PhD Opportunities
PhD in Environmental Engineering
Join our 4-year Research PhD program, where you will be joining a team focusing in cutting-edge research in one of our research directions.
Location: Huangdao Campus, QingdaoSpecialisation Topics
- GHG Reduction in the Wastewater Sector
- CEC Surveillance and Removal
- CFD and Modelling for Utility Optimization
- Data Science in Green Infrastructure
- Rapid Detection of Microbiological Quality in Drinking Water
- Estimating the Remaining Lifetime of Utility Hardware
- Treatment Process Optimization
Academic Background
Applicants must hold a completed MSc degree in Engineering from an accredited university. The official degree certificate must be available by 20 April 2026.
Preferred Backgrounds:
- Water / Environmental Engineering
- Data Science, AI & Machine Learning
- Modelling and Process Design
Language Proficiency
Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English.
- English: IELTS (6.5) or TOEFL (90). QUT can arrange an online English test if official certificates are not available.
Technical Skills
Applicants must be must be capable of carrying out independent R&D and working with digital tools, academic software, and research-related technologies
🎓 Full Tuition Waiver: Annual tuition fee of 60,000 RMB (≈ 8,600 USD) is fully covered.
💸 Monthly Stipend: Approximately 3,500 RMB (≈ 500 USD) per month, disbursed after each semester.
🏠 Free Accommodation: On-campus dormitories with twin-sharing rooms and attached shower/WC.
🍽️ Subsidized Meals: Affordable university canteens with estimated monthly cost of 1,000–2,000 RMB (150–300 USD).
🏥 Health Insurance: QUT health insurance plan available at approximately 800 RMB (≈ 115 USD) per year.
🌍 International Degree: Earn an accredited PhD in Engineering from a globally recognized Chinese university.
🔬 Research Facilities: Access to advanced water quality laboratories within the School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering.
🤝 Supportive Research Environment: Integration into the Smart Water Institute with international researchers and faculty.
About Campus Life
Qingdao University of Technology thrives as an international community, bringing together teachers, students, and experts from across the globe. QUT’s international students enrich this vibrant atmosphere by actively participating in and celebrating a year-round calendar of Chinese and international events, held both on and off campus.
International graduate students are housed in on-campus dormitories, conveniently located within a short walk of both the main auditoriums and laboratories.
Just minutes away, several cafeterias offer diverse cuisines at affordable prices, serving the campus community from early morning until late at night.
Applications should be sent via email to:
[email protected] with a copy to [email protected]
Required Documents
Degree certificate and official academic transcripts
- A motivation letter detailing:
- Your reasons for pursuing an PhD
- Why you wish to study at QUT / Smart Water Institute
- Your potential research interests or directions
Note on Visa
Admitted students must apply for a Chinese visa at their home country’s embassy. The visa application fee ranges from 50–100 USD.
The visa will initially be valid for three months and will be extended to one year upon arrival in China. The annual extension fee is approximately 115 USD.
Visa documentation requires proof of access to approximately 30,000 RMB (≈ 4,300 USD) in a bank account, as per Chinese government regulations.