Opportunity Detail
JUSTCOOL PhD Program 2027: Overview
The JUSTCOOL PhD Program 2027 China gives talented international students a chance to enter doctoral training programs after graduating from their bachelor’s degrees without obtaining a separate master’s degree. The program, which is carried out by Fudan University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU), and Tongji University, is aimed at talented and academically strong students pursuing research studies in mathematics, physics, chemistry, or biology.
The program attracts applicants due to several benefits it provides, such as financial assistance, language of instruction, and a chance to get direct entry to PhD programs right after getting a bachelor’s degree.
The most appealing feature of JUSTCOOL PhD program is its financial assistance. Applicants accepted for the program will be provided with a comprehensive financial package including a JUSTCOOL PhD fellowship, full tuition waiver, free accommodation, research or teaching assistantship, and medical insurance.
The program is expected to accept up to 90 students for 2027 intake. Application deadlines are September 28, 2026 to November 14, 2026.
JUSTCOOL PhD Program 2027: Overview
| Programme Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme name | JUSTCOOL: PhD |
| Full name | Joint Examinations and Admissions for International Students to Top Chinese Universities: PhD Program |
| Study destination | China |
| Participating universities | Fudan University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and Tongji University |
| Degree level | Direct-entry PhD |
| Duration | Five years |
| Eligible fields | Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology |
| Language of instruction | English |
| Scholarship | JUSTCOOL PhD fellowship and additional financial support |
| Tuition fees | Full tuition waiver |
| Accommodation | Free accommodation |
| Medical insurance | Included |
| Application opening date | September 28, 2026 |
| Application deadline | November 14, 2026 |
| Expected intake | Up to 90 students in 2027 |
| Official website | justcoolphd.cn |
What Is the JUSTCOOL Direct PhD Program?
JUSTCOOL is a joint international doctoral recruitment initiative conducted by Fudan University together with Shanghai Jiao Tong University and Tongji University. It is aimed at attracting talented international students for doctoral studies in fundamental scientific disciplines.
The special feature of the program is the opportunity for direct entry to PhD studies right after graduating from the bachelor’s degree. Those students who meet the eligibility and admission criteria can apply for the program and enter doctoral studies without getting a master’s degree in advance.
The program is intended for those students who demonstrated academic success at the undergraduate level and are willing to conduct advanced research. After acceptance, applicants will join the program at one of the participating universities and start their studies in English.
Students select the field they want to study while submitting their applications. University choice happens later in the application procedure and depends on passing the interview.
To find out more about the program and participating universities, visit the official website of JUSTCOOL.
Universities Participating in JUSTCOOL PhD Program
The program unites three leading research universities in Shanghai. All of them provide research opportunities in eligible scientific disciplines.
Fudan University
Fudan University is a leading research university in Shanghai with strong expertise in sciences and other academic disciplines. Within JUSTCOOL, international doctoral students have a chance to conduct research in eligible disciplines and work at the university.
Shanghai Jiao Tong University
Shanghai Jiao Tong University is known for its scientific research and education. This institution is equipped with laboratories and academic expertise in different technical and scientific disciplines. It is one of three universities that participate in the JUSTCOOL doctoral initiative.
Tongji University
Another Chinese institution participating in the JUSTCOOL program is Tongji University. International students selected through the program have an opportunity to conduct doctoral research in eligible scientific disciplines.
Students do not have to choose one of these universities while applying. First, they should select the field they would like to study and then choose the university where they will work.
Fields of Study in the JUSTCOOL Program 2027
The JUSTCOOL initiative focuses on four scientific disciplines. Students should select the field corresponding to their undergraduate major and academic background.
PhD in Mathematics
The mathematics program covers such areas as mathematical analysis, algebra, geometry and topology, applied mathematics, computational mathematics, probability and statistics, etc. Also, the program connects mathematical research with such areas as artificial intelligence and others.
PhD in Physics
The physics program covers such areas as classical mechanics, electrodynamics, thermodynamics and statistical mechanics, quantum mechanics, optics, atomic and nuclear physics, and others.
PhD in Chemistry
The chemistry program includes various areas of the discipline, such as inorganic and structural chemistry, organic chemistry, analytical chemistry, quantum chemistry, and others. Research opportunities in other disciplines may include chemical biology and others.
PhD in Biology
The biology program includes such areas as biochemistry and molecular biology, cell biology, genetics, developmental biology, microbiology, bioinformatics, bioengineering, and others.
