Most PhD programs ask for a master degree first. The JUSTCOOL PhD Scholarship in China does not. If you are a science student you can apply straight after your bachelor degree. The program gives you a fellowship, a tuition waiver, free housing and medical insurance. Three big Chinese universities run it together.
But there is a catch. The rules are strict. You must have the right graduation date. You must rank in the top 20 percent of your class. And you must pass exams. This guide helps you check if this chance is right for you.
At a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Program | JUSTCOOL PhD |
| Universities | Fudan University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Tongji University |
| Location | Shanghai China |
| Duration | 5 years of English taught |
| Subjects | Mathematics Physics Chemistry Biology |
| Funding | Fully Funded |
| Application window | 28 September to 14 November 2026 |
| Deadline | 14 November 2026 24:00 Beijing time |
| Written exam | 12 December 2026 |
| Enrolment | Spring or autumn 2027 |
What JUSTCOOL Is
JUSTCOOL is a joint PhD scholarship in China for international students. Three universities take part:
Fudan University Shanghai Jiao Tong University Tongji University
The program is a five year PhD taught in English. You can study one of four subjects:
Mathematics Physics Chemistry Biology
Applications are open for 2027 entry. The window runs from 28 September to 14 November 2026.
How the Three Universities Work Together
You do not do three PhDs. You also do not have to visit three campuses. Here is how it works:
You join one admitting university You can take courses at the other two You get your doctoral certificate from the university that admitted you
So the partnership gives you more choice in classes and research. It does not make the program longer or more complex.
Before you pick a university think about the research you want to do. Which questions keep you curious. Which lab work or math problems would you enjoy for years. Use these answers to look at the professors at each school.
Who Can Apply
Check your transcript first. You must meet all of these rules:
You are not a Chinese citizen and you hold a valid foreign passport Your bachelor degree is in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry or Biology Your bachelor degree is awarded between June 2026 and July 2027 You rank in the top 20 percent of your major or program You have a strong interest in research and plan to do a doctoral degree
A few points need extra care.
Graduation date. If you finish in June 2027 you fit the window. If you graduated several years ago do not assume you can still apply. Ask the admissions office which route fits you.
Top 20 percent ranking. A high GPA alone is not enough. You must show your rank inside your major. If your university does not print rankings on transcripts ask your department or registrar how they can give you proof.
English Language Rules
You may skip an English test if your whole bachelor program was taught in English. Native English speakers can also use a waiver route.
Everyone else needs one of these minimum scores:
IELTS 6.5 TOEFL iBT 90 Duolingo 110 PTE Academic 61
Your test result must be less than two years old on the deadline day.
If you studied in English ask your university for an official medium of instruction letter. It must describe your entire program. If only a few courses were in English check with admissions before you rely on it.
What You Get
The funding package includes:
A PhD fellowship, a full tuition waiver, free accommodation, a research or teaching assistantship, and free medical insurance
Now the part to watch. The funding page does not state the monthly fellowship amount. It also does not list airfare. So you cannot yet tell how much money you will have each month in Shanghai.
Before you accept any offer, ask these questions:
- How much is the fellowship every month?
- When are payments made?
- What are the duties of the assistantship?
- What are the renewal conditions?
You want to know what a normal month looks like for your budget. A package that sounds generous is not the same as one that covers your real costs.
Documents You Need
Documents You Need
Start early. Some papers take weeks to get. Here is your checklist:
- Passport valid until 1 March 2028
- Degree or expected graduation certificate and transcripts with notarized translations if they are not in Chinese or English
- Two recommendation letters signed by professors in your subject in Chinese or English
- English proof that matches your route
- Non criminal record and physical exam form with medical results valid for six months
- Nationality documents with extra records needed for former Chinese citizens
- CSCSE degree authentication which is needed later and before enrolment for some overseas graduates
- Awards and papers that are optional
Give your professors help when you ask for letters. Send them your transcript. Share a short note about your interests. Remind them of the project or course they supervised. A real example of how you solved a hard problem helps more than general praise.
If you have no published paper, do not give up. Use what you really have. A strong final year project or lab experience counts. Explain your own part honestly.
The notice does not list a research plan as a required upload. Still write a short note for yourself. What interests you. What have you tried. What do you want to learn next. This will help you in the interview.
Application Dates
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| Application opens | 28 September 2026 |
| Application deadline | 14 November 2026 24:00 Beijing time |
| Written exams | 12 December 2026 |
| Interviews | January 2027 |
| Formal offers | February 2027 |
| Enrolment | Spring or autumn 2027 |
What To Do Today
You can make good progress in one day with three small steps:
- Pick your subject and confirm your graduation window
- Ask for the document that will take the longest such as the class ranking proof
- Do one practice session based on the exam syllabus
These steps give you a clear plan. You will know your route. You will know your paper work. You will also know how ready you are for the exam.
Set your own target a few days before the real deadline. Do not let the last day be the day you find out a professor forgot to sign.
How to Apply for JUSTCOOL PhD Scholarship
Here is the full path from application to admission:
Step 1. Read the official admissions guide and exam syllabuses. Mark the topics you need to revise.
Step 2. Apply on the JUSTCOOL portal. Pick your major and upload your records. The application fee is not stated in the notice so ask admissions about it.
Step 3. Take the written exam on 12 December 2026. It is planned to be online but this may change. Interviews follow in January 2027.
Step 4. Choose your university after a successful interview. You must accept a first offer within one week. Official notices come in February. You then start in spring or autumn 2027.
Start your exam revision now. Try questions without your notes. Find where your thinking breaks down. Study those topics again. Reading a chapter you know feels safe. Solving a new problem shows what you truly understand.
The Bottom Line
The JUSTCOOL PhD scholarship is a rare option. You can enter a funded PhD in China straight after your bachelor’s degree. The package covers tuition and housing and medical insurance. But the rules are tough. You need a top 20 percent rank and the right graduation date. You must also pass exams.
If you fit these rules start your document list this week. The deadline is 14 November 2026.
