Since 2014, MEL has run the Undergraduate Research Fellowship (URF) in Marine Environmental Science. The program gives undergraduate students an early start in research, helps them build strong academic and innovation skills, and encourages a lasting interest in science. It also serves as a stepping stone for outstanding students who wish to pursue graduate studies.
Applications for the 2026 program will be open from April 8 to May 8, 2026. Details are as follows:
Is this for you?
●Outstanding undergraduate students from universities worldwide who will maintain undergraduate status during the program.
●Strong interest in marine and environmental science research, excellent academic performance, and aspiration to pursue research in related fields.
What you'll be doing
Once admitted, students must contact their instructors to discuss and prepare for the project.
The program will primarily take place in July–August 2026. An opening ceremony, academic lectures, and safety training will be held around mid-to-late July (exact dates to be announced). Selected students will conduct literature review, learn instrument operation, perform data analysis, and develop independent research and communication skills under the guidance of their supervisors within 1-2 months.
Students will participate in various academic events, interact freely with supervisors and graduate students, and have opportunities to join field trips in the Xiamen area. Students are also required to attend security trainings organized by the Centre of Major Equipment and Technology (COMET) and equipment trainings of their research group.
Selected Xiamen University students are expected to complete their own research and also assist in organizing academic and extracurricular activities, helping international and non-local students acclimate to the campus and surroundings.
How to apply
Applicants can choose a research project from the list attached to this announcement. Applications outside the list will not be accepted this year. Applications are due by May 8, 2026. The URF Committee will organize the review process and notify all the applicants of their decision in the late May or early June.
To apply, please fill out the online Application Form and upload the required documents at:
https://melmeeting.xmu.edu.cn/fellowship/login.asp
Required Documents to upload:
1. Contact information of one or two referees (the program coordinator will contact them for reference letters).;
2. A scanned copy of transcript with grade point average (GPA)/ranking and the official seal/signature of the Dean's office from your home institution;
3. Scanned copies of supporting materials (e.g., award certificates, published papers, English proficiency certificates).;
4. Proof of accident insurance (If not available, MEL will purchase insurance for fellows before the start of the project);
5. Travel budget form (template attached)
Note: Combine documents (2)–(5) into a single PDF file (max. 20 MB) before uploading. After uploading, please verify that the file can be previewed and downloaded correctly.
We've got you covered
•Stipend
MEL will provide fellows with a monthly stipend of up to 1700 RMB (pre-tax, full attendance) during the implementation of the project (1 to 2 months).
•Travel
MEL will cover fellows' round-trip travel expenses as follows:
●Students from overseas universities or from Taiwan, China: We will get your economy class flight covered — up to 1000 USD for travel from Asia, Africa, or Oceania, and up to 2000 USD from other continents..
●Train, high-speed rail, or bus travel within China: Second-class seats will be covered-just keep in mind that any upgrade to a higher class would be at your own expense.
●Students from Mainland China, Hong Kong, or Macao, China: We will cover second-class train (including high-speed) or bus tickets. You may also choose to fly- in that case, we can reimburse up to the cost of a second-class train ticket for the same route. Any additional amount would be your own contribution.
* Local transportation to/from airports or train stations is not covered.
•Housing
On-campus accommodation will be provided and accommodation fees will be covered. Dormitories will likely open in early July (exact date TBD). Students arriving earlier must arrange their own accommodation or consult their supervisor. Thank you for your understanding.
Completing the program
Each student must:
1.Deliver an oral presentation on their research within their host research group before the end of the program.
2.Submit a final research poster within one week after the program ends.
3.Acknowledge the support of the “State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science (MEL), Xiamen University – Undergraduate Research Fellowship” in any reports, papers, or other academic outputs resulting from the work conducted during the program.
The URF Committee will evaluate student performance. Those who successfully complete the program will receive a certificate. Outstanding participants will be awarded.
Get in touch
Program Coordinator: Ms. Guanfei WANG
Tel: +86-592-2880339
Email: gfwang@xmu.edu.cn
Address: Zhou Long Quan Building, Xiang'an Campus, Xiang'an South Road, Xiamen 361102, Fujian Province, China
