Westlake University

Bachelor in Materials Science and Engineering

Hangzhou, China

The Bachelor in Materials Science and Engineering at Westlake University is a 1 year long program for international students taught in English.

Introduction

Westlake University is a new type of high-quality research-oriented university based in the historic Chinese city of Hangzhou - a stunning city well-known throughout Asia for its long history, rich culture, fine arts, and beautiful scenery. Our university was founded by prominent globally respected scientists and scholars. We are quickly becoming a leading university for science, engineering, and innovation. At Westlake, we emphasize academic freedom, research excellence, interdisciplinary engagement, and international collaboration. We are committed to building a truly international, world-class, research-oriented university.

About the Program

Immerse yourself in the design and creation of new materials and systems in their bachelor’s program in Materials Science and Engineering. You’ll gain a deep understanding of the relationships between materials structure, properties, and functions, allowing you to apply your knowledge of robotics, mechanical systems, and advanced manufacturing to applications in electronics, energy, sustainability, healthcare, public health, and many other areas.

Sample courses: Physical Properties of Materials, Soft Matter,Crystallography and Diffraction, Thermodynamics of Materials, Photonic Metamaterials, Materials for Renewable and Sustainable Energy, Biomaterials, Chemical Metallurgy and Resource Extraction, Additive Manufacturing, Solid Mechanics, Biomass Energy and Materials.

Curriculum:

Prepare for the Future with Our Curriculum

During the first two years of your undergraduate journey at Westlake you will take the same classes with students in your cohort, prior to declaring a major. The program is designed to stimulate your intellectual curiosity and create a cross-disciplinary community of peers. Their interdisciplinary core curriculum follows a liberal arts model to build a breadth of knowledge in science, engineering, humanities, and social sciences, and will help you make connections between important and diverse global issues.

Science and engineering core courses prepare you for advanced study in all of our five majors and to develop foundational skills in mathematics, quantitative reasoning, computing, and critical thinking. These courses allow you to explore your academic interests across disciplines, make an informed choice about your eventual major, and to establish a framework for advanced interdisciplinary research projects.

Acquire Chinese Language Skills for Success

All international undergraduate students study Chinese for two or more years. Familiarity with Mandarin Chinese, the primary language of nearly twelve percent of the world population, is becoming increasingly important as the world becomes more interconnected. Their Chinese language classes, in tandem with a superb education in a science or engineering field will give you an edge as you pursue your career in a globalized economy.

Study Abroad at Top Universities

The study abroad experience is an integral part of your Westlake education. After completing your freshman and sophomore years, you will spend a semester or full year abroad at one of our partner institutions in North America, Australia, Europe, or Asia. Study destinations include programs at UC Berkeley, Cornell University, UC San Diego, University of Edinburgh, University of Queensland, Hebrew University in Jerusalem, and many more.

Develop Skills for Lifelong Learning

Once you declare your major in your sophomore year, get ready to accelerate your learning with a program designed to equip you for the challenges you will face in your career. Along with core courses and electives, each of their five majors also include experiential programs and opportunities for independent study, theoretical and laboratory research, and interdisciplinary investigations.

At Westlake’s renowned key laboratories, you can work alongside world-class faculty and researchers as you develop valuable research skills while receiving professional guidance and mentoring. Undergraduate students are also encouraged to take advanced graduate-level courses as electives and can choose from over 300 courses in topics from science, engineering, and technology. Under the guidance of a faculty mentor, you will undertake a capstone project culminating in a senior thesis. This project is your opportunity to make meaningful contributions to your field and will establish a starting point for the next phase of your life, whether it be graduate school, entrepreneurship, an industrial career, or another path.

ADMISSIONS TIMETABLE
First Round

  • November 1 Application Due
  • November 22 Interview begins
  • December 31st Admission Decision
  • January 15 Student Reply

Second Round

  • January 1 Application Due
  • January 22 Interview begins
  • March 1 Admission Decision
  • May 1 Student Reply

Third Round

  • April 1 Application Due
  • April 8 Interview begins
  • April 21 Admission Decision
  • May 1 Student Reply

About the University

Join Inspiring People

At Westlake University, you will learn from and be mentored by their world-class faculty. Over 95% of our professors hail from top-notch universities including MIT, Caltech, UC Berkeley, and Stanford. In addition, all our senior leadership have studied and/or held positions at distinguished institutions such as Princeton, Harvard, Yale, UPenn, UIUC, and KTH Royal Institute of Technology (Sweden). You will work and collaborate with these brilliant scientists and engineers changing their world. You will also be surrounded by enthusiastic fellow students who seek challenges in academics, personal growth, and cultural adventures. At Westlake, you will make lifelong friends and connect with future leaders.

