What is the 2026 Liaoning Government Scholarship at DUT?

The 2026 Liaoning Provincial Government Scholarship for Foreign Students at Dalian University of Technology (DUT) is a prestigious and fully funded scholarship program aimed at attracting outstanding international students to pursue their PhD degrees in China.

This scholarship is part of China’s larger strategy to internationalize higher education and strengthen global academic collaborations. Specifically, this program targets newly enrolled doctoral students and offers a three-year full financial package, managed directly by the Liaoning Provincial Department of Education and administered through DUT.

It’s more than just free tuition — it’s a pathway to academic success, research excellence, and cultural exchange in one of China’s most beautiful coastal cities.


Why Study at Dalian University of Technology (DUT)?

Dalian University of Technology (DUT) is a top-tier public research university in China, under the direct administration of the Ministry of Education. Founded in 1949, DUT has built a strong reputation in engineering, applied sciences, technology, and business studies.

Here’s why DUT stands out:

  • Ranked among the Top 25 universities in China

  • Member of China’s “Double First Class” initiative

  • Offers English-taught and Chinese-taught PhD programs

  • Located in Dalian, one of China’s cleanest and most livable cities

  • Strong partnerships with over 180 global universities

  • World-class labs, libraries, and international research facilities


Benefits of the Liaoning Government Scholarship

The 2026 Liaoning Scholarship at DUT is a fully funded program that covers most of your major expenses as a PhD student. Here’s what you’ll get:

Tuition & Accommodation Waiver

  • 100% of tuition fees waived

  • Free on-campus dormitory accommodation

Monthly Living Allowance

  • A monthly stipend of 3,500 CNY (~$490 USD) is provided to cover living costs, food, transport, and more.

  • Paid monthly to your Chinese bank account.

Insurance Coverage

  • Comprehensive medical insurance provided under Chinese university student regulations.

  • Covers basic medical care, hospital stays, and emergencies.

International Travel Costs

  • NOT included.

  • Students must pay for their own flights to and from China.


Eligibility Criteria for 2026 Liaoning Provincial Scholarship

Before applying, make sure you meet the official criteria:

  1. Non-Chinese citizen

  2. In good health (must pass physical examination)

  3. Must abide by Chinese laws and DUT regulations

  4. Must hold a recognized Master’s degree

  5. Under 40 years old as of the application deadline

  6. Not currently receiving any other Chinese government scholarship

  7. Strong academic background

  8. Must be recommended by two professors


Who Should Apply? Ideal Candidate Profile

This scholarship is ideal for you if:

  • You’re passionate about scientific or engineering research

  • You’ve completed a Master’s degree with high grades

  • You have a clear research direction

  • You’re motivated to publish papers and contribute to academia

  • You’re looking for a high-quality PhD without tuition burden

  • You want a global experience in a modern Asian setting


Academic and Research Requirements

DUT looks for students who show promise in research and academia. You should:

  • Have a strong GPA in your Master’s

  • Be ready to submit a detailed research proposal

  • Ideally have published research or thesis work

  • Choose a program that matches your academic background

  • Contact potential supervisors to align your topic


Age, Health, and Legal Requirements

  • Applicants must be under 40 years old

  • Need to be physically and mentally fit

  • Must complete a health checkup using China’s standard form

  • No serious chronic illness or communicable disease

  • Must not have any legal issues in home country or China


Scholarship Duration and Program Structure

  • Scholarship covers 3 academic years

  • If your program or research extends beyond that, you can apply for DUT President’s Scholarship

  • PhD students at DUT are expected to:

    • Complete coursework in the first year

    • Conduct original research

    • Publish at least 1–2 academic papers

    • Defend dissertation in final year


List of PhD Programs Available at DUT for International Students

Some popular programs for international doctoral students include:

Faculty/School Major/Program Language
School of Mechanical Engineering Mechanical Design & Automation English
School of Civil Engineering Structural Engineering English
School of Electronic Engineering Communication and Information Systems English/Chinese
School of Chemistry Chemical Engineering and Technology English
School of Management Business Administration English

📌 Full program list: http://sie.dlut.edu.cn


Step-by-Step Application Process for DUT Liaoning Scholarship

Step 1: Choose Your PhD Program

Check the list of eligible programs at DUT that match your background.

Step 2: Find a Supervisor

Contact professors at DUT and secure a pre-acceptance or recommendation.

Step 3: Gather All Required Documents

Use the checklist in the next section.

Step 4: Complete Online Application

Apply through DUT’s international student portal:
👉 http://sie.dlut.edu.cn

Step 5: Submit Before Deadline

Deadline: February 15, 2026


How to Find and Contact Supervisors at DUT

Finding a professor is key to your selection. Here’s how:

  1. Visit the official DUT faculty page or school site.

  2. Look for the “Staff” or “Research” section.

  3. Find professors in your field of interest.

  4. Email them with:

    • Subject: “Prospective PhD Student – Liaoning Scholarship 2026”

    • Attach: CV + Research Proposal + Transcript

    • Be polite, concise, and direct

🔗 DUT Contact Email: [email protected]

Required Documents for Application (Full Checklist)

Before submitting your application, ensure you have the following documents properly scanned in PDF format. All documents in languages other than English or Chinese must be officially translated.

