The JUSTCOOL PhD Scholarships support science graduates entering an English-taught doctoral route at three universities in Shanghai. The programme plans to enrol up to 90 students across mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology. Admitted students receive tuition, accommodation, medical insurance, fellowship, and assistantship support.
The partner institutions are Fudan University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and Tongji University. Applicants select a discipline first and choose a target university after passing the interview stage. This guide explains the academic threshold, documents, selection process, and official deadline.
JUSTCOOL PhD Scholarships Details
JUSTCOOL is a joint doctoral admissions route in Shanghai rather than a scholarship attached to one university. Each university is expected to admit between 20 and 40 students within the overall limit. Successful candidates study in English and may take courses across the partner universities.
The selection process includes document screening, written examinations, and an interview. Written tests are tentatively online and cover two subjects related to the chosen discipline. Admission remains competitive even when a candidate meets the minimum eligibility conditions.
Universities | Fudan, Shanghai Jiao Tong and Tongji |
|---|---|
Country | China |
Fields | Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology |
Planned intake | Up to 90 students |
Instruction | English |
Funding | Tuition, accommodation, insurance and fellowship support |
Deadline | 14 November 2026, 24:00 Beijing Time |
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Always recheck the official source before submitting an application.
JUSTCOOL PhD Scholarships Benefits
The official admissions notice describes an internationally competitive financial package. It includes a full tuition waiver, free accommodation, free medical insurance, a JUSTCOOL fellowship, and research or teaching assistantship. The page does not state a universal cash amount for every student.
Students also receive an academic route spanning three major Shanghai universities. The final degree is awarded by the university where the student enrols and completes the requirements. Cross-institution course access can broaden training, but the admitting university governs the degree.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must be non-Chinese citizens with valid foreign passports and undergraduate preparation in one of the four listed disciplines. They must obtain a bachelor’s degree between June 2026 and July 2027 and rank within the top 20% of their programme at application.
English ability can be shown through nationality, an English-taught undergraduate degree, or a recent accepted test. The official minimums include IELTS 6.5, TOEFL iBT 90, Duolingo 110, or PTE Academic 61, with test scores obtained within two years before the application deadline. Applicants should also show strong research interest and commitment to doctoral study.
Requirements and Documents
The application portal requires a substantial evidence package. Documents not in Chinese or English need notarized translations. Check expiration dates early: the passport must be valid until 1 March 2028 or later, and the Foreigner Physical Examination Form results are valid for 6 months.
Recommendation letters must be original Chinese- or English-language documents from professors in the relevant discipline and carry signatures. Graduating students may use an original expected-graduation certificate, and graduates of universities outside China must obtain a CSCSE degree authentication report before enrollment. Questions can be sent to admission@justcoolphd.cn.
How to Apply for JUSTCOOL PhD Scholarships
Use the “Apply Now” link on the official JUSTCOOL website (apply.justcoolphd.cn), complete the form, upload your documents, and choose the intended discipline. The application window opened at 10:00 Beijing Time on 28 September 2026. The programme asks candidates to select a target university only after a successful interview. Follow the portal notices after submission because later stages are communicated there or by email.
Prepare for discipline-specific written examinations if shortlisted. The tentative test date is 12 December 2026, followed by interview activity in January 2027. Formal admission notices are expected in February.
Application Deadline
Applications close at 24:00 Beijing Time on 14 November 2026. Because the official wording uses 24:00, Guidance Gem records the date without converting it to another timezone.
Submit before the final day so there is time to correct file or portal problems. The admissions committee expects to complete initial review by the end of November. Shortlisted candidates should keep 12 December available for the tentative written examination.
Related Current Opportunities
Applicants comparing this opportunity may also find these current Guidance Gem guides useful. Each link leads to a published page with its own eligibility rules and official source.
Use the comparisons to build a balanced application plan, but do not assume that one programme’s requirements apply to another. Recheck dates because opportunity timelines can change.
JUSTCOOL PhD Scholarships FAQs
These answers summarize the main reader questions supported by the current official information. They do not replace the programme’s formal terms or application instructions.
If an official page later changes a date, benefit, or eligibility condition, follow the newer official wording. Keep copies of the instructions you use when preparing your submission.
How many students will JUSTCOOL admit?
The programme plans to enrol no more than 90 students, with each partner university admitting about 20–40.
Which subjects are available?
The listed disciplines are mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology.
Do applicants choose a university immediately?
No. Applicants choose a major during application and select a target university after passing the interview.
What English score is required?
Accepted published minimums include IELTS 6.5, TOEFL iBT 90, Duolingo 110, or PTE Academic 61, unless another official pathway applies.
Are the JUSTCOOL PhD Scholarships fully funded?
The official notice includes full tuition, free accommodation, medical insurance, a fellowship, and research or teaching assistantship support.
What is the application deadline?
The official window closes at 24:00 Beijing Time on 14 November 2026.
Conclusion
The JUSTCOOL PhD Scholarships combine structured science admissions with a broad funding package across three Shanghai universities. The top-20% threshold, degree window, English rules, and written examinations make early preparation essential.
Start by confirming the academic criteria and downloading the syllabus for your discipline. Then assemble the passport, transcripts, recommendations, language evidence, and health and character documents before the portal deadline.
Use the separate official button below to review the complete programme information and submit through the authorised route. Guidance Gem is not the awarding body and does not accept applications.
