Warning: please refer to the offical document from Westlake University for final interpretation.
Chinese version: https://science.westlake.edu.cn/newsevents/news/202508/t20250811_57377.shtml
Westlake University is a new research university sponsored by social forces and strongly supported by the state. The university implements a Principle Investigator (PI)–led independent laboratory system and has established a PhD training system that integrates education with cutting-edge research.
The Discipline of Physics at Westlake University was founded in 2018 and, in 2024, was approved as a first-level discipline authorized to confer doctoral degrees. The discipline recruits PhD students globally. Through world-class coursework and research that touches the frontiers of the field, students will gain a solid knowledge base and outstanding capabilities for innovative research, providing foundational support for disruptive advances in areas such as big data, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, life sciences, medicine, and manufacturing.
In recent years, the discipline has developed rapidly and achieved remarkable breakthroughs in theoretical physics, condensed matter physics, atomic, molecular and optical physics, and computational physics. High-energy physics, as a key development direction, has also made notable progress. Research in astrophysics and complex & biological systems physics has been launched in recent years.
Information on the primary research directions and topics of PhD supervisors in Physics is available on the departmental website: https://science.westlake.edu.cn/faculty/physics
Doctoral training in Astronomy is also carried out under the auspices of the Discipline of Physics. Information on supervisors and research directions in Astronomy can be found at: https://astro.westlake.edu.cn/
Outstanding students are warmly invited to apply for the PhD program in the Discipline of Physics at Westlake University!
I. Admissions Tracks
The Discipline of Physics uses an advisor-based (PI) model and selects full-time, non-employer-sponsored PhD students through an “Application–Assessment” process at the first-level discipline level. There are two admissions tracks: Direct PhD and Regular Admission.
Direct PhD (from Bachelor’s)
Regular Admission
From Bachelor’s: Final-year undergraduates (who must obtain their degree by the university’s designated registration date) or holders of a bachelor’s degree may apply. Standard length of study: 5 years.
From Master’s: Final-year master’s students (who must graduate or obtain the master’s degree by the university’s designated registration date) or holders of a master’s degree may apply. Standard length of study: 4 years.
II. Eligibility
In addition to the requirements specified in the Westlake University 2026 General PhD Admissions Brochure, applicants must meet one of the following English-language requirements:
CET-6 score ≥ 460;
TOEFL score ≥ 90;
IELTS overall band ≥ 6.0;
Prior to enrollment, completion of a degree program taught in English outside Mainland China, with the Chinese Ministry of Education (MoE) Overseas Academic Degree Certification obtained no later than enrollment (programs that confer a foreign degree via joint Chinese-foreign programs are not included).
For applicants with exceptional academic and research potential, the discipline’s Admissions Committee may grant appropriate flexibility on the English requirement.
III. Application Portal & Timeline
All applicants must apply and submit materials online via Westlake University’s PhD Admissions System. All applicants from Mainland China must use a second-generation PRC ID card.
Admissions for the 2026 Physics PhD program will be conducted in three rounds:
(1) Round 1: Direct PhD (推免直博) & Regular PhD
The Direct PhD track is open to final-year undergraduates with a 2026 Recommendation for Exemption. See the specific notice on accepting 2026 Recommended Exemption candidates for details.
Note: The application systems for Recommended Exemption and Regular PhD differ. Choose your track carefully.
Application window: 10:00, Aug 1, 2025 – 10:00, Sep 8, 2025
Interviews: Mid–late September 2025
(2) Round 2: Regular PhD
Application window: 10:00, Nov 17, 2025 – 10:00, Jan 5, 2026
Interviews: Mid-January 2026
(3) Round 3: Regular PhD
Application window: 10:00, Jan 19, 2026 – 10:00, Mar 31, 2026
Interviews: Early April 2026
IV. Application Materials
Primary required materials:
Personal Statement (~1,500 Chinese characters or equivalent):
Should cover academic/research experience and proposed PhD research plan.
If your intended supervisor is a foreign national, the Personal Statement must be in English; otherwise, Chinese or English is acceptable.
Please refer to the attached template.
Proof of Enrollment (for current students): Must bear the official seal of your university’s teaching administration office or department/school.
Transcripts for undergraduate and (if applicable) graduate studies; final-year undergraduates should also submit class rank if available.
English-language test report: CET-6 / TOEFL / IELTS, etc.
Academic Achievements: Representative research outputs that demonstrate your scholarly level.
Awards: Evidence of prizes/awards in extracurricular scientific/technological activities or other recognitions.
Degree Certificates & Online Verifications obtained for all higher-education stages; for those pursuing degrees outside Mainland China, submit the MoE Overseas Academic Degree Certification or current proof of enrollment.
Letters of Recommendation: At least two from professors (or experts with equivalent professional titles) or PhD supervisors in the relevant field. Recommenders are encouraged to submit online via the application system.
V. Assessment & Process
After submitting the application, the process includes the stages below. Results for each stage will be posted in the application system—please check regularly.
Qualification Pre-screening
A formal review to verify completeness and preliminary eligibility. Applicants who pass proceed to expert Initial Review.
Initial Review (Academic Evaluation)
An expert panel evaluates research ability and potential based on the research plan, research practice, academic performance, recommendation letters, awards, etc. Candidates are shortlisted for Comprehensive Interview based on merits. Those invited must confirm in the system within the specified time.
Comprehensive Interview
Includes a personal presentation, expert Q&A, and English assessment. Applicants present their academic background and PhD research plan using PPT. Interview outcomes are typically posted within one week after interviews. Applicants receiving a pre-admission notice must confirm in the system within the specified time.
Public Notice & Pre-admission
Upholding the principles of merit-based selection, quality first, and “rather short than excessive,” and considering interview results, physical and mental health, and ideological and moral evaluation, the pre-admission list is determined within the enrollment plan, approved by the University Graduate Admissions Leadership Group, and publicly posted.
Physical Examination & Ideological/Moral Assessment
Pre-admitted candidates must complete the required medical examination and ideological & moral assessment. Results must meet national and university requirements; failure to meet requirements will lead to revocation of pre-admission.
Offer Issuance
Final offers are contingent on MoE admission approval. After approval, admission letters will be issued.
VI. Tuition & Financial Support
Tuition: RMB 10,000 per academic year, payable according to the standard program length.
Westlake University has established a comprehensive funding system for PhD students. In addition to national scholarships and grants (e.g., National Scholarship, Academic Scholarship, National Grants), the university also provides Westlake University Scholarships and Social Scholarships, enabling every PhD student to focus on study and research.
VII. Additional Notes
Please read this brochure carefully and verify your eligibility. Any falsification will result in disqualification and will be recorded in the applicant integrity file.
Maintain reliable communication. Check notifications and respond as required. Notices are primarily issued via the application system or email; please use an email account that functions properly.
The university only enrolls full-time, non-employer-sponsored academic PhD students. Per MoE regulations, the university will retrieve personnel files from the archive-holding unit of pre-admitted candidates. Any contractual obligations with current employers must be resolved by the candidate.
Applicants who obtained degrees outside Mainland China must obtain the MoE Overseas Academic Degree Certification no later than the designated registration date (mid–late August 2026).
Any matters not covered herein are subject to the Westlake University 2026 General PhD Admissions Brochure and the latest information published by the Ministry of Education and the School of Science website.
VIII. Contact & Information
