I. Program Overview

The Tsinghua University-Shenzhen Medical Academy of Research and Translation (SMART) Joint PhD Program is an innovative doctoral training initiative that brings together SMART’s world-class research resources and expertise. Designed for outstanding students from around the world, the program offers an international and interdisciplinary research environment that combines world-class faculty, cutting-edge science, advanced research facilities, and strong partnerships across academia, healthcare, and industry.

Students are encouraged to explore different disciplines through rotation across laboratories, gaining hands-on experience in multiple research groups before choosing a research direction and supervisor that best align with their scientific interests and career goals. Through a “Life Science + X” approach, the program connects the life sciences with artificial intelligence, engineering, computational science, clinical medicine, and other emerging fields, fostering research that bridges fundamental discovery, clinical application, and industrial translation. 

Doctoral Program and Major

Application Deadline: May 15, 2027, 5:00 PM (UTC+8)

Program Official Website: smart.org.cn/en/edu

For detailed information on available disciplines, research areas, and enrollment plans, please refer to the International Graduate Admissions Catalog of Tsinghua University.

II. Admission Requirement: Minimum Entrance Requirements for Applicants

For more information, please refer to Admission to Graduate Programs of Tsinghua University 2027（For International Students）(yz.tsinghua.edu.cn/en/info/1035/1581.htm)

1. Applicants must be non-Chinese citizens with a valid personal ordinary-type passports.

2. The students who will enroll in 2027 must obtain the nationally recognized bachelor’s or master’s degree (for the universities of Chinese mainland) or the degree authentication report issued by Chinese Service Center for Scholarly Exchange, Ministry of Education, P.R.China (CSCSE) (for overseas universities) before THU graduate student registration date of 2027, otherwise the admission qualification is invalid.

3. Applicants must meet the following mandatory requirements:

(1) The Minimum Requirement of GPA or Average scores at Undergraduate level: 3.2/4.0 or B+ or 82/100.

(2) The Minimum Requirement of GPA or Average scores at Postgraduate level: 3.0/4.0 or B or 80/100.

English proficiency test scores.

(3) Applicants should provide English proficiency test scores recognized by our institute, or proof that their prior degree program was taught in English. Accepted tests are not limited to, IELTS, TOEFL, Duolingo, etc.

(4) For bachelor degree holders to pursue doctoral degrees：non-native English speakers must meet the minimum English proficiency requirement: IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL iBT 85 (for tests taken prior to January 21, 2026) / 4.5 (for tests taken on or after January 21, 2026). Applicants who have completed their undergraduate studies full-time in English must submit a certificate from their graduation institute. They may request an English waiver upon approval.

4. Applicants should be in good health and of good character (meet the physical examination requirements stipulated by the country and THU), be well-behaved and be willing to abide by China's laws and regulations, as well as Tsinghua's rules.

5. Other unfinished matters in this guide are implemented in accordance with Admission to Graduate Programs of Tsinghua University 2027 (For International Students).

Note: The applicant shall carefully check whether he / she meets the application qualification and application requirements (including the application requirements declared by the target school/department/major/program) before applying. The relevant consequences arising from his / her failure to meet the application qualification and application requirements shall be borne by the applicant himself / herself.

III. How to Apply

Applicants should apply at the Tsinghua University website (yzbm.tsinghua.edu.cn/intlLogin) during the stipulated application period. Applicants should fill in the application information online directly, upload the application documents stipulated in Section IV below to the Online Application System, and pay the application fee online at the time of submission.

* Please note that if you would like to apply for any scholarships, it is recommended that you complete your application before the end of December 2026. For information on Chinese Government Scholarship application, please refer to China Scholarship Council official website.

* The winter break of Tsinghua University is between January 21 and February 17, 2027. While the application system remains available during the winter break, online verification might be delayed due to the vacation. Applicants are therefore recommended to complete their application at least two or three weeks in advance.

* Documents pertaining to nationality and identity status must be submitted by the specified deadline, and no supplementary materials will be accepted after the application period concludes.

IV. Required Application Documents

Please upload all the documents listed below to the application system:

· Personal statement

· Degree certificate and degree authentication

· Academic transcript

· Language Proficiency Test score report

· Two academic recommendation letters

· Passport (personal ordinary-type passport):Passport bio page

· Nationality Status Documentation (if applicable)

Details of the requirement of each application documents are specified below:

1. Personal statement

The personal statement should be completed directly in the application system. PhD applicants are also required to upload a brief research experience or research plan.

2. Degree certificate and degree authentication

Applicants with a bachelor’s degree should submit a certificate of his/her bachelor’s degree, whereas applicants with a master’s degree should submit certificates for both master's and bachelor's degrees.

