GUIDELINES FOR THE 2024 -2025 AUSTRALIAN STUDIES IN CHINA PROGRAM (2024 ASP)
FOUNDATION FOR AUSTRALIAN STUDIES IN CHINA (FASIC)
The 2024 ASP is a series of grants that are intended to promote Australian Studies within China. The 2024 ASP is managed and funded by FASIC. FASIC supports initiatives which deepen understanding between the peoples of Australia and China, across a range of disciplines and fields of study, as listed below. FASIC initiated and supported the BHP Chair of Australian Studies at Peking University and has provided grants and scholarships to Australian and Chinese academics, postgraduate students, and professionals. FASIC also supports the newly announced Colin Mackerras Chair of Australian Studies at Beijing Foreign Studies University.
PROJECT ASSESSMENT PROCESS
The 2024 ASP is advised by an Academic Advisory Committee (AAC), chaired by Emeritus Professor Greg McCarthy, the second BHP Chair of Australian Studies at Peking University (March 2016 – January 2019) and comprised of a panel of Australian academic experts, to assess and make recommendations on the grants.
The AAC independently measures the quality of the applications, based on the research objective, research experience relative to opportunity and the application’s contribution to the field, plus the funding justification for the research and/or respective project, and measures the stated outputs as set out in the grant proposal.
The 2024 ASP grants are competitively awarded to the highest quality applications. In making an application, the AAC recommends that applicants follow closely the instructions as set out below and seek to present the best quality applications to FASIC.
Please contact FASIC if you need clarity on your application by emailing
GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR THE 2024 ASP
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- Each Australian Studies Centre or similar research unit, individual researchers, collaborative teams and the centre/unit are encouraged to submit grant applications. Preference will be given to diversified topics and focused areas of Australian Studies, which will benefit a deeper understanding of Australia and Australia’s relationship with China, across multiple fields, for example, culture, economics, education, welfare, technology, medicine, environmental, social and governance.
- Following the aim of reaching as many research applications as possible, assessment preference is given to new projects over recurring projects.
- All ASC applications must be signed off by the relevant director of the Australian Studies Centre or by their Dean or the equivalent supervisor.
- As part of the selection criteria and guidelines, the activities seeking support under the 2024 ASP shall not be in areas of strategic sensitive research or involve any activity that poses a risk to the security or interests as defined by relevant Australian Commonwealth laws and regulations.
- As an applicant, it is essential to be aware of the potential impact your proposed activities may have on Australia's national interests and the reputation of FASIC. If the applicant becomes aware of any activity that might run counter to such interests or have the potential to damage the reputation of FASIC, the applicant must notify FASIC immediately.
- All applicants are required to state the measurable project outcomes and reasonable timeline. A mid-project progress report is required to be submitted to
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . - An itemised and detailed budget plan must be included in the application. For applications that require funding exceeding the category-caped amount are required to provide information regarding any additional funding sources.
- For Category 2 applications, they should be aware of the travel requirements in place by the Australian government for 2024-2025 as per the government website. Also, an applicant may want supervision or collaboration with an Australian researcher in person or through virtual platforms or other electronic means. A signed host institution form is required at the time of submitting the project application. If you require assistance in locating a suitable host institution or supervisor in Australia, please email
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . - Please find links to full application forms at the bottom of this information section.
- Each Australian Studies Centre or similar research unit, individual researchers, collaborative teams and the centre/unit are encouraged to submit grant applications. Preference will be given to diversified topics and focused areas of Australian Studies, which will benefit a deeper understanding of Australia and Australia’s relationship with China, across multiple fields, for example, culture, economics, education, welfare, technology, medicine, environmental, social and governance.
FUNDING CATEGORIES
Based on the recommendations of the AAC and having considered feedback from prior ASP participants, the 2024 ASP will continue to focus on three categories of activities, outlined below.
1. CATEGORY 1: COMPETITIVE PROJECTS FOR RESEARCH AND CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT
(a) GUIDELINES
The Program seeks to encourage high-quality, innovative research by Chinese academics and graduate students and to support the teaching of Australian Studies in Chinese universities. Lastly, the Research and Curriculum Developments grants scheme is available to individuals or collaborative teams for specific projects to be undertaken in the forthcoming year.
Research: The Research and Curriculum Development grants are open to graduate students and academic staff. We encourage projects that include research in Australia and develop a deeper understanding of Australia. Applicants need to demonstrate how their research will contribute to the Australian Studies field in China and engage with existing scholarship.
Curriculum Development: a small amount of funding is reserved to assist in the development of new courses and programs in Australian Studies or add new Australian content to existing courses in Chinese universities. Applicants needs to demonstrate that facilities are in place for the new course/program to be implemented in their school/department.
