21 Best Universities In Jinan For International Students 2025

Jinan is surely one of the places you should be considering if you’re looking to study in China. This location has a lot to offer for international students, including world-class universities and exciting student experiences. With more than 21 universities and colleges in Jinan, you’ll surely have a wide range of choices.

Out of 21 universities in Jinan, Shandong University and Shandong Normal University are the top-performing schools in Jinan. This list covers both public and private institutions in Jinan.

To help you narrow down your school options, we’ve compiled the best universities in Jinan, Shandong. 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 Jinan, Shandong.

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

Applying to the universities in Jinan 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 Jinan to learn more about applying for admission in this country’s universities!

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

Tuition fees at Jinan’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 14,000 RMB to 45,000 RMB , while tuition fees for the master’s level range from 18,400 RMB to 40,000 RMB. If you are interested, check out the affordable universities in Jinan!

As we cover the best universities in Jinan 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 Jinan for International Students

Shandong University, also called Shanda or SDU, is a public research university that was established in 1901. SDU has a total of eight campuses: six are located in Jinan, while two others are located in Weihai and Qingdao. Shandong University also has a number of research centers catering different fields from engineering to humanities and social sciences, and also has three university hospitals.

Shandong Normal University (SDNU) is a public institute of tertiary studies. It is based in Shandong province’s bustling city of Jinan. Additionally, SDNU is known for its outstanding instructors who provide high-quality education to all students.

The University of Jinan (UJN) is a public center of excellence. It offers a variety of courses for all students across the tertiary level. Additionally, UJN is located in the picturesque province of Shandong.

The Qilu University of Technology, abbreviated as QLUT, is one of the most reputable universities in the province of Shandong. QLUT has four campuses spread between Heze and Jinan. QLUT offers multiple programs in different areas such as arts, law, management, engineering, and sciences, among others.

Shandong University of Finance and Economics, or SDUFE, is located in the historic city of Jinan. SDUFE was initially founded in 1952, then named the Shandong Institute of Finance and Economics. The Shandong University of Finance and Shandong Economic University merged on July 4, 2011, formally forming Shandong University of Finance and Economics. As a university, they specialize in programs related to economics, management, and finance, while also offering additional programs such as engineering and physical education.

Shandong Jianzhu University is a public institute of higher studies. It is located in the scenic city of Jinan. Furthermore, the center of excellence has two campuses which are the Heping Campus and the New Campus.

Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, abbreviated as SDUTCM, was founded in 1958 as Shandong Traditional Chinese Medicine College. SDUTCM was reorganized in 1996, hence the name was changed to Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. SDUTCM has focused on science, technology, and innovation research platforms.

The Shandong University of Arts, founded in 1958, is a public university located in Jinan City, China. It has two campuses in the region, spanning 1,000 acres of land. More than 10,000 students are taking degree programs in Musicology, Fine Arts, Drama, Urban Art, and Art Management.

Located in Shandong Province in the city of Jinan, Shandong University of Art and Design focuses mainly on art, literature, design, engineering, and management. The university boasts four campuses and fifteen different institutes of various academics. The university has the mission of teaching their students to bring service to their communities, country, and the world through their chosen profession.

Shandong Jiaotong University is well-known in Shandong Province for offering a bachelor’s degree program in highway and waterway transportation. It mainly focuses on engineering courses and specializes in transportation. In 2004, the university started accepting international students and strengthened its networks with more than 30 universities in Asia, Europe, the United States, and South Africa.

Shandong Sport University is a higher educational institution that offers various degree programs. Its goal is to provide quality education to its students and promote holistic growth. The university does not only focus on honing the students’ theoretical knowledge but also on their critical thinking and research abilities.

Shandong Yingcai University, established in Jinan City, is one of the most prominent private universities in China. It is also a leading institution based on various assessments and rankings of private Chinese institutions. Students do not just enjoy high-quality education but also numerous opportunities within and outside the country.

The Shandong Women’s University was founded in 1952 through its predecessor Shandong Women Cadres’ School. It was approved as an undergraduate university in 2010 by the Ministry of Education. Shandong Women’s University offers various courses from different fields such as education, arts, sciences, engineering, literature, management, economics, and law.

The Shandong Youth University of Political Science is a specialized public institution in Jinan City, China. It is ranked 658th in China and 12th in Jinan. Established in 1945, it is found in Shandong’s capital, making it a convenient location.

Qilu Normal University was founded in 1948 as a public university in Jinan. Originally Shandong Institute of Education, it was renamed Qilu Normal University in 2012. Qilu Normal University offers courses from different fields of study such as literature, languages, arts, sciences, mathematics, and tourism, among others.

As its name suggests, the Shandong University of Political Science and Law specializes in law education, with courses being offered in the context of this area of study. The school is also an excellent center for research projects, publishing numerous papers and garnering multiple research awards.

Qilu Institute of Technology is a private institution with campuses in Jinan and Qufu. It is among the leading private institutions in China, taking pride in being part of the top 10 private universities nationwide. The institute offers engineering, computer science, nursing, business, liberal arts, and arts programs. It is ranked 619th in China and 11th in Jinan. 

Shandong Xiandai University is a private institution in Jinan City, China. It is ranked 888th in China by EduRank. Its home city, Jinan or Tsinan, is Shandong’s capital and a significant producer of research around the world. The said city is also home to many universities, including Shandong Xiandai University.

Shandong Management University is a public university located in Jinan City, China. It was founded in 1938 through the Shandong Union Cadre School. The university has two campuses, home to more than 10,000 students, and offers degree programs in Economics, Engineering, Management, and Literature.

Shandong Agriculture and Engineering University is a public institution in Jinan City, China. This undergraduate establishment started as the Shandong Provincial Agricultural and Forestry Cadre School in 1953. Its three campuses – Jinan, Qihe, and Zibo – are home to several laboratories for agricultural technology, products, innovation, etc.

Shandong Xiehe University, founded in 1993, is a private academic institution for undergraduate studies in Jinan City, China. The university offers bachelor’s degree programs in Engineering Science, Business, Computer Science and Technology, Liberal Arts, and Education. Its modern campus sits on a 100-hectare land, providing a conducive learning environment for its students.