Aiming to attract world-class minds, Shanghai's Hongkou district has opened applications for the second round of 2025 funding to support top-tier international talent and outstanding overseas young talent.

This initiative is part of the district's ongoing Three-year Action Plan for Attracting Top International Talent (2024–2026).

Who can apply

Top-tier international talent

• World-renowned experts who are at the forefront of global academic and scientific fields. They should have solid foundations in science and the humanities, forward-looking insight, strong interdisciplinary understanding, and leadership in organizing large-scale research teams.
• Have come to China on or after Jan 1, 2022 and signed a labor contract of at least three years with an employer (including setting up an institution, master studio, or academician workstation). At the time of application, the contract must have at least one year remaining.

Outstanding overseas young talent

• Hold a PhD in a STEM field (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), awarded on or after Jan 1, 2022, from a university or research institution ranked among the world's top 200. The ranking should be based on the latest recognized global lists, including Times Higher Education, US News & World Report, QS World University Rankings, or the Academic Ranking of World Universities by ShanghaiRanking.
• Have signed a full-time labor contract for at least three years with an employer. As of the application date, the contract must have at least one year remaining.
• Contribute to the local social insurance system in accordance with the law.
• Born on or after Jan 1, 1985.

Employers

• Legally registered in Hongkou district.
• Operate in a well-regulated manner, have a good credit record, align with the district's development goals and have no record of serious violations or illegal activities.
• Recruited one of the two types of talent mentioned above.

What support is available

• Recognized top-tier international talent may receive a one-time grant of up to 1 million yuan ($137,000) — including personal income tax —  for themselves and their core team members.
• Recognized outstanding overseas young talent may receive a one-time grant of 50,000 yuan per person, including personal income tax.
• Employers who recruited the talent mentioned above may receive support funds of 50,000 yuan per person, up to a maximum of 200,000 yuan per year.

How to apply

1. Application period

From July 1 to Aug 31, 2025.

2. Application channels

Online preliminary review: Applicants and their employers should submit scanned copies of the application materials via email to hkrc_zp@163.com.

In-person submission: After passing the preliminary review, the applicant or employer should submit the paper materials in person at the reception window of the Shanghai Human Resources Development Service Center Hongkou Branch (Window 11, F1, Area A, No 1230 North Zhongshan Road Number One, Hongkou district).

3. Contact

For inquiries, please call 021-6512-3028.

What to submit

• Application form (individual version)
• Application form (employer version)
• A copy of the applicant's valid identification document, such as ID card, passport, mainland travel permits for Hong Kong and Macao residents, mainland travel permits for Taiwan residents, or residence permits for Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan residents. Both front and back sides must be provided.
• A copy of the applicant's highest academic degree certificate.
• A valid work permit and a residence permit.
• A copy of the labor contract signed between the applicant and their employer that complies with national regulations, valid for at least three years and has at least one year remaining from the date of application. If the applicant has established an institution, master studio, or academician workstation in Hongkou district, relevant certification from the industry authority must be submitted.
• Proof of the applicant's urban social insurance contributions in Shanghai (only required for outstanding overseas young talent).
• Any other supporting documents as requested.

Source: Hongkou district government