25 Best Universities In Xian For International Students 2025

Xian 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 32 universities and colleges in Xian, you’ll surely have a wide range of choices.

Out of 32 universities in Xian, Xi’an Jiaotong University and Northwestern Polytechnical University are the top-performing schools in Xian. This list covers both public and private institutions in Xian.

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

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

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

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

Tuition fees at Xian’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 11,000 RMB to 40,000 RMB , while tuition fees for the master’s level range from 13,000 RMB to 36,000 RMB. If you are interested, check out the affordable universities in Xian!

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

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#16 in China
#43 in Asia
#373 in World
Percentage of International Students
1%
Total Number of students - 30,000
International Number of students - 400

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.

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#33 in China
#91 in Asia
#626 in World
Percentage of International Students
4%
Total Number of students - 30,000
International Number of students - 1,300

Northwestern Polytechnical University (NPU) is a highly regarded public educational institution. It is best known as one of China’s National Key Universities. Moreover, NPU is based in the scenic province of Shaanxi.

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#43 in China
#132 in Asia
#844 in World
Percentage of International Students
3%
Total Number of students - 33,887
International Number of students - 900

Xidian University is an exemplary institution located in Xi’an, China. It tops the list as one of the most prominent providers of high-quality education in the engineering and computer science academic fields. Educational programs such as Computer Science, Electronic Science and Technology, and Information and Communication Engineering are all rated A+ by Essential Science Indicators (ESI) international ranking. In addition, the university has garnered many national prestigious awards making them one of the leading universities in China.

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#78 in China
#302 in Asia
#1485 in World
Percentage of International Students
5%
Total Number of students - 35,000
International Number of students - 1,600

Chang’an University was founded in 1951. With five campuses all located across Xi’an, Chang’an University offers different programs such as engineering, management, business, architecture, economics, etc. On April 18, 2000, Chang’an University was formally named through the merger of Northwest Institute of Construction Engineering, Xi’an Engineering Institute, and Xi’an Highway University.

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#98 in China
#391 in Asia
#1732 in World
Percentage of International Students
No Available Data
Total Number of students - 18,000

Northwest University is a public institution founded in 1902 in Xi’an, China. By 1978, it was established as one of China’s key universities and became part of Project 211. The university enjoys support from the government through the project and the “One University for One Province Initiative.” Regarded for its petroleum engineering, economics, and writing programs, the university welcomes thousands of students yearly.

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#99 in China
#392 in Asia
#1733 in World
Percentage of International Students
No Available Data
Total Number of students - 37,999

Located in the historical city of Xi’an, Shaanxi Normal University boasts an exceptional legacy of academic instruction. It is best known for its programs in education and teacher training, which are the fields it originally focused on when it was founded. Because of this, it is fondly nicknamed the “Cradle of Teachers in China.” The university also offers several undergraduate and postgraduate programs in other fields, including the arts, sciences, and business.

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#160 in China
#621 in Asia
#2439 in World
Percentage of International Students
No Available Data
Total Number of students - 40,000

Xi’an University of Architecture and Technology, or XUAT, was established dating back to 1895. XUAT grew over the years through mergers of various institutions, and is open to cater to different programs such as economics, sciences, and management, and focused on specializations in engineering and architecture. XUAT has numerous laboratories and research centers in Shaanxi province.

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#195 in China
#722 in Asia
#2723 in World
Percentage of International Students
No Available Data
Total Number of students - 21,000
International Number of students - 100

Shaanxi University of Science and Technology is an esteemed educational institution in China. It began to welcome students in the year 1970 and was formerly located in Beijing. Today, it has two campuses: one in Xianyang and Xi’an.

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#210 in China
#772 in Asia
#2858 in World
Percentage of International Students
No Available Data
Total Number of students - 23,000

Xi’an University of Science and Technology traces its history back to 1895 from its predecessor Mining and Metallurgy Division of the National Peiyang Technical Institute. Xi’an University of Science and Technology, also known as XUST, has two campuses: the Lintong Campus and Yanta Campus. XUST specializes in programs such as engineering, mining, and sciences, while also offering other courses such as management, economics, and arts, among others.

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#324 in China
#1127 in Asia
#3720 in World
Percentage of International Students
No Available Data
Total Number of students - 24,000

Xi’an Polytechnic University (XPU) is a public polytechnic institution in Shaanxi, China. The university takes pride in being the only Western China institution to specialize in Textile and Apparel. Indeed, many programs in the said field are available, along with courses in engineering, design, etc. Such specialty can be traced to its predecessors, the Beijing Higher Industrial School and Beijing Higher Industry Institute Weaving Academy.

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#344 in China
#1214 in Asia
#3923 in World
Percentage of International Students
No Available Data
Total Number of students - 18,000

Xi’an University of Technology has educated talented and skillful professionals since it started its operations in 1949. The university can be considered one of the influential institutions in Shaanxi, China, as it promotes internationalization on its campus. Prominent foreign instructors and professors across the globe are invited to hold lectures and do research. In addition, the institution also sends student delegates to other countries to participate in different conferences and seminars to broaden their knowledge and skills.

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#351 in China
#1235 in Asia
#3964 in World
Percentage of International Students
No Available Data
Total Number of students - 20,000

Xi’an International Studies University is a public university best known for its foreign language programs. Its world-class campus is equipped with language laboratories, multimedia rooms, and smart classrooms. The university is also proud of its strong faculty composed of experts, scholars, and top talents in China.

