🎓 Requirements🏫 Programs ✅ Requirements 📋 Process 📄 Materials 🎤 Interview ❓ FAQ 📧 Contact
🌐 International Admissions 2026
Join the Future of AI Research
@ Shenzhen Loop Area Institute
We are dedicated to cultivating the next generation of innovators and leaders in artificial intelligence. We actively seek prospective students who possess a strong academic foundation, demonstrate exceptional research potential, and maintain a global outlook in an ever-evolving technological landscape.
What We Look For
To ensure our students thrive in our rigorous and collaborative academic environment, we evaluate candidates across four key dimensions:
Foundational Competence
We expect applicants to have a solid academic grounding, particularly demonstrating strong mathematical abilities, rigorous logical thinking, and highly proficient coding skills.
Applied Competence
Beyond theory, we value the practical application of knowledge. Ideal candidates excel in algorithm design, engineering practice, and possess the ability to solve complex, real-world problems by integrating multidisciplinary knowledge.
Potential and Personal Traits
We look for individuals with original thinking and the keen insight needed to identify critical scientific questions. Furthermore, we highly value strong leadership qualities and the ability to work effectively in a team.
Global Vision
The future of AI is borderless. We seek students who are deeply aware of international AI research trends and have a clear understanding of future innovation directions.
Joint PhD Programs
SLAI does not award doctoral degree independently. Instead, SLAI provides various joint PhD programs with top 37 ranking universities in China, including 6 Hong Kong universities, with a particular emphasis on collaboration in the Greater Bay Area.
SLAI × CUHK-Shenzhen Joint PhD Program
As a pilot run to recruit international PhD students, SLAI is partnering with The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen (CUHK-SZ) to offer the very first joint PhD program, targeting the recruitment of international talent.
This is a doctoral training pathway jointly supported by SLAI and CUHK-SZ. Under this arrangement, CUHK-SZ provides tuition fee reduction, while SLAI and CUHK-SZ jointly provide funding support, including:
💰 Tuition Scholarships
Full or partial tuition coverage through scholarship funding.
🏠 Free Accommodation
Housing provided at no cost during the program duration.
💵 Living Allowances
Monthly stipend to support living expenses.
SLAI also takes responsibility for student selection and day-to-day student management for participants in the programme.
Degree Award: In our first pilot run, the final PhD degree of the SLAI × CUHK-SZ joint program will be awarded by The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK). CUHK-SZ follows CUHK's degree-awarding standards, and students who fulfill CUHK's graduation requirements will receive a degree certificate awarded by CUHK.
SLAI is also actively initiating such joint PhD programs with other Hong Kong universities, such as Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. More information will be released in due time.
Note: If you are a domestic student, please refer to https://www.slai.edu.cn/page/287 for more details.
Application Process
Embarking on your journey with SLAI is straightforward. Our application process for international students consists of five main steps:
1
Check Eligibility
Begin by ensuring you meet all the academic and programmatic requirements for your desired program.
2
Prepare Required Documents
Gather and organize all necessary application materials in advance.
3
Submit Your Application
Complete and submit your application through our official platform https://sis.slai.edu.cn/admission/ before the deadline (30 May 2026).
4
Review and Assessment
Once submitted, your application will be carefully reviewed by our admissions committee. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview or additional assessments.
5
Receive Your Offer
Successful applicants will receive an official offer letter, accompanied by comprehensive guidance on the next steps for enrollment.
Ready to Apply?
Submit your application through our official admissions platform.
Apply Now →
At the same time, applicants should follow the official application checklist and requirements of the CUHK-Shenzhen programme to which they are applying.
CUHK-SZ Application Info: Please review the entry requirements, application materials, and deadlines on the CUHK-Shenzhen Graduate School website: https://gs.cuhk.edu.cn/en
Required Materials
When preparing your application, please ensure you have the following documents ready for submission:
A comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Official academic transcripts
Your degree certificate or official proof of current enrollment
A compelling personal statement or research statement
Academic or professional reference letters
A copy of your passport or relevant identity documents
Any additional supporting materials that highlight your qualifications and achievements
Interview Process
Shortlisted applicants are typically invited to an online interview designed to evaluate both technical preparation and research fit.
