Shenzhen University Liyuan Scholarship 2027 March Intake: Complete PhD Application Guide
The Liyuan International Scholarship 2027 at Shenzhen University (SZU) offers financial support to international students admitted to eligible doctoral programmes for the March 2027 intake. The scholarship provides a tuition waiver and a monthly living allowance of CNY 4,000–7,000, depending on the award class.
Shenzhen University’s March 2027 doctoral application period runs from 10 October to 30 November 2026. Applicants must meet the academic and language requirements, obtain a recommendation letter from a prospective SZU supervisor and submit their application through the university’s online system.
Important: This March 2027 admission call is for doctoral applicants. It is not a March 2027 bachelor’s or master’s scholarship announcement.
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Liyuan Scholarship at a Glance
| Item | Details |
|---|
| University | Shenzhen University |
| Scholarship | Liyuan International Scholarship |
| Intake | March 2027 |
| Degree level | Doctoral/PhD |
| Study mode | Full-time |
| Normal duration | Three to four years, depending on the programme |
| Maximum study period | Five years |
| Scholarship benefits | Tuition waiver plus CNY 4,000–6,000 per month |
| Additional supervisor support | At least CNY 12,000 per year for research subsidies or academic exchanges |
| Application period | 10 October–30 November 2026 |
| Application fee | CNY 400 or USD 60; non-refundable |
| Main teaching languages | English and Chinese |
| Supervisor’s recommendation | Required |
| Pre-admission results | December 2026 |
| Admission documents | January 2027 |
What Is the Liyuan International Scholarship?
The Liyuan International Scholarship is a Shenzhen University scholarship listed among the financial awards available to international doctoral students. For the March 2027 intake, it is offered in three classes, with each class covering tuition and providing a different monthly living allowance.
It should not be confused with the Chinese Government Scholarship or the International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarship. The Liyuan award belongs to Shenzhen University’s own scholarship structure.
The official doctoral brochure lists the scholarship among its available grants but does not publish a separate public Liyuan application form, quota or separate deadline. Applicants should follow the instructions in the SZU application system and confirm the scholarship assessment process with the College of International Exchange.
Shenzhen University Liyuan Scholarship Benefits
| Award class | Tuition coverage | Living allowance | Equivalent annual allowance |
|---|
| First class | Full tuition waiver | CNY 6,000 per month | CNY 72,000 per year |
| Second class | Full tuition waiver | CNY 5,000 per month | CNY 60,000 per year |
| Third class | Full tuition waiver | CNY 4,000 per month | CNY 48,000 per year |
The official Chinese notice states that these living allowances are paid monthly.
Additional Supervisor Allowance
Shenzhen University also states that supervisors will provide their recruited international doctoral candidates with an annual allowance of no less than CNY 12,000. This allowance is intended for scientific research subsidies or academic exchanges.
Applicants should discuss the arrangement with their prospective supervisor. It should not be treated as an unrestricted personal stipend unless the university or supervisor confirms that in writing.
Does the Scholarship Cover Every Expense?
Not necessarily. Although the Liyuan Scholarship covers tuition and provides a living allowance, students should still budget for accommodation, insurance, travel and other personal expenses.
Application Fee
The application fee is:
- CNY 400, or
- USD 60.
It is non-refundable and must be paid by wire transfer to Shenzhen University’s designated account before submitting the application. The payment voucher must be uploaded with the application. SZU states that applications from candidates who have not paid the fee will not be reviewed.
Always obtain the payment instructions from the official brochure or university website. Do not transfer money to an account supplied by an unauthorised agent.
Accommodation Costs
The official brochure states that students pay for their own dormitory accommodation:
- Yuehai Campus: Single and double rooms costing CNY 2,400–8,000 per student per semester, depending on the room;
- Lihu Campus: Double rooms costing CNY 750 per student per semester.
Water and electricity charges are not included.
Insurance
International students must purchase the group insurance designated by Shenzhen University. The published price is CNY 800 per academic year, and students are required to purchase it on registration day.
Standard Tuition Before a Scholarship Waiver
For reference, SZU lists the following annual doctoral tuition fees:
| Programme category | Annual tuition |
|---|
| Liberal arts | CNY 34,000 |
| Science and engineering | CNY 40,000 |
| Medicine, arts and physical education | CNY 52,000 |
A Liyuan award provides a tuition waiver, but applicants should wait for formal confirmation of their scholarship class before making financial plans.
