PhD Admission Brochure

Aberdeen Institute of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, South China Normal University

I. Institutional Overview

1. South China Normal University (SCNU)

Founded in 1933, South China Normal University (SCNU) is a national "Double First-Class" construction university, a "Project 211" key university, co-constructed by the Guangdong Provincial Government and the Ministry of Education, and a key institution in Guangdong's high-level university construction project. SCNU now has four campuses in three cities, comprising the Shipai Campus and University Town Campus in Guangzhou, the Nanhai Campus in Foshan, and the Binhai Campus in Shanwei. The university comprises 4 faculties, 35 schools/colleges, and 9 research institutes (centres). SCNU currently hosts over 52,000 students (including over 49,000 full-time students), comprising over 31,000 undergraduates, 18,000 master's students, and 2,000 doctoral students.

2. University of Aberdeen

Founded in 1495 and located in Aberdeen, northern Scotland, the University of Aberdeen is one of the five oldest universities in the UK, second only to Oxford, Cambridge, St Andrews, and Glasgow in age. As one of the top 20 leading universities in the UK and a global top 1% elite institution, the university currently has about 15,000 students, including international students from over 130 countries and regions. Its diverse and inclusive learning environment offers an immersive international educational experience.

Over 75% of the university's research is rated as world-leading or internationally excellent. The university has played a pivotal role in the invention of insulin and the creation of the world's first whole-body MRI scanner, and its alumni and faculty include five Nobel laureates across Chemistry, Physics, Medicine, and Peace.

3. Aberdeen Institute of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence

The Aberdeen Institute of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, South China Normal University (hereinafter referred to as the "Aberdeen Institute") is a Sino-foreign joint institute jointly established by SCNU and UoA, integrating the superior educational resources of both universities. It is the first Sino-foreign joint institute in China to offer an undergraduate program in Artificial Intelligence, and the first Sino-foreign joint institute of SCNU.

In 2025, the postgraduate admission rate of the first cohort of undergraduate graduates from the Aberdeen Institute reached 70.28%, of which 64.6% pursued further studies overseas. Notably, 95% of these graduates were admitted to top 100 world-renowned universities. In November 2025, the Ministry of Education officially approved the Aberdeen Institute to introduce master's and doctoral programs, thereby constructing a comprehensive "Bachelor-Master-Doctor" high-level international talent cultivation system. It is currently the only Sino-foreign joint institute in Guangdong Province offered such a complete training hierarchy. Aberdeen Institute offers 3 undergraduate programs, 3 master's programs, and 1 doctoral program, with a projected overall student capacity of 1,600. Currently, Aberdeen Institute has over 1,110 undergraduate students.

II. Admission Programs

1. Program

81G50SJ1 DEGREE OF DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN COMPUTING SCIENCE (SCNU JI)

(“4+0" single degree of UoA）

2. Cultivation Objectives

Relying on the superior disciplines of the University of Aberdeen, the program aims to conduct frontier research in computing science and cultivate high-level, research-oriented talents with independent scientific research capabilities and global competitiveness.

3. Program Features

● Official Recognition: Approved by the Ministry of Education, with nationally recognized academic qualifications and certified by the Chinese Service Centre for Scholarly Exchange (CSCSE).

● World-Class Resources: Introduction of world-class educational resources.

● Dual Supervision: Sino-UK dual-supervisor system.

● Global Alumni Network: Access to a globalized alumni community.

● Mobility Opportunities: Opportunities to study in the UK for 3-12 months.

● Financial Support: Scholarships available for outstanding students.

4. Duration of Study

The standard duration of study is 4 years.

5. Degree Award

DEGREE OF DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN COMPUTING SCIENCE (awarded by the University of Aberdeen)

Students who complete the courses stipulated in the joint training program at the SCNU Aberdeen Institute, pass the required examinations, meet the designated academic standards, and whose dissertations meet the required criteria, will be awarded a doctoral degree certificate from the University of Aberdeen. This certificate is identical to the PhD degree certificate issued by the University of Aberdeen in the UK. The University of Aberdeen will issue corresponding academic transcripts to support the doctoral degree, maintaining consistency with transcripts issued in the UK.

III. Fees and Funding

1. Tuition Fee

87,000 RMB / Year (Subject to SCNU’s approval).

£1,000 per year research experiment fee will be charged when students are physically studying on UoA campus.

