Launched in 2011, the Doctoral Program in Developing Country Studies (DCS) of Tsinghua University seeks to train researchers to undertake in-depth research on developing countries or regions, making use of international perspectives and approaches, and a thorough understanding of state-of-the-art academic theories and methodologies. As a multi-disciplinary doctoral program with a focus on social sciences and humanities, the DCS targets at doctoral candidates who have a strong research interest in studying developing countries or regions, and who aspire to pursue a career in studying one of these countries. Training in professional courses at home and abroad and long-term field studies in foreign countries will enable doctoral students in the program to gain deep understanding of a certain aspect – be it politics, economy, culture, or diplomacy of the target country or region, and to obtain the ability to deliver high-level research outputs. All doctoral students receive a full scholarship from the program, including funding for studying at home and abroad and subsidies for academic activities.

As of October 2022, the DCS has enrolled 68 doctoral students, whose research covers 48 countries and regions worldwide.