The Shenzhen University Doctoral Scholarship 2026 offers an incredible opportunity for international students to pursue advanced research in one of China’s fastest-growing academic environments. Located in the heart of the innovation hub—Shenzhen—this scholarship aims to attract talented researchers from across the globe. The March 2026 intake provides multiple fully funded and partially funded opportunities through Liyuan, Guangdong Government, and Shenzhen Universiade Scholarships, making it one of the most generous doctoral funding programs in China.

With its growing reputation in research, technology, and academic excellence, Shenzhen University (SZU) provides doctoral candidates a platform to thrive academically and professionally, while enjoying China’s dynamic environment and diverse culture.

About Shenzhen University (SZU)

Founded in 1983, Shenzhen University is a public research university located in Guangdong Province, China. It ranks among the Top 250 universities in Asia (QS 2025) and has earned recognition for its interdisciplinary research and collaboration with global partners.

SZU hosts over 30,000 students, including a thriving international community. The university is known for its modern facilities, innovative teaching methods, and strong industry linkages with companies in Shenzhen’s globally renowned technology ecosystem.

Students pursuing doctoral studies benefit from world-class supervision, advanced research labs, and exposure to practical innovation—making SZU an ideal choice for aspiring scholars and researchers.

Shenzhen University Doctoral Scholarship 2026 Overview

Category	Details
Scholarship Name	Shenzhen University Doctoral Program Scholarship 2026
Host University	Shenzhen University (SZU), China
Degree Level	PhD/Doctoral
Study Duration	3–4 years (maximum 5 years)
Study Mode	Full-time
Intake Session	March 2026
Application Period	October 10 – November 30, 2025
Application Fee	400 RMB (non-refundable)
Eligibility	International students with a Master’s degree
Medium of Instruction	English or Chinese
Scholarship Coverage	Tuition waiver, monthly stipend, accommodation, health insurance

Scholarship Benefits

The Shenzhen University Scholarship 2026 provides a combination of university-level, provincial, and municipal scholarships.

1. Liyuan International Scholarship
   • First Class: Full tuition waiver + 6,000 CNY/month stipend
   • Second Class: Full tuition waiver + 5,000 CNY/month stipend
   • Third Class: Full tuition waiver + 4,000 CNY/month stipend
2. Guangdong Government Outstanding International Student Scholarship
   • Award: 30,000 CNY per year
3. Shenzhen Universiade Scholarship
   • Award: 40,000 CNY per year

Additionally, supervisors provide an annual research allowance of no less than 12,000 CNY to support academic research, conferences, or publications.

This generous funding ensures that doctoral candidates can focus on their research without financial stress, while also gaining opportunities for professional growth through workshops and collaborative projects.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following conditions to qualify for the SZU Doctoral Scholarship:

1. Nationality and Health Requirements
   • Must be non-Chinese citizens with a valid foreign passport.
   • Must be physically and mentally fit and abide by Chinese laws.
2. Educational Qualifications
   • Must hold a Master’s degree or higher (or provide a pre-graduation certificate if the degree is pending).
   • Applicants should be under 40 years old at the time of application.
3. Language Proficiency
   • For Chinese-taught programs:
   ① Minimum HSK4 score of 180 (Science & Engineering)
   ② Minimum HSK5 score of 180 (Liberal Arts, Medicine, Arts)
   • For English-taught programs: Valid English proficiency certificate (TOEFL/IELTS or equivalent).
   • Native speakers of Chinese or English are exempted from submitting language proof.

Application Process 

• Step 1: Contact a Potential Supervisor
  • Visit the Supervisor List and identify a faculty member aligned with your research area.
  • Request a Letter of Recommendation from the supervisor.
• Step 2: Complete the Online Application
  • Visit SZU Application Portal
  • Register an account and fill in your personal, academic, and visa details.
• Step 3: Upload Required Documents
  Ensure all documents are in English or Chinese (with notarized translations if needed):
  • Master’s degree certificate and transcripts
  • Two academic recommendation letters
  • Personal statement (approx. 1500 words)
  • Supervisor recommendation letter
  • Language proficiency proof
  • Passport copy and photo
  • Physical examination form
  • Non-criminal record report
  • Resume (from primary school onwards)
• Step 4: Pay the Application Fee
  • Pay 400 RMB (60 USD) — non-refundable.
• Step 5: Wait for Review and Results
  • Applications reviewed in December 2025.
  • Pre-admission results emailed by January 2026.
  • Successful applicants will receive digital admission letters for visa processing.
• Step 6: Apply for a Student Visa (X1)**
  • Use your Admission Notice and JW202 Form to apply for an X1 visa at the Chinese embassy.
  • Convert it to a Residence Permit within 30 days of arrival in China.

Comparison with Other Top Chinese PhD Scholarships

Scholarship	University	Funding	Duration	Deadline
Shenzhen University Doctoral Scholarship	Shenzhen University	Full Tuition + 6,000 CNY/month	3–4 years	Nov 30, 2025
ANSO Scholarship	UCAS/USTC	Full Tuition + 6,000–7,000 CNY/month	4 years	Feb 2026
Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC)	Multiple Universities	Full Tuition + 3,500 CNY/month	3–4 years	March 2026
Tianjin University PhD Scholarship	Tianjin University	Full Tuition + 3,000–4,000 CNY/month	3 years	Dec 2025

FAQs About Shenzhen University Doctoral Scholarship 2026

1. When does the Shenzhen University PhD scholarship application open?
   Applications open on October 10, 2025, and close on November 30, 2025.
2. Do I need to contact a supervisor before applying?
   Yes, applicants must contact a potential supervisor and obtain a recommendation before submitting their online application. Find a Supervisor by visiting the official page.
3. Is there an application fee?
   Yes, the non-refundable fee is 400 RMB (around 60 USD).
4. Can I apply before completing my Master’s degree?
   Yes, but you must provide a pre-graduation certificate and later submit your official diploma upon enrollment.
5. What is the stipend for the Liyuan International Scholarship?
   It ranges from 4,000 to 6,000 CNY per month based on the scholarship class.
6. Are international students required to take the HSK test?
   Only for Chinese-taught programs. English-taught programs require proof of English proficiency instead.
7. What is the mode of study?
   The PhD program is full-time and typically lasts 3–4 years.
8. Can I apply for multiple scholarships at once?
   Yes, SZU automatically considers you for all eligible scholarships during review.
9. Does the Shenzhen University Scholarship 2026 cover family expenses?
   No, the stipend is designed to cover individual living expenses.
10. When will results be announced?
    Pre-admission results are expected in December 2025, and final results by January 2026.

The Shenzhen University Doctoral Scholarship 2026 opens doors to a future of innovation, research, and global collaboration. If you dream of pursuing a PhD in one of China’s most dynamic universities, start preparing now — contact a supervisor, gather your documents, and apply before November 30, 2025. APPLY NOW. Visit the Official SZU Scholarship Page for more details.

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