2. Scholarships and Grants

Other expenses, including accommodation, transportation, and living costs, are to be borne by the students themselves. However, students may apply for scholarships and grants from relevant government departments and SCNU for financial support.

IV. Admission Requirements

1. Academic Qualifications

Applicants must hold a Master's degree in Computer Science (or a related discipline) from a recognized university, or a First/Upper Second Class (2:1) Honors Bachelor's degree (or equivalent qualification) in Computer Science (or a related discipline).

2. Academic Performance Requirements

PGT - A score of 65% is equivalent to a UK Lower Second Class (2:2) degree, and a score of 60% is equivalent to a UK Third Class degree.

3. English Language Requirements

University of Aberdeen link to English requirements: Postgraduate Degrees - English Requirements | Study Here | The University of Aberdeen

Notes:

1. Applicants holding a UK degree are exempt from providing English language proficiency proof.

2. Applicants from certain countries or who have studied and obtained degrees in specific countries are exempt from providing English language proficiency proof. Please refer to the University of Aberdeen's official website for the specific list of countries.

3. The Aberdeen Institute reserves the right to review and determine whether the submitted language proficiency proof meets the requirements.

V. How to Apply

l UoA side

How To Apply | Study Here | The University of Aberdeen

Step 1 Define your research area

Most applicants will already know what area they wish to specialise in. Initial research will allow you to refine your ideas. If you are going to be self-funding your research degree as opposed to applying for a funded opportunity, then you should identify potential sources of funding and find out if they are applicable to the area you are interested in.

Step 2 Consider a pre-defined PhD project

You can also apply to a pre-defined PhD. These are projects which the University has identified as strong research opportunities for high calibre applicants. You can find out more information on these PhDs here: www.abdn.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/phd-opportunities-205

Step 3 Contact potential supervisors

You can contact potential supervisors within your school or institute of interest to discuss research proposals. If applying for a pre-defined project, you can choose to make contact with your identified supervisor before you apply to introduce yourself and ask any questions. Contact details for staff can be found here: https://www.abdn.ac.uk/people/

Step 4 Write your research proposal

Some students, such as those who are not applying for a pre-defined or funded project, will likely need to write a research proposal as part of their application. You can find out more about this during your application.

Step 5 Submit your online application – deadline 15^th June 2026

Please only login to the current Applicant Portal 

Step 6 Accepting your offer

If you are offered a place and wish to accept your offer, please return your completed acceptance forms as soon as possible. If you are waiting to hear the outcome of a funding application you can still accept the offer of admission then send the relevant financial forms of sponsorship later. Find out about accepting your offer.

l SCNU side

Submit the following documents to aberdeen@scnu.edu.cn. The email subject line should be formatted as: “2026 Aberden Institute PhD Program Application Materials + [Applicant’s Name]”:

(1) The completed “2026 Aberdeen Institute of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence PhD Program Application Form” (please use the attached template);

(2) Scanned copies of your ID card/passport;

(3) Personal Statement (in English);

(4) Research Proposal (in English);

(5) Curriculum Vitae (CV) / Resume (in English);

(6) Two Letters of Recommendation. Applicants must submit two letters of recommendation written by teachers or relevant professionals holding senior academic titles (Associate Professor or above). The letters must be signed by the referees, and must clearly state their affiliated institution, position, professional title, contact number, and email address;

(7) Bachelor’s degree certificate and graduation certificate; Master’s degree certificate and graduation certificate. Current graduating Master’s students must provide an official certificate of impending graduation issued by the graduate student affairs office of their current university. Applicants who obtained their degrees from overseas institutions must provide the certification from the Chinese Service Center for Scholarly Exchange (CSCSE), Ministry of Education;

(8) Official transcripts from both undergraduate and graduate studies (must be provided in both Chinese and English, and affixed with the official seal of the academic affairs office of the issuing university);

(9) Proof of English proficiency (e.g., TOEFL or IELTS test reports/certificates);

(10) Supporting documents of scientific research achievements (including published academic papers, patents, research project monographs, etc.), as well as any other materials that can demonstrate the applicant’s research capabilities and academic proficiency.

3. Deadline for Submit Online Application

Applicants must complete the University of Aberdeen online application by 15^th June 2026

VI. Contact Information

SCNU

● Contact Person: Holly HU

● Email: aberdeen@scnu.edu.cn

UoA

● Contact Person: Rowena Shepherd

● Email: uoa-ji-enquiries@abdn.ac.uk