Westlake University, Hangzhou
Westlake University is a trailblazing private, non-profit research university located in Hangzhou, China. Established in 2018, it represents a bold new vision for higher education in the country, with an emphasis on academic freedom, interdisciplinary collaboration, and global integration. As China’s first private research university to operate at an elite level, Westlake University is setting a precedent by combining the best of East and West in both curriculum and campus culture. Its founding president, Professor Shi Yigong, an acclaimed biophysicist and academic reformer, envisioned a university that would be globally competitive in scientific discovery and innovation, while cultivating the next generation of international research leaders.
Academic Programmes
Westlake University offers a focused range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in science and engineering. At the undergraduate level, students can pursue degrees in Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, Artificial Intelligence, Materials Science and Engineering, and Electronic and Information Engineering. These programs are designed to be rigorous and research-oriented, with English as the primary medium of instruction. A distinctive feature of the undergraduate experience is the strong emphasis on international exposure. Students are required to spend at least one semester abroad, participating in exchange programmes with partner universities worldwide.
The university’s postgraduate division includes PhD programs in disciplines such as Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Electronic Science and Technology. Westlake has also launched joint doctoral programmes in collaboration with prestigious institutions such as Fudan University, the University of Toronto, and King’s College London. These advanced programmes are built on a model that promotes close mentorship, interdisciplinary problem-solving, and real-world impact. Many faculty members come from top global institutions like MIT, Stanford, Harvard, and Princeton, and bring a wealth of international expertise to the campus.
Campus and Facilities
Westlake University’s main campus, Yungu Campus, is situated in the scenic Xihu District of Hangzhou. Designed with both functionality and beauty in mind, the campus spans over 450,000 square metres and features cutting-edge laboratories, collaborative learning spaces, and modern residential and recreational facilities. The centrepiece of the campus is the Academic Ring, a circular hub that connects classrooms, labs, and research centres in an open, walkable layout that encourages interdisciplinary exchange. Around this academic core, residential buildings, cafés, dining halls, and sports facilities are thoughtfully arranged in a concentric ring, fostering a balanced and integrated campus lifestyle.
Prior to the completion of the Yungu Campus, Westlake operated out of its Yunqi Campus, which remains active as an interim site for some research and residential functions. The university library offers students access to study areas, seminar rooms, and a growing collection of academic resources. Students also benefit from well-equipped gyms, outdoor sports fields, and shared innovation spaces that support both physical wellness and entrepreneurial ambition.
International Outlook
From its inception, Westlake University has embraced a global outlook. It aims to maintain a student population that is 50 percent international, and its curriculum and research partnerships reflect this ambition. The university maintains exchange and dual-degree programmes with leading institutions such as UC Berkeley, Cornell University, University of Edinburgh, Monash University, and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. International students are fully integrated into campus life and supported through dedicated housing, scholarships, and academic guidance.
The faculty’s global background also contributes to this international ethos. Westlake has attracted top-tier researchers from across North America, Europe, and Asia. Several professors are recognised among the world’s most highly cited researchers, underscoring the university’s rapid rise in global research rankings.
Research and Innovation
Despite its young age, Westlake University is already a major contributor to China’s national research output. It is consistently ranked among the top young universities globally in the Nature Index, reflecting its high-quality publications in natural and physical sciences. The university operates numerous research centres and laboratories in fields such as synthetic biology, material sciences, and biomedical engineering. Westlake’s innovation ecosystem is also designed to translate academic research into societal impact, with partnerships that support entrepreneurship and tech commercialisation.
The university’s focus on fundamental and applied sciences makes it an attractive choice for students who want to pursue research careers. PhD students receive comprehensive funding, including tuition waivers, living stipends, and travel grants to support international conference participation. Undergraduate students are likewise encouraged to participate in research from an early stage, often working in labs alongside postgraduate peers and faculty mentors.
Student Life and Support
Student life at Westlake is structured around four residential colleges, each offering personalised academic guidance, peer mentorship, and co-curricular programming. These communities foster a close-knit and supportive environment that promotes intellectual curiosity and personal growth. Outside the classroom, students can join a variety of clubs and societies spanning the arts, sports, technology, and public service. The university regularly organises guest lectures, cultural festivals, and community engagement projects that enrich campus life.
Student support services are comprehensive and include academic and career counselling, mental health resources, and language support for non-native English speakers. International students benefit from orientation programmes and access to university housing located directly on campus.
Admissions and Scholarships
Admission to Westlake University is highly competitive. The undergraduate application process includes an academic transcript review, personal essays, recommendation letters, and an interview. Proficiency in English is required, and applicants from international high schools or national curriculums outside China are welcome. For postgraduate studies, applicants are expected to have strong academic records, demonstrated research experience, and alignment with the research interests of Westlake faculty members.
Generous scholarships are available for both domestic and international students. These may cover full or partial tuition, accommodation, and living expenses. In addition, the university provides opportunities for students to take on research assistantships and part-time campus jobs to supplement their income.
To learn more, visit the official website: https://en.westlake.edu.cn.