Westlake University in Hangzhou is now accepting applications for its 2026 Summer Research Internship, a one-month program that puts international students right in the middle of real research happening at one of China’s most forward-thinking universities.
From July 13 to August 14, 2026, you’ll work alongside leading scientists and researchers, contributing to projects that span artificial intelligence, life sciences, physics, medicine, and engineering.
You’ll be part of active research teams, gaining the kind of hands-on experience that sets you apart when applying to graduate programs or launching your research career.
Why Choose the Westlake Summer Research Internship?
Since opening in 2018, Westlake University has moved fast. It’s attracted top researchers from around the world, built state-of-the-art facilities, and established itself as a serious player in global research. The Summer Research Internship offers students an opportunity to become part of a vibrant international scientific community.
Here’s what makes this program special:
- Hands-On Research Experience: Unlike typical summer programs that offer only observation opportunities, you’ll be integrated into active research teams led by Principal Investigators (PIs). You’ll transition from observer to active contributor, developing technical skills and critical scientific thinking throughout the research process.
- World-Class Faculty: Learn directly from globally recognized researchers who are pushing the boundaries of their fields. Westlake’s faculty includes award-winning scientists educated at top institutions worldwide, bringing international perspectives and cutting-edge expertise.
- State-of-the-Art Facilities: Access Westlake’s brand-new research facilities across its beautiful campuses, primarily at the Yungu Campus, with selected projects at the Yunqi Campus and the Center for Infectious Disease Research.
- Interdisciplinary Exposure: Participate in research forums, interdisciplinary roundtable discussions, and collaborative projects that span multiple fields of study.
- Cultural Immersion: Experience life in Hangzhou, where ancient heritage meets ultra-modern innovation. The program includes cultural activities that allow you to explore this unique city and its surroundings.
- Financial Support: The university waives application fees, program fees, and on-campus housing costs, and provides a living allowance of 1,760 RMB (255 USD) to help cover daily expenses.
Explore Over 50 Research Projects Across Four Schools
The 2026 Summer Research Internship offers more than 50 distinctive research projects providing approximately 100 immersive placements across Westlake’s four academic schools: the School of Science, School of Engineering, School of Life Sciences, and the School of Medicine. Each internship is a unique, hands-on laboratory or theoretical research project tailored to current research being conducted within the PI’s laboratory. The program spans an impressive range of research fields, including:
- School of Engineering: Artificial intelligence and machine learning, autonomous driving and robotics, computational imaging and computer vision, nanophotonics and materials engineering, natural language processing, integrated phononic circuits, and more.
- School of Life Sciences: Phase separation and biomolecular condensates, genome engineering and functional genomics, neuroscience of loneliness and social behavior, organelle quality control, metabolic disorders and aging, embryonic development and stem cells, and more.
- School of Medicine: Systems virology and immunomics, AI proteomics and virtual cell technology, in situ structural virology, precision vaccine engineering, and high-throughput immune profiling.
- School of Science: Sustainable catalysis for organic synthesis, condensed matter physics, quantitative biology and complex systems, electron microscopy, particle physics instrumentation, quantum gravity, and framework materials for cancer therapy.
What Will You Gain from This Experience?
The Westlake Summer Research Internship is designed to transform participants from students into emerging researchers. Each intern will be fully integrated into their PI’s research team, gaining authentic laboratory experience and contributing meaningfully to ongoing projects.
Throughout the month-long program, you will develop technical skills by mastering specialized laboratory techniques, research methodologies, and analytical approaches specific to your chosen field. You’ll build research competency as you learn to design experiments, analyze data, interpret results, and communicate findings.
The program also provides opportunities to network with global scholars, connect with fellow interns from around the world, and build relationships with faculty members who could become future mentors or collaborators. You’ll experience interdisciplinary research by participating in forums and discussions that cross disciplinary boundaries, exposing you to diverse perspectives and approaches.
This preparation for advanced studies will give you the experience and skills needed for graduate school applications and future academic pursuits, potentially opening doors to PhD programs at Westlake or other top institutions worldwide.
Many participants in Westlake’s summer programs have gone on to pursue doctoral studies at leading universities globally, with the hands-on research experience serving as a springboard for their academic careers.
Hangzhou
Located near Shanghai in eastern China, Hangzhou is one of China’s leading innovation hubs and a testament to how ancient heritage and cutting-edge technology can coexist harmoniously. As the home of tech giants like Alibaba, pioneering AI companies like Deepseek, and successful gaming studios like Game Science (developers of Black Myth), Hangzhou has emerged as a powerhouse of technological advancement.
Beyond its technological prowess, Hangzhou offers rich cultural experiences. The city seamlessly blends its ancient heritage (including the famous West Lake, historic temples, and traditional tea culture) with ultra-modern conveniences.
During your time at Westlake, you’ll have opportunities to explore Hangzhou’s cultural sites, experience local cuisine, and understand how this city has become a model for China’s vision of smart, sustainable urban development.
Who Can Apply?
The Westlake Summer Research Internship welcomes applications from ambitious international students who meet the following criteria:
- Non-Chinese citizens with a valid passport
- Current undergraduate or graduate students expecting to graduate in 2027 or 2028, or recent graduates from bachelor’s or master’s programs
- Strong academic background in relevant fields (Biology, Basic Medicine, Clinical Medicine, Biomedical Engineering, Pharmacy, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science and Engineering, Optical Engineering, Electronic Science and Technology, Computer Science and Technology, Environmental Science and Engineering, or related disciplines)
- Proficiency in English (all research activities are conducted in English)
The program is particularly well-suited for students considering graduate studies who want to gain meaningful research experience before applying to PhD programs, as well as those exploring potential research directions for their future careers.
How to Apply
Application Period:
- Opens: February 2, 2026, at 10:00 Beijing Time
- Closes: March 31, 2026, at 23:59 Beijing Time
Required Application Materials:
- Photocopy of your valid passport (must not expire before December 31, 2026)
- All diploma and degree certificates (original or notarized copies, or proof of impending graduation for final-year students)
- Complete academic transcripts showing your full record of studies for bachelor’s and master’s degrees
- Evidence of English language proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, or similar)
- Catalog and abstract of published papers or other documents proving academic ability (if applicable)
Program Costs and Financial Support
The good news is that the program has no tuition or program fees. You will only need to cover your food, travel, visa, and health insurance costs.
- Waived Fees: Application fees, internship program fees, and on-campus housing costs are completely waived
- Living Allowance: Westlake University will provide 1,760 RMB to each intern during the program to help cover daily expenses
- Your Responsibility: Interns are responsible for visa costs, health insurance, and travel to and from Westlake University
This generous support package allows you to focus on your research experience without worrying about accommodation or daily living expenses during your time in Hangzhou.
Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of China’s research ecosystem at one of its most innovative universities. Apply now and take your first step toward joining the global scientific community shaping the future.
About Westlake University
Westlake University is a new type of research university in Hangzhou, China, a first in the history of modern China. It was founded in 2018 by a group of leading scientists and educators who wanted to create a new model of higher education in China that combines cutting-edge research, interdisciplinary education, and international collaboration. Westlake University has four schools: the School of Science, the School of Engineering, the School of Life Sciences, and the School of Medicine. Westlake University has attracted some of the best faculty and students from prestigious global universities and has achieved remarkable results in various fields of science and engineering. Committed to its vision, Westlake University is dedicated to building an international, world-leading, and research-focused university. By 2030, Westlake University envisions having 5,000 students, including 3,000 doctoral students and 2,000 undergraduate students.
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