GRIPS Summer Research Internship 2026 in China (Fully Funded)
China excels in fast-paced research across STEM fields. The GRIPS Summer Research Internship invites talented undergraduate and graduate students to top labs at four leading universities: Zhejiang University (ZJU), University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Fudan University, and Nanjing University.
This funded summer program offers hands-on projects, cultural activities, and networking. Around 100-200 spots target motivated internationals. Duration 5-6 weeks in-person.
From my support for China programs, matching interests to specific PIs boosts chances. One student from Germany joined a quantum lab after detailed emails. Another applied broadly and got waitlisted. Tools like Numbeo show host cities costs ¥4,000-8,000/month. Funding covers key expenses.
What Is the Program?
GRIPS provides immersive research at Yangtze River Delta unis. Started 2018, focuses on diverse young scientists.
Key facts:
- June 29 start 2026 (5-6 weeks).
- Lab work, industry visits, excursions.
- Cultural events (calligraphy, tea, hiking).
- Lectures, symposium.
- ~100 participants.
Cities: Hangzhou (ZJU), Hefei (USTC), Shanghai (Fudan), Nanjing. Dynamic innovation hubs.
Also apply for this amazing opportunity OIST Internship Program in Japan
Eligibility Criteria
You qualify if:
- Enrolled undergrad (junior/senior preferred) or graduate.
- Strong academics (B+ equiv).
- Relevant field interest.
- All nationalities.
- Full commitment.
No strict tests; English main.
Opinion: Inclusive, values diverse views. Proactive applicants thrive.
Also check: CSIS Internships in the USAÂ
Program Benefits
Funded core costs.
- Tuition/registration waived.
- Accommodation provided.
- Travel expenses (flights).
- Participation certificate.
- Free activities (cultural, visits, picnics).
Table: Coverage
| Item | Covered | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Travel | Yes | Return flights |
| Housing | Yes | Campus/dorm |
| Activities | Yes | Cultural/excursions |
| Certificate | Yes | Completion |
| Meals/Stipend | Partial (activities) | Self some |
Covers major; personal extras.
Internship Areas
Broad STEM:
- Engineering/Technology
- Life Sciences/Medicine
- Natural/Interdisciplinary Science
- Social Science
Projects per uni labs (list updates annually).
Required Documents
- Photo.
- Passport.
- Transcript/degree.
- CV.
- Purpose statement.
- Recommendation.
- 3-min video intro.
- Supporting (awards).
How to Apply for GRIPS Summer Research Internship?
- Review guidelines/projects on grips.zju.edu.cn.
- Contact PIs (up to 2 unis).
- Online grips.zju.edu.cn/login (Jan 5-Mar 1).
- Upload docs.
- Submit.
No fee. Results post-March.
Tip: Select 2 PIs max; show project knowledge.
Why Join GRIPS?
Top unis (QS top 50 many). Collaborative labs. Global peers.
Yangtze Delta vibrant, history/tech mix.
Contrarian: Group format less individual. But structured activities rich. Reviews: “Inspiring, friendships last.”
More Internships
Useful Links
- grips.zju.edu.cn – Official/main.
- grips.zju.edu.cn/apply – Process.
- grips.zju.edu.cn/projects – Labs.
- numbeo.com (cities) – Costs low-mid.
- fastweb.com – Lists.
- goingmerry.com – Clean.
Application Checklist
- Browse projects/PIs.
- Contact early.
- Prepare video.
- Rec letter.
- Transcript ready.
- Purpose strong.
- Visa plan.
- Full dates.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
No PI contact (weak). Generic docs. Miss video. Late (March 1). Wrong uni projects.
PAA: Funded? Core yes. Spots ~100. Start June 29.
Living Costs in Host Cities
Single ¥4,000-8,000/month average (Numbeo Jan 2026). Rent covered. Food ¥2,000. Funding handles.
Numbeo honest: Varies Shanghai high.
Strong opinion: GRIPS gateway to China research. Funded group experience unique. Apply if collaborative.
