PhD Study in China – A Guide for 2024

As the world’s second largest economy, it’s no surprise that China also possesses a rapidly developing higher education system. This is reflected in excellent opportunities for international PhD students.

China is a key member of the BRICS group of countries with fast-growing economies (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) and is home to some of the group’s leading research universities. These offer excellent platforms for collaboration with experts and academics as well as international educational projects.

This page explains what it’s like to study a PhD in China, what opportunities are available, how to apply and how to access research funding as an international student.

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The Chinese higher education system is growing rapidly, with an increase in enrolment of 170% between 1998-2010.

Because of this the Government are investing more money into the country’s universities through flagship schemes such as Project-958 and the Double First Class University Plan. These initiatives aim to produce world-class universities further increasing the prestige of Chinese institutions and recruiting great PhD students is a key part of that ambition.

Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to take part in some great extra-curricular activities, whether that means walking the Great Wall of China or participating in dragon and lion dances at the Chinese New Year festivals.

Here are a few reasons you should consider studying a PhD in China this year:

• Highest rated BRICS country: The top five universities in the most recent Times Higher Education Brics Rankings are located within China and seven of its universities reside within the top 10.
• Globally ranked and rapidly growing education system: Chinese universities are also rising up global league tables, supported by generous Government funding initiatives.
• Government seeking to attract international postgraduates: The Chinese Government values the contribution of international students, with generous funding available to the best PhD applicants.
• Multiple sightseeing opportunities: Whether or not it informs your research, there’s plenty to see and do during a PhD in China: including The Potala Palace, The Terracotta Army, The Great Wall and The Forbidden City. Not forgetting the Giant Panda, or course.

The Chinese higher education system is similar to the UK, where a Bachelors degree must be obtained before proceeding on to postgraduate study.

There are many post-secondary institutions within China, but only around 100 of them are research universities. These carry out research in all major academic fields, with many supported by government funding.

Both types of university are very likely to provide opportunities for PhD research – and welcome international students.

Chinese university cities

China is a massive country, 9.596 million square kilometres to be exact. Within mainland China the majority of leading universities lie within the North (9) and East (11).

The main university cities within China are:

• Study in Beijing
• Study in Shanghai
• Study in Jiangsu
• Study in Chengdu
• Study in Suzhou

China is equipped with 5,000 years of culture and history, making it one of the most popular destinations for travellers in the world. Its welcoming culture makes it very easy for international students to settle down for a long term stay.

The core component of a Chinese PhD programme is similar that of the UK and other countries. You will research in detail a novel topic in your field with the support of your chosen supervisor. Upon completion you will submit a thesis detailing your significant findings.

Programme length

The majority of Chinese doctoral programmes give three or four years for research if you are registered full-time. Part-time opportunities for PhD students are available, however these aren’t applicable to international students. This is because the X1-Visa is only valid for five years.

Some institutions will give the thesis defence completion a five-year time frame, with others requiring it to be completed in four.

The full-time academic year consists of two semesters: spring (March-mid July) and fall (mid-September-January). A number of institutions will offer international students the opportunity to defer their start date to the end of September, complying with the traditional UK term dates.

Assessment and examination

The content of PhD degrees in China may vary depending upon the institution and chosen subject-area. However, many programmes include more formal teaching and assessment than is common in countries like the UK.

As a PhD student you may be required to complete a programme of training and study during the first two or three years of a research degree, adhering to the teaching plan set by your supervisor. This will include classroom lectures and examinations on the courses must be passed to complete your doctorate degree.

Alongside this you will have to complete your research project. A full doctoral thesis must be written on the research. Your will have to defend your thesis in an oral examination. (graduation defence) in front of a panel of experts within the research topic's field. (This is slightly different to the more private viva format in countries like the UK).

In China there is no standard tuition fee cap; your fees will vary depending upon the chosen discipline and institution.

As with the UK and other countries there are scholarships available to fund your studies, making China an affordable option for PhD study abroad.

PhD fees

Universities are free to set their own fees; however, they follow a similar pattern. Fees will typically be between 20,000 and 50,000 Yuan per year (USD $2,870-7,170), with Arts and Humanties subjects usually at the lower end of this scale.

You can check fees for specific PhDs in China by looking at the opportunities listed here on FindAPhD. These may be pre-funded projects or may require the student to apply for external funding.

Living costs

The cost of living is relatively low in China in comparison to other countries. You should be able to live comfortably on 105 Yuan (USD $15) per day in Beijing, which is China's most expensive city.

International students are not permitted to work during their PhD, so sufficient funds must be ensured prior to starting your studies.

The Chinese Government Scholarship Programme

The Chinese Government has created a student scholarship scheme for international students.

