Are you looking for a fully funded PhD opportunity in a world-class research environment?
Westlake University in Hangzhou, China, has just expanded its academic offerings for the Fall 2026 intake. Known for its “small but elite” model and global vision, Westlake University continues to expand its research excellence with the launch of four cutting-edge PhD programs designed for the next generation of scientific leaders.
Starting in 2026, international students can now apply to groundbreaking programs in Quantitative Biology and Complex Systems, Materials Science and Engineering, Information Technology in Artificial Intelligence, and Sustainability Science and Technology.
Here is everything international students need to know about these new opportunities.
About Westlake University
Located in the historic yet technologically advanced city of Hangzhou (home to global tech giants like Alibaba) Westlake University stands as China’s first “new type” research university, uniquely merging public and private funding to foster elite innovation. Westlake maintains a small, research-focused environment where English is the primary language of instruction, making it seamlessly accessible to international students. The university attracts world-class talent, with over 95% of its faculty holding doctorates from top-tier global institutions such as MIT, Caltech, UC Berkeley, and Stanford. Westlake offers comprehensive financial support for doctoral students, covering tuition, accommodation, and living stipends.
1. PhD in Quantitative Biology and Complex Systems
This program is one of the few of its kind globally, bridging the gap between life sciences and quantitative measurements. It integrates biology, mathematics, physics, computer science, and engineering to study living systems in a way that is measurable and predictable. The program is ideal for students with solid training in either mathematics, physics, computer science or life sciences, and have a genuine interest in living systems.
Research Fields:
The program is so fundamentally interdisciplinary, there are no set research fields. Instead, students are encouraged to design their own research directions by combining wet-lab experiments with computational modeling and AI.
Featured Faculty & Research:
- Prof. Chao Tang: A Chair Professor and seminal figure in statistical physics, he is best known for co-originating the concept of Self-Organized Criticality. His current work pioneers the “AI for Science” paradigm, using artificial intelligence to uncover mathematical design principles in biological networks and complex systems.
- Prof. Zibo Chen: Leading the BioProgramming Lab, he focuses on synthetic biology and protein engineering, designing novel proteins that can perform logic operations similar to computers.
Curriculum:
Rotation-based mentorship with a strong foundation in biology, mathematics, physics, and artificial intelligence.
Career Prospects: Graduates are prepared for careers in academia, research institutions, public health, and diverse industries including biological and biomedical research, precision medicine, ecosystem management, and synthetic biotechnology.
2. PhD in Materials Science and Engineering
The program focuses on the design and creation of new materials that drive society forward. It connects fundamental science with engineering to create enabling technologies for electronics, energy, and healthcare.
Research Fields:
- Energy Materials
- Electronic Materials
- Advanced Materials Characterization
- Advanced Manufacturing
- Biomedical Materials
- Sustainable Materials
Featured Faculty & Research:
- Prof. Yu Chen: Leads the Energy Storage Materials Laboratory. Her research works at the intersection of solid-state chemistry and advanced electron microscopy (specifically 4D-STEM) to design high-performance solid-state electrolytes for next-generation lithium and sodium batteries. Her recent breakthrough on unlocking lithium superionic conductivity was published in Nature Materials.
Curriculum:
Covers thermodynamics, solid-state ionics, and bioelectronics.
What Makes This Program Unique: Faculty members bring diverse intellectual backgrounds and extensive experience from world-class institutions worldwide. The program is inherently interdisciplinary, naturally collaborating with other engineering disciplines as well as physical, biological, and life sciences. This approach connects fundamental science with engineering to create enabling technologies that benefit society.
3. PhD in Information Technology in Artificial Intelligence
As AI reshapes the world, this program dives deep into both the theoretical foundations and practical applications of intelligent systems.
Research Fields:
- AI and Machine Learning Fundamentals
- Autonomous and Embodied Intelligent Systems
- AI for Healthcare and Medicine
- AI for Science
Featured Faculty & Research:
- Prof. Yaochu Jin: Chair Professor and the President of the IEEE Computational Intelligence Society, he leads the Trustworthy and General Artificial Intelligence Laboratory. He is a pioneer in Morphogenetic Robotics, applying biological principles of development to create self-organizing swarm robot systems that can adapt and evolve. As a “Highly Cited Researcher” (Clarivate), his work in evolutionary optimization solves complex problems across engineering and life sciences.