Students should visit the official admissions page to learn the examination syllabus of their chosen field before applying.
JUSTCOOL PhD Scholarship 2027: Financial Benefits
The JUSTCOOL program provides a comprehensive financial support package to help admitted students focus on their studies and research.
JUSTCOOL PhD Fellowship
Admitted students get a JUSTCOOL PhD fellowship as part of the financial support package of the program. According to the official admissions information, it is an internationally competitive package although the exact amount of the fellowship is not provided.
Full Tuition Fee Waiver
The program provides the full tuition waiver for admitted students.
Free Accommodation
The program also provides free accommodation for international students. Students should visit the admission and enrollment page to find out the arrangements for their particular university.
Research or Teaching Assistantship
Students get research or teaching assistantship as a part of the program. It allows them to get some experience related to academic research, laboratory work, or teaching activities depending on the arrangements at the admitting university.
Free Medical Insurance
Medical insurance is also included in the financial package provided by the program. It will help international students to obtain medical coverage while studying.
Thus, JUSTCOOL is a good opportunity for students interested in obtaining a funded PhD in China after their bachelor’s degree. However, the exact fellowship amount, payment arrangements, and other conditions should be clarified by visiting the official admission page.
Eligibility Criteria for JUSTCOOL PhD Programme 2027
This programme is a very competitive one, meant for international students who have performed well academically in the eligible sciences.
Nationality Requirements
The candidates should be non-Chinese citizens who hold a valid foreign passport. Other nationality documents are required in case the applicants were previously Chinese citizens but got another nationality after.
Academic Background
The applicants should be undergraduate students pursuing one of the following majors:
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology
The candidates should earn their bachelor’s degree between June 2026 and July 2027. In addition, they should be among the top 20% of the undergraduate major/programme according to their academic performance at the time of application.
This eligibility criterion makes the opportunity especially relevant to excellent performing final year undergraduate students who wish to go for a direct PhD programme.
Also check: Zhengzhou University President Scholarship 2027 – Fully Funded PhD
English-Language Requirements
The candidates should satisfy any of the following English language conditions:
- Be from an English speaking country where English is the first language.
- Have completed their undergraduate education in English.
- Hold a valid IELTS score of at least 6.5.
- Hold a TOEFL iBT score of at least 90.
- Hold a Duolingo English Test score of at least 110.
- Hold a PTE Academic score of at least 61.
If the applicants use the test scores, then the scores should comply with the programme’s validity requirements, including the requirement that the results should have been attained within two years of the deadline for application.
Interest and Commitment to Research
The applicants should have a keen academic interest in the selected scientific field and an intention to go for PhD research. Given that this programme leads to a PhD, then the candidates should have an academic interest in research.
Documents Needed for the JUSTCOOL PhD Programme Application
The candidates should prepare their documents before submitting the application online. The official admissions announcement identifies the following documents.
Valid Passport
Submit the information page of a valid passport. The passport should be valid until March 1, 2028 or beyond.
Bachelor’s Degree or Expected Graduation Certificate
The graduates should provide their degree certificate or any other acceptable proof of the highest academic qualifications. Those still pursuing their undergraduate degrees should provide an original expected graduation certificate from the university. The applicants completing their undergraduate education from universities outside China should also meet the degree authentication requirements before admission.
Academic Transcripts
Provide complete transcripts for the highest educational level. All other documents apart from those issued in Chinese or English should be submitted together with the required notarized translations.
Two Letters of Recommendation
Submit two original recommendation letters written in Chinese or English from professors in the field. The letters should be signed by the writers.
Students should approach their professors early enough and give them enough time to write good recommendations.
Proof of English Language Proficiency
Submit any accepted proof of English language proficiency such as a test score or proof of having studied entirely in English.
Certificate of Non-Criminal Record
The applicants should provide the required certificate of non-criminal record according to the programme’s requirements.
Foreigner Physical Examination Form
Complete a physical examination form for foreigners. According to the official announcement, the results of the physical examination are valid for six months. Therefore, the candidates should consider the deadlines while arranging the medical examinations.
Nationality Documents and Other Supporting Documents
Nationality documents can be required under certain circumstances, especially when the applicants were previously Chinese nationals or had relevant Chinese travel or immigration documents.
Applicants can also provide supporting documents like academic awards, research papers and any other evidence of academic ability.
