58 Best Public Universities in Beijing for International Students
Beijing is one of the cities in China you should look into if you want to study in a public university. Besides providing a path towards your academic goals, studying in Beijing can give you valuable insights into its people and the local culture. You can also enjoy various activities here to make your studies abroad all worth it.
There are 59 universities you can find in Beijing, and 58 of them are public universities. Having these many choices makes Beijing a great place for international students.
In this article, you’ll find out the public universities in Beijing, with some added information on programs, tuition, and how many international students you’ll be studying with. Let’s get started!
Public Universities in Beijing
1. Tsinghua University
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.
2. Peking University
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.
3. Beijing Institute of Technology
Beijing Institute of Technology, or BIT, was established in May of 1939. In 2010, BIT created the Excellence League, along with 9 other Chinese universities, which promotes better reforms in the education system. BIT has four campuses in Beijing, and two others in Hebei and Guangdong.
4. Beijing Normal University
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.
5. Beihang University
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.
6. Renmin University of China
Located in the culture-rich city of Beijing, Renmin University of China is a public academic institution specializing in the fields of humanities and social sciences. It is consistently recognized for its strong programs in philosophy and law. In recent years, the university has started to build a strong reputation in the field of business. Renmin also boasts strong links to more than 100 international universities and research institutes, which students can benefit from.
7. China Agricultural University
Established in 1905, China Agricultural University was formed through various mergers of different colleges and universities along the years. China Agricultural University, or CAU, now offers a wide variety of programs or courses in different fields such as medicine, agriculture, engineering, management, economics, among others. It is now one of the top universities not only in China, but also in the world.
8. University of Science and Technology Beijing
Formerly named Beijing Steel and Iron Institute, the University of Science and Technology Beijing (USTB) is a public institute of higher education. It is one of China’s national key universities. Furthermore, it is known for specializing in metallurgy-focused study programs.
9. Beijing Language and Culture University
The Beijing Language and Culture University, China’s “Mini/Little United Nations,” was established in 1962. The university is known as such because of the large proportion of international students that comprise its population. It was the first to offer Chinese language and culture courses to more than 200,000 international students. Chinese locals who also wish to learn foreign languages are welcomed.
10. Beijing Jiaotong University
Established in the late 1800s, Beijing Jiaotong University consists of a total of two campuses. The university has a focus on providing a technological, scientific, mechanical, and engineering education. The university’s vision is to train students to become leaders in the world of technology and science.
11. Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications
Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications (BUPT) is a public institution situated in China’s capital. It specializes in technology, including cable communications, wireless communications, electronic engineering, etc. This top-ranking university is a member of government initiatives for bettering education, such as Project 211 and Double First-Class Universities.
12. Beijing University of Chemical Technology
Beijing University of Chemical Technology, also known as Beihua or Huada, is a public institution comprising three campuses – east, west, and north campus – and twelve colleges. It is also part of government programs like the Double First Class University Plan and Project 211. Thousands of students enter every year and choose from several specialized programs.
13. Beijing University of Technology
Beijing University of Technology (BJUT) is a leading public institution in China’s capital. It was established to develop more engineering talents for the nation. The university is part of the Chinese government’s education initiatives, such as Project 211 and the Double First-Class Initiative. Its chemistry, engineering, computer science, and other programs are top-ranked worldwide.
14. North China Electric Power University
The North China Electric Power University comprises two campuses, one in Beijing and another in Baoding. This public institution is focused on developing future talents for the energy and power industry. Several courses, some English-taught, are offered at the university, including engineering, automation, and business majors.
15. Beijing Foreign Studies University
Beijing Foreign Studies University is one of the best institutions that provide a wide selection of academic programs specializing in foreign language studies. This one-of-a-kind university only offers top-class education and globally recognized programs in foreign studies and literature. And it is also the number one institution to offer over 100 foreign language programs in China. A truly exceptional university that has established its prominence in the national and international community.
16. University of International Business and Economics
The University of International Business and Economics (UIBE) is a public institution in Beijing that was established back in 1951. It is a research-intensive university, but the UIBE is concentrated in the fields of business, law, international languages, relations, and such. It is also a part of the Double First-Class University Plan of the country and is considered to be another selective university when it comes to undergraduate admissions.
17. China University of Petroleum
The China University of Petroleum was established in 1953 in Beijing, China. It has been accepting international students since 1994. As a leading institution in the country, it became part of the key national universities and Project 211. Moreover, the university’s excellence extends abroad, as it garners high rankings in various fields: chemistry, engineering, material sciences, geosciences, etc. It also has strong relationships with foreign universities, thus, opening more opportunities for its students.
18. Capital Medical University
One of the widely known outstanding medical universities in China is Capital Medical University. Located in the capital city of Beijing, the institution has partnered with some of the major hospitals in the city to provide high standards of education to its student body. The university is ideal for students who want to pursue a career in medicine and professionals who would like to complete a research study. With its wide array of programs in the medical discipline, students have plenty of options to choose from and can focus more on what particular specialization they wish to practice in their future careers.
