Kashif Sharif.
For Prospective Students

Thinking about working with me? Start here.

I supervise Master's and PhD students in the School of Computer Science and Technology. I am interested in students who want to work on problems related to network intelligence, robust and adaptive machine learning, federated learning, encrypted traffic analysis, and network/IoT security.

Please read this page carefully before contacting me. The requirements below are in addition to the official admission requirements of Beijing Institute of Technology.

01

How I supervise

My goal is to help students develop into independent researchers. We begin by identifying a focused research problem, understanding the relevant literature, and establishing a technically sound experimental methodology before moving toward publication.

I expect students to take ownership of their research. I provide guidance on research direction, methodology, experiments, paper writing, and publication, but consistent progress, careful implementation, and intellectual honesty are essential.

  1. What I look for

    Strong fundamentals in computer science and a genuine interest in research. Prior experience in machine learning, networking, cybersecurity, programming, or scientific experimentation is particularly useful.

  2. What you can expect

    Regular technical feedback, guidance in defining research problems and designing experiments, and detailed support with scientific writing and publication.

  3. What I expect from you

    Independent learning, steady progress, reproducible experiments, clear technical writing, and openness about problems or negative results. Research integrity is non-negotiable.

02

Current openings

Applications are considered continuously until available positions are filled. All shortlisted applicants will be interviewed before I provide a recommendation or acceptance letter. If a category is marked closed, you are still welcome to write for future cycles.

  • PhD students

    Open · Current admission cycle

    1 position on CSC scholarship and 1 self-financed position available. Applicants should normally have completed an MS degree within the past two years or be in the final year of their MS program.
    PhD research in my group is publication-oriented. During the PhD, students are expected to produce three journal papers, including at least one CCF-A publication, with the remaining papers in recognized top journals according to the relevant CAS listing, in addition to completing the PhD thesis.

  • Master's students

    Open · Current admission cycle

    2 positions on CSC scholarship and 2 self-financed positions available. Applicants should normally have completed their BS degree within the past one to two years or be in the final year of their undergraduate program. Applicants should have a strong academic background and a clear interest in one of the group's research areas.
    Master's students are expected to develop a substantial research project leading toward publication. The normal target is at least one publication in a CAS Top journal or CCF-B venue, in addition to completing the Master's thesis.

  • Undergraduate research

    Limited availability

    I occasionally supervise undergraduate students on well-defined research and development projects related to networking, machine learning, and networked systems. These positions depend on available projects and the student's technical preparation.

03

How to reach out

I read every email from prospective students, but I can only reply to ones that show you have read this page.

A recommendation or acceptance letter is provided only after I have reviewed your materials and interviewed you. Sending an email or meeting the requirements below does not guarantee a recommendation, acceptance letter, scholarship, or admission to BIT.

  1. Use a clear subject line

    Start with [Prospective PhD], [Prospective MS], or [Undergrad Research] so it lands in the right folder.

  2. Explain your research fit

    Briefly explain which of my research areas interests you and why. Generic emails sent to many professors are unlikely to receive serious consideration.

  3. Send a complete application package

    Attach the documents in the checklist in your first email. Incomplete applications may not be reviewed.

    Document checklist — PhD applicants
    • CV/resume, clearly indicating whether you are currently studying, employed, or otherwise
    • Passport information page
    • A photograph of yourself holding your passport open to the information page next to your face, for identity verification Example photograph: your face beside your open passport at the information page
    • Research Proposal (Complete)
    • Personal statement
    • BS and MS transcripts (complete transcripts for the full degree, not a single semester)
    • Two academic reference letters (Associate Professors or above), each signed and stamped by the referee
    • Publications, if any
    • LinkedIn profile URL
    Document checklist — MS applicants
    • CV/resume, clearly indicating your current academic or employment status
    • Passport information page
    • A photograph of yourself holding your passport open to the information page next to your face, for identity verification Example photograph: your face beside your open passport at the information page
    • Personal statement describing your background, experience, achievements, and future plans
    • A research-interest essay of at least approximately 400 words
    • BS transcript
    • Two academic reference letters from Associate Professors or above, each signed and stamped by the referee
    • LinkedIn profile URL

  4. Be prepared for an interview

    Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed to discuss their academic background, research interests, technical preparation, and future plans. PhD applicants should also be prepared to discuss their previous research or MS thesis in detail.

04

Common questions

The questions I get most often, answered honestly. If yours is not here, it is a good sign you should just ask.

When is the application deadline?

There is no hard deadline. Applications are evaluated continuously until the positions are filled and suitable candidates are found. One date matters, though: BIT publishes CSC scholarship recommendations in early January 2027, so we aim to have recommended the most suitable candidates by mid-December. If you want to be considered for that round, make sure your complete application reaches us well in advance.

Where do I apply?

Applications run through two portals: the BIT application portal for university admission, and the CSC application portal for the Chinese Government (CSC) scholarship. CSC scholarship applicants normally complete both processes.

Do I need publications before applying?
Publications are not mandatory, but relevant publications or substantial research experience are an advantage, particularly for PhD applicants.
Can I apply while completing my current degree?
Yes. PhD applicants may apply while completing the final year of their MS degree, and MS applicants may apply while completing the final year of their BS degree.
Does an acceptance letter guarantee admission or funding?
No. Any recommendation or acceptance letter from me supports your application but does not replace the formal BIT admission process or guarantee admission, scholarship, or other financial support.
What should I read before contacting you?
First review the research areas and recent publications listed on this website. Your email should identify the research direction that interests you and explain briefly how your background connects to it.

Ready? Write to kashif[DOT]sharif[AT]ieee[DOT]org — subject line starting with the bracketed tag that fits you.