The degree awarded by universities abroad (outside of mainland China) should be authenticated by the Chinese Service Center for Scholarly Exchange, Ministry of Education, People’s Republic of China (CSCSE: zwfw.cscse.edu.cn/). The degree awarded by universities of mainland China should be authenticated by Center for Student Services and Development, Ministry of Education, People’s Republic of China (CSSD: www.chsi.com.cn/en/). 

(Applicants who will not be graduated before the application deadline shall provide a certificate from his/her current program for the expected graduation date and submit the degree diploma and degree authentication before registration. Applicants who have graduated are required to provide the degree authentication concurrently upon submitted his/her application.)

3. Academic transcripts

Applicants should submit academic transcripts of both undergraduate (for bachelor’s degree holders) and graduate studies (for master’s degree holders). Applicants who have not graduated before the application deadline shall provide their current academic transcript. In such case, the completed academic transcript must be submitted prior to registration. If the uploaded transcript does not directly show the total GPA score, the applicant is also required to submit an additional GPA certification document issued by the university.

4. Language Proficiency Test score report

For related requirements for English Proficiency Test scores, please check the ‘Minimum Entrance Requirements for Applicants’ mentioned above. Those who intend to apply for scholarships (such as the Chinese Government Scholarship) must provide corresponding HSK score reports according to the requirements of the scholarship application.

5. Two academic recommendation letters

Academic Recommendation Letters should be written by scholars who hold the title of associate professor or higher, or senior professionals in a related academic field. Please follow the instructions on the online system for submission of online recommendation letters or upload the recommendation letters signed by referees.

6. Passport (personal ordinary-type passport):Passport bio page

Applicants should present bio page of personal ordinary-type passport. Applicant who holds personal ordinary-type passport and diplomatic visa in China should also provide the scanned copy of diplomatic visa page.

7. Nationality Status Documentation

Applicants must submit the required nationality status documentation by the specified deadline in accordance with the requirements set out in Submission Instructions for International Graduate Applicants Regarding Nationality Status Documentation 2027 (is.tsinghua.edu.cn/asdfasdf/adm/gds/Instructions_for_Submitting_Nationality_Status_D.htm).

* For information on the required documents for Bachelor degree holders who wish to pursue Doctoral degrees, please see the ‘Application Instructions for Bachelor’s Degree Holders to Pursue Doctoral Degrees’. (yz.tsinghua.edu.cn/en/info/1035/1582.htm).

V. Application Remarks

1. Applicants are required to submit scanned images of all required documents at the time of application. All uploaded documents should be in Chinese or in English; otherwise notarial translations in Chinese or English are required. Once translated, the original documents and certified translations should be submitted together to the application system.

2. Please scan the original or notarized application documents in color using a scanner. Images captured by mobile phone or camera are not acceptable. Scans of copies are also not acceptable.

3. The application fee must be paid at the time the application is submitted. (It cannot be covered by the Chinese Government Scholarship). Please apply online and pay the application fee in a safe place. THU is not responsible for any losses caused by your own operation errors or the leakage of your online payment account and password. Please consider carefully before paying the application fee online. If you cannot finish the application due to various reasons, the paid application fee will not be refunded. Regardless of whether the application is successful or not, the application fee is not refundable.

4. Applications with incomplete documents or without application fee payment will not be processed. Applicants should take the initiative to understand the application procedures and application requirements before applying. The applicant will be responsible for any consequences arising from failure to complete the application process as required.

5. Tsinghua University has the right to require applicants to provide original application materials or authentication documents issued by a designated institution for further inspection.

6. As some countries’ higher education systems are very different from the Chinese system, applicants from different education systems should refer to THU’s online application website for reference (yz.tsinghua.edu.cn/en/info/1020/1098.htm). 

7. None of the above application documents will be returned.

8. If the higher-level department issues a new policy, Tsinghua University will make corresponding adjustments.

9. Applicants must ensure that the application information, application materials, degree certificate and degree authentication provided are true and accurate. If the admissions unit or certification department find anything in the application material is fraudulent, the application, admission or study qualification will be canceled.

10. Applicants who are found to be in breach of academic ethics, professional ethics, honesty and trustworthiness, discipline and law-abiding，etc., will not be admitted or admission/study qualification will be cancelled after this breach has been verified.

11. The relevant information, documents and messages disclosed or sent to the applicants by Tsinghua University by website, telephone, e-mail, or SMS are considered as delivered, and all consequences caused by the applicants' personal negligence or other reasons shall be borne by the applicants themselves.

