Applications for Fall 2027 graduate admission to Tsung-Dao Lee Institute (TDLI), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, are now open.
Outstanding students from around the world are welcome to apply for graduate study in Physics and Astronomy at TDLI.
Application opened: November 5, 2026
Application close by: May 31, 2027
Expected enrollment: September 2027
[APPLY NOW] [SUPERVISOR DIRECTORY] [2027 SJTU INT'L ADMISSIONS GUIDE]
For University-level requirements, deadlines and final admission policies, please refer to the 2027 SJTU International Graduate Admissions Guide.
[2027 TDLI GRADUATE PROGRAM POSTER]
1. Why TDLI
Tsung-Dao Lee Institute is an international center for fundamental research in physics and astronomy.
At TDLI, students work with leading scientists on the biggest questions of our universe—from the nature and origin of matter and particle & nuclear physics, to emergent phenomena in condensed matter and the structure and evolution of the cosmos.
Our international faculty, major scientific facilities, interdisciplinary research environment and close supervisor–student interaction provide a strong foundation for original research and academic development. Ranked around #34 globally in physics, TDLI also provides competitive funding opportunities for outstanding international graduate students.
2. Research Areas
Physics
Particle & Nuclear Physics
Theory and experiment addressing fundamental particles, interactions, dark matter, neutrinos and related frontier questions.
Condensed Matter Physics
Quantum materials, topological phases, emergent phenomena and novel quantum devices.
Astronomy & Astrophysics (PhD Only)
Astronomy & Astrophysics
Observational and theoretical research on galaxies, compact objects, cosmology and the structure and evolution of the universe.
*Applicants are encouraged to explore the TDLI Supervisor Directory and identify supervisors whose research interests align with their own.
3. Programs
| Full-time Programs | Degree Entry Requirement | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Direct-entry PhD | Bachelor’s degree | 5 years |
| Standard PhD | Master’s degree | 4 years |
| Master’s Program | Bachelor’s degree | 3 years |
TDLI encourages exceptional bachelor's-degree holders with strong research potential to consider the 5-year Direct-entry PhD pathway.
The standard SJTU international doctoral programs at TDLI are Physics (070200) and Astronomy (070400). The international master's program is Physics (070200).
4. Important Dates
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| November 5, 2026 | Applications open |
| December 15, 2026 | First-round deadline for Chinese Government Scholarship applications through SJTU |
| February 15, 2027 | Final deadline for Chinese Government Scholarship applications through SJTU |
| March 31, 2027 | Deadline for Shanghai Government Scholarship and SJTU Scholarship applications |
| May 31, 2027 | Deadline for self-funded applications |
| September 2027 | Enrollment |
All deadlines are in Beijing Time.
Applicants seeking scholarships are strongly encouraged to apply as early as possible.
5. Eligibility
Nationality
Applicants should be non-Chinese citizens with a valid private ordinary passport.
Note: Whether an applicant holding a foreign nationality also possesses the nationality of the People’s Republic of China shall be determined by the nationality appraisal issued by the Exit and Entry Administration of the Chinese public-security authorities. If an applicant is determined to hold Chinese nationality or is otherwise ineligible at any point during the application, admission, or enrollment process, their application, offer of admission, or student status will be revoked.
Physical and Mental Health
Applicants must be of good character and in good physical and mental health, and must meet the medical examination requirements prescribed by the Chinese authorities and the University. They should have an understanding of and a friendly attitude toward China, be willing to abide by Chinese laws and regulations and the University’s rules, and have no criminal record or record of other violations of laws, regulations or disciplinary rules.
Academic Qualifications
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Direct-entry PhD: Bachelor's degree or equivalent, subject to TDLI and SJTU approval.
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Standard PhD: Master's degree or equivalent.
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Master's Program: Bachelor's degree or equivalent.
Note: Applicants who are still completing their current degree may apply with an official certificate of expected graduation. The required degree must be obtained before registration and enrollment.
Language Proficiency
Applicants must meet the applicable SJTU English-language proficiency requirements.
Note: Please refer to the latest Language Requirements for SJTU International Graduate Programs for accepted tests, minimum scores, validity periods and exemptions.
6. Find a Supervisor Before Applying
A Letter of Intent for Supervision from an SJTU supervisor is required for both doctoral and master's applicants to TDLI.
Step 1 — Identify a prospective supervisor
Browse the TDLI Supervisor Directory and identify faculty members whose research interests match yours.
Step 2 — Contact the supervisor
Contact the prospective supervisor directly and normally provide:
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an English CV;
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a personal statement;
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your research interests and proposed study/research plan; and
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relevant academic background and research experience.
