PhD Programs

Application Requirements

Application Documents

1. A photocopy of your passport:
   Photocopy of valid passport bio data page. Passport must be an ordinary one and should not expire before December 31st, 2025. 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 1,500 words in English are required for Ph.D. 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 for your bachelor’s and master’s (if applicable) degrees. 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
   There are three ways to meet the English language requirement：
   • First language is English.
     
   • Submit official scores of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
     
   • Submit a Letter of English Proficiency if 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

7. Catalogue and abstract of published papers or other documents that prove academic ability (not compulsory).
8. Two recommendation letters:
The referee must be a 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.

Application Deadlines

Applications to Westlake University Ph.D. programs for Fall 2026 intake have two admissions rounds.

Program	1st Round	2nd Round
Mathematics	November 17th, 2025, 10am – January 5th, 2026, 10am	January 5th, 2026, 10am – March 31st, 2026, 10am
Physics	November 17th, 2025, 10am – January 5th, 2026, 10am	January 19th, 2026, 10am -March 31st, 2026, 10am
Chemistry	November 17th, 2025, 10am – January 5th, 2026, 10am	January 19th, 2026, 10am – March 16th, 2026, 10am
Electronic Science & Technology	November 18th, 2025, 10am – January 5th, 2026, 10am	January 6th, 2026, 10am – March 31st, 2026, 10am
Biology	October 20th, 2025, 10am – November 17th, 2025, 10am	November 18th, 2025, 10am – March 31st, 2026, 10am

Tuition and Financial Aid

Westlake University is committed to making Ph.D. education valuable and affordable. We provide financial support for our doctoral students to cover their tuition, on-campus room and board rates, insurance premiums, and other living costs. All admitted Ph.D. students in our programs receive a full or partial tuition waiver and a monthly living stipend to cover daily living expenses. In addition, Westlake houses world-class laboratories and multiple shared facilities that support a diverse array of cutting-edge research. Our facilities are well-funded and well-equipped, giving our Ph.D. students sufficient resources to succeed in their research, academics, and professional endeavors.

Fees	Reference Standard	Note
Tuition Fees	Westlake University Programs 40,000 CNY/year	Full or Partial Tuition Waiver
	Joint University Program 37,000 CNY/year
Accommodation Fees	1,800 or 2,200 CNY/year	Cost for a Single Room
Insurance	800 CNY/year	Cost for Annual Insurance
Scholarships	More Than 70,000 CNY/year

Undergraduate Programs

Application Requirements & Documents

• Applicant information on the Common App
• Official high school transcripts in English or accompanied by certified English translations
• TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, or other proof of English proficiency for students
• whose first language is not English
• SAT/ACT/AP/A-Level/ IB test scores (optional)
• Two essays
• Three recommendation letters (one from high school counselor, two from teachers)
• In-person/Online Interview: By invitation

Application Deadlines

• First round: Nov 1, 2025
• Second round: Jan 1, 2026
• Third round: April 1, 2026

Tuition and Financial Aid

Application Fee	On-campus Housing	Tuition
$75	¥ 1,800-2,200/year (approx. $300/year)	¥ 350,000/year (approx. $48,000/year)

Westlake University offers exceptionally generous scholarships, covering up to full tuition, to qualified international applicants who have submitted a completed application and requested to apply for the scholarships through the Common App. Scholarship decisions will be announced simultaneously with offers of admission.

You can find the Common App Fee Waiver in the Profile section of the Common App tab. To apply for this fee waiver: 

1. Answer “Yes” to the fee waiver statement. 
2. Enter your signature to certify your request.

Your counselor will also be asked to confirm that you are eligible for this waiver. You will still be able to submit your application without a fee while your counselor confirms.