12. Please refer to the Admission to Tsinghua University 2027 (For International Students), Admission to Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduation School 2027 and its related application instructions for further details. Website:

yz.tsinghua.edu.cn/en/info/1035/1581.htm

www.sigs.tsinghua.edu.cn/en/2026/0917/c7519a293346/page.htm

VI. Evaluation and Admission

1. Tsinghua University admits students based on evaluation of their application documents together with a comprehensive assessment of their research experience and potential. The application materials are reviewed by an expert group, and the candidates for the comprehensive assessment will be selected based on the review results. The comprehensive assessment is generally based on interviews. The specific content, format, requirements, and time arrangements will be further notified to applicants who are invited to the comprehensive assessment.

2. Tsinghua SIGS and SMART comprehensively consider the submitted materials, the interview performance, and other factors, to select the best candidates. Students who are selected will be issued a letter of acceptance and an addendum by Tsinghua University. Applicants may check their admission status via the Application System (yzbm.tsinghua.edu.cn/intlLogin)

VII. Scholarships

At present, Tsinghua University provides the following scholarships for outstanding prospective full-time international graduate students.

1. Chinese Government Scholarship (CGS):

The Full CGS usually covers tuition fees, university dormitory or accommodation subsidy, stipend, and comprehensive medical insurance. Partial CGS includes one or a few contents covered by the Full CGS. Annual Review is strictly required for all CGS holders.

Joint program students can apply through the recommendation of the relevant departments of your country and Chinese embassies and consulates abroad - (I) Bilateral Program

2. SIGS International Student Scholarship — School-Level

Full-time international new students admitted to our school will be ranked and selected based on their previous academic achievements, research outcomes, and overall performance. Tuition fee waivers will be granted according to the annual scholarship evaluation results.

3. SMART International Student Scholarship — Program-Level

Full-time international students enrolled in the SMART PhD Program will be ranked and selected based on their previous academic achievements, research outcomes, and overall performance. Full Tuition Scholarships will be granted according to the annual scholarship evaluation results.

* Remarks

1. The CGS can be used directly to cover tuition fees.

2. SMART will also provide students with competitive monthly stipends.

3. For more information on scholarships, please refer to:

yz.tsinghua.edu.cn/en/Financial_Aid/Financial_Aid_System.htm

www.sigs.tsinghua.edu.cn/en/7413/list.htm

VIII. Application Costs (Unit: RMB Yuan)

1. Application fee: 800 RMB

2. Accidental Injury and Health Insurance: 800 RMB /year covered by the SMART PhD program

3. Tuition Fees of Graduate Programs:

The program provides full tuition scholarships to qualified students, along with a generous living stipend to help cover living expenses.

IX. Program Duration

The duration of study for students in this program is subject to qualifications attained upon enrollment. Generally speaking, for applicants with a master’s degree, the duration of doctoral studies spans between 3-4 years. For bachelor's degree holders, the duration spans between 4-5 years. The maximum period of study may be extended by up to 2 additional years.

X. Visa Application and Registration

1. Admitted students should apply for a student visa (X1 visa) at the Embassy or Consulate of the People’s Republic of China in their home country. To apply, students should provide their personal ordinary-type passport, Admission Notice and its Appendix, Visa Application for Study in China (JW201/JW202), and Physical Examination Record for Foreigners (applicants should confirm with the Chinese embassy/consulate for specific requirements).

2. Students must enter China with an ordinary type of passport (nationality and personal information must be consistent with the passport information as applying) and X1 visa and must apply for a Residence Permit within 30 days after arrival in China.

3. Students are required to arrive at the registration place and complete their university registration during the dates indicated in the admission package. Registration is normally held in late August or early September in Shenzhen, and will be specified in the admission documents. All students should present the required original degree certificates and submit the degree authentication issued by Tsinghua University designated institutions upon registration at Tsinghua University for enrollment qualification review. Students who fail the enrollment qualification review will be disqualified from enrollment and study at Tsinghua University.

XI.  Accommodation

PhD students enrolled in this program will study in Shenzhen throughout the program. Student housing are provided by SIGS for the duration of the courses (usually in the first year), and by SMART throughout the duration of study.

XII. Contact

1. SMART Admission Office

Email: international_admission@smart.org.cn

SMART website: smart.org.cn/en/

SZBL website: en.szbl.ac.cn/

2. SIGS Graduate Admission Office

Tel: +86 755 86543994

Email: admission@sz.tsinghua.edu.cn

· Online application: yzbm.tsinghua.edu.cn/intlLogin

· Tsinghua University Graduate Admission: yz.tsinghua.edu.cn/en/

· SIGS website: www.sigs.tsinghua.edu.cn/en/

3. SIGS Office of Academic Affairs (for scholarship related issues)

Tel: +86 755 26036030
Email: financialaid@sz.tsinghua.edu.cn