CHINA • PhD SCHOLARSHIPS, FULLY FUNDED 2027 • NO IELTS
Shenzhen University China March Intake 2027
Are you looking for a PhD in China with a fully funded scholarship? Shenzhen University is accepting applications for its March 2027 intake, and IELTS is not required. Before applying, check the eligibility criteria, scholarship benefits, document requirements, deadlines, and the application process below.
Shenzhen University (SZU) is offering fully funded PhD scholarships for the March 2027 intake. Eligible international students can apply for PhD programs and receive a tuition fee waiver together with a monthly living allowance through the Guangdong Provincial Government Scholarship, the Shenzhen municipal scholarship, and the Liyuan International Scholarship.
Unlike many Chinese scholarships, there is only one application portal for this intake, the Shenzhen University international student admission system. There is no separate second application on another website.
Important Dates to Keep in Mind
- Application period: 10 October 2026 – 30 November 2026
- Result announcement: December 2026
- Start date: March 2027 (expected)
The application window is now open, so please begin preparing your notarized documents and recommendation letters.
Shenzhen University Scholarship 2027: Overview
Shenzhen University is a public comprehensive university in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, one of China’s most innovative and fastest-growing cities. It offers a wide range of academic and professional doctoral programs, and international PhD students can receive generous funding.
Qualified international applicants for the March 2027 intake may apply for PhD programs. These are the key things to know before you get started.
| Scholarship Info | |
|---|---|
| University | Shenzhen University (SZU) |
| Country | China |
| Scholarship | Fully funded (Guangdong Provincial, Shenzhen Municipal, and Liyuan International Scholarships) |
| Degree Level | PhD |
| PhD Time Frame | 3–4 years |
| Number of Programs | 20 English-taught programs (16 academic, 4 professional degree programs) |
| IELTS | Not required |
| Application Fee | RMB 400 |
| Application Deadline | 30 November 2026 |
Please check the official university announcement and the requirements of your program of interest before applying.
Shenzhen University Scholarship 2027: Eligibility Criteria
Before applying, please ensure that you meet the university’s academic, age, and citizenship requirements. Meeting the minimum criteria is not a guarantee of admission or a scholarship.
- Applicant must be a non-Chinese citizen in excellent physical and mental health.
- PhD: Applicants must hold a master’s degree.
- Age: Applicants must be younger than 40.
- Applicants who have not yet received their final master’s degree can apply, but students must have their final degree before March.
Important
Requirements may differ by program. Check the official SZU announcement for the exact rules on the English proficiency letter and any Chinese-language requirements for your department.
Shenzhen University Scholarship Benefits
International PhD students at Shenzhen University can receive funding through several scholarship categories. According to the university’s scholarship announcement, the available grants are:
| Category | Scholarship | Award |
|---|---|---|
| Provincial Scholarship | Guangdong Provincial Government Scholarship for International Students Studying in Guangdong | RMB 30,000 per year |
| City-Level Scholarship | Shenzhen Universiade Scholarship | RMB 40,000 per year |
| Liyuan Scholarship | First Class | Tuition waiver + living allowance of RMB 6,000 per month (RMB 72,000 per year) |
| Liyuan Scholarship | Second Class | Tuition waiver + living allowance of RMB 5,000 per month (RMB 60,000 per year) |
| Liyuan Scholarship | Third Class | Tuition waiver + living allowance of RMB 4,000 per month (RMB 48,000 per year) |
MAXIMUM MONTHLY ALLOWANCE
RMB 6,000
Liyuan Scholarship, First Class, plus full tuition waiver
The grade of award is decided by the university. Not every applicant will receive the top level, so check your offer for the amount and any additional benefits, such as accommodation or insurance.
Document Requirement
Having your documents prepared in advance makes the application process much easier. Missing certificates, incomplete medical forms, or unclear scans can delay the review of your application.
- A valid passport.
- Notarized education documents (degree certificates and transcripts).
- A personal statement of 1,500 words.
- Two recommendation letters from professors or associate professors.
- An acceptance letter (from your prospective supervisor or the university).
- An English proficiency letter.
- A police clearance (character) certificate.
- A completed physical examination form.
- The Application Form for the Guangdong Provincial Government Scholarship for International Students.
- Any additional documents requested by your school or department.
Please ensure all pages are legible and that your name, dates, and academic details are consistent across all documents before uploading your files. Documents not in Chinese or English should be accompanied by a notarized translation.
Shenzhen University 2027: PhD Programs
Shenzhen University offers 20 English-taught PhD programs for this intake: 16 academic degree programs and 4 professional degree programs. Choose the program that fits your academic background before you start your application.
