Call for Applications: ICOM–IMREC Master’s Scholarship Programme 2026

ICOM and the International Museum Research and Exchange Centre (IMREC), in partnership with Shanghai University, are pleased to announce the launch of the 2026 call for applications for the ICOM-IMREC Master's Scholarship Programme.

Up to 10 fully funded scholarships are available for ICOM members wishing to pursue a three-year Master's Degree in Museum Studies at the School of Cultural Heritage and Information Management, Shanghai University.

This competitive programme supports museum and heritage professionals at any stage of their career who wish to deepen their expertise. The Master's in Museum Studies at Shanghai University provides a strong academic and practical grounding in museology, enriched by interdisciplinary courses, field experience, and contributions from leading international experts.

The scholarship covers the full duration of the programme and is open exclusively to ICOM members, reflecting ICOM's commitment to strengthening professional capacities and international exchange within the museum sector.

Selected candidates will receive:

• Full tuition coverage for the three-year programme;
• On-campus accommodation with a limited living stipend, or an equivalent housing allowance (up to the established maximum) for students who choose to live off campus.
• Access to academic, professional, and fieldwork opportunities within China's dynamic museum sector

Applicants must:

• Be non-Chinese citizens holding a valid ordinary passport
• Hold a Bachelor's degree
• Demonstrate English proficiency
• Be an ICOM member in good standing
• Provide one recommendation letter from an ICOM member

Deadline for applications: 15 February 2026

• December 2025 - February 2026: Online applications open on the Shanghai University Admission Portal
• April - May 2026: Academic review by the ICOM-IMREC Board
• June 2026: Confirmation of scholarship recipients
• July - September 2026: Finalisation of enrolment and visa procedures

Applicants must register and submit their materials through the Shanghai University platform:

Apply here!

(Select Museum Studies under the School of Cultural Heritage and Information Management.)

For questions regarding the application process:

• Mr. SONG, School of Cultural Heritage and Information Management: [email protected]
• Ms. LIU, International Students Admission Office: [email protected]

Current ICOM members enrolled in the programme have highlighted the value of the academic environment, the international perspective, and the hands-on experience offered by Shanghai University:

"The ICOM-IMREC scholarship at Shanghai University offers me a unique chance to understand the museum landscape within a new cultural context. Through this program, I gained access to China's vast network of museums and heritage sites, providing crucial hands-on knowledge in heritage management and a valuable network of leading scholars and experts." Grace, Singapore

"Being an ICOM-IMREC scholarship student at Shanghai University has been a meaningful experience so far. I really appreciate this opportunity. All of us in the cohort actively exchange our experiences, coming from different countries, museum practices and cultural backgrounds, which makes the learning environment truly dynamic. And the courses help us gain practical skills that are directly useful for our own projects and museum work." Nazik, Kyrgyzstan

→ For more details on the application process click here