Applications are invited for a couple of PhD studentships at the Department of 
Mechanics and Aerospace Engineering (MAE), Southern University of Science and 
Technology (SUSTech) in Shenzhen, China. The successful candidates will join the 
Advanced Aerodynamics and Aeroacoustics Laboratory (A3 Lab), and will be working 
mainly with Dr Yu Liu (Associate Professor).

Project Descriptions
PhD research projects are available in the areas of (but not limited to):
1. Flow and noise control of bluff bodies (e.g. polygonal cylinders)
2. Passive/active noise control of airfoils and wind turbines
3. Low-noise design for PC cooling fans
4. Aerodynamic and acoustic testing techniques, e.g. phased microphone array, 
flexible pressure sensors

About SUSTech 
SUSTech is a young public university founded by the Shenzhen Municipal 
Government in December2010. SUSTech aspires to be a globally-renowned university 
that contributes to the advancement of science and technology by excelling in 
interdisciplinary research, nurturing creative future leaders and creating 
knowledge for China and the world. Built around the three pillars of Research, 
Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and propelled by its global collaboration 
strategies, SUSTech has rapidly grown into a prominent higher learning 
institution active at the scientific frontiers. It addresses the priorities of 
regional and national development strategies while blazing the trail for China’s 
higher education reform and innovation.
According to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, SUSTech has 
been ranked among top ten universities in mainland China since 2018. The 2023 QS 
World University Rankings placed SUSTech 11th in mainland China. In the latest 
Nature Index (from 1 July 2021 to 30 June 2022), SUSTech ranks 30 in the world 
and 13 in China.
More information about SUSTech, the MAE Dept., and Dr Yu Liu can be found at:
https://www.sustech.edu.cn/en/
https://mae.sustech.edu.cn/en/
https://faculty.sustech.edu.cn/liuy/en/

About the Programs
1. SUSTech offers Doctoral Programs in English for international students.
2. The Doctoral Programs are generally required to be completed in three to four 
years. 
3. Please visit the webpage for information about SUSTech supervisors and 
research areas.
https://gs.sustech.edu.cn/#/admission/en/cooperation

Scholarship
All international students admitted by Doctoral Programs will be awarded one of 
the two types of the scholarships. The university will make a comprehensive 
assessment of the applicant and decide on the level of scholarship. 
1. Stipend and tuition waiver
- A stipend of RMB 100,000 per year for up to four years 
- Waiver of RMB 40,000 per year tuition fee
2. Stipend only
- A stipend of RMB 100,000 per year for up to four years 
- Student pays the tuition fee of RMB 40,000 per year
Please note that the maximum period that a graduate student is eligible for the 
stipends shall be the normative duration of the program in which the student is 
enrolled. Students completing their graduate studies within the normative 
program length are eligible for the stipends until the month of graduation. 

Accommodation
Accommodation fee: RMB 1500/month for a single room or RMB 800/month/person for 
a double room in the graduate student dormitories on campus, plus water and 
electricity bills.

How to apply
1. Eligibility of applicants
• Applicants must be non-Chinese citizens with a valid passport.
• Applicants for Doctoral Programs must have attained the Master’s degree. 
Applicants who have not graduated can provide expected graduation certificate 
while the official diploma must be provided before enrollment.
• Language competence: TOEFL 90 or above; or IELTS 6.5 overall or above, with no 
sub-scores lower than 6. Applicants are not required to present TOEFL or IELTS 
score if their first language is English, or their previous degree was awarded 
by an institution where the language of instruction was English. Please note 
that SUSTech academic departments may have higher English language requirements.
2. Application Procedures
Please login to the online application system 
(https://sustech.at0086.cn/StuApplication/Login.aspx) during the application 
period, select “Doctoral Degree Programs”, complete the application correctly 
and completely, and upload the application documents listed below.
3. Application Period
Application period: December 20, 2022 to February 20, 2023
4. Required Documents
(1) Degree certificates. Doctoral Program applicants should submit both Master’s 
and Bachelor’s degree certificates. Applicants who will not graduate before the 
application deadline shall provide an official pre-graduation certificate/letter 
showing their student status and the expected graduation date.
(2) Academic Transcripts. Doctoral Program applicants should submit both 
Master’s and Bachelor’s degree transcripts. Applicants who will not graduate 
before the application deadline shall provide the most current academic 
transcript.
(3) Score report of English language test (e.g. TOEFL/IELTS/others). Applicants 
whose previous degree was awarded by an institution where the medium of 
instruction was English, please provide the official certificate/letter showing 
the medium of instruction and the English proficiency.
(4) Passport information page.
(5) Passport size photo.
(6) CV or Resume.
(7) Personal statement.
(8) Research proposal, which should include an introduction of their research 
experience and research plan.
(9) Two academic recommendation letters from scholars who hold the title of 
associate professor or higher, or senior professionals in a related academic 
field. Please follow the instructions on the online system for submission of 
online recommendation letters or upload the recommendation letters signed by 
referees.
(10) Other documents that prove academic abilities.
For all documents in languages other than Chinese or English, notarized copies 
of translations in Chinese or English need to be provided. Please scan the 
original or notarized application documents in color using a scanner. Images 
captured by mobile phone or camera are not acceptable. Scans of copies are also 
not acceptable.

Evaluation and Admission
• Applications will be pre-screened based on the documents provided by the 
applicants. Selected applicants may be invited to an interview. The time and 
other details of the interview will be announced in advance by SUSTech academic 
departments. 
• The University Admissions Committee will make the final decision on admissions 
and types of scholarship. 
• Due to the impact of COVID-19 virus, if students are unable to arrive at the 
university and register on time, no online registration or courses is available, 
and students must defer their enrollment. Please give full consideration before 
applying. 

Registration
The registration period for admitted Doctoral Students is in late August. 
Students must enter China with a valid passport and an X1 visa, and must apply 
for a Residence Permit within 30 days of arrival in China. Students who hold 
other types of visas cannot be registered at SUSTech. All students should 
present the offer letter, the passport and other necessary original or notarized 
degree certificates upon registration at SUSTech for enrollment qualification 
review. Students who fail the enrollment qualification review will be 
disqualified from enrollment. 

Enquiries
Please send a cover letter explaining your qualifications for the PhD program, a 
CV with a list of publications, and the contact details of two referees via 
email. 
Contact: Dr Yu Liu		Email: liuy@sustech.edu.cn
General enquiries:
SUSTech Graduate School Admissions and International Office
Email: pgadmissions@sustech.edu.cn 
SUSTech official website: http://www.sustech.edu.cn/en