PhD and Master of Engineering (MEng) in Soft Matter Science and Engineering

Bridge soft matter fundamentals with cutting-edge research to drive global innovation.

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Qualification

Phd and MEng in Soft
Matter Science and
Engineering

Duration

PhD 4 years

MEng 3 years

Start date

September 2026

Study mode

Full-time

Fees

Master Program: 32,000 CNY/year

PhD Program: 40,000 CNY/year

Location

Guangzhou International Campus, SCUT, Panyu, Guangzhou

Program Overview

Focusing on fundamental scientific issues of soft matter in chemistry and chemical engineering, the program extends to advanced functional materials and high-performance hybrid materials. Aligning with global scientific frontiers, we aim to empower students to engage in real-world innovation through foundational and applied research in soft matter science.

Why SESM at SCUT

Why you should join PhD and MEng program in Soft Matter Science and Engineering at South China University of Technology.

01

World’s first School on soft matter science

We are the world’s first School on soft matter science.

02

Ranked No.1 in Best Universities for Polymer Science

We ranked No.1 in Best Universities for Polymer Science in 2023 US News & World Report.

03

36 full-time world-leading faculties

Our school is home to 36 full-time teaching faculties, most of them are young scientists recruited from famous universities around the world, such as Harvard, MIT, Stanford, University of Tokyo and others, and 12 of them have published papers on Science or Nature.

04

Fully English-taughtprograms

Our dedicated faculty, enriched by overseas expertise, provides a complete series of fully English-taught programs.

05

State-of-the-art facilities and platforms

Our state-of-the-art research facilities and platforms will immerse you in hands-on learning experiences.

06

China’s leading 985 and 211 project university

Our university is one of China’s leading universities directly under the Ministry of Education, and one of the national 211 and 985 project universities, which qualifies it as a prestigious and highly sought-after institution in China.

07

World-class education while lower living costs

We offer you world-class education and vibrant campus life while you can enjoy lower living costs than comparable programs.

Entry Requirements

We consider all applicants on an individual basis, welcoming students from all over the world! Applicants must be non-Chinese citizens and under the age of 35.

01
Minimum requirement

We welcome applications from high-quality candidates with a strong academic background in relevant disciplines. Applicants should hold (or expect to obtain) a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) with outstanding performance, the minimum requirement is: A minimum GPA of [2.5/4.0] (or equivalent in your home institution’s grading system).

02
English language requirement

IELTS 5.5 or TOFEL iBT 70

Note
This is only for non-English speaking countries. The language test results must remain valid at the time of application (tests taken within the past 24 months).

Curriculum

  • Course List
No. Course Name Credits Total Hours
1 Soft Machines 2 16
2 Neutron, X-rays and Light Scattering Methods Applied to Soft Matter 2 32
3 Soft Matter Physics II 1 16
4 Soft Matter Chemistry I 1 16
5 Preparation and Characterization of Nano-Biomaterials 2 32
6 Chemistry in life 1 16
7 Soft Matter Chemistry III 1 16
8 Structure and characterization of soft matter III 1 16
9 Bio-based materials and Biomimetic materials 2 32
10 Soft Matter Physics I 1 16
No. Course Name Credits Total Hours
11 Structure and Characterization of Soft Matter II 1 16
12 Structure and characterization of soft matter I 1 16
13 Soft Matter Engineering 2 32
14 Structure characterization of soft matter IV 1 16
15 Soft Matter Physics III 1 16
16 Bioinorganic Chemistry 1 16
17 Science and Engineering of Composite Materials 2 32
18 Soft Matter Physics IV 1 16
19 Soft Matter Chemistry II 1 16
20 Theory of Transmission Electron Microscopy 1 16
No. Course Name Credits Total Hours
21 Carbon Nanomaterials 1 16
22 Advanced Transmission Electron Microscopy and Computational Imaging 2 32
23 Scientific Writing and Academic Integrity
123

How to Apply

Application Process

01

Create an account

Register on the SCUT Application Portal: www.scut.edu.cn/apply

02

Submit Application

Complete the online form with your personal details.

Upload scanned copy of the supporting documents (see checklist below).

Pay 450 CNY application fee online.

Processing time: 7-14 working days.

Notes: 1)Please upload all the required documents to complete your application. Each document must be under 1M in size.
2)If diplomas and transcripts are not issued in English or Chinese, they must be notarized by the Chinese Embassy/Consulate.
3)All documents must be translated into Chinese or English.
4)If you have studied at a Chinese university before, please provide:
  • A copy of your passport visa page.
  • A transfer letter (including attendance records above 80%)
  • Transcripts.
5)Some applicants may be required to provide the “Non-criminal Check” notarized by Chinese embassy and personal resume or financial certificates. You will receive an email with further instructions if these documents are needed in your case.

03

Examination/Interview

Applicants are required to attend the examination/interview organized by the School of Emergent Soft Matter.

04

Receive Admission Letter

Successful applicants will receive a digital admission letter via email within 10 working days.

05

Receive Visa Documents

South China University of Technology (SCUT) will issue an electronic JW202 for your student visa application.

An official admission package will be mailed to your designated address.

06

Apply for Student Visa

Visit the Chinese Embassy/Consulate in your home country with the following documents:

  • Admission letter

  • JW202 Form

Apply for an X1 visa (long-term study).

07

Enroll at SCUT

Complete your registration upon arrival on campus.

01

Create an account

Register on the SCUT Application Portal: www.scut.edu.cn/apply

02

Submit Application

Complete the online form with your personal details.

Upload scanned copy of the supporting documents (see checklist below).

Pay 450 CNY application fee online.

