Pudong New Area has opened applications for the 2026 young PhD accommodation subsidy, an initiative aimed at attracting and retaining high-level talent in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.

The program accepts applications year-round, with monthly review and disbursement. Submissions made after the 10th day of each month will be processed in the following month.

1. Who can apply

Applicants must meet all of the following conditions:

• Hold a PhD degree in a STEM field from a high-level university, earned through a full-time program.
• Be 40 years old or younger as of Jan 1 of the year of application.
• Have begun working in Pudong after Jan 1, 2025, with lawful and continuous social insurance contributions in Pudong. The first month of the applicant's social insurance payment in Pudong must fall within two years of graduation, as indicated on the graduation certificate.
• Be employed by an enterprise or institution registered in Pudong, excluding district-affiliated public institutions.

2. Subsidy details

Eligible candidates will receive an accommodation subsidy of 100,000 yuan ($14,333), paid in two equal installments:

• The first installment (50,000 yuan) is paid after six consecutive months of social insurance contributions in Pudong.
• The second installment (50,000 yuan) is paid after completing 12 consecutive months of social insurance contributions in Pudong .

Note: Retroactive social insurance payments will not be recognized.

3. What to submit

• An application form.
• ID card or passport (for international applicants).
• Labor (employment) contract.
• Doctoral diploma and degree certificate, with an online verification report of academic credentials from the Ministry of Education; overseas PhD holders must also provide the Ministry of Education's official certificate for overseas academic degree verification.
• Personal commitment letter.
• Employer consent letter.

4. How to apply

Individual application

Applicants may scan the QR code below, select "Accommodation Subsidy for STEM PhD of Top Universities", and upload all required documents.

Employer-submitted application

For candidates employed by a district-level State-owned enterprise, on a labor dispatch contract, or with a history of labor dispatch, applications must be submitted by the employer through the "Employer Application" portal.

Applicants should submit the required documents to their employer. After verification, the employer will apply at rczc.pudong.gov.cn.

For district-level SOEs, the employer must verify the application, after which approval from higher authorities is required. For labor-dispatched employees, the actual employer is responsible for submitting the application.

5. Contact information

Innovation and Entrepreneurship Services Department at the Shanghai Pudong New Area Talent Service Center

Min: 021-5860-2548

Chen: 021-5860-0242

Email: minych@pudong.gov.cn

Source: Official WeChat account of Zhangjiang Science City Science and Technology Innovation Industry Service Center (ID: "zhangjiangfabu")