📋 Interview Format
The interview usually lasts around 30 minutes, including:
6-minute presentation (research experience, interests, motivation)
~20 minutes of Q&A (technical questions, research discussion)
📄 Additional Requirements
Depending on the lab or prospective supervisor, applicants may also be asked to:
Discuss a recent paper in their field
Provide evidence of previous technical work (code samples, project demos)
Complete a small technical assignment
Frequently Asked Questions
Note: If you are a domestic student, please refer to https://www.slai.edu.cn/page/287 for more details. The following FAQ is designed for international students.
1
Where will I physically do my research and daily work?
In our first pilot run, students will primarily conduct their research and daily work on-site at SLAI, where they will be embedded in an SLAI center.
Coursework arrangement:
✓ Most courses will be taken at SLAI
✓ Some courses at the home university (CUHK-SZ, in our pilot run) when needed
✓ All courses are taught in English at both SLAI and the home university
2
What is the working language at SLAI? Do I need Chinese?
The primary working language for both coursework and research at SLAI is English.
Chinese proficiency:
✓ Not required for most labs or academic activities
✓ Can be helpful for daily life and some local collaborations
3
What resources and research environment can I expect?
Funding: PhD students are fully funded jointly by SLAI and the home university.
Research infrastructure:
✓ Compute resources (GPUs, servers where relevant)
✓ Research seminars and faculty mentorship
✓ Collaboration opportunities with academic and industry partners
✓ Access to the Greater Bay Area and overseas networks
4
How do I find a supervisor or research group?
You can explore lab pages and faculty profiles on the SLAI faculty page to identify potential supervisors who are eligible to supervise international students.
Faculty search: https://www.slai.edu.cn/en/teacher-search
Tip: Reach out to potential supervisors before applying to discuss research fit and available positions.
5
Who is eligible to apply?
Typical eligibility:
✓ Hold (or will soon complete) a Master's degree in a relevant field (e.g., CS, EE, data science, linguistics, biomedical engineering)
✓ OR an outstanding Bachelor's degree with strong research preparation
✓ Strong math/programming foundations and research potential are especially important
Important: Eligibility is ultimately determined by the PhD programme in the home university (CUHK-SZ in the first pilot run) to which you apply, including requirements on academic background, degree qualifications, English proficiency, and application materials. The SLAI joint track does not replace those programme-level requirements.
More info: https://gs.cuhk.edu.cn/en
6
What does a strong PhD application look like?
A competitive applicant usually demonstrates:
1. Relevant research experience (thesis, publications, or substantial projects)
2. Strong technical skills (especially in programming and machine learning fundamentals)
3. Clear research fit with a supervisor or lab
4. Strong recommendation letters
7
Can I apply if my background is not pure Computer Science?
Yes! SLAI values interdisciplinary researchers.
If you come from:
✓ Linguistics
✓ Biomedical engineering
✓ Psychology
✓ Related fields
Highlight in your application:
✓ Your quantitative skills
✓ Programming ability
✓ A clear plan to bridge into AI research
8
Is IELTS/TOEFL required for the formal application?
Yes. Home universities often have English proficiency requirements.
Example (CUHK-Shenzhen Graduate School):
✓ TOEFL: 79 (iBT/Home Edition) or above
✓ IELTS: 6.5 (Academic) or above
✓ Tests have validity rules
✓ Alternative language requirements may apply (check with home university)
9
I don't have IELTS/TOEFL yet — can I submit later (e.g., by Sept 2026)?
Please consult the home university for more details on their English proficiency submission deadline and policies.
Contact:
CUHK-Shenzhen Graduate School: https://gs.cuhk.edu.cn/en
10
Whom should I contact if I have any questions?
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
Contact Us
We are here to support you throughout your application journey. If you have any questions or require further assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to our admissions team:
Email
admission@slai.edu.cn
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