PhD Programs

PhD education in China is the second stage of the 'Graduate Education of China', while master's or post-graduation programs are regarded as the first stage. A PhD program will lead a student to a 'doctorate degree', which is a research-based program. PhD programs in China allow students to carry out research-based elaborate study for two different categories of personnel:

• Academic personnel' for research works and teaching in the higher level, and
• Applied personnel' in the specified areas of study such as masters of business administration, masters of engineers, masters of education and clinical doctors.

The eligibility to get admission into a PhD program in Chinese Universities is to possess a Master's degree or equivalent education. In addition to this minimum requirement, a student seeking PhD admission must have the recommendations of at least two associate professors or professors who are specialists in the concerned fields. The duration of PhD degree programs vary from three to five full years of study. The doctoral students should have a firm and complete grasp of basic theories and a deep, systematic and specialized knowledge of the desired disciplines.

The examination and evaluation for PhD programs in Chinese universities and other institutions is structured at different levels. The Academic Degree Committee of the State Council organizes the examination and evaluation of doctoral programs in conjunction with the responsible higher authorities. The Committee may also entrust commissions and departments concerned to conduct the examination and evaluation of doctoral programs in some special professional fields. Most of the institutions in China admit students on the basis of entrance tests for the PhD programs.