Universities China Committee In London

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £99,154 (2021)
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: 3-4 weeks
• Grant Range: £2,000 (travel grants) - £10,000 (PhD bursaries)
• Geographic Focus: UK and China

Contact Details

• Website: www.universitiesccl.org.uk
• Phone: 020 7802 2013
• Email: info@universitiesccl.org.uk
• Address: 4th Floor, Kings Buildings, 16 Smith Square, London SW1P 3HQ

Overview

The Universities China Committee in London (UCCL) is a registered charity (No. 314133) dedicated to supporting academic exchange and research collaboration between the United Kingdom and China. With annual expenditure of approximately £126,482 (2024), UCCL focuses on fostering China-focused studies in the UK and facilitating the two-way flow of academic exchange. The organization operates with 4 trustees and 12 volunteers, maintaining a lean structure to maximize grant distribution to scholars and researchers in arts, humanities, and social sciences disciplines.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

UCCL Travel and Study Grants: Up to £2,000

• Support for research visits between UK and China
• Three application rounds annually (February, June, November)
• Covers flights (up to £1,000), accommodation, and research costs
• Available to scholars at all career stages

4th Year PhD Completion Bursaries: Up to £10,000

• Annual competitive award for UK/Home fee doctoral candidates
• Supports final year thesis writing in Chinese Studies
• Single application round each December
• Paid in two installments (September and January)

Priority Areas

• Arts, humanities, and social sciences research focused on China
• Bilateral academic exchange between UK and China
• Support for doctoral completion in Chinese Studies
• Research visits and collaborative projects
• Conference participation related to China research

What They Don't Fund

• Retrospective funding for completed travel
• IT equipment purchases
• Printing costs for publications
• Thank you gifts or hospitality
• Repeat grants for the same project
• Research outside arts, humanities, and social sciences

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Governance and Leadership

UCCL operates with 4 trustees and 12 volunteers. The organization maintains a streamlined governance structure with no paid employees earning over £60,000 annually. Trustees receive no remuneration or payments for their service.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Travel and Study Grants:

• Submit application via online form on UCCL website
• Two academic references required (one must have established China research experience)
• References must be emailed directly from referee's institutional email
• Applications reviewed three times annually

PhD Completion Bursaries:

• Submit completed application form by December 1st
• Include 5,000-10,000 word writing sample
• Provide project summary with table of contents
• Two academic reference letters required
• Budget outline for proposed use of funds

Decision Timeline

• Travel Grants: 3-4 weeks from deadline to decision
• Deadlines: February 1st, June 1st, November 1st
• Committee meets 3rd week of each deadline month
• Outcomes communicated within one week of meeting

• PhD Bursaries: 6-8 weeks from December deadline
• Annual deadline: December 1st
• Decisions typically announced by late January

Success Rates

Not publicly disclosed

Reapplication Policy

• Cannot receive repeat grants for the same project
• Post-project reports required before future applications considered
• No restrictions on applying for different projects

Application Success Factors

Based on UCCL's funding patterns and requirements:

• Strong academic references crucial: One referee must have “long-standing record and experience” in China research
• Clear demonstration of need: Must show funding unavailable from other sources
• Detailed budget justification: Specific caps apply (£100/day UK accommodation, £80/day China)
• Career development focus: PhD bursary preference given to those pursuing academic careers in China studies
• Evidence of progress: PhD candidates must demonstrate substantial research progress through supervisor reports and written work
• Language competency: Sufficient Chinese language knowledge required for PhD bursaries
• Compliance with reporting: Previous grant recipients must submit reports before reapplying

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• UCCL offers modest but accessible grants with three annual opportunities for travel funding
• Strong preference for arts, humanities, and social sciences over STEM fields
• Essential to demonstrate no alternative funding available
• References carry significant weight - choose referees with established China expertise
• Budget requests must align with specific caps (accommodation, flights, conference fees)
• PhD bursary highly competitive - requires demonstration of academic career trajectory
• Post-award reporting mandatory for future eligibility

References

• Charity Commission Register of Charities - UNIVERSITIES CHINA COMMITTEE IN LONDON (314133).. https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-search/-/charity-details/314133
• Universities China Committee in London Official Website.. https://universitiesccl.org.uk
• UCCL Travel and Study Grants page.. https://universitiesccl.org.uk/travel-and-study-grants
• UCCL 4th Year Bursaries page.. https://universitiesccl.org.uk/4th-year-bursaries