The PhD in Law at East China Normal University (ECNU) is a 4‑year full‑time doctoral research degree designed to train advanced legal scholars, researchers, and professionals in various legal disciplines including jurisprudence, constitutional and administrative law, criminal law, civil and commercial law, economic law, and procedural law. The PhD program emphasizes independent academic research under the guidance of expert faculty in ECNU’s Law School, leading to completion of rigorous coursework, substantial original research, and a doctoral dissertation that must be defended before an academic committee. Doctoral applicants must hold a Master’s degree or its equivalent and demonstrate strong academic credentials; for Chinese‑taught programs, proficiency in Mandarin—typically HSK Level 5 with ≥210 or HSK Level 6 with ≥180—is required, while English proficiency (e.g., IELTS/TOEFL) may be necessary for any English‑taught components or interdisciplinary programs. The curriculum blends advanced legal theory, research methodology, and specialized legal seminars, with the goal of preparing graduates for careers in academia, high‑level research, public policy, international organizations, and legal practice. ECNU supports international candidates via scholarship schemes (such as China Government Scholarships and Shanghai Government Scholarships) and integrates them into its research community in Shanghai, a major global metropolis and hub for legal scholarship. Admission involves submission of academic transcripts, research proposals, recommendation letters, language certification, and a comprehensive evaluation of research potential by the Law School’s admissions committee.

NOTE: The university may have additional program-specific eligibility requirements.
It is recommended to verify these on the official university website.