Join the Future of
AI Research
At Shenzhen Loop Area Institute, we train the next generation of AI researchers and innovators. We welcome outstanding applicants with rigorous academic training, demonstrated research potential, and a global perspective.
About SLAI
The 3I Model
Shenzhen Loop Area Institute is a new model of research and education institution dedicated to building a world-class hub for AI research and talent development. We pursue this mission through the 3I model: International, Interdisciplinary, and Industrial.
International
We recruit talent from around the world and use English as the primary working language. Our international faculty, students, and academic partners create a globally connected research environment.
Interdisciplinary
AI research increasingly extends beyond computer science. SLAI brings together expertise from linguistics, biomedical engineering, psychology, data science, and other fields to foster discoveries at the intersection of disciplines.
Industrial
Located in the heart of the Greater Bay Area, one of China's leading innovation hubs, SLAI maintains close ties with industry partners. Our research translates directly into real-world impact, from embodied AI to enterprise-grade language systems.
Research
Five Research Centers
Your PhD training at SLAI will be anchored in one of our five research centers, each advancing a key frontier of artificial intelligence.
AI Theoretical Foundation and Systems
Building the mathematical and computational bedrock of AI — from learning theory to scalable, efficient distributed training systems.
Embodied AI and Computer Vision
Pushing the frontier of how machines perceive, interact with, and navigate the physical world — from autonomous systems to spatial intelligence.
AI for Science and Engineering
Applying AI to accelerate scientific discovery and engineering innovation across physics, biology, chemistry, and materials science.
AI for Social Science
Leveraging AI to understand and shape human society — exploring the intersection of machine intelligence with economics, policy, and human behavior.
Language, Intelligence and Machines
Advancing natural language understanding, generation, and reasoning — building the next generation of language technologies and cognitive systems.
Admissions
What We Look For
We evaluate each application holistically, with particular attention to four dimensions that are essential for success in a rigorous and collaborative PhD environment.
Academic & Technical Foundations
A strong academic record, mathematical maturity, logical reasoning, and solid programming proficiency.
Applied & Engineering Ability
The ability to design algorithms, build systems, conduct rigorous experiments, and solve complex real-world problems across disciplines.
Research Potential & Personal Qualities
Original thinking, intellectual curiosity, the ability to identify important research questions, resilience, leadership, and collaborative spirit.
Global Perspective
Awareness of international AI research trends, strong communication skills, and the ability to engage in cross-cultural and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Programs
Joint PhD Programs
SLAI has established joint PhD programs with leading partner universities in China. Current partner institutions include Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, and The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen for the inaugural intake.
× 
SLAI × CUHK-Shenzhen Joint PhD
A doctoral training pathway jointly supported by SLAI and The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen. Upon successful completion of the program, students will receive a PhD degree awarded by CUHK, subject to CUHK's graduation and degree-awarding requirements.
Tuition Scholarships
Full or partial tuition coverage through scholarship funding
Accommodation Support
Housing support is provided in accordance with program and scholarship policies
Living Allowance
Monthly stipend to support living expenses throughout your studies
Research at SLAI
Embedded in an SLAI research center with full access to compute resources, seminars, and mentorship
📜 Degree Award
In the inaugural pilot program, the PhD degree will be awarded by The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK). Students enrolled through CUHK-Shenzhen must fulfill CUHK's academic, graduation, and degree-awarding requirements.
SLAI also offers joint PhD pathways for international students with Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School and Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School. Domestic applicants should refer to the domestic admissions page.
Apply
Application Process
A clear five-step process for joining our international PhD community.
Review Eligibility
Ensure you meet all academic and programmatic requirements for your desired program.
Prepare Application Materials
Gather and organize all necessary application materials in advance.
Submit Your Application
Complete and submit your application through our official platform before the deadline.
Application Review & Interview
Your application is reviewed — shortlisted candidates are invited for an interview.
Receive Admission Decision
Successful applicants receive an official admission decision with comprehensive enrollment guidance.