Step 3 — Obtain supervisor confirmation
If the faculty member agrees to consider supervising you, obtain the required Supervisor's Conditional Acceptance Letter / Letter of Intent for Supervision before submitting your formal SJTU application.
7. How to Apply
Step 1 — Prepare Your Application
Prepare all required application documents and obtain the supervisor's Letter of Intent.
Step 2 — Apply through SJTU
Complete the formal online application through the SJTU International Student Application System.
The application fee is RMB 800 and is non-refundable.
Step 3 — TDLI Screening and Interview
Applications that pass the University's preliminary document review will be considered by TDLI.
Eligible candidates may be invited to an online panel interview. The review considers academic preparation, research potential, fit with the proposed research area, English communication and scholarship eligibility.
Step 4 — TDLI Pre-offer
Candidates who successfully complete the TDLI review may receive a conditional TDLI Pre-offer, which may include information on an institute-funded scholarship.
A TDLI Pre-offer is not the final admission offer of Shanghai Jiao Tong University.
Step 5 — Final Admission
Final admission is subject to review and approval by Shanghai Jiao Tong University.
Only applicants who receive the official SJTU Admission Notice are formally admitted.
8. Application Documents
Applicants should prepare the following documents:
- English CV
- Personal Statement and Study Plan
- Degree certificates, in scanned files. Applicants who have not graduated by the time of application are required to provide an official letter from their current university stating the expected graduation date.
- Transcripts, in scanned files. Master’s program applicants are required to submit undergraduate transcripts. Doctoral program applicants are required to submit both undergraduate and graduate transcripts.
- Recommendation letters from at least two university instructors with titles of or above associate-professor in a related academic field. Please follow the instructions on the online system for submission of online recommendation letters or upload the recommendation letters with original signatures.
- A copy of passport and a passport-sized photo
- Proof of Language proficiency. (Please see Language Requirements for SJTU International Graduate Programs.pdf) *Please pay attention to the validity requirements.
- Any materials that will facilitate your application are encouraged, awards you won, papers or journal articles you published (PDF format), etc.
- Supervisor's Conditional Acceptance Letter. (Template: Supervisor's Conditional Acceptance Letter李所导师意向函模板. No need for Chinese translation)
Note: If your documents are not in English or Chinese, please have them translated into either English or Chinese by an authorized translation agency. Afterward, upload both the translated documents and the originals to the application system.
9. Tuition & Scholarships
TDLI offers competitive institute-funded scholarships for outstanding international graduate students. Scholarship eligibility is assessed as part of the TDLI admissions review, and the confirmed funding package will be specified in the candidate's TDLI Pre-offer. Applicants may also apply for applicable Chinese Government, Shanghai Government and SJTU scholarship opportunities. Scholarship applicants should follow the relevant application deadlines and requirements published by SJTU.
According to the SJTU 2027 International Graduate Program Catalog:
| Program | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|
| Doctoral Programs | RMB 89,000 |
| Master's Programs | RMB 80,000 |
TDLI Scholarship Tiers
A‑Tier (PhD)
| Year | Annual Stipend |
|---|---|
| Year 1 | RMB 140,000 |
| Year 2 | RMB 150,000 |
| Year 3 | RMB 160,000 |
| Year 4 | RMB 170,000 |
| Year 5 | RMB 180,000 |
B‑Tier
| Program | Annual Stipend |
|---|---|
| Doctoral Program | RMB 104,000 |
| Master's Program | RMB 92,000 |
Scholarship eligibility is reviewed during TDLI screening, and final scholarship details are specified in the TDLI Pre‑offer.
Other Scholarship Opportunities (SJTU & External)
Doctoral Applicants
- Chinese Government Scholarship (CGS)
- Shanghai Government Scholarship (SGS)
- SJTU Fellowship
- SJTU Scholarship
Master's Applicants
- Chinese Government Scholarship (CGS)
- Shanghai Government Scholarship (SGS)
- SJTU Scholarship
- SJTU Tuition Waiver Scholarship
Results are released via the Study@SJTU system. No separate written notices are issued.
Estimated Living Costs in Shanghai
| Expense Category | Estimated Monthly Cost (RMB) |
|---|---|
| Rent | 3,500 |
| Food | 1,800 |
| Transportation | 250 |
| Mobile + Wi-Fi | 100 |
| Utilities | 50 |
| Leisure | 500 |
| Miscellaneous | 300 |
Estimated Monthly Total: RMB 6,500
Estimated Annual Total: RMB 78,000