1. Introduction of the University Introduction of the University
Westlake University is a new type of high-quality research-oriented university based in the stunning and historic Chinese city of Hangzhou, where the ancient and ultra-modern blend to create a place like no other. As a university governed by a board of trustees consisting of leading scholars from around the world, Westlake emphasizes academic freedom, research excellence, interdisciplinary engagement, and international collaboration. Westlake has three schools: School of Life Sciences, School of Science, and School of Engineering. All schools feature most cutting-edge research projects with profound student engagement in all labs. With the goal of pushing the frontiers of knowledge and making technological innovations that contribute to the improvement of human society, the university is equipped with the most advanced research facilities and gifted with an incredible community of world leading scholars, dedicated staff, and enthusiastic students.
Starting from 2020, the PhD program admits international students and all its courses are taught in English. Students who accomplish all study requirements of the curriculum and pass the doctoral dissertation defense will be awarded the diploma and doctorate degree of Westlake University.
2. Fields of Study and Supervisors
Westlake University offers English-taught PhD programs in three fields: Biology, Chemistry, and Electronic Science and Technology. For more information about supervisors, please see: https://en.westlake.edu.cn/about/faculty/
3. Period of Study
Four years of full-time study
4. Tuition Fees
10,000 CNY/year (self-funded)
* The actual tuition is subject to annual enrollment pricing.
5. Accommodation Fees
Room type: single ensuite room
Annual price: 9000 or 1,1000 CNY/year
* Westlake University provides accommodation subsidy. The actual accommodation fee is subject to annual enrollment pricing.
6. Period of Application
From December 11, 2021 to March 31, 2022
7. Eligibility
Applicants must be non-Chinese citizens with a valid, ordinary passport, be in good health, have attained a master’s degree, and meet the English language requirements.
English language requirements: Applicants whose native language is not English must submit official scores of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) unless they received a bachelor's or postgraduate degree from an institution in which the official language of instruction is English.
Language Tests |
Min. Requirements |
IELTS |
6.5 overall |
TOEFL iBT |
90 overall |
8. Application
Step 1: Online Application
Please visit http://gradapply.westlake.edu.cn to register and select the school and major applied for, fill in the application form, and upload required application documents listed below:
(1) A photocopy of your passport:
Photocopy of valid passport identification page. Passport must be an ordinary one and should not expire before December 31, 2022. Applicants currently residing in China also need to provide a copy of the page containing a valid visa or residence permit.
(2) Personal statement:
More than 1500 words in English are required for PhD applicants. The content should include (but not be limited to) why you want to study at Westlake, why you want to do research (expected content of the research proposal), personal achievements, experiences worth mentioning in your opinion, and your attitude towards life and research.
(3) All diploma and degree certificates:
The original or a notarized copy of your certificates (or proof of impending graduation for applicants in their final year of study). If the certificates are not in English or Chinese, you must also attach a notarized translation in English or Chinese.
(4) All transcripts:
The original or a notarized copy of your transcripts showing all your studies in your Bachelor and in your Master (if applicable). If the transcripts are not in English or Chinese, you must also attach a notarized translation in English or Chinese.
(5) Evidence of English language proficiency.
(6) Catalogue and abstract of published papers or other documents that prove academic ability (not compulsory).
(7) Two recommendation letters:
The referee must be a professor, associate professor, or a person with an equivalent academic title. The recommendation letter should be in Chinese or English and include the referee’s signature and contact information.
* There are two ways to upload recommendation letters: 1. The applicant may provide information of the referee and click ‘send an email request for recommendation’. The referee can submit the online recommendation through the link in the email. 2. The applicant may directly upload the recommendation letters in PDF format in the application portal.
Step 2: Submit the online application
Step 3: Track your online application status closely and wait for our response
We may ask for supplementary information or materials. The application review usually takes about two weeks after application deadline. (In special cases, it may take longer.) When the application status reads "Qualification Review-Passed", it indicates that the online application procedure has been completed. Please wait patiently for the subsequent notice.
9. Assessment and Admission
We will send applicants a subsequent email about the assessment methods and time. Applicants may check admission results via the online application system. In case of identified fraud, forgery or nepotism, the application will be withdrawn and admission revoked. If such cases are discovered after matriculation, the student will be expelled.
10. Enrollment Time
The end of August or early September in 2022 (to be specified in the Certificate of Admission). Students who are admitted shall enroll on time with the original diploma and degree certificates. Students without original diploma and degree certificates are not allowed to enroll and their admission will be cancelled.
11. Degree Requirements
Students must complete a minimum of 18 credits. In order to fulfill the course requirements, students need to take all common-degree courses (6 credits), core-degree courses (4 credits), elective courses (6 credits), and academic activity (2 credits). Besides completing coursework, students must write a dissertation and pass the oral defense. The dissertation should be written in English.
12. Contact Information
(1) School of Life Sciences (to inquire about the PhD program in Biology)
Tel: +86-(0)571-8702 5879
Email: studentaffair_sls@westlake.edu.cn
(2) School of Science (to inquire about the PhD program in Chemistry)
Tel: +86-(0)571-8659 0773
Email: studentaffair_ss@westlake.edu.cn
(3) School of Engineering (to inquire about the PhD program in Electronic Science and Technology)
Tel: +86-(0)571-8738 1209
Email: studentaffair_se@westlake.edu.cn
(4) Office of Academic Affairs (to inquire about application eligibility, procedure and submission)
Tel: +86-(0)571-8688 6872
Email: admissions@westlake.edu.cn
(5) Office of International Affairs (to inquire about visa and insurance issues)
Tel: +86-(0)571-8659 9097
Email: oia@westlake.edu.cn