A Community for Future Leaders

Westlake University is an intimate, supportive, and diverse community. Different interests and causes are represented by multiple types of student groups, allowing individuals to explore, create, and lead in their own ways. We hope to facilitate an engaging, exciting, and inspiring student life experience for all.

Westlake University Campus

Our beautiful campus was designed by renowned German firm HENN GmbH and is one of the most sustainable and multi-functional campuses in the world. Our campus boasts 300 state-of-the-art independent laboratories, 13 innovation platforms, and six shared research facilities. Our main campus is in the heart of an expanding university town, between a major technology hub and ancient historical ruins, tea plantations, and Westlake UNESCO world heritage site.

"Go International, Go Abroad"

GO INTERNATIONAL

Westlake university’s goal is to recruit 50% domestic and 50% international students to all undergraduate programs to create a truly international study environment.

Our PhD programs recruit students from top global masters’ programs.

GO ABROAD

In addition to your international experience in China, all undergraduate students are required to spend a semester or full academic year at one of their 19 partner universities abroad. We have established study abroad programs with leading universities in North America, Australia, Europe, and Asia including UC Berkeley, Cornell University, University of Edinburgh, UC San Diego, Monash University, Hebrew University in Jerusalem, and many more.

PhD students are encouraged to study in short-term programs abroad or to present their research at international academic research conferences and forums. There are ample funding opportunities for graduate international experiences.

Accommodation

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You will need to book the accommodation after you have been accepted.

You can choose to live on campus or off campus in private accommodation.

How to Book

Register when you arrive

It’s not possible to reserve a room before arriving. You can arrive a few days before and book it.

Fees

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Application Fee
85 USD
Tuition Fee
49,437 USD per year

Entry Requirements

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English proficiency required: IELTS 5.5-6.0 (Primary)

All students from all countries are eligible to apply to this program.

Admissions Process

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  1. 1
    Step 1 Choose programs
  2. 2
    Step 2 Apply online
  3. 3
    Step 3 Enroll
Preparing documents

You can start your application now and send the application documents during your application. Some documents you can send later if you don’t have them right away. See document and eligibility requirements

Required documents

• Curriculum Vitae

• English Language Certificate

• Personal Statement

• Your Highest Academic Transcript (in English)

• Your Photograph

• Your Graduation Certificate (in English)

• Your Passport Copy

Application process

• Applying Online is simple in just a few steps. Learn more about the application process

• The first steps are to choose the programs, pay the application fee and upload the application documents.

• Once submitted to Global Admissions, we will review your application within 2-3 days and proceed to the university or ask you for further clarification

• After it has been processed to the university you will receive your unique application ID from each university.

• The university may contact you directly for further questions.

• We will then follow up each week with the university for updates. As soon as there is any update we will let you know. If you have made other plans, decide to withdraw / change address at any time please let us know.

• After you have been accepted you will receive your admissions letter electronically and asked to pay the non-refundable deposit to the university.

• Once you have paid the deposit the university will issue you the admissions letter and visa form to your home country.

Westlake University Reviews

Location
9.2
Accommodation
8.8
Food
7.8
Student experience
8.8
Value for money
9.0
Classes
8.4
Facilities
9.8
Recommend a friend?
9.2

Mohamad S.

8.9

Self funded · Lived on campus

The research environment here is unparalleled; you are encouraged to step out of your comfort zone and collaborate across different scientific disciplines.

Reviewed on January 22, 2026

Yang L.

8.9

Self funded · Lived on campus

It feels like a community rather than a massive institution. I can talk to a world-renowned scientist over lunch in the canteen.

Reviewed on January 22, 2026

Andrea V.

8.6

Self funded · Lived on campus · PhD in Biology

Hangzhou is the perfect city for a student, but the PhD program is incredibly demanding—you have to be truly dedicated to your research.

Reviewed on January 22, 2026

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