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#419 in China
#1510 in Asia
#4622 in World
Percentage of International Students
3%
Total Number of students - 22,000
International Number of students - 750

Xi’an Shiyou University, or XSYU, is a public higher education institution that is situated in Shaanxi Province. The school is recognized for its specialty in petroleum and petrochemical engineering. Aside from this, there are also programs being offered related to business, sciences, and more.

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#430 in China
#1564 in Asia
#4722 in World
Percentage of International Students
No Available Data
Total Number of students - 18,000

Xi’an University of Posts and Telecommunications (XUPT) is a Chinese educational institution. It is based in the city of Xi’An which is in the historically rich province of Shaanxi. Furthermore, XUPT is well-known for its courses and programs in engineering as well as information science technology.

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#441 in China
#1623 in Asia
#4842 in World
Percentage of International Students
No Available Data
Total Number of students - 12,000

Northwest University of Politics and Law consists of two campuses and was established over 80 years ago. With the vision of training students in the field they wish to learn, the university provides many diverse courses of study. The mission they hold is to change the world through each student that passes through their university from all over the world.

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#474 in China
#1764 in Asia
#5135 in World
Percentage of International Students
No Available Data
Total Number of students - 20,000

Xi’an Technological University is an advanced institution that is notably known for giving the best higher education in the field of engineering and science and technology. The school has modern facilities, laboratories, and a research center designed explicitly for its key academic disciplines. Furthermore, it has partnered with prestigious universities across the globe to ensure that only the best and highest standards of education will be instilled in its students.

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#483 in China
#1803 in Asia
#5212 in World
Percentage of International Students
No Available Data
Total Number of students - 20,000

Xi’an International University was established in 1992 and is home to 20,000 students from all around the world. With a large focus on their students, the university strives to provide the best education for each of them, allowing them to follow their dreams to the fullest. Xi’an invites students from all areas of the world to come discover their gifts, talents, and pursue the education they need so they can change the world.

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#494 in China
#1881 in Asia
#5347 in World
Percentage of International Students
No Available Data

With the goal of serving the community and the world, Xijing University offers several undergraduate degrees and some masters. The university was founded in the mid 1990s and serves the city of Xi’An, educating students from both China and around the world. The university is focused on their students and helping them receive the best education they can.

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#512 in China
#1988 in Asia
#5532 in World
Percentage of International Students
No Available Data

The predecessor of Xi’an Academy of Fine Arts was initially founded in Linfen City but was moved to Xi’an in 1949. Now, Xi’an Academy of Fine Arts offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees to aspiring artists. Some courses they offer are design science, fine arts, and oil painting. The academy is also affiliated with 13 research and teaching institutions.

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#532 in China
#2074 in Asia
#5686 in World
Percentage of International Students
No Available Data
Total Number of students - 14,768

Established in 1951, Xi’an Medical University was initially named Shaanxi Provincial Health School. The university has three campuses and several affiliated hospitals in Shaanxi province. A specialized school for medicine, it has more than 20 academic programs, most of which are offered at the undergraduate level. In addition, a good number of qualified teachers comprises the current faculty members of the school. These experts are responsible for educating and training their students to become skilled and competent future professionals.

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#555 in China
#2183 in Asia
#5884 in World
Percentage of International Students
No Available Data
Total Number of students - 20,000

Xi’an Eurasia University is a private institution that also attracts international students. Aside from the diverse culture and community, the school offers a variety of courses. Some of these include the arts, education, business, and engineering.

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#595 in China
#2405 in Asia
#6288 in World
Percentage of International Students
No Available Data
Total Number of students - 17,900
International Number of students - 46

Xi’an University of Finance and Economics is a public institution located in Shanxi province. The school has been recognized and awarded for providing high standards of teaching at the undergraduate level. It has always prioritized giving the best quality of education to its students, and this primary goal has met the expectations of students as the employability rate of its graduates is relatively high. The school currently offers numerous programs from different fields of study; however, some of its key disciplines are applied economics, statistics, law, and business administration.

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#612 in China
#2469 in Asia
#6404 in World
Percentage of International Students
No Available Data
Total Number of students - 9,300

Xi’an Physical Education University was founded in 1954 as formerly the Northwest Institute of Physical Education in Shaanxi Province, China. The university hosts more than 9,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students. It has also built three campuses, covering over 1,300 acres of land and serving as home to its 9 colleges.

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#629 in China
#2546 in Asia
#6541 in World
Percentage of International Students
No Available Data
Total Number of students - 13,000

The merging of several institutions in the city of Xi’an has led to the establishment of Xi’an University. The institution entirely concentrates on providing undergraduate programs and continuing education courses. There are about 50 undergraduate programs offered with academic disciplines ranging from literature, engineering, law, management, and education. In recent years, improvements in giving quality education are becoming evident as there is a noticeable increase of successful graduates yearly.

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#631 in China
#2558 in Asia
#6556 in World
Percentage of International Students
No Available Data
Total Number of students - 4,000

Xi’An Conservatory of Music has the vision of improving the world of music by educating their students to help change the world. The university welcomes all students from everywhere to come and study at their university. The university strives to provide the education their students need  and make a difference in their communities and ultimately the world.

We know that choosing your dream school in Xian 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 Xian, make sure to visit our list of the best public and private universities in Xian! These articles will surely help you in deciding your next study destination!