If you are looking to study in China, you are surely making a great choice. This location has a lot to offer for international students, including world-class universities and exciting student experiences. With more than 884 universities and colleges in China, you’ll surely have a wide range of choices.

Out of 884 universities in China, Tsinghua University and Peking University are the top-performing schools in China. This list covers both public and private institutions in China.

To help you narrow down your school options, we’ve compiled the best universities in China. We based our rankings on academic reputations from reputable sources and the number of international students. By doing this, you’ll have an efficient way of comparing your target universities and choose your host university in China.

How do I get admission to the best universities in China?

Applying to the universities in China involves submitting requirements and following specific admissions procedures set by your chosen university. The requirements often include a student visa, application packages, and language scores. Check out our guide for international students who want to study in China to learn more about applying for admission in this country’s universities!

How much are the tuition fees at the best universities in China?

Tuition fees at China’s universities can vary depending on which university, degree, and program you will be enrolling in. Generally, tuition fees for the bachelor’s level range from 1,600 RMB to 403,000 RMB , while tuition fees for the master’s level range from 0 RMB to 437,200 RMB. If you are interested, check out the affordable universities in China!

As we cover the best universities in China for international students, feel free to check out the university’s information on Admission, Tuition, Courses, and Language Requirements by looking at the individual university pages.

Top Universities in China for International Students

Tsinghua University tops the list for best universities in China.

Tsinghua University is one of the top 1% universities in the world. It was founded in 1911, with its campus located in the capital city of China. The university is popular for its global take on education, offering top-caliber teaching, world-class research outputs, and work ethics driven by social commitment.

Consistently being counted among the top schools in China is a great sign for quality education. Tsinghua University is definitely a great university to consider if you’re planning to study in China.

Second on this list for best universities in China is Peking University. Because of its strong academic reputation, Peking University regularly has a sizable student population, 9.5 % of which are international students.

Founded in 1898, Peking University is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in China. Its campus in Beijing houses more than 46,000 students, with nearly 10% international students. The university is known for its modernization of China’s education system, introducing study fields in Liberal Arts, Sciences, Engineering, Medical Sciences, and Agricultural Sciences.

Another great school in China is Chinese University of Hong Kong. It is also one of the most widely-recognized names in education around the world and gets high numbers of student applications annually.

The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) is more than just a prestigious university in Hong Kong formed by the merging of three colleges. It is one of the top-caliber institutions worldwide, as evidenced by high placements in world university rankings. That, along with the university’s predominantly English medium of instruction and connections to prestigious awardees like Nobel laureates, has made CUHK attractive to thousands of students around the globe.

It's always a good plan to have several options when choosing your host university abroad. And among your top choices at China is Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, known as PolyU, is a world-class institution that has joined the ranks of the world’s top 100 universities. It is mainly known for its excellence in engineering, science, and technology. Thus, students who wish to produce impactful innovations and research in those fields would benefit from a PolyU education. However, note that the institution does offer high-quality programs that aren’t often associated with those fields, like fashion, social science, and business.

Next on our list of top universities in China for international students is Fudan University. This university provides good programs in various fields.

Fudan University has four total campuses located throughout China. The university holds a variety of challenging courses of study, including history, science, research and more. Fudan University desires to challenge their students in the education of their chosen field and help them learn to take on the world.

Besides academic and research excellence, extracurricular activities, leadership participation, and career opportunities are also worth it to consider when choosing your host university. All these reasons make Zhejiang University one of the best universities in China.

With a total of seven beautiful campuses, the main campus, Zhejiang University, is located in the city of Hangzhou. The university has a goal of making China and the world a better place through the education of their students. The university has the vision of training students to become great leaders and help them make differences in their communities and ultimately the world.

Shanghai Jiao Tong University, founded in 1896, is one of the best universities in China and has been among the top 100 in several prestigious university rankings. There are more than 31,000 students in the university and over 2,500 international students. The university focuses on the internationalization of its academic prestige, strengthening its global influence and future-oriented strategies.

Founded in 1958, the University of Science and Technology of China is among the top universities in the country in terms of academics and research. Students at the university go through extensive Science and Technology courses, aiming to improve the economy and defense infrastructure. Besides those focus areas, students also explore programs in Business Management and Humanities.

Nanjing University is one of the most prestigious academic institutions in China. Situated in the historical city of Nanjing, the university is proud of its rich history and contributions to the development of society. It offers several study options at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels and operates across three campuses, with accomplished experts and scholars forming its faculty.

The University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS) is a graduate university based in Beijing, China. It is affiliated with the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), China’s leading national scientific research institution. UCAS is primarily focused on providing graduate education and serves as a key platform for training and nurturing talented scientists and researchers for the Chinese Academy of Sciences. One of the standout features of UCAS is its faculty, composed of experienced researchers and professors from the Chinese Academy of Sciences. These faculty members are renowned experts in their respective fields and mentor students during their research and academic pursuits.

Wuhan University (WHU) is a renowned comprehensive research university in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. With a focus on academic excellence, research contributions, and a picturesque campus, Wuhan University offers diverse programs. What sets Wuhan University apart is its prestigious medical school and affiliations with renowned hospitals, including Zhongnan Hospital, Tongji Hospital, and Renmin Hospital. Moreover, committed to social engagement and community service, Wuhan University collaborates with local communities, government agencies, and non-profit organizations to address societal challenges and contribute to sustainable development.

Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST) is a prestigious university located in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. Dating back to 1952, it is one of the leading comprehensive universities in China and is known for its strength in science, engineering, and medical disciplines. HUST’s medical school is highly regarded and has a strong reputation in medical education and research. The university is affiliated with several prestigious hospitals, including Tongji Hospital, Union Hospital, and Wuhan Union Hospital. These hospitals serve as teaching and research centers and provide high-quality medical services to the community.

Tongji University is a comprehensive university located in Shanghai, China. Founded in 1907, it is one of China’s oldest and most prestigious universities. TJU is known for its excellence in engineering, architecture, environmental science, business, and other disciplines. The University attracts a significant number of international students from around the world. The university provides programs and support services specifically designed for international students, creating a diverse and multicultural learning environment.

In 1924, Dr. Sun Yat-Sen, the known father of Chinese modernization, founded Sun Yat-Sen University. The Ministry of Education of the Republic of China supervises the university, hosting more than 64,000 students. The university has 5 campuses across Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Zhuhai cities, occupying more than 5 square kilometers of land area.

Beijing Normal University (BNU) is a renowned university located in Beijing, China. Established in 1902, it is one of China’s oldest and most prestigious universities, with a strong emphasis on teacher education, basic sciences, and humanities. BNU has a long-standing reputation for excellence in teacher education and produces a significant number of qualified teachers each year. Additionally, BNU hosts international conferences, symposiums, and academic events to facilitate global knowledge exchange and collaboration among the students.

 

The Southern University of Science and Technology also referred to as SUSTech, is a public higher education institution located in Shenzhen, Guangdong. It is a research-intensive university that has also received recognition globally for its high-quality research, especially in science and technology. Its campus is a combination of a modern and eco-friendly environment with its buildings and green spaces.

Harbin Institute of Technology, HIT was founded in 1920 and is one of China’s oldest and most influential universities. It is widely recognized for its excellence in science, engineering, and technology education. The university has made significant contributions to scientific advancements and technological breakthroughs in various fields. It collaborates with industry, government, and research institutions to promote innovation and drive economic development. Moreover, the HIT campus is known for its beautiful surroundings and state-of-the-art facilities providing a conducive environment for students.

Nankai University, also known as NKU or simply Nankai, was founded in 1919 in Tianjin as a public research university. NKU is known as one of the top universities across China, offering different programs such as research studies, economics, history, information technology, business, tourism, among others. NKU has three campuses, each are located in Balitai, Jinnan, and TEDA in Binhau New Area.

Xi’an Jiaotong University (XJTU) is a prestigious university in Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, China. It is one of China’s oldest and most selective universities, known for its excellence in engineering, technology, and business. The university conducts research in robotics, information technology, energy, materials science, biomedicine, and transportation. And to foster the research, XJTU actively promotes collaboration with industry, government agencies, and international partners to translate research findings into practical applications.

Minzu University of China (MUC) is considered one of the country’s most important higher learning institutions as it represents China’s 56 different ethnic groups. It’s one of the most comprehensive public universities in the country and the best of a kind that promotes the various cultures of China’s multiple ethnic groups. The Chinese Ministry of Education recognizes MUC as one of the most elite institutions in the country, considering it a Class A Double First Class University. MUC is the first in China and among the top worldwide in various disciplines, especially in ethnology, Chinese ethnic minority arts & languages, and literature.

Tianjin University was founded in 1895 under its former name, Peiyang University. With such long history in the academic world, the university is among the institutions that inspired modern higher education systems. It is currently home to over 36,000 students, and offers courses in Science, Engineering, and Medicine.

The South China University of Technology is one of the public universities in Guangzhou, China. It was founded in 1952 under its former name, South China Institute of Technology, and has since brought stronger academic strategies in the field of Engineering and Science. Currently, the university offers degree programs in Literature, Management, Economics, and Philosophy.

Central South University traces its roots back to 2000 and has undergone several transformations. It has become a leading institution for higher education and research in China. The university excels in materials science, transportation engineering, mining engineering, environmental science, medical science, and computer science. Moreover, CSU actively encourages interdisciplinary research and collaboration with industry, fostering technological advancements and innovations. By working closely with industry, CSU aims to bridge the gap between academia and real-world challenges, providing students with practical experiences and opportunities for internships and employment.

Beihang University, formerly Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics (BUAA), is a prestigious research university in Beijing, China. It is one of China’s top universities in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, and information technology. Beihang University maintains close ties with the aerospace and aviation industries and other sectors relevant to its research fields. This collaboration enables students and faculty to engage in real-world projects, gain practical experience, and contribute to technological advancements.

Xiamen University, or XMU, is a prestigious university in Xiamen, Fujian Province, China. It is one of China’s leading comprehensive universities and is recognized as a member of the “Double First Class” initiative, which aims to enhance the global competitiveness of Chinese universities. It emphasizes holistic development and provides its students with a rich cultural and extracurricular environment. Also, the university hosts cultural events, festivals, and academic conferences to help cover student’s diverse interests.

We know that choosing your dream school in China not an easy task. After all, you need to consider other factors like the cost of your education, school background, and population, as it can be overwhelming on your part.

So, to help you out further in weighing your school options for studying in China, make sure to visit our list of the best public and private universities in China! These articles will surely help you in deciding your next study destination!