Are you interested in pursuing PhD studies in Electrical and Electronic Engineering (EEE) at a prestigious institution? The University of Nottingham Ningbo China (UNNC) provides a highly competitive Key Discipline PhD Scholarship (Ref: 25KEYEEE) to excellent students pursuing a PhD in EEE beginning in February 2026. Benefits, eligibility, research themes, application procedures, and important dates are all covered in detail in this article.
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Why Choose UNNC for Electrical and Electronic Engineering EEE PhD Research?
Founded in 2004, UNNC is the first fully English-language Sino-foreign joint-venture university in China. Degrees are awarded by the University of Nottingham UK, and graduates receive the same internationally recognized certificate with no location stated. The Faculty of Science & Engineering (FoSE) is internationally acclaimed: its Electrical & Electronic Engineering discipline ranks among the top 0.23% globally in ESI metrics, and includes multiple researchers listed in Stanford’s “Top 2% Scientists” collection.
The Electrical and Electronic Engineering department is at the cutting edge of research in areas such as power electronics, IoT, MRI and healthcare technology, smart grid, robotics and machine learning. This scholarship places PhD students in a vibrant, innovation-driven environment supported by cross-disciplinary labs and active industrial links.
Scholarship Overview
- Reference code: 25KEYEEE
- Duration: Up to 36 months, subject to satisfactory progress
- Support includes:
- Full tuition fee waiver
- Monthly stipend of RMB 4,500 for living expenses
- From Year 2 onward, paid opportunities to work as a Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) or Research Assistant after completing GTA training.
- Number of awards: Typically one seat only available per intake.
Eligibility Requirements
Academic Credentials
- You must hold either:
- A master’s degree with at least 65% average or UK Merit classification; or
- A bachelor’s first-class honors degree from a recognized institution.
- Equivalent credentials from international institutions (e.g., GPA ~3.5, or 85/100) are usually accepted.
English Language Proficiency
- Required: IELTS 6.5 overall, with no band below 6.0 (or equivalent accepted test).
- Exemptions may apply if previous degrees were fully taught in English.
Research Alignment
- Must propose a research topic strictly within the Electrical and Electronic Engineering discipline, aligned with UNNC’s thematic areas such as smart grid, healthcare engineering, smart mobility, IoT, and power systems.
- You are strongly encouraged to contact a potential supervisor before applying. Faculties associated include Prof. Jing Li, Prof. Giampaolo Buticchi, Dr Chengbo Wang, Dr C.F. Kwong, Dr Jiajun Yang, and others listed in the research projects section.
What Research Topics Are Supported?
This scholarship supports research in state-of-the-art labs and centers, such as:
- Zhejiang-Germany Joint Lab on Smart Grid Technology
- Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Research Centre for Cryogen‑free MRI & Neonatal Monitoring
- Next Generation Internet of Everything Lab (NGIoE)
- Smart Mobility & Transportation research hub
- Power Electronics and Machines research units.
Exceptional applicants whose interests align with these focus areas and who have supervisor backing have the strongest chance of selection.
Application Timeline & Deadlines
Applications must be submitted before 30 September 2025 (China Standard Time)—this is the final closing date for the February 2026 intake. UNNC typically reviews applications in three rounds:
| Application Round | Application Opens | Deadline | Decision Window |
| Round 1 | 15 March 2025 | 17 May 2025 | Decisions by 17 May |
| Round 2 | 15 April 2025 | 17 June 2025 | Decisions by 17 June |
| Round 3 | 15 May 2025 | 30 September 2025 | Final decisions by mid‑October |
Recommendation: apply at least one week before your intended application deadline to avoid technical delays.
How to Apply: Prepare for PhD Research
Before You Apply
UNNC requires candidates to meet clear academic and application standards. Key actions before your application are: confirming your supervisor alignment, preparing a strong research proposal tailored to the Electrical and Electronic Engineering department, and gathering academic/transcript documents and proof of English proficiency.
Required Documents
You should submit via the UNNC Online Application Portal:
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates (plus translated versions, if not in English)
- Research proposal aligned with Electrical and Electronic Engineering themes
- CV or resume
- IELTS or equivalent English test result
- Two academic reference letters
- Passport copy
- A head-and-shoulders color photo (if required).
Scholarship Selection
• No separate scholarship application is necessary—simply select the reference code “25KEYEEE” in your funding section when prompted.
• Shortlisted candidates may be invited to interview with faculty members to assess your proposal clarity and research fit.
Tips to Strengthen Your Application
- Engage supervisors early – Email the relevant faculty members with your research idea to secure interest and input.
- Strong research proposal – Make it focused, well-structured and explicitly suited to one of UNNC’s labs.
- Highlight academic excellence – Emphasize past research, relevant coursework, awards or presentations.
- Language accuracy – Avoid errors in your application statements and ensure your English test meets departmental thresholds.
- Apply early – Technical issues or processing delays are common—give yourself buffer time.
Why This Scholarship Is a Standout Choice
- Excellent financial support when combined with stipend and potential GTA/RA funding
- Access to top-tier labs and high-impact research teams in specialties such as sustainable power, healthcare instrumentation, and future mobility
- Globally recognized qualification with a degree identical to one earned at University of Nottingham UK
- Professional training experience available from the second year onwards in teaching/research roles
- Strong institutional recognition, with EEE scholars ranked among the top researchers worldwide.
Summary & Next Steps
The UNNC Electrical and Electronic Engineering Key Discipline PhD Scholarship (25KEYEEE) offers full funding and a globally impactful research environment. If you are academically strong, aligned with Electrical and Electronic Engineering research themes, and ready to work in a multi-national academic setting, this is a unique opportunity for the February 2026 intake.
Action steps:
- Choose your research topic and locate potential supervisors in the EEE department
- Prepare your proposal, transcripts, CVs, English test results, and reference letters
- Submit your application through UNNC portal and select 25KEYEEE as scholarship code
- Aim to apply at least a week before the preferred deadline