This scholarship is available to international students who apply to study for a doctoral degree for up to three years. Applications must have a Masters degree and excellent academic records. They must not be in receipt of any other scholarships.

There are two types of scholarship partial and full. The full scholarship includes:

• Costs of tuition, registration, experiment and accommodation are covered.
• The same as Chinese students, recipients receive provision of out-patient medical fees and Chinese Government Scholarship Foreign Medical Insurance 800 Yuan (USD $115) per year.
• A monthly stipend of up to 3,500 Yuan (USD$500) to cover living costs.

You should apply for the scholarship in your own country at either the government department in charge of overseas study, related organisation or the Chinese embassy. Applications are open between February and April.

University scholarship programmes

If you are unsuccessful in securing the Government Scholarship, you will have to opportunity to apply for university scholarships.

Applications generally open in March after the Government Scholarship Programme, with the results announced in July. Check university websites for specific deadlines and further information.

Applications require the same documents as the Government Scholarship.

As there are so many universities (and PhD projects!) available in China the country operates two centralised application services. These are there to help you with the application process:

• (The China University Application Centre CUAC): This is a directed service to help international students find universities and courses within China.
• (China's University and College Admission System CUCAS): An official online portal for international students applying to universities within China.

Alternatively, you can also apply directly to your university of choice

Admission requirements

Different institutions will have their own requirements for admission to their programmes, but there are a couple of key things most will require:

• A Masters degree: you must hold a Masters degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline
• Examinations: you may need to pass your university’s entrance and language examinations
• A project supervisor: you must have spoken to a supervisor agreed upon a project and your suitability to that project
• Academic references: you must have at least two recommendation letters by your professors

If you are applying to major disciplines in the arts, you must offer a portfolio of: pictures, recordings and audio-visual material of their own work.

Language requirements

Some PhD programmes for international students are taught in Chinese and others are taught in English. Depending on the programme you choose there may be a language requirement.

Most universities will require you to hold a Chinese Proficiency Test (HSK) level 5-8 certificate, the HSK test can be taken at multiple venues across the United Kingdom.

Those who do not meet the language requirements must successfully complete a one-year full-time Chinese language programme as a pre-sessional course.

Applications for English taught courses, do not require the student to speak Chinese, however you may have to submit English proficiency results such as IELTS.

The application processes

Prior to submitting your application, you must email a prospective supervisor. After discussing the research with them you should send a request to supervise your thesis.

There are a number of application steps you must then complete:

• Provide academic transcripts - universities may request a full transcript of your academic work. You can obtain this from your previous university.
• Provide references - you must supply at least two letters of recommendation from your previous professors
• Complete application form - you must complete the university’s application form, naming the supervisor you have contacted
• Other - you must submit a health check-up record in accordance with the Chinese health quarantine departments, and self-financed students must submit a financial guarantee with evidence

The closing date for applications is usually April or May of the entrance year. The majority of institutions charge an application fee which is usually between 245 and 940 Yuan (USD $35-135).

Note that there are two Student Visas in China the X2 Visa is issued for study periods of less than 6 months. For PhD study you will require the X1 Visa.

The X1 is valid for multiple entries within 5 years. The holder must register at the local public security bureau within 30 days, where they will be given a China Residence Permit to replace the X1 visa.

When applying for your X-Visa you will need to present the following original documents and one photocopied set:

• University admission notice confirming your student status
• Submission of your HIV status
• X1-Visa application form
• Foreigner physical examination form
• Your actual, valid passport with at least 2 blank visa pages
• A photocopy of your passport name page, and a recent passport photograph

You should obtain the X-Visa from your countries Chinese Embassy or Consulate-General prior to arrival in China.

Working in China as an international student

International students are forbidden to work alongside their studies. Therefore, self-financed students should ensure they can afford their living and tuition costs, prior to beginning a PhD in China. However, with the university’s permission you are allowed to undertake an internship during your studies.

Health insurance

International students must purchase medical insurance and personal accidental death and injury insurance, before or after arrival in China, which costs 800 Yuan a year (USD $115).

In addition, if you will remain in China for over a year (doctoral students) must purchase health insurance for the entirety of their stay. On top of this they must undergo a physical examination in a public hospital. This should preferably be undertaken before departure (the Chinese embassy in your country may require this). If you do have the examination in China, it will typically cost 700 Yuan (USD $100).

Next steps

China is highly popular with international students, and for good reason, so you will definitely enjoy your PhD experience there. But where will you go next?

Can I work in China after my PhD

International graduates can work in China but will require an additional visa in order to do so. This Z-visa provides a post-study work route for international Masters or PhD graduates. To obtain one you must have found a position with an employer in a field related to your qualifications.

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