Curriculum:
Includes Natural Language Processing (NLP), Deep Learning, and optimization, alongside interdisciplinary applications in medicine and life sciences.
The Westlake Advantage: Located in Hangzhou, home to tech giants like Alibaba and emerging AI leaders like Deepseek, students are immersed in one of China’s most vibrant tech ecosystems. This proximity to industry leaders provides unparalleled opportunities for collaboration, internships, and understanding real-world AI applications.
4. PhD in Sustainability Science and Technology
This program is a direct response to global challenges like climate change and resource management. It integrates environmental science, chemical engineering, and life sciences.
Research Fields:
- Biochemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Synthetic Biology, and Biomanufacturing
- Energy Systems and CO₂ Capture, Utilization, and Storage
- Complex Earth Systems, Global Change, Planetary Health, and Carbon Neutrality Strategy
- Biomaterials, Bioelectronics, Neuroengineering, and Computational Medicine
- Solid Mechanics, Fluid Mechanics, and Dynamics
Featured Faculty & Research:
- Prof. Marco Amabili: A Chair Professor leading the Dynamics and Vibrations of Systems and Structures Lab. His research focuses on nonlinear vibrations and fluid-structure interaction, with applications ranging from the stability of shells and plates to the mechanics of the human aorta. He is the author of “Nonlinear Vibrations and Stability of Shells and Plates” published by Cambridge University Press.
Curriculum:
The curriculum tackles global challenges by combining core disciplinary foundations with specialized modules in Molecular & Material Science, Mathematical & Information Sciences, and Earth Systems & Ecological Environment.
China’s Sustainability Commitment: China has committed to peak carbon emissions by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060, leading to massive investment in green technology, renewable energy, carbon capture, and clean transportation. Students in this program are positioned at the center of these global efforts, with access to cutting-edge research facilities and collaboration opportunities with leading sustainability initiatives.
How to Apply
The four new PhD programs are now accepting applications from international students for the Fall 2026 intake. The final application deadline is March 31, 2026.
Applying to Westlake’s new PhD programs is straightforward, and the application fee is waived for all PhD applicants.
Required Documents:
- Valid passport
- Bachelor’s or master’s degree in a related subject
- All diplomas and degree certificates
- All transcripts
- Evidence of English language proficiency (IELTS 6.5 or above, or TOEFL 90 or above)
- Two recommendation letters
- Personal statement or study plan
- Photograph
- Passport copy
You can request more information here.
Why Choose Westlake for Your PhD?
- Westlake University offers a wide range of scholarships and financial aid options to help international students cover tuition, accommodation, insurance, and living costs. Hangzhou’s Municipal Graduate Scholarship also provides full coverage for outstanding international graduate students.
- Affordable Living: On-campus graduate housing costs just 1,800-2,200 CNY per year (approximately $250-310 USD). With easy access to classrooms, libraries, dining halls, and recreational facilities, you’ll have everything you need to succeed.
- English-Taught Environment: All classes and research activities are conducted in English. You will be part of a vibrant international community representing over 30 countries.
- World-Class Research: You will work alongside faculty from top global universities (MIT, Caltech, Princeton, etc.) in state-of-the-art laboratories at the stunning Yungu Campus.
Looking Ahead to Your Future
These four new PhD programs represent Westlake University’s deepened commitment to training the next generation of scientific leaders.
With application deadlines approaching in early 2026, now is the time to take the next step in your academic journey.
Learn more about Westlake University’s PhD programs and start your application today.
Continue reading:
- Why China’s Westlake University is the Best Place to Study STEM
- Westlake University Application Guide 2026
- Westlake University Opens PhD Admissions to International Bachelor’s Degree Holders
Frequently Asked Questions
- Westlake University Launches 4 New PhD Programs for International Students - December 31, 2025
- Top 5 Prestigious Full Scholarships at China’s Leading International Universities - December 23, 2025
- Westlake University Opens PhD Admissions to International Bachelor’s Degree Holders - December 10, 2025