The English-instructed PhD Program in Global Public Policy (DGPP) aims to train future generations of scholars and analysts of local, national, regional and global policy and governance. The program integrates education and research resources of Fudan and its global partners, affords rigorous theoretical and methodological training, and exposes students to global and Chinese perspectives. Courses are delivered in English, and both international and Chinese student are enrolled. After completing the doctoral dissertation and other graduation requirements, students will be awarded the Ph.D. degree of Management Science in Public Policy from Fudan University. Graduates are expected to be competitive in domestic and international academic job markets.


PROGRAM FEATURES

  • This program emphasizes interdisciplinary training and exposes students to theories and knowledge of public management, political science, public health, economics, environment and other disciplines. Students are trained to study complex issues from interdisciplinary perspectives.

  • The program focuses on major challenges of global governance and public responses. Students may specialize in areas such as global social development, global environment and climate changes, global health, global science and technology governance.

  • Doctoral supervisors were outstanding scholars of public management with international reputation (see the list of doctoral supervisors). For students having an international scholar as the doctoral supervisor, the Institute will assign a junior professor as the co-supervisor. We only admit small number of students. With the supervision from our advisors, students are expected to build up an impressive record of research and publication before graduation.  

  • The program has a strong international environment in terms of both students and faculty members. The Institute has partnership relations with top universities and academic institutions such as LSE. Students will have ample exchange opportunities during their study at Fudan.


CURRICULUM

Required courses (12 credits)

  • Public Policy Analysis (3 credits)

  • Advanced Quantitative Methods (3 credits)

  • Global Political Economy (3 credits)

  • Public Management Theories (3 credits)

Elective courses (7 credits)

There are 5 focused fields for elective courses under the program. Students can choose courses in related fields for in-depth study according to their own background and research direction.

  • Research Methodology

  • Chinese Policy and Governance

  • Political Economy

  • Social Policy

  • Environment and Sustainability

Basic courses, academic activities and social practices (6-9 credits)

  • 2-3 credits of political theory courses (2 credits for students from Chinese Mainland, 3 credits for students from Chinese Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan, and for international students)

  • 2-4 credits of language courses (2 credits for students from Chinese Mainland, Chinese Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan, 4 credits for international students)

  • Academic activities (1 credit)

  • Social practices (1 credit)


APPLICATION

We admit students with a strong record of academic performance, proficiency in English, and a commitment of academic inquiry.  International applicants should have master’s degrees or be graduating master students.


Application Period:

  • Phase One: From November 10, 2024 to January 4, 2025 (scholarship application shall be submitted during phase one).

  • Phase Two: From March 1, 2025 to April 30, 2025 (only for self-funded application).

  • Admission decision (acceptance, waiting list, or rejection) is usually delivered to the applicant 1-2 months after the submission of applications.

  • August 2025: Visa application


*Application materials submitted by international students:

1) Valid Regular Passport Photocopy (Personal Information Page)

2) Personal Photo (Taken in front of a plain white or blue background, photo 35mm*53mm)

3) Diploma & Degree Certificate of the Highest Degree

4) Transcript of the Highest Degree (GPA equivalent to at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, B grade)

5) Two Academic References

6) CV

7)Personal Statement (ideally 3000 words). Applicants should express their research interests and indicate a preferred supervisor in the personal statement. Usually, students and professors reach an agreement on the supervisory relation in the first year of study.

8) Proof of Financial Capacity

9) Proof of English Language Proficiency (The program requires a minimum score of 90 on the internet-based TOEFL test or 6.5 on the IELTS test.)

10) Proof of No Criminal Record in Chinese or English

11) Foreigner Physical Examination Form (compulsory for applicants who apply for scholarships)

In terms of application procedure and specific requirements for documents used in the online application system, please follow the guideline for application on the website of International Students Office.


GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

  • During the study period, all required credits must be completed. Pass all courses. GPA of basic and core courses is no less than 2.5.

  • Students must write a dissertation and pass the oral defense. Students should publish at least 1 academic article in international journals or present papers of good quality in international academic conferences during their doctoral study. Students must also successfully complete a comprehensive exam usually at the beginning of the third semester.

  • The standard study period of the program is 4 years, and the maximum study period shall not exceed 8 years.


TUITION, SCHOLARSHIP AND ACCOMMODATION

Tuition for international students:

80,000 RMB per year (for 2025 intake).

Scholarships:

There are government scholarships covering both tuition and living stipends, including Chinese government scholarship, Shanghai government scholarship and Confucius China studies programs. These scholarships are merit-based and offered on the basis of competition. For more information, please refer to: this link.

Accommodation at Fudan campus:

An on-campus International Students Dormitory is available. Please check the website of International Student Office for further information.


CONTACT INFORMATION

Administrative Office

Institute of Global Public Policy, Fudan University

Room 801A, West Sub-building of Guanghua Towers

No.220, Handan Road, 200433 Shanghai, P.R. China

Tel: +86 21 65641390

Email: igpp_admission@fudan.edu.cn


Academic Affairs

Dr. Xin Ye

Institute of Global Public Policy, Fudan University

Room 802, West Sub-building of Guanghua Towers

No.220, Handan Road, 200433 Shanghai, P.R. China

Tel: +86 21 65671572

Email: yexin@fudan.edu.cn


Please see more info provided by International Students Office (ISO), Fudan University on: https://iso.fudan.edu.cn/isoenglish/.