See the full list of required documents on the official announcement of JUSTCOOL admissions.
How to Apply for JUSTCOOL PhD Programme 2027
The application process involves the online application, the written exam, the interview and finally the university placement of the successful candidates.
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Check that you are qualified based on nationality, major, expected graduation date, academic ranking and English language proficiency.
Step 2: Examine the Examination Syllabus
Go through the syllabus for your intended major from the official admissions page. The written examination involves two subject-related tests, and therefore, the applicants should base their preparation on the provided syllabus.
Step 3: Prepare Your Documents
Collect your passport, academic transcripts, degree or expected graduation certificate, two recommendation letters, English proficiency, non-criminal record certificate, physical examination form and other necessary documents.
Step 4: Submit the Online Application
Visit the official website of JUSTCOOL and select the application option. Fill the form, choose the intended major and upload all the required documents before the deadline.
In this step, the applicants choose the intended major. Choice of the target university comes in the next steps after clearing the interview.
Step 5: Take the Written Examination
Applicants whose applications pass the preliminary review and shortlisted on merit will be invited to the written examination.
This examination is set for December 12, 2026 and tentatively planned to be taken remotely online. It will involve two subject-related tests lasting two hours and 30 minutes each.
Step 6: Attend the Interview
The candidates who will meet the requirements of the examination will proceed to the interview phase, which is generally expected to be done online in January 2027.
Step 7: Select University and Be Admitted
Successful candidates after the interview will proceed to the selection of the target university. Once the university accepts the candidate, a preliminary offer of admission will be issued to the applicant who should respond to the offer within a week.
The official admission letters are expected in February 2027.
Also check: Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) 2027–2028 in China – Fully Funded Study Opportunity |
Application Deadline for JUSTCOOL PhD Programme 2027
The application period for the current JUSTCOOL intake is between September 28 and November 14, 2026.
| Stage of Application | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Opening of application | September 28, 2026 |
| Deadline for application | November 14, 2026 |
| Shortlisting for written examination | End of November 2026 |
| Date of written examination | December 12, 2026 |
| Results of written examination | End of December 2026 |
| Date of interviews | January 2027 |
| Date of official admission notices | February 2027 |
| Commencement of studies | Spring/Fall semester 2027 |
All deadlines and periods for the application process are given according to Beijing Time unless stated otherwise by the programme.
Why Choose the JUSTCOOL Direct PhD Programme in China?
Here are some benefits of the JUSTCOOL programme for students aiming to have a research career in the sciences.
Firstly, it gives applicants an option to continue their education right from the undergraduate studies level to the PhD one without the need to undertake a separate master’s programme in between.
Secondly, the programme allows the applicants to get involved in research at three major universities of Shanghai that will give them the opportunity to study in an academic environment, as well as to interact with researchers from various fields of science.
Thirdly, the programme implies English-taught education and supervision, which makes it available to the international students that satisfy the eligibility requirements.
Finally, it provides such benefits for the students as fellowship, waived tuition fee, accommodation, assistantship, and medical insurance.
Nevertheless, the programme is quite competitive, therefore, having good results, properly preparing for the written exam, and filling out all necessary documents is essential for the candidate’s success.
Also check: USTC International Winter Camp 2027 in China
Official JUSTCOOL PhD Programme Website and Application Link
The official programme’s website contains the information about the collaborating universities, the research areas, examination syllabuses, eligibility criteria, and application procedure.
There are some resources that could be used for preparation of the application:
- Justcoolphd website and application portal
- Requirements for JUSTCOOL PhD programme and examination syllabuses
- HEC announcement about JUSTCOOL
In case of programme-related questions, the contact email admission@justcoolphd.cn could be found on the JUSTCOOL website.
Conclusion
The JUSTCOOL PhD Program 2027 gives the opportunity to pursue the research doctorate in China right after obtaining the bachelor’s degree for qualified international students. Being the result of collaboration among the three Shanghai Universities (Fudan University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and Tongji University), the JUSTCOOL PhD program enables the applicant to pursue his research in the field of mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology.
The provided financial support, English academic environment, and direct entry make the program worth considering for those eligible final-year undergraduate students, who plan to continue their career in the sphere of research.
The deadline for applications is November 14, 2026. The students that satisfy the eligibility criteria should prepare for the written examination, receive recommendation letters, fill out all the documents, and submit an application to the official JUSTCOOL portal.
