1. Introduction to the Universities and Program
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. Westlake University is 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 four schools: the School of Life Sciences, the School of Science, the School of Engineering, and the School of Medicine. Each school features cutting-edge research projects and hands-on 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.
Located in the cosmopolitan city of Shanghai, Fudan University was founded in 1905 and merged with Shanghai Medical University in 2000 to form a new Fudan University. Fudan is a comprehensive multi-disciplinary research university with many highly ranked majors and programs and is a member of the C9 League, the Universities 21, and the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU). Over the past hundred years, Fudan University has gained remarkable achievements in talent cultivation, scientific research, social engagement, international exchange, cultural development, innovation, and other aspects. At present, Fudan University has enrolled and is cultivating postgraduate students in 11 discipline areas, including philosophy, economics, law, education, literature, history, science, engineering, medicine, management, and the arts. Fudan University is committed to cultivating highly motivated talent.
Westlake University is a small, dynamic, and innovative university that specializes in science and technology research. Fudan University is a comprehensive, well- established institution. To complement each other's advantages, Fudan University and Westlake University have established the "Fudan University-Westlake University Joint Ph.D. Program".
Starting from 2020, the Ph.D. program admits international students and all its courses are taught in English. Students will be enrolled at Fudan University but mainly study and research at Westlake University. Students who accomplish all study requirements of the curriculum and pass the doctoral dissertation defense will be awarded the diploma and doctorate degree from Fudan University.
2. Fields of Study and Supervisors
Westlake University offers joint English-taught Ph.D. programs in Mathematics. For more information about supervisors, please see: https://science.westlake.edu.cn/en/Mathematics/Our_Faculty/
3. Period of Study
Four years of full-time study
4. Period of Application
From now until March 31, 2025
5. 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 requirement.
There are three ways to meet the English language requirement:
(1) First language is English.
(2) Submit official scores of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
| Language Tests | Min. Requirements |
| IELTS | 6.5 overall |
| TOEFL iBT | 90 overall |
(3) 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.
6. Application
Step 1: Complete online application.
Please visit http://gradapply.westlake.edu.cn to register and select the school and major applied for, fill out the application form, and upload required application documents listed below:
(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 31, 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 or 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.
(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 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.
7. Assessment and Admission
We will email applicants additional information about assessment methods (e.g., written exam and interview) and time. Applicants may check admission results via the online application system. In cases where fraud, forgery, or nepotism have been identified, the application will be withdrawn and admission revoked. If such cases are discovered after matriculation, the student will be expelled.
8. Enrollment Time
The end of August or early September in 2025 (to be specified in the Certificate of Admission). Students who are admitted shall enroll on time with the original diploma and degree certificates. Students who do not have original copies of their diploma and degree certificates will not be allowed to enroll and their admission will be cancelled.
9. Tuition Costs & Financial Aid
| Fees | Reference Standard | Note |
| Tuition Fees | 37,000 CNY/year | Full Tuition Waiver |
| Accommodation Fees | 1,800 or 2,200 CNY/year | Ensuite room |
| Insurance | 800 CNY/year | Cost for Annual Insurance |
| Scholarships | More than 70,000 CNY/year |
10. Contact Information
(1) School of Science (to inquire about the Ph.D. program in Mathematics)
Tel: +86-(0)571-88112051
Email: admission_science@westlake.edu.cn
(2) Office of Academic Affairs (to inquire about application process, eligibility, submission, or other admissions related questions)
Tel: +86-(0)-571-88110373
Email: intlphdadmissions@westlake.edu.cn
(3) Office of International Affairs (to inquire about visa and insurance issues)
Tel: +86-(0)571-88110559
Email: oia@westlake.edu.cn
