date by submitting a formal request to the managing authority.
Support & Guarantee Policies
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.
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.
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.
Identity Documents
Scanned copy of national ID card or passport.
Academic Qualifications
Scanned copies of academic qualifications and degree certificates.
Employment Documents
Scanned copies of work contracts or letters of employment intent signed with the intended employer.
Work Experience Proof
Documentation confirming professional work experience and positions held.
Research Achievement Evidence
Proof materials for project hosting or participation, plus evidence of scientific research achievements, publications, and citations.
Enterprise Qualifications
Enterprise qualifications, certifications, and related honours (where applicable). Explanatory materials for any exceptions to standard application conditions.
Ready to Join China's Premier Talent Programme?
Our team will guide you through every step of the application process — from eligibility assessment to contract signing.