Requests for purchasing resources (books and other research or teaching materials) can be included in applications. These requests must be linked to a specific research project or curriculum development initiative. All books and other resources purchased with grant money should be given to the relevant Australian Studies Centre once the project is completed.
Successful applications will be granted up to AU$6,000 each.
Centres can also bid for building a small collection or ‘library’ in a centre with priority areas for teaching/research needs. Funded up to AU$1,000.
Funding for research in Australia can be used to cover costs such as transport (domestic & international), accommodation, meals, books, photocopying and registration fees where applicable. It cannot be used on items related to visa applications, health insurance and telephone bills or to pay the applicant/s. A mid-project progress report and a final acquittal report are required to be submitted to
(b) APPLICATION FORM (WITH ANNOTATED INSTRUCTIONS)
Click to view the annotated application form. Application forms are located at the bottom of this page.
2. CATEGORY 2: COLLABORATIVE INITIATIVES FOR AUSTRALIAN STUDIES CENTRES
(a) GUIDELINES
China now has many well-established and very capable Australian Studies Centres which teach and conduct research across a wide range of disciplines. The purpose of this fund is to support collaborative initiatives between Australian Studies Centres in China. Such projects may include significant conferences, workshops, post-graduate training programs, high-profile public events, exceptional translation projects, high-profile publications or competitions or the creation of new teaching resources, or other initiatives which advance Australian Studies in China. A centre must be registered with the Chinese Association of Australian Studies to be considered eligible for this fund.
Successful applications may be granted up to AU$ 6,000 each. A mid-project progress report and a final acquittal report are required to be submitted to
Additionally, to the ASC network, China has a range of researchers working on Australian topics and collaborative initiatives and they are open to applying for collaborative funding, with the support of their area Dean or the equivalent. The applications can include significant conferences, workshops, and high-profile events, which further the mutual understanding between Australia and China. The collaborative partners will need to show how the funding will create a deeper understanding of Australia, for example, research on how Australia addresses economics, social, welfare, educational, medical and cultural issues.
(b) APPLICATION FORM (WITH ANNOTATED INSTRUCTIONS)
Click to view the annotated application form. Application forms are located at the bottom of this page.
3. CATEGORY 3: INTERNAL TRAVEL GRANTS
(a) GUIDELINES
This program is to facilitate visits between centres in China for collaborations within/ involving the ASC network and/ or to consult resources held in other centres or university libraries.
This is for postgraduates and early career academics and the focus should be research and/or curriculum development.
Successful applications will be granted up to AU$1,500 each. It is recommended that a small amount out of the grant (e.g., AU$300) to be paid by the successful applicant to their host institution.
A mid-project progress report and a final acquittal report are required to be submitted to
(b) APPLICATION FORM (WITH ANNOTATED INSTRUCTIONS)
Click to view the annotated application form. Application forms are located at the bottom of this page.
HOW TO APPLY
Interested parties should follow the guidelines and complete an application form corresponding to the category of the applying grant (MS Word version of the forms are downloadable on fasic.org.au). A Host Institution Form must be included in the application materials if the applicant/s plans to travel to Australia for the purpose of their proposed project. Applications materials should be sent to:
OBLIGATIONS OF GRANT RECIPIENTS
Grant recipients must, at all times:
- Act in a thorough, professional and competent manner;
- In a manner consistent with the good name, goodwill and reputation of the ASP and FASIC; and
- In compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
Grant recipients must not:
- Act in a manner which brings the ASP and FASI C into disrepute; or
- Act in a manner which will result in the ASP and FASIC suffering a material deterioration of its public image for whatever cause.
You must acknowledge the support of FASIC in print and digital publications, promotional and advertising collaterals, and public statements. If your project(s) involves an event or presentation, please inform FASIC about the event details, including its invitation, media releases, and links to attend the event.
Acquittal and Reporting
Grant recipients must fully acquit their funding, and return any unspent funds to FASIC, within 30 days of the conclusion of the funded activity. The acquittal should include the original budget as submitted to the program, as well as the final spending. Please include copies of receipts for all expenses incurred at the time of submitting the acquittal.
Grant recipients should also, within 30 days, provide a report of no more than 500 words with at least one photo or image, describing the event, outcomes, next steps, and any media coverage, if relevant.
Download the Application Forms below
Category 1 – Competitive Projects for Research and Curriculum Development
Category 2 – Collaborative Initiatives for Australian Studies Centres
Category 3 – Internal Travel Grants
Host Institution Form (For applicants who are travelling to Australia)