Who Is Eligible?
Applicants for the March 2027 doctoral intake must meet the following requirements.
Nationality and General Conduct
Applicants must:
- Be non-Chinese citizens;
- Hold a valid foreign passport;
- Be in good physical and mental health;
- Abide by Chinese laws and regulations;
- Follow Shenzhen University’s rules and regulations.
Academic Qualification
Applicants must hold a master’s degree or above.
Candidates who have not yet graduated may apply with an expected-graduation certificate. However, they must obtain and present the official master’s diploma before enrolment.
Age Requirement
Applicants should generally be under 40 years old.
Passport Validity
The passport’s expiry date must be after 30 June 2027. Applicants whose passports do not meet this requirement should renew them before applying. SZU states that passport information cannot be changed before registration for enrolment.
Language Requirements
English-Taught Programmes
Applicants must provide an English proficiency certificate.
The official brochure does not specify IELTS, TOEFL or another particular test, and it does not publish a universal minimum score. Applicants should ask the relevant college or supervisor which certificates are accepted rather than assuming that every English-medium qualification will be recognised.
Chinese-Taught Programmes
Applicants must have at least 180 points in HSK Level 5.
Native-Speaker Exemption
Native speakers of Chinese or English may be exempted from the corresponding language certificate after recognition by Shenzhen University. This is not an automatic exemption; applicants should obtain confirmation from the university.
Available PhD Programmes for March 2027
Shenzhen University’s official programme list includes academic and professional doctoral options. Programmes marked with an asterisk in the official table are taught in Chinese; the remaining programmes are listed as English-taught.
Academic Doctoral Programmes
- Education — English-taught and Chinese-taught options;
- Psychology;
- Information and Communications Engineering;
- Optomechatronics Engineering and Application;
- Intelligent System and Manufacturing;
- Electronic Science and Technology;
- Computer Science and Technology;
- Architecture;
- Mathematics;
- Civil Engineering;
- Optical Engineering;
- Physics;
- Chemistry;
- Management Science and Engineering;
- Biology.
Computer Science and Technology appears under both the College of Computer Science and Software Engineering and the School of Artificial Intelligence. Optical Engineering is also offered through different academic units. Applicants should select the appropriate college and supervisor rather than looking only at the programme title.
Professional Doctoral Programmes
- Communication Engineering;
- Integrated Circuit Engineering;
- Artificial Intelligence;
- Optoelectronic Information Engineering.
Most listed programmes have a four-year duration, while Management Science and Engineering is listed as a three-year programme. The maximum overall study period is five years.
Programme availability can depend on supervisor capacity. Use the official programme and supervisor lists together when selecting your research route.
Documents Required
Prepare clear scans of the following documents before starting the online application:
- Master’s graduation certificate and degree diploma
- Current students may submit an original expected-graduation certificate showing their anticipated graduation date.
- The official degree must be provided before enrolment.
- Complete postgraduate academic transcripts
- Include transcripts for all courses completed during the master’s programme.
- Two academic recommendation letters
- They must be written and signed by professors or associate professors.
- They should be in Chinese or English.
- Include each referee’s name and contact information.
- Self-statement of approximately 1,500 words
- Write it in English or Chinese.
- Include your intended major and supervisor, educational and employment experience, and academic research achievements.
- Passport information page
- The passport must expire after 30 June 2027.
- Passport-style photograph
- Recommendation letter from your prospective SZU supervisor
- Use the university’s template where required.
- Language proficiency certificate
- HSK Level 5 with at least 180 for Chinese-taught programmes;
- English proficiency evidence for English-taught programmes.
- Resume or curriculum vitae
- SZU requests an educational history from primary school to the present.
- Foreigner Physical Examination Form
- Non-criminal record report
- Submit the original scan and a Chinese translation.
- Bank statement
- Show at least CNY 30,000, or the equivalent, in an account belonging to the applicant or their legal guardian.
- Additional scholarship form, where applicable
- Applicants for the Guangdong Government Outstanding International Student Scholarship must complete and upload its designated form.
Documents in languages other than Chinese or English must be accompanied by notarised translations. SZU may request supplementary materials, and incomplete applications will not be accepted.