✅ Application Checklist:

  1. Passport Copy

    • Valid passport with at least 12 months before expiration.

  2. Highest Degree Certificate

    • Master’s degree certificate or equivalent.

    • If not yet graduated, provide a pre-graduation certificate.

  3. Academic Transcripts

    • Official transcripts of both undergraduate and postgraduate studies.

  4. Study/Research Plan

    • 800–1,000 words.

    • Should outline your academic background, research interests, objectives, and methodology.

  5. Two Recommendation Letters

    • Must be written by professors or associate professors.

    • Include full name, title, contact info, and signature.

  6. Health Examination Form

    • Must follow the Foreigner Physical Examination Form format.

    • Completed by a licensed hospital within 6 months of submission.

  7. Language Proficiency Certificate

    • HSK (for Chinese-taught programs)

    • IELTS/TOEFL (for English-taught programs)

  8. No Criminal Record Certificate

    • From your local police department or judicial authority.

  9. Acceptance Letter (Optional but Strongly Recommended)

    • From a DUT supervisor in your field of study.

  10. Published Research Papers or Awards (Optional)

    • Anything that supports your academic profile.


How to Write a Winning Research Proposal (With Tips)

Your research proposal is a game-changer. Here’s how to make yours stand out:

🔹 Structure:

  1. Title

  2. Background/Introduction

  3. Research Objectives

  4. Research Questions/Hypotheses

  5. Methodology

  6. Expected Outcomes

  7. Timeline

  8. References

🔹 Pro Tips:

  • Be clear and concise; avoid jargon.

  • Show original thinking and a clear contribution.

  • Make sure it aligns with DUT’s academic strengths.

  • Cite recent papers in your field (last 5 years).

  • Personalize it to match your intended supervisor’s interests.


Important Dates and Deadlines

Mark these dates on your calendar:

Event Date
Applications Open November 1, 2025
Application Deadline February 15, 2026
Review & Evaluation Period March – May 2026
Scholarship Results June – July 2026
Visa Processing & Travel July – August 2026
Semester Begins September 2026

Selection Process – How Are Candidates Chosen?

After submission, here’s what happens:

  1. Document Screening

    • DUT checks for eligibility and completeness.

  2. Academic Review

    • Faculty evaluates academic background and research potential.

  3. Supervisor Feedback

    • If contacted beforehand, your supervisor may vouch for you.

  4. Final Approval

    • Liaoning Provincial Department of Education confirms awardees.

  5. Official Notification

    • Selected candidates receive admission + scholarship letters via email and post.

Selection is competitive and based on academic merit, proposal quality, and overall application strength.


Life in Dalian: Cost of Living, Weather, Culture

Dalian is a scenic, modern city located in northeastern China, right by the Bohai Sea. Here’s what international students love about living there:

🏙️ City Features:

  • Clean, coastal city with beautiful beaches

  • Safe and foreigner-friendly

  • Affordable compared to Beijing or Shanghai

  • Rich in seafood, Chinese & international cuisine

💰 Average Monthly Expenses (outside scholarship):

Item Cost (CNY)
Food 1,000–1,500
Transportation 100–200
Utilities & Internet 200–300
Entertainment 300–500

🌤️ Weather:

  • Spring: Mild and windy

  • Summer: Warm, humid (25–30°C)

  • Winter: Cold with snow (-5 to 5°C)

🎉 Student Life:

  • 100+ student societies and clubs

  • International Student Center support

  • Language exchange events and cultural tours


Tips for Getting Accepted – From Previous Scholars

Want to improve your chances? Follow these tips:

  1. Start Early – Don’t wait till the last moment. Application prep takes time.

  2. Contact Supervisors – Build a relationship with potential advisors.

  3. Tailor Your Proposal – Align it with DUT’s focus areas.

  4. Proofread Everything – Clean documents = strong impression.

  5. Highlight Achievements – Don’t be shy about awards or publications.

  6. Follow Instructions Exactly – Avoid disqualification on technicalities.


FAQ – Common Questions About the DUT Liaoning Scholarship

1. Is IELTS/TOEFL mandatory?

Only for English-taught programs. HSK is needed for Chinese-medium courses.

2. Can I bring my family with me?

Yes, but at your own expense. The scholarship does not cover dependents.

3. What if my Master’s degree isn’t from an English-speaking country?

You may need to provide a language proficiency certificate or proof of instruction language.

4. Can I change my major after arriving?

No. Once admitted under a specific major, it’s difficult to switch.

5. Will I have to return home after graduation?

No obligation, but visa and post-graduation policies will apply.


Final Thoughts

The 2026 Liaoning Provincial Government Scholarship at Dalian University of Technology is an incredible chance for international students to earn a fully funded PhD at one of China’s best universities. With full coverage of tuition, accommodation, and a monthly stipend, you can focus entirely on your academic and research goals.

Whether you’re interested in cutting-edge engineering, business innovation, or scientific research, DUT offers the resources, mentorship, and environment to help you thrive.

So, what are you waiting for? Start preparing your documents and reach out to potential supervisors now!

📌 Official DUT Scholarship Info: http://sie.dlut.edu.cn
📧 Email: [email protected]
📞 Phone: +86 411-84706048