The Shenzhen University (SZU) PhD Scholarships 2025 are now open for international students seeking a fully funded opportunity to pursue a Doctoral (PhD) degree in China. These scholarships provide financial support, including tuition waivers, monthly living stipends, accommodation assistance, and research funding. This prestigious program is available to non-Chinese citizens worldwide, offering an exceptional academic experience in Shenzhen, China’s innovation hub.
Host Institution: Shenzhen University (SZU), China
Degree Level: PhD (Doctoral)
Scholarship Type: Fully Funded
Eligible Applicants: International Students
Application Deadline: May 15, 2025
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Why Choose Shenzhen University for Your PhD?
World-Class Education: Shenzhen University ranks among the top Chinese institutions for research and innovation.
Multiple Scholarship Options: Including Guangdong Government Scholarship, Liyuan International Scholarship, and Shenzhen Universiade Scholarship.
Strategic Location: Shenzhen is China’s tech and business hub, providing outstanding academic and professional opportunities.
Diverse Research Fields: SZU offers PhD programs in science, engineering, liberal arts, medicine, and more.
Affordable Costs: Lower tuition and living costs compared to many global institutions, with on-campus accommodation available.
Available Subjects
All subjects are available for PhD studies under this scholarship program.
Scholarship Benefits
Available PhD Scholarships at SZU:
1. Provincial & Municipal Scholarships:
- Guangdong Government Outstanding International Student Scholarship: 30,000 RMB per year.
- Shenzhen Universiade Scholarship: 40,000 RMB per year.
2. Liyuan International Scholarship (Fully Funded):
- First Class: Full tuition waiver + 6,000 RMB/month living allowance.
- Second Class: Full tuition waiver + 5,000 RMB/month living allowance.
- Third Class: Full tuition waiver + 4,000 RMB/month living allowance.
3. Research Funding:
- Supervisors provide an annual research allowance of 12,000 RMB for academic research and conference participation.
- Scholarships cover the first extended year of study but are not available beyond that.
Why Study in Shenzhen, China?
Innovation Hub: Home to major tech companies and research institutes, offering exceptional career prospects.
Multicultural Environment: Shenzhen hosts a diverse international student community.
Affordable Living Costs: High-quality lifestyle at a reasonable cost compared to other major Chinese cities.
Advanced Research Facilities: Shenzhen University boasts state-of-the-art laboratories, research centers, and industry collaborations.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for this scholarship, applicants must meet the following requirements:
Nationality: Must be a non-Chinese citizen with a valid foreign passport.
Health: Applicants must be in good physical and mental health.
Academic Qualification: Must hold a Master’s degree or be in the final year of their Master’s program. An expected graduation certificate can be submitted, but the official degree must be provided before enrollment.
Age Limit: Must be under 40 years old at the time of application.
Language Proficiency:
- For Chinese-taught programs: HSK 4 (minimum 180) for Science & Engineering; HSK 5 (minimum 180) for Liberal Arts, Medicine, and Arts.
- For English-taught programs: TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent proof of English proficiency.
- Native English or Chinese speakers may be exempted from language certification.
Application Procedure
Application Timeline:
- Application Opens: January 1, 2025
- Application Deadline: May 15, 2025
- Pre-Admission Results: June 2025
- Final Admission Offer: July 2025
Step-by-Step Application Process:
- Find a Supervisor: Contact potential PhD supervisors at SZU and request a Letter of Recommendation.
- Register Online: Complete your application via the SZU Online Application Portal.
- Submit Required Documents: Upload the following documents:
- Master’s Degree Certificate (or pre-graduation certificate for final-year students).
- Official transcripts of all postgraduate coursework.
- Two Letters of Recommendation from professors or associate professors.
- Personal Statement (1500 words) detailing intended research area, supervisor choice, academic achievements, and career goals.
- Copy of Passport and Passport Photo.
- Letter of Recommendation from Potential Supervisor.
- Language Proficiency Certificate (HSK, TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent for non-native speakers).
- Resume (CV) covering education history from primary school to present.
- Foreigner Physical Examination Form (for visa purposes).
- Non-Criminal Record Report (translated and notarized in Chinese).
- Scholarship Application Form (if applying for scholarships).
Important Notes:
- All documents must be in English or Chinese (if not, provide a notarized translation).
- Incomplete applications will NOT be processed.
Selection & Admission Process
Document Review: SZU admissions panel evaluates applications.
Interviews: Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an online or in-person interview.
Final Selection: Admission letters and JW202 visa application forms will be issued in July 2025.
Visa & Registration: Admitted students must apply for an X1 visa and convert it into a Residence Permit within 30 days of arrival in China.
Apply Now & Secure Your Fully Funded PhD!
Don’t miss this opportunity! Join Shenzhen University and experience top-tier education in one of China’s most dynamic cities.
Apply before May 15, 2025. For more details and to apply, visit the SZU Official Website.