The Big Data major focuses on "data value extraction" and covers multiple stages throughout the entire data lifecycle: 

Data collection and preprocessing: Investigate methods for efficiently collecting data from various sources (such as the Internet, sensors, databases, log files, etc.), and perform cleaning (removing duplicates and erroneous data), transformation (standardizing formats), and integration (merging data from multiple sources), for example, extracting valid information from users' browsing records and transaction data on e-commerce platforms.

Data storage and management: Address the issue of storing massive amounts of data, involving technologies such as distributed file systems (such as Hadoop HDFS), NoSQL databases (such as MongoDB, Redis), and data warehouses (such as Hive), for instance, designing a storage architecture capable of accommodating PB-level (1PB = 1024TB) data to ensure data security and accessibility.

Data analysis and mining: Utilize statistical methods, machine learning algorithms (such as classification, clustering, regression), and deep learning models to discover patterns and trends in data, for example, predicting potential demands of users through their consumption data (precision marketing), or optimizing urban road network planning through traffic flow data.

Big data platform and technology development: Build and maintain big data processing platforms, involving distributed computing frameworks (such as Spark, Flink), cloud computing technologies (such as AWS, Alibaba Cloud), and programming tools (such as Python, Scala), for instance, developing real-time data processing systems (such as monitoring real-time transaction data on e-commerce platforms).

1. Comprehensive Requirements: 

1.1 Non-Chinese citizens holding foreign passports. 

1.2 Applicants should be under 35 years old (the age limit can be slightly relaxed for those with certain work experience and academic research capabilities). A bachelor's degree has been obtained (students who have not yet graduated at the time of application must provide a pre-graduation certificate; the bachelor's degree certificate must be obtained no later than before enrollment). 

1.3 Physically and mentally healthy (free from infectious diseases and physical or mental disorders that affect normal study), with excellent academic performance and moral character, friendly towards China, and with no record of criminal activities. 

2. Nationality Requirements: 

2.2 If the applicant was born with foreign nationality and both of his parents were Chinese citizens at the time of birth, or if one of the parents is a Chinese citizen, then the parent(s) of the applicant (the Chinese citizen(s)) must have obtained foreign permanent residency rights before the applicant's birth. 

Note: If the applicant is subsequently determined by the Chinese authorities to have Chinese nationality during the application, admission, or after enrollment, their application eligibility, admission eligibility, enrollment eligibility, or student status will be revoked. 

3. Language proficiency requirements: Comply with the "Language Proficiency Requirements for International Graduate Programs of Zhejiang University" (link)

1. Front page of the personal ordinary passport. The passport is valid until March 1, 2026 and beyond. If the validity period does not meet the requirements, please renew it in advance. 

2. Highest educational qualification certificate. For fresh graduates, submit the expected graduation certificate issued by their current school. Before enrollment, they must submit the original or notarized copy of the educational qualification certificate. 

3. Complete transcripts of all courses taken during the undergraduate period. Graduates should submit their transcripts up to the current stage. Before enrollment, they must submit the complete transcripts. 

4. Language proficiency certificate. Please provide the relevant document as per the "Language Proficiency Requirements for International Postgraduate Programs of Zhejiang University" (link). 

5. Personal Statement. Approximately 1500 words. Written in either Chinese or English. The content should include one's educational and work experiences, reasons for application, and research plan. 

6. Two recommendation letters. Written by a professor or an associate professor. The recommenders must sign the letters and provide their contact phone numbers and email addresses. 

7. "Intention Form for International Students by Zhejiang University Supervisors (2025 Edition)" (If available, click on the file name to download it). Please note that this document should be provided by the applicant to the supervisor voluntarily. It must be in the 2025 version and no older versions will be accepted. Some majors are mandatory, please refer to the admission major list for details. 

8. Published academic papers or academic achievements (if any). 

9. GRE, NTS-GAT and other examination results (if any). 

10. Those who were originally Chinese citizens but later acquired foreign nationality must provide (1) the certificate of renunciation of Chinese nationality; (2) the proof of cancellation of Chinese household registration; (3) the proof of obtaining foreign nationality. (4) The self-reporting form on nationality status and the confirmation and guarantee letter on nationality (click the file name to download). 

11. For applicants born abroad and acquiring foreign nationality, if both or one of the parents is a Chinese citizen, the following documents are required: (1) Proof of the applicant's acquisition of foreign nationality at birth; (2) Proof of the parents' (Chinese citizen side) permanent residence in the foreign country before the applicant's birth; (3) Self-report form on nationality status and Confirmation and Guarantee Letter of Nationality (click on the file name to download). 

12. "Application Commitment Letter for International Students (Master's Candidates) of Zhejiang University" (download). The PDF version of the commitment letter must be filled out clearly and completely by the applicant and signed by hand. Applications without the commitment letter will not be accepted.