Shenzhen University PhD Scholarships 2027 in China (March 2027 Intake, Tuition Waiver plus up to CNY 6,000 a Month)

Shenzhen University (SZU) in Shenzhen, Guangdong, is admitting international students to its full-time doctoral programmes for the March 2027 intake. Programmes take three to four years (five at most) and are taught in Chinese or English. The admission brochure lists three scholarships. The Liyuan International Scholarship waives tuition and pays a living allowance of CNY 6,000 (first class), CNY 5,000 (second class) or CNY 4,000 (third class) a month. The Guangdong Government Outstanding International Student Scholarship pays CNY 30,000 a year, and the Shenzhen Universiade Scholarship pays CNY 40,000 a year. Each supervisor also provides at least CNY 12,000 a year for every international doctoral student they recruit, for research or academic exchange. Students pay for their own accommodation, from CNY 750 a semester on Lihu Campus to CNY 2,400 to 8,000 a semester on Yuehai Campus, and for insurance at CNY 800 a year. Tuition without a waiver is CNY 34,000 to 52,000 a year, depending on the field. You need a master's degree, must be under 40 and must not be a Chinese citizen. English-taught programmes need an English certificate, and Chinese-taught programmes need HSK 5 with at least 180 points. Before applying, contact a potential supervisor and ask for a recommendation letter. Applications are open from 10 October to 30 November 2026 on SZU's online system, with a non-refundable fee of CNY 400 (USD 60). Pre-admission results come in December 2026, and admission documents are emailed in January 2027. Last checked on 16 October 2026 against SZU's official doctoral admission brochure for the March 2027 intake.