How to Apply for the Liyuan Scholarship at Shenzhen University
Step 1: Select Your Doctoral Programme
Review the official programme table and identify the programme that matches your master’s studies and research experience.
Check:
- The academic unit offering the programme;
- Teaching language;
- Programme duration;
- Campus;
- Available supervisors;
- Whether your proposed research fits the department’s expertise.
Step 2: Contact a Prospective Supervisor
A recommendation letter from a prospective SZU supervisor is a required part of the application.
Use the official supervisor list to find researchers in your field. Your initial email should be concise and include:
- Your full name and nationality;
- Intended March 2027 doctoral programme;
- Current university and master’s subject;
- A short explanation of your research interests;
- Why the supervisor’s research matches your plans;
- Your CV;
- Academic transcripts;
- A research proposal or summary;
- Relevant publications or research evidence, if available.
Do not send the same generic message to every supervisor. A targeted email demonstrates genuine research fit.
Step 3: Obtain the Supervisor’s Recommendation
If the supervisor agrees to support your application, request the required Letter of Recommendation from Prospective Supervisor using SZU’s template.
Keep communication professional and allow enough time for the supervisor to review your documents. Obtaining this letter does not by itself guarantee admission or a particular Liyuan award class.
Step 4: Prepare and Check Your Documents
Before opening the application form:
- Check that your passport meets the validity requirement;
- Arrange notarised translations where necessary;
- Confirm that your HSK or English certificate remains valid;
- Obtain both academic recommendation letters;
- Complete your self-statement;
- Prepare the physical-examination and non-criminal-record documents;
- Obtain the required bank statement.
Use the same name, date of birth and educational information throughout your documents.
Step 5: Pay the Application Fee
Pay the CNY 400 or USD 60 application fee through the official method stated in the admission brochure. Keep a clear payment voucher because you must upload it with your application.
Step 6: Submit the Online Application
Create an account in Shenzhen University’s international-student application system.
Complete:
- Personal information;
- Educational background;
- Programme selection;
- Visa information;
- Document uploads;
- Application-fee payment voucher upload.
Check every section carefully before final submission. Save your application number and copies of all submitted materials.
Step 7: Participate in the Review or Interview
After the deadline, SZU will organise an expert review. Applicants are assessed on their professional preparation, language ability and supporting documents.
A remote or face-to-face interview may be arranged if required. Monitor your email and application account regularly.
Step 8: Receive the Results and Admission Documents
According to the published timeline:
- December 2026: Pre-admission results are emailed to applicants and made available through the online system;
- January 2027: Digital or scanned admission materials are emailed after the final admission list is confirmed.
Check whether your scholarship and award class are clearly stated in your official admission or scholarship documents.
Step 9: Apply for the Student Visa
Admitted students should apply for an X1 visa using the Shenzhen University Admission Notice and the Confirmation Form for Study in China, commonly called the JW202 form.
After entering China, students must convert the X1 visa into a study residence permit within 30 days. SZU does not accept enrolment on a non-student visa.
Step 10: Register at Shenzhen University
Register on the date and at the address stated in your admission notice. Early registration is not accepted.
Bring your original documents, including your master’s degree certificate and language certificate. SZU will verify them again during registration, and failure to provide valid originals can result in cancellation of admission.
Important Dates
| Stage | Date |
|---|
| Applications open | 10 October 2026 |
| Application deadline | 30 November 2026 |
| Application review | After the deadline |
| Pre-admission results | December 2026 |
| Final admission documents | January 2027 |
| Registration and programme start | March 2027, according to the admission notice |
The deadline is approaching quickly. Applicants should not wait until late November to contact supervisors because obtaining a recommendation may take time.
How to Strengthen Your Shenzhen University Liyuan Scholarship Application
Demonstrate a Strong Research Match
Your proposed research should connect clearly with the supervisor’s expertise. Explain what you want to investigate, why it matters and how your previous education has prepared you.
Write a Focused Self-Statement
Use the approximately 1,500-word statement to present a coherent academic story. Include:
- Your research interests;
- Relevant academic training;
- Publications, projects or thesis work;
- Technical or methodological skills;
- Your intended SZU programme and supervisor;
- Your proposed doctoral research direction;
- Your longer-term academic or professional goals.
