Shi Yigong's Praise Ignites Interest in Shandong Recruitment

In a recent visit to Shandong province, Westlake University President Shi Yigong, a renowned Chinese biophysicist and former vice president of Tsinghua University, expressed high admiration for local high school students. Describing them as possessing 'excellent foundations and spirit' (优秀基础与灵气), Shi highlighted their thoughtful questions during lectures at schools in Qingdao and Jinan, noting they were 'insightful and challenging even for him.' This enthusiasm underscores Westlake University's decision to launch its first undergraduate recruitment from Shandong in 2026, targeting top talents with strong scientific research literacy and critical thinking abilities.

Shi's comments come amid Westlake's strategic expansion beyond its home base in Zhejiang, aiming to cultivate future scientists who can contribute globally on China's behalf. This move aligns with the university's mission as a pioneering research-oriented institution.

Westlake University: A New Model in Chinese Higher Education

Founded in 2018 in Hangzhou, Westlake University represents China's bold experiment in higher education reform. Backed by public and private funds, it operates as a nonprofit research university with a 'high-start, small-and-elite, research-oriented' philosophy. Unlike traditional paths, it began with doctoral programs in 2017 before introducing undergraduates in 2022, prioritizing quality over scale.

Currently, it enrolls around 420 undergraduates and over 2,000 doctoral students, supported by 282 PhD supervisors—90% with overseas doctorates and half holding national talent titles. Globally ranked around 300th by U.S. News and excelling in Nature Index for young universities, Westlake focuses on frontier sciences like life sciences, engineering, and materials.

Shandong's Robust Basic Education: A Perfect Fit

Shandong boasts one of China's strongest basic education systems, producing consistent high performers in the gaokao (National College Entrance Exam). Provinces like Shandong contribute significantly to top scorers attending elite universities such as Tsinghua and Peking. Shi Yigong specifically cited interactions with Shandong students as '灵气十足'—full of ingenuity and depth—making the province ideal for sourcing research-minded undergraduates.

This synergy addresses Westlake's need for students with solid math and physics foundations, as all majors require physics and chemistry selections. By tapping Shandong's talent pool, Westlake aims to diversify its cohort while elevating regional opportunities.Learn more about Westlake's vision.

The '631' Comprehensive Evaluation: Beyond Scores

Westlake's recruitment in Shandong employs the '631' model: 60% gaokao score (must meet provincial special control line), 30% school comprehensive test, and 10% high school academic proficiency exam. The school test assesses basic discipline knowledge, thinking skills, innovation potential, exploration spirit, communication, English proficiency, and physical fitness.

• Gaokao (60%): Folded to total/750 x 100; phys+chem required.
• School Test (30%): Interviews and assessments for research aptitude.
• Academic Exam (10%): All subjects qualified = 100 points.

Expected intake: under 10 students, emphasizing holistic evaluation over rote scores.

Eight Cutting-Edge Majors Open to Shandong Applicants

Candidates can apply to eight STEM-focused programs:

• Biological Sciences
• Chemistry
• Physics
• Mathematics and Applied Mathematics
• Electronic Information Engineering
• Materials Science and Engineering
• Artificial Intelligence
• Clinical Medicine

Students enjoy flexible major selection post-general education in years 1-2.

Photo by Ankara University on Unsplash

Ideal Student Profile: Research Literacy and Critical Thinking

Westlake seeks 'good seedlings' passionate about science, with strong academics, curiosity, and innovation. Key traits include:

• Solid math/physics base
• Critical thinking on knowledge/society
• Research potential and exploration spirit
• Communication (esp. English), empathy, collaboration
• Initiative and teamwork

Immersive Undergraduate Experience from Day One

Undergrads receive a PhD supervisor immediately, diving into labs. The college system mixes disciplines in dorms for cross-pollination. Year 3 offers semester abroad at top global institutions. Small classes, 'academic ring' architecture foster collaboration. Graduates often pursue PhDs directly, with strong outcomes in academia/industry.

Tuition: low ~6000 RMB/year for domestic, emphasizing accessibility.

Elite Faculty and Research Ecosystem

With 90% international PhDs, faculty lead world-class projects in quantum, AI, biomed. Shandong natives like Yu Hongtao (cell biology) and Xiu Yuliang (AI) exemplify success, mentoring future talents.

Undergrads co-author top papers, bridging education and discovery.

Shandong Success Stories at Westlake

Prominent Shandong alumni/faculty include Qu Kai Cheng (90s-born AI prof, entrepreneur) and others, creating a welcoming network. Early undergrads like Li Ming (2022 Shandong admit) thrive in flexible, research-rich environment.

Timeline and Tips for Aspiring Applicants

Online registration ~March-April 2026, deadline ~April 30. Prepare materials: photo, transcripts, recommendations. Practice interviews on science topics. Monitor official site for updates.

Photo by Hermes Rivera on Unsplash

• Excel in phys/chem
• Cultivate independent thinking
• Gain research exposure via competitions

Shaping China's Research Universities

This expansion signals growth of 'new research universities' like Westlake, challenging traditional models with elite, flexible training. Half of China's 8 novel research unis now recruit in Shandong, boosting national talent pipelines.

Outlook: Pioneering Global Scientists

As Westlake scales undergrads, it promises to produce innovators rivaling Ivy League. For Shandong talents, this is a gateway to world-class science.