Processing time: 7-14 working days.

Notes:

1)Please upload all the required documents to complete your application. Each document must be under 1M in size.
2)If diplomas and transcripts are not issued in English or Chinese, they must be notarized by the Chinese Embassy/Consulate.
3)All documents must be translated into Chinese or English.
4)If you have studied at a Chinese university before, please provide:
  • A copy of your passport visa page.
  • A transfer letter (including attendance records above 80%)
  • Transcripts.
5)Some applicants may be required to provide the “Non-criminal Check” notarized by Chinese embassy and personal resume or financial certificates. You will receive an email with further instructions if these documents are needed in your case.

03

Examination/Interview

Applicants are required to attend the examination/interview organized by the School of Emergent Soft Matter.

04

Receive Admission Letter

Successful applicants will receive a digital admission letter via email within 10 working days.

05

Receive Visa Documents

South China University of Technology (SCUT) will issue an electronic JW202 for your student visa application.

An official admission package will be mailed to your designated address.

06

Apply for Student Visa

Visit the Chinese Embassy/Consulate in your home country with the following documents:

  • Admission letter

  • JW202 Form

Apply for an X1 visa (long-term study).

07

Enroll at SCUT

Complete your registration upon arrival on campus.

Document Checklist

Passport copy (valid duration covers your study period at SCUT)

Passport photo

English proficiency Test Report: TOEFL iBT/Home Edition (DI Code: B518) or IELTS

Bachelor diploma and official transcripts (for Master program applicants)/Master diploma and transcripts (for PhD program applicants)

Two recommendation letters (from professors or associate professors)

Statement of purpose OR research proposal OR study plan

Foreigner Physical Examination Form

Application fee receipt

Application Deadlines

Fall Semester: June 15

The Soft Matter Science and Engineering program admits for Fall semester only.

Fees and Funding

Tuition Fee Scholarships and Deadlines
Tuition Fee Master Program: 32,000 CNY/year
PhD Program: 40,000 CNY/year
Scholarships and Deadlines
  • Chinese Government Scholarship: October 1 – February (following year)
  • Guangdong Provincial Government Scholarship (New Students): June 30
  • SCUT Outstanding International Student Scholarship (New Students): June 30
Application Fee Note:
Note: 450 CNY Scholarship deadlines may be updated according to the latest annual notice.
For more scholarship details, please check the FAQ.

Student Spotlight

I completed my bachelor’s degree at this college, where I experienced an inspiring academic atmosphere, cutting-edge educational approaches, and the strong research expertise of the dean and faculty. I believe pursuing my master’s degree here will provide me with an outstanding education. Every day of my research life here brings me great joy and fulfillment.

Yangqi Yao Ph.D. student

I chose the School of Emergent Soft Matter at South China University of Technology because I was drawn to its world-class faculty, cutting-edge research facilities, and extensive global collaborations—all of which provide an outstanding scientific environment and a platform for growth. Over my two years of research here, I have been deeply inspired by the academy’s open, inclusive, and excellence-driven culture. This dynamic academic atmosphere has not only fueled my passion for uncovering the mysteries of the material world but also solidified my decision to pursue a Ph.D. at SESM. I warmly welcome more talented international students to join us in pushing the boundaries of science together.

Jiaqin Li Ph.D. student

Student Outcomes

Career Opportunities

Our postgraduate program has achieved an employment rate over 98%, with graduates primarily pursuing careers in manufacturing, IT services, educational institutions, and related fields.

Admissions Videos

About Study
About Research
About Campus Life

Frequently Asked Questions

  • ABOUT APPLICATION AND ENTRY
  • POSTGRADUATE APPLICATION
  • ABOUT SCHOLARSHIPS
  • ABOUT ADMISSION LETTER
  • FEES
  • ABOUT STUDY VISAS
ABOUT APPLICATION AND ENTRY
  • ABOUT APPLICATION AND ENTRY
  • POSTGRADUATE APPLICATION
  • ABOUT SCHOLARSHIPS
  • ABOUT ADMISSION LETTER
  • FEES
  • ABOUT STUDY VISAS
What can I do if I have difficulties in uploading my documents on the application system?

Please note that the size of each uploaded file cannot exceed 2MB. You can upload the complete file in parts or pages. Please read carefully the requirements of uploading on the system and if you still have any further questions, then contact Admissions Office by sending email to sieinfo@scut.edu.cn.

Do I need to pay application fee?

Yes. Applicants are required to pay the application fee online if they apply for self-sponsored programs. Application fee is 450 RMB and it is not refundable. Application can only be proceeded after application fee is paid.

Note: Application fee is free for applicants who apply for Chinese Government Scholarship and International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarship.

Can I change application information after I submitted online application?

If you want to make changes to your application such as change program, upload documents, etc, then please contact Admissions Office by sending email to sieinfo@scut.edu.cn.

Can I apply by using the previous old application?

No. If you submitted an application before and now want to apply again, you will need to start a new online application. It is not possible to transfer your old application to the new one.

When will I receive my application result?

After your online application is submitted and application fee is paid successfully, Admissions Office will start to proceed your application. Normally we will release result in 2 weeks after procedure is finished. Applications for certain programs will take more time to be reviewed. If we require any further information or supporting documents in order to process your application, we will contact you by email. Please check the application system regularly for the progress and pay attention to the Email notifications.

When do the classes start normally?

Degree programs begin in September. Details are subject to the admission letter.

Contact us for enquiries

Ms. Shen

shend@scut.edu.cn

+86-20-8118-1701

Ms. Yang

mslyang@scut.edu.cn

+86-20-8711-2581