PhDTaught in English

    PhD in Optical Engineering (College of Astronautics)

    English-taught PhD in Optical Engineering offered by the NUAA College of Astronautics. Applicants need a master's degree and a NUAA supervisor acceptance letter. CSCA is not required.

    PhD in Optical Engineering (College of Astronautics)
    4 yearsDuration
    EnglishTeaching Language
    CNY 37,800Tuition / year
    SeptIntake
    CNY 400Application Fee
    No entry testEntry Test

    Why study PhD in Optical Engineering (College of Astronautics) at NUAA?

    NUAA was founded in 1952 to build China's aviation industry. Today its aerospace research ranks third in the world, and its graduates design the aircraft, drones and engines China flies.

    Why study PhD in Optical Engineering (College of Astronautics)

    Double First-Class

    NUAA is a national key university recognised under Project 211 and the Double First-Class initiative, with strengths in aerospace, astronautics and civil aviation.

    34 national key labs

    More than 39,000 students study at NUAA, which has 34 national key laboratories.

    1,000+ international students

    International students from over 100 countries study at NUAA.

    1 hour from Shanghai

    Nanjing is a historic city with more than 2,500 years of history, about 1 hour from Shanghai by high-speed rail.

    Build practical Chinese skills alongside your degree

    Your program is taught in English, while Chinese language classes are included throughout your studies.

    YEAR 1Everyday ChineseBuild confidence for daily communication and campus life.
    YEAR 2Workplace ChineseLearn language for teamwork, presentations and professional situations.
    YEARS 3–4Professional ChineseDevelop communication skills for internships, engineering projects and future careers in China.

    Cost & scholarships

    Clear first-year financial projection before starting your journey.

    Estimated first-year cost

    CNY ¥38,200

    *Includes tuition, mandatory fees & normal living standards in Nanjing

    Tuition¥37,800 / year
    Application fee¥400 (non-refundable)

    On-campus accommodation

    Annual accommodation cost

    Standard room
    DoubleCNY 4,000
    SingleCNY 8,000
    Large room
    DoubleCNY 7,000
    SingleCNY 14,000

    Scholarships

    Year 1: Choose one

    Priority for early applicants

    Full tuition fee for one year
    NUAA Fly-High Scholarship
    One-off award: CNY 10,000 (Bachelor's) or CNY 20,000 (Master's and PhD)
    Nanjing Government Scholarship
    Full tuition fee waiver
    Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC)

    Year 2 onwards

    Apply again every year based on your results.

    One-off award: CNY 10,000 (Bachelor's) or CNY 20,000 (Master's and PhD)
    Nanjing Government Scholarship
    View all scholarships

    Check your eligibility

    Review the key entry criteria before starting your formal application. Our system helps pre-evaluate your eligibility in under 2 minutes.

    Check my eligibility now

    Takes approximately 2 minutes. Eligibility check powered by WiseAdmit.

    Entry requirements

    01

    Nationality & health

    Non-Chinese citizen in good physical and mental health with no criminal record.

    02

    Age & degree

    PhD applicants must be under 40 years old and hold a master's degree.

    03

    English proficiency

    An English proficiency test result (IELTS, TOEFL, Duolingo, PTE or equivalent). There is no minimum score and each case is assessed individually.

    04

    Academic strength

    Strong academic background, research ability and innovation.

    05

    Supervisor acceptance

    Acceptance letter from a NUAA supervisor and a study plan signed by a NUAA supervisor or professor. A research proposal must be submitted.

    Documents list

    • Passport front page
    • Master's degree certificate (in Chinese or English)
    • Highest academic transcript
    • NUAA supervisor acceptance letter
    • Study plan signed by a NUAA supervisor or professor
    • Recommendation letter from your master's-level teacher or professor
    • Physical examination record with blood test (issued within the last 6 months)
    • Non-criminal record certificate (issued within the last 6 months)
    • English proficiency test result
    • Financial guarantee (bank statement)
    • CSC application form (CSC applicants only)
    How to apply

    Four steps to your offer

    01

    Choose your intake

    Pick the intake that fits you

    02

    Create your account

    Choose the programme you want to apply for.

    03

    Upload & pay

    Upload your documents and pay the CNY 400 mandatory, non-refundable application fee

    04

    Get your offer

    Admission letter and JW202 visa form by email

    On the next page, choose NUAA’s standard portal or guided application support from WiseAdmit.

    Frequently asked questions

    Find quick answers to key queries regarding living cost, scholarship applications, and course delivery

    Need custom assistance?

    Contact admission

    September 2027

    Ready to start your journey?

    Choose the intake that fits your situation and begin your NUAA application.

    Apply for September 2027

    Get the program brochure

    Receive the PhD in Optical Engineering (College of Astronautics) brochure and an invitation to our weekly admissions webinar.

    ✓  Programme brochure (PDF)✓  Answers from admissions officers