Fellowship Program
E-learning or Hybrid learning | Executive Program
Via our Fellowship Program, we provide selected individuals a one-year intensive learning opportunity and extended hands-on guided support focused on successfully launching their business venture, which can be a new start-up or expansion of existing foreign business into China.
In phase 1 of the program, we support you by developing foundational knowledge required to operate successfully in the Chinese market, ranging from Sales & Marketing, Operations & Supply Chain, and Finance & Risk Management to Human Resources and organizational development. Phase 1 equals the Entrepreneurship program.
In phase 2 of the program, we continue to support further management knowledge required for efficiently managing daily operations. Dedicated post establishment management support includes providing professional executive coaching to our new entrepreneurs.
During the program we provide leadership assessment resources, a network of peers, and sector expertise, and introductions to providers of targeted financial capital.
Target audience
This program is ideal for individuals seeking to establish or grow their business venture in China as well as for international organizations aiming to expand their permanent business presence in the Chinese market
Delivery
We apply a blended approach to realize an optimized learning experience:
- Executive courses part of the development of knowledge includes online asynchronous and synchronous delivery, enabling the fellow to progress through the materials at an own pace, as well as direct 1:1 in-person and/or online contact with the course professors.
- Intensive in-person guidance and support in preparation to as well as during the factfinding mission to China and subsequent applied research for the preparation of the personalized business plan.
- Regular 1:1 in-person and/or online professional executive coaching.
Duration
The China Fellowship Program takes one year to complete, based on an average time commitment of 15 hours per week.
- Phase 1: Business launch preparation – 6 months
- Phase 2: Business acceleration – 6 months
Phase 1: Business Preparation
First step is to develop essential knowledge in accordance with applicable Chinese law and regulations on the establishment and modeling of an organization. This newfound knowledge is further complemented with first-hand insights and experiences provided by experienced China-based entrepreneurs. Fellows will primarily develop their foundational knowledge by learning via Digital Campus, complemented by coaching sessions with professors and expert contributors. Standard study mode is asynchronous, which allows fellows to study at their own convenience.
Students who have already completed the Entrepreneurship Program may enter the Fellowship Program directly at Phase 2, receiving credit for Phase 1. Please find the detailed course outline here
Phase 2: Business Acceleration
During the second phase of the program, we support you writing the business plan that will be the foundation for setting up your business venture in China. Via customized coaching sessions we remain closely connected and provide you with essential knowledge and insights related to managing business operations in China, supporting better informed business decisions. We will support you developing your professional and trusted network to accelerate business development.
Outcomes Phase 1
Successful completion of Phase 1 of the Fellowship Program results in achievement of the following outcomes:
- A well-researched business plan.
- First-hand insight and experience of China’s business environment.
- New gained contacts relevant to the development of the new business venture.
- New gained foundational knowledge related to performing investment, organizational design, market- and industry and strategy formulation.
Upon successful completion of Phase 1, you will make the decision whether or not to establish their business venture in China. A private decision to be made. When the decision is made to proceed with incorporation, you will move onwards towards Phase 2 of the Program.
Students who decide not (directly) to establish a business venture will receive a Diploma in Entrepreneurship in China issued by the Institute for China Studies acknowledging their performance in the program. Deferred entry into Phase 2 of the Program is possible up to 1 year after completion of Phase 1.
Outcomes Phase 2
Successful completion of Phase 2 of the Fellowship Program results in achievement of the following outcomes:
- Establishment of the business venture in China.
- Becoming member of the China Entrepreneur’s Cycle, connecting with peers and relevant business contacts.
- New gained managerial knowledge related to human resources management, sales and business development and protection of intellectual property.
- New gained knowledge and insights in the execution of your new leadership role, customized towards the business case delivered via 1:1 executive coaching.
Upon successful completion of Phase 2, you will be able to successfully manage their business operations in China and have developed a business network relevant to their organizations. You will receive an Advanced Diploma in Entrepreneurship issued by the Institute for China Studies acknowledging their performance in the program.
At Phase 2 of the program, you will formally establish your business venture in China.
To further support your long-term success, we may, on a selective basis, co-invest in promising ventures by taking a minority shareholding. Our investment may include (a combination of) capital contribution, ongoing executive coaching, and access to professional business services at preferential rates.
Preconditions for co-investment include outstanding performance during Phase 1 of the program, as well as the development of a thoroughly researched, highly feasible, and immediately actionable business plan.
For startups entering the China market, especially those in the early stages with limited operational capacity, maintaining healthy cashflow is essential. To support this transition, we connect fellows who choose to establish a business venture in China with our network of trusted and thoroughly vetted business partners.
These partners have committed to offering essential business support services at preferential, discounted rates. Their expertise spans critical areas such as company registration, accounting, audit, payroll, company secretarial and compliance services.
Tuition fee
Tuition fee for the entire program is EUR 9.000 to be paid in a single installment in advance, or EUR 2.500 to be paid in four quarterly installments. Total tuition EUR 10.000.
The tuition fee includes all necessary literature and study materials, guidance and support during your studies, free extension of the study duration (if required), and 1:1 contact with your course professor.
Credit
Having completed one of multiple of Institute of China Studies’ Certificate or Diploma courses included in the program as a standalone course prior to the start of the program might result in credit of the tuition fee. Please contact us for more information.
Start date
Open enrollment applies to this course. You can start this course at a timing of your own convenience.
Contact us
Would you like more information about the course and the admission requirements? Then request a free study consultation. Of course, free of charge and without obligation. This way you will learn more about the content of the entrepreneurship program, the teaching materials, the factfinding mission to China, the online learning environment and professional 1:1 coaching.