What are the differences between research postgraduate programmes and taught postgraduate programmes?
Research postgraduate programmes include Master of Philosophy (M.Phil.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) programmes, which focus mainly on research work. Research students are required to take coursework, complete an approved programme of supervised research, present the research undertakings and findings and pass an oral examination on the written thesis. Taught postgraduate programmes focus mainly on coursework. Taught postgraduate students are required to attend classes and satisfy the coursework requirements of the programme.
How may I start my application?
Please refer to the details via https://gs.uic.edu.cn/admission/Application_Procedure/Research_Postgraduate_Programme.htm.
Do I need to take the Graduate Candidate Test of Mainland China?
Our programme operates on an application basis. There is no need to take the National Graduate Entrance Examination.
When is the deadline for application?
Since admission offers are highly competitive and subject to quota availability, you are strongly advised to make your application as early as possible.
a) Applications for 1) Applied Mathematics 2) Computer Science and Technology 3) Probability and Mathematical Statistics are accepted year-round;
b) For other programmes, please refer to the deadline of each programme indicated on the website.
Is the awarded degree certificate authenticated by China's Ministry of Education?
Yes. BNBU Research Postgraduate Programmes can be authorized by China's Ministry of Education.
Can I submit more than one application?
Yes, you can apply for more than one programme. However, you are advised to decide on your research area before making an application.
Do I need to pay the application fee?
For the programmes such as 1) Applied Mathematics, 2) Computer Science and Technology, 3) Probability and Mathematical Statistics, and 4) Accounting and Business Management, the application fee must be paid via the BNBU application system. The application fee for other programmes is temporarily exempted.
What are the supporting documents required to be submitted along with my application?
Research proposal (in English);
Certificate of Bachelor Degree and/or Master Degree;
Official transcripts (undergraduate and/or postgraduate);
English proficiency test reports;
Copy of ID card (Two sides) / Copy of passport for non-Chinese;
Any other supporting documents (publications, awards, patent, etc.).
What is the English language requirement for admission to BNBU Research postgraduate programmes?
Test | Minimum requirement |
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) | 79 (Internet-based Test), and |
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) (Academic) | 6.5, and |
College English Test Band 6 (CET 6)# | 500 and grade B in the CET-SET (Speaking English Test) |
*Test results of TOEFL-iBT Home Edition or IELTS Indicator will not be considered.
# CET 6 (with Speaking Test) will only be considered for the programmes offered by FST.
Can I be exempt from submitting test scores of English language requirement? Applicants who are non-native English speakers can meet English language requirement in one of two ways:
a) Submitting any one of the test results (Mentioned in Question 9)
b) Receiving an undergraduate degree from an academic institution where English is the medium of instruction and submitting a Certification on Medium of Instruction to replace the test scores in application; a master’s degree or other postgraduate degree is normally not accepted as proof of English language proficiency.
My IELTS/TOEFL test report will be available later but the application deadline is approaching. Can I submit my application first?
The result of the English Proficiency Test will strengthen your application. If you have yet to attain the required report when filling out the application, you could supplement the test result once you have.
Do I need to nominate referees for my application?
Yes, you are required to nominate two referees for your application. Persons from non-academic backgrounds are not considered as appropriate academic referees. Your referees will receive an invitation email after your submission, and they should provide confidential recommendations online within two weeks.
I am a final year undergraduate / postgraduate student. Can I apply for the programmes or should I wait until my degree is conferred?
If you are in your final year of study, you may submit applications with a Certificate of Enrollment Status before obtaining confirmation of graduation.
Can I update my application data or provide additional information after I have submitted the application?
No. After your submission, you won’t be able to update your application data unless the admission office requires you to make any revisions.
Will I be required to attend an interview?
Applicants are only required to attend an interview by invitation.
How could I confirm my conditional offer?
You can confirm your acceptance via the online application system.
What if I finally cannot meet the condition of the admission offer?
Your admission offer will be declined automatically.
How does my referee submit the confidential recommendation to the University?
He or she will receive an email with a submission link to complete the confidential recommendation.
Can I make changes to the referee information submitted for my application?
We suggest that you should contact your referees before filling out the application. If you have to change the referee information due to unexpected circumstances, you can contact the Graduate School via gs_rpg@uic.edu.cn.
What should I do if my referee(s) did not receive the invitation email from the University?
You can contact us via gs_rpg@uic.edu.cn with your application number.
Can I apply for studentship?
A separate application for studentship is not needed. The Admission Panel processes studentship applications by comprehensively considering the applicant's academic merit, interview performance, research potential, and other factors.
What is studentship?
Studentship is to support a student's daily subsistence, tuition fee, and other expenses that research postgraduate students may incur during their studies. A regular studentship (including the tuition fee) in a normal study period is as follows:
RMB 15,800per month (including tuition fee) for PhD studies;
RMB 13,500per month (including tuition fee) for MPhil studies.
Are there any other financial supports for academic research?
Both PhD & MPhil students are entitled to Research Allowances to cover the following:
(1)research-related travel;
(2)conference attendance;
(3)data collection;
(4)purchase of books and other research materials not available at BNBU Learning Resource Centre;
(5)professional thesis editing, during the normative study period.
We also provide a visiting scheme for students in the joint supervised programme. Students could take coursework or conduct research at HKBU. The allowances for each MPhil and PhD student are HKD 3,000 monthly for a maximum stay of 6 months.
For more inquiries about the BNBU Research Postgraduate Programme, please contact us by 0756-3620377 or via e-mail: gs_rpg@uic.edu.cn.
