Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU), one of China’s leading international universities, is offering five PhD scholarship opportunities for students ready to take their research to the next level.
Please check the scholarships for XJTLU PhD programmes and apply below.
Please take note that scholarships are available for full-time study only. Part-time students are not eligible at this time.
Available PhD Scholarships
Here’s a breakdown of the three scholarship types available:
1. Full PhD Fellowship Scholarship
Total value: RMB 477,000 (~ 66,200 USD)
What it covers:
- Full tuition (RMB 297,000 for 3 years)
- Monthly stipend of RMB 5,000 for 36 months
- Required Teaching/Research Assistant role (additional compensation provided)
2. Tuition-Only Scholarship
Total value: RMB 297,000 (~ 41,220 USD)
What it covers:
- Full tuition fee waiver
- Optional Teaching/Research Assistant role available with standard pay
3. Partial Tuition Scholarship
Total value: RMB 148,500 (~ 20,600 USD)
What it covers:
- 50% tuition fee reduction
- Access to paid TA/RA positions
Choose Your Application Pathway
Join an Existing Funded Research Project
Apply for existing PhD projects that already have established funding, research topics, and supervisory teams. These positions remain open until filled, with flexible start dates in March, June, September, or December.
Browse available funded projects here.
Propose Your Own Research Project
Bring your innovative research ideas to these participating schools:
- Academy of Film and Creative Technology
- Academy of Future Education
- Design School
- International Business School Suzhou
- School of Humanities and Social Sciences
- School of Mathematics and Physics
- XJTLU Entrepreneur College (Taicang)
- HeXie Academy
Application Timeline
PhD Program Entry Points (Applications accepted year-round):
- September Entry: Apply by June 30 (Program starts September 1)
- December Entry: Apply by September 30 (Program starts December 1)
- March Entry: Apply by December 15 (Program starts March 1)
- June Entry: Apply by March 31 (Program starts June 1)
Scholarship Application Deadlines:
For Existing Funded Projects: Applications accepted continuously until positions are filled
For Your Own Research Project:
- Round 1 Deadline: October 15, 5:00 PM CST (UTC+8) → Results in December
- Round 2 Deadline: April 15, 5:00 PM CST (UTC+8) → Results in June
How This Student Earned a Full PhD Scholarship at XJTLU
Weiquan Chen began his academic journey at XJTLU as a Master’s student in International Business and Global Affairs. In January 2025, his dedication and academic excellence led him to receive a full PhD scholarship—a milestone that transformed his path from student to independent researcher.
Through his time at XJTLU, Weiquan engaged in academic workshops and research seminars that shaped his mindset and deepened his understanding of the research process.
His advice to future applicants:
“Competition for funding is intense, so preparation is crucial. To increase your chances, the priority is to have strong academic performance and develop a well-structured, innovative research proposal which aligns with the expertise of potential supervisors.
He also emphasizes staying proactive:
“Stay engaged and responsive throughout the application process, because scholarship opportunities are competitive and sometimes time-sensitive.”
Weiquan credits XJTLU’s supportive research environment for helping him grow. He adds:
“XJTLU is very supportive of student research and offers academic funding that covers costs like open-access publication fees. Additionally, if you choose the open-access route, don’t hesitate to communicate with journal editors about potential fee discounts to reduce financial burdens.”
How to increase your chances for a scholarship
Based on XJTLU’s selection criteria, here are proven strategies to strengthen your PhD scholarship application:
- Identify and connect with potential supervisors as early as possible
- Submit excellent academic transcripts
- Apply as early as possible
- Write a clear and compelling research proposal
- Develop unique and impressive professional or personal accomplishments (How to write a CV/resume)
- Secure strong recommendation letters
- Show evidence of previous research experience
- Write a thoughtful personal statement
How to Apply
- Find your supervisor and explore PhD programs available
- Complete application requirements – gather all required documents
- Submit your application through China Admissions or XJTLU application portal
- Dual review process – XJTLU initial review, then University of Liverpool final decision
- Check your email regularly – don’t miss important university communications
Explore All PhD Programmes at XJTLU