Discover More Scholarship Opportunities
Read the full Nanjing University CSC Scholarship 2027 guide for master’s & PhD programs for another opportunity in China.
You can also see the guide for the Eiffel Scholarship France 2027 postgraduate scholarship.
1. Academic Degree Programs
| No. | Faculty / School | Program | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Faculty of Education | Education | 4 years |
| 2 | College of Electronics and Information Engineering | Information and Communications Engineering | 4 years |
| 3 | College of Mechatronics and Control Engineering | Opto-mechatronics Engineering and Application | 4 years |
| 4 | College of Mechatronics and Control Engineering | Intelligent Systems and Intelligent Manufacturing | 4 years |
| 5 | School of Integrated Circuits | Electronic Science and Technology | 4 years |
| 6 | College of Computer Science and Software Engineering | Computer Science and Technology | 4 years |
| 7 | School of Architecture and Urban Planning | Architecture | 4 years |
| 8 | School of Artificial Intelligence | Computer Science and Technology | 4 years |
| 9 | School of Mathematical Sciences | Mathematics | 4 years |
| 10 | College of Civil and Transportation Engineering | Civil Engineering | 4 years |
| 11 | Institute of Microscale Optoelectronics | Optical Engineering | 4 years |
| 12 | College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering | Optical Engineering | 4 years |
| 13 | College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering | Physics | 4 years |
| 14 | College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering | Chemistry | 4 years |
| 15 | College of Management | Management Science and Engineering | 3 years |
| 16 | College of Life Sciences & Oceanography | Biology | 4 years |
2. Professional Degree Programs
| No. | Faculty / School | Professional Program | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | College of Electronics and Information Engineering | Integrated Circuit Engineering | 4 years |
| 2 | School of Integrated Circuits | Integrated Circuit Engineering | 4 years |
| 3 | School of Artificial Intelligence | Artificial Intelligence | 4 years |
| 4 | College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering | Optoelectronic Information Engineering | 4 years |
3. Summary of English-Taught Programs
| Program Type | Number of Programs | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Academic programs | 16 | 3–4 years |
| Professional degree programs | 4 | 3–4 years |
| Total | 20 | — |
Important
Before applying, confirm the program names, availability, and scholarship eligibility in the official Shenzhen University announcement (attachment).
How to Apply for Shenzhen University Scholarship 2027
There is only one portal for this application: the Shenzhen University international student admission system. Follow the steps closely.
Step 1: Prepare Your Documents
Gather your passport, notarized education documents, 1,500-word personal statement, two recommendation letters, acceptance letter, English proficiency letter, police clearance certificate, physical examination form, and the Guangdong Provincial Government Scholarship application form.
Step 2: Apply Through the SZU Portal
The application period is 10 October 2026 to 30 November 2026. Visit lxs.szu.edu.cn, register an account, fill in your application, choose your PhD program, and upload all supporting documents. Please double-check everything before submitting and keep a copy of your submission.
Step 3: Pay the Application Fee
Pay the application fee of RMB 400 following the instructions in the portal or the official notice. Keep the payment receipt.
Step 4: Wait for the University Review
The university and your prospective school or department will review your application. If you need to correct or resubmit anything, do so as soon as possible and before the deadline. Monitor your application account and email for updates.
Step 5: Check the Results
Results are expected to be announced in December 2026. Successful applicants will be notified through the official channels, with the scholarship level confirmed by the university. Dates may change, so follow any official notices.
Apply Before the Deadline
Late applications are generally declined. We generally do not accept late applications. Please ensure every document is complete, notarized where required, and consistent before you submit.
Significant Dates and Deadlines
Be mindful of the deadline, as there is only one application window.
| Application Phase | Estimated Date |
|---|---|
| The SZU application opens. | 10 October 2026 |
| SZU application deadline | 30 November 2026 |
| Result announcement | December 2026 |
| Beginning of the semester | March 2027 |
The result and start dates are indicative, not guaranteed. Please follow any official notices if the university announces a revised schedule.
The university may verify original documents at registration. Failure to meet the registration requirements may affect your admission and scholarship eligibility.
Please review the eligibility requirements, funding arrangements, and application deadlines for each program before applying.
Official Scholarship and Application Websites
Always consult official websites to verify information and apply.
1. Shenzhen University (Complete Guide)
2. Official Announcement and Program List
Read the full notice, including the list of programs and the attachment.
Follow Global Study Scholarships for More Updates
Global Study Scholarships (GSS) shares scholarship opportunities, application guidance, and announcements for students who want to study abroad. Stay on top of fully funded bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD scholarships, application deadlines, and practical tips to help you build a stronger application through our channels.
Start preparing your documents now, review the official requirements, and mark the 30 November 2026 deadline on your calendar.
