The scope of sociological research covers almost all aspects of human society, and the core areas include: 

Theoretical Sociology: Exploring the fundamental principles of social operation, such as Marx's class theory, Weber's social stratification theory, and Durkheim's theory of social solidarity, to provide a bottom-level logical framework for understanding society.

Applied Sociology: Focusing on specific social issues, such as poverty, inequality, educational equity, aging, urbanization, gender discrimination, and the internet society, for example, studying "the mental health of left-behind children and the social support system" and "the impact of short-video platforms on the values of teenagers".

Social Structure and Stratification: Analyzing social classes, occupational differentiation, power distribution, etc., and exploring "why different groups have different resources and opportunities", such as the causes and effects of urban-rural gap and wealth disparity.

Social Change and Development: Focusing on how society progresses from tradition to modernity, as well as the impacts of globalization, industrialization, and digitalization on society, for example, studying "the conflict between traditional customs and modernity in rural revitalization" and "the reshaping of employment structure by artificial intelligence".

Culture and Social Interaction: Examining how cultural norms, values, and symbols shape social behavior, such as "the social function of the bride-price custom" and "the group identity behind online buzzwords".

Social Organizations and Institutions: Studying the operational mechanisms of social organizations such as families, schools, enterprises, and governments, as well as the formation and role of social institutions such as laws, ethics, and religion, for example, "the impact of the change in modern family structure on the elderly care model".

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.