In order to enhance the internationalization of graduate education, attract more outstanding young talents to advantageous doctoral disciplines, and promote international research cooperation, Shenzhen University (SZU) has established the “Academic Exchange Support Program for Outstanding Doctoral Students from Overseas Universities” (hereinafter referred to as the “Program”). The Program is designed to support full-time doctoral students from overseas universities to SZU for one year (12 months) or longer to participate in relevant scientific research projects and collaborative research. In 2025, it is proposed to accept 30-40 visiting doctoral students from overseas.

Prior to application, the applicant should first obtain the consent and endorsement from his/her doctoral supervisor at the respective university, and then contact a doctoral supervisor affiliated with SZU as a cooperative supervisor. Both supervisors must demonstrate a strong willingness for cooperation. The applicant and the two supervisors should draw up a mutually agreed visiting plan. The collaborative supervisor at SZU is required to issue a letter of commitment, indicating the willingness to accept the applicant and the facilities to be provided.

I. Eligibility 

1. Applicants are required to be physically and mentally healthy and of good conduct, with excellent academic performance, remarkable scientific research capabilities, outstanding development potentials, and actively participate in scientific research. They should also abide by the laws of the Chinese government and regulations of the university.

2. Applicants must be full-time doctoral students (not in the first year or graduation year of the doctoral program) enrolled in overseas universities ranking within the top 200 in any two of the world's four authoritative rankings (THE, QS, US News, ARWU).

3. Nationality is not limited. Applicants should have completed the coursework of their doctoral program, with preferences given to those who have already passed the doctoral qualification examination.

4. The choice of study program will be decided by the discipline of the collaborative supervisor at SZU.

II. Funding Criteria

Visiting scholars are not required to pay tuition fees to SZU. On the basis of comprehensive consideration of the student's institution, major, academic and scientific research, the program support will be given from the time the student actually arrives at the university to carry out scientific research, with a maximum of 5,000 yuan per month per student and a cumulative maximum of 50,000 yuan.

During the period of the visit, at least one interim progress report will be made every six months, and at least one annual assessment will be made every year. In principle, more than one high-level academic paper should be published with SZU as the first author and the corresponding author for every visiting student(the student must be the first author, or the supervisor of SZU must be the first author when the student is the second author; SZU must be the only first author and the only corresponding author). Failure to pass the assessment of each section or inability to achieve the expected results will result in the cancellation of the funding and suspension of the visiting activities. Before the end of the visit, the visiting students are required to have their achievements assessed and recognized, and a one-time achievement award will be issued according to the level of research achievements.

SZU will provide accommodation for the visiting students depending on the availability of on-campus dormitories，the accommodation fee is the same as that for Mainland Chinese students. If there are insufficient on-campus dormitories, the students will need to contact off-campus accommodations at own expense. Meanwhile, visiting students are required to apply for appropriate personal and medical insurance during the visit, and bear the costs of visa and travel expenses.

III. Application Procedure

Prior to application, the applicant should first obtain the consent and endorsement from his/her doctoral supervisor in the respective university, and then contact a doctoral supervisor affiliated with SZU as a cooperative supervisor. Both supervisors must demonstrate a strong willingness for cooperation. The applicant and the two supervisors should draw up a mutually agreed visiting plan. The collaborative supervisor at SZU is required to issue a letter of commitment, indicating the willingness to accept the applicant and the facilities to be provided.

For application, applicants are required to log into an online application system. For this program, SZU adopts a rolling application, review and approval process. Applications are welcomed throughout the year and applicants will be promptly notified to complete relevant procedures.

IV. Application System and Documents

(I) Application System

Following the prompts of the online system, applicants are required to fill in personal information, academic records, language proficiency and other relevant information. After completing the online application, applicants should upload necessary documents in time, and the scholarship program will be initiated upon approval.

Application system: https://status.szu.edu.cn/szulxs/stuzs/stuLogin.action（APPLICATION STUDENT CATEGORIES：Advanced scholar）

(II) Application Documents

1.Supporting Letter by the Host Supervisor (Attachment 1)

2.Research Proposal (Attachment 2)

3.Personal statement and resume

4.Recommendation letter from the doctoral supervisor

5.Other documents

(1)Scanned copies of graduation certificate (from undergraduate level)

(2)Scanned copies of academic transcripts (from undergraduate level)

(3)Scanned copy of doctoral degree certificate

(4)Scanned copy of valid identity documents

(5)Scanned copy of award certificate

(6)Passport and visa (Provide a photo copy of the valid passport and any visa application documents necessary. Visa requirements may vary depending on the target country)

(7)Foreigner Physical Examination Form

(8)Depending on the requirements of the specific exchange program, additional document such as financial certificate may also be required. 

V. Other Information

Students admitted by this program will be visiting students at SZU without formal enrollment or course study. For those with excellent performance, the collaborative supervisor may apply to the Graduate School for an extension of the visiting period.

Contact Information

Graduate School:Mr. Song, Tel: +86-755-26732906

International Office:Dr. Zhang, Tel: +86-755-26538663

College of International Exchange:Ms.Huang, Tel: +86-755-26558894