📅 Fall 2027 — Three Application Rounds
| Round | Application Deadline | Interview Period | Offer Notification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Round 1 | 30 January 2027 | February 2027 | March 2027 |
| Round 2 | 30 March 2027 | April 2027 | May 2027 |
| Round 3 | 30 May 2027 | June 2027 | July 2027 |
🔄 Rolling Admissions
Although applications are organized into three rounds, SLAI reviews applications on a rolling basis. Applications may be evaluated and decisions may be issued as materials are received, rather than only after each deadline. We strongly encourage you to apply early — applying in Round 1 or Round 2 is strongly recommended, especially for applicants seeking full consideration for available positions and funding.
Prepare
Required Materials
Prepare the following documents before starting your application.
A current curriculum vitae (CV)
Official academic transcripts
Degree certificate or official proof of current enrollment
A personal statement and/or research statement
Academic or professional letters of recommendation
A copy of your passport identification page or other required identity documents
Additional supporting materials (publications, portfolios, project samples, if applicable)
English-language proficiency test scores (IELTS 6.5+ / TOEFL iBT 79+ or equivalent)
Applicants should also consult the official CUHK-Shenzhen Graduate School website for university-specific requirements.
Interview
Interview Process
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an online interview to assess their technical preparation, research experience, and fit with potential supervisors or research groups.
Interview Format
- Duration: Approximately 20 minutes
- Presentation: A 5-minute overview of your research experience, interests, and motivation
- Q&A: Approximately 15 minutes of technical questions and research discussion
- Mode: Online video interview
💡 Tip: We encourage applicants to contact potential supervisors before applying to discuss research fit and available positions. Explore faculty profiles at SLAI Faculty Search.
Support
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about studying and living at SLAI.
Students will primarily conduct their research and day-to-day work on-site at SLAI, embedded in an SLAI center.
Coursework: Most courses are taken at SLAI; some courses at the degree-awarding partner university (CUHK-Shenzhen, in our pilot run) when needed. All courses are taught in English at both institutions.
The primary working language for coursework and research at SLAI is English. Chinese proficiency is not required for most labs or academic activities, although it may be helpful for daily life and local collaborations.
Funding: PhD students are fully funded jointly by SLAI and the degree-awarding partner university.
Research infrastructure: Compute resources (GPUs, servers), research seminars and faculty mentorship, collaboration opportunities with academic and industry partners, and access to Greater Bay Area and overseas networks.
Explore lab pages and faculty profiles on the SLAI Faculty page to identify potential supervisors eligible to supervise international students.
💡 Tip: Reach out to potential supervisors before applying to discuss research fit and available positions.
Typical eligibility: Applicants typically hold, or are expected to complete before enrollment, a master's degree in a relevant field (CS, EE, data science, linguistics, biomedical engineering, etc.). Applicants with an outstanding bachelor's degree and strong research preparation may also be considered. Strong math/programming foundations and research potential are especially important.
Eligibility is ultimately determined by the PhD programme of the degree-awarding partner university (CUHK-Shenzhen in the first pilot run).
A competitive applicant usually demonstrates:
1. Relevant research experience (thesis, publications, or substantial projects)
2. Strong technical skills (especially in programming and ML fundamentals)
3. Clear research fit with a supervisor or lab
4. Strong recommendation letters
Yes. SLAI welcomes applicants from interdisciplinary backgrounds. If you come from linguistics, biomedical engineering, psychology, or related fields, highlight your quantitative skills, programming ability, and a clear plan to bridge into AI research in your application.
Yes. Degree-awarding partner universities have English proficiency requirements. Example (CUHK-Shenzhen):
• TOEFL: 79 (iBT/Home Edition) or above
• IELTS: 6.5 (Academic) or above
Test scores are subject to validity requirements, and alternative language qualifications may be accepted depending on the policies of the degree-awarding university.
Please consult the degree-awarding partner university for details on their English proficiency submission deadline and policies.
Contact: CUHK-Shenzhen Graduate School
Before application:
📧 SLAI Admissions: admission@slai.edu.cn
📧 CUHK-SZ International Admissions: intladmissions@cuhk.edu.cn
After application:
📧 SLAI Admissions: admission@slai.edu.cn
📧 CUHK-SZ International Applications: intlugapply@cuhk.edu.cn