Avoid exaggerating your achievements or submitting a generic statement written for another university.
Choose Relevant Academic Referees
Select professors or associate professors who know your research ability. Their letters should discuss your academic performance, research potential and readiness for doctoral study rather than simply confirming that you were their student.
Prepare for the Interview
Be ready to explain:
- Your master’s thesis;
- Your proposed research;
- Your methodological approach;
- Why you selected SZU;
- Why you selected the supervisor;
- How your previous work supports your doctoral plans.
Submit Before the Deadline
Early submission gives you time to correct document problems, respond to university requests and resolve technical issues. It does not guarantee selection, but it reduces avoidable application risks.
Maintaining the Scholarship
Receiving the Liyuan Scholarship does not mean that the same award class is automatically guaranteed throughout the programme.
Shenzhen University’s January 2026 review notice states that scholarship assessment considers:
- Moral conduct;
- Academic performance;
- Academic research;
- Participation in activities.
For doctoral students, insufficient commitment to research or failure at stages such as the thesis proposal defence, external thesis review, pre-defence or final defence may result in a lower award class. Legal or disciplinary sanctions and certain changes in enrolment status can lead to suspension of the scholarship.
Students should therefore maintain satisfactory research progress, follow university rules and participate in every required scholarship review.
Other Scholarships Listed for March 2027 Doctoral Applicants
The same SZU brochure lists:
- Guangdong Government Outstanding International Student Scholarship: CNY 30,000 per year;
- Shenzhen Universiade Scholarship: CNY 40,000 per year;
- Liyuan International Scholarship: Tuition waiver plus CNY 4,000–6,000 per month.
These awards have different structures and should not be added together unless SZU confirms that they can be held simultaneously. Ask the university about eligibility, application procedures and any restrictions on combining awards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Liyuan Scholarship available for bachelor’s or master’s applicants for March 2027?
The official March 2027 admission call covered by this guide is for doctoral applicants. Do not treat it as a bachelor’s or master’s March intake announcement.
Is the Liyuan Scholarship fully funded?
It covers tuition and provides a monthly living allowance. However, students must pay their own accommodation and insurance costs, and should budget for travel, visa and personal expenses.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline is 30 November 2026 for the March 2027 doctoral intake.
Is IELTS compulsory?
The brochure requires English proficiency evidence for English-taught programmes but does not name IELTS as the only accepted certificate or publish a universal minimum score. Confirm acceptable evidence with the relevant college or supervisor.
Can I apply without contacting a supervisor?
No. A recommendation letter from a prospective SZU supervisor is listed as a required application document.
Can final-year master’s students apply?
Yes. They may apply with an expected-graduation certificate, but they must obtain the official master’s diploma before enrolment.
Is there a separate Liyuan Scholarship deadline?
The official brochure does not publish a separate Liyuan deadline. Applicants should complete the SZU doctoral application by 30 November 2026 and confirm the scholarship assessment process with the university.
Does the scholarship include free accommodation?
No. The brochure states that students pay for their own dormitory accommodation, with water and electricity charged separately.
How much is the supervisor’s allowance?
The published minimum is CNY 12,000 per year, intended for research subsidies or academic exchanges.
When will applicants receive their results?
Pre-admission results are scheduled for December 2026, followed by digital or scanned admission materials in January 2027.
Does obtaining a supervisor’s letter guarantee the scholarship?
No. The letter supports your application but does not guarantee admission, a scholarship or a particular award class.
Final Thoughts
The Liyuan International Scholarship 2027 at Shenzhen University is a valuable funding opportunity for international doctoral students who want to conduct research in Shenzhen. Its three award classes combine a tuition waiver with monthly financial support, while additional supervisor funding is designated for research or academic exchange.
Because the supervisor’s recommendation is essential, applicants should begin with programme and supervisor selection rather than leaving this step until the end. Prepare a focused research application, submit complete documents and pay the official application fee before 30 November 2026.
Before making travel or financial commitments, confirm your admission, scholarship class and final funding conditions directly through Shenzhen University’s official documents.
Important Official Links
- Official SZU March 2027 doctoral admission brochure
- Official doctoral programme list
- Official list of prospective supervisors
- Shenzhen University online application portal
- College of International Exchange
- Degree-student enquiries:
szulxs@szu.edu.cn - Telephone:
+86-755-26558894