19. Beijing Forestry University
Founded in 1952, Beijing Forestry University is among the public institutions for higher learning located in China’s capital city. Through its foundational disciplines, Biology and Ecology, the university offers degree programs in Forestry, Grass Science, Agro-economic Management, and Landscape Architecture. With more than 25,000 students and nearly 5% international students, the university is one of the diverse places for learning, in terms of cultural, social, and academic aspects.
20. Capital Normal University
Capital Normal University is one of the high-ranking public universities in China. Located in Beijing, the university has been responsible for cultivating talents in the Chinese capital throughout the years. It offers study options across a broad range of disciplines and has received multiple awards for its excellence in teaching, particularly at the undergraduate level.
21. Beijing University of Chinese Medicine
Beijing University of Chinese Medicine is a one-of-a-kind institution that offers specialized study programs in Chinese medicine. China is known for its traditional medicine, health practice, and wellness. Many international students flock to the country to pursue an education that is unique and can only be offered in the country. And as one of the few universities to provide such distinct study programs, it has become one of the most sought-after medical institutions among local and international students.
22. Central University of Finance and Economics
The Central University of Finance and Economics is a public institution in Beijing, China, and was founded shortly after the establishment of the People’s Republic of China. This university is supported not just by the Ministry of Education but also by the Ministry of Finance. It is part of several government education programs, like the Double First-Class Universities, Project 211, and Leading Academic Programs Innovation Platform.
23. Communication University of China
Communication University of China offers extensive courses in the realms of communication and technology. They hold the vision of training bright leaders in these fields. With many courses surrounding theses subjects as well as many others, students can come to learn to change the world of technology at Communication University of China.
24. Peking Union Medical College
Peking Union Medical College is a public university in Beijing, China, founded in 1906. It was the first to offer an 8-year program in Clinical Medicine in the country. The university works with Tsinghua University and Peking Union Medical College Hospital in providing students with a technologically advanced and high-quality education.
25. China University of Political Science and Law
The China University of Political Science and Law, founded in 1952, is among the universities in China that offer legal studies, along with courses in Science, Philosophy, Arts, and Management. Its two campuses in Beijing are home to more than 18000 students. Since its foundation, the university has grown to become one of the most prestigious academic institutions in the country.
26. Minzu University of China
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.
27. China University of Geosciences, Beijing
China University of Geosciences, Beijing, was established in 1952 and was initially named Beijing Institute of Geology. The institution moved its campus to Wuhan in 1970, but the original campus in Beijing reopened in 1978, which has then since continued its operations. The school’s primary focus is to offer higher education in geoscience. It is currently one of the leading institutions providing top-rated academic programs in various areas of study such as environmental science, geoscience, engineering, and computer science.
28. Beijing Technology and Business University
Beijing Technology and Business University was founded in 1950 in Beijing as a public university. Also called BTBU, Beijing Technology and Business University have different schools such as engineering, economics, business, art and communication, law, etc. BTBU also has international affiliations and innovative partnerships with different institutions around the world.
29. North China University of Technology
The North China University of Technology was founded in 1947 in Beijing, China. It currently has 12 schools that offer various programs such as engineering, accounting, economics, law, etc. They also have extensive scientific research, having 17 laboratories and 13 affiliated institutions across the country.
30. Capital University of Economics and Business
The Capital University of Economics and Business carries the goal of educating students to use their education to help people in their communities and people around the world. In whatever field of work they wish to study, the students of this university will be taught to use talents wisely and in ways that will make a difference. Though economics and management is the focus of most of their studies, students can learn to how to make that difference through choosing any of the various courses of the university.
31. Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture
Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture is a public institution founded in 1907 as the Capital Elementary Industrial School. It was only in 2013 when the university earned its present name. Notably, it is the only architectural university in Beijing and has begun several cooperation initiatives with other universities. The university comprises two campuses (Xicheng and Daxing), through which it offers more than 50 bachelor’s and master’s programs.
32. Beijing International Studies University
The Beijing International Studies University was founded in 1964 as a public research university. Today, it is one of the leading universities in the fields of tourism, hospitality management, and international studies and trade. Also known as BISU, Beijing International Studies University has two campuses located in Beijing, the main campus in Guomao, and the second campus in Tongzhou.
33. Central Conservatory of Music
Founded in 1940, the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing, China, came after the merging of several music schools in the country, such as the National Conservatory of Music. The university currently hosts over 2,000 students and offers programs in Music Education, Voice and Opera, and Orchestra and Traditional Instruments. Besides producing globally competent music and performance professionals, the university is also known for its intensive music research efforts.
34. Beijing Information Science and Technology University
Beijing Information Science and Technology University (BISTU) is a national university of higher studies in China. It was established after the Beijing Institute of Machinery and Beijing Information Technology Institute merged into one center of learning. Additionally, its 11 schools offer a great number of high-quality programs in numerous fields like engineering, foreign studies, management, public administration, and science.
35. Beijing Sport University
Beijing Sport University (BSU) started as the Central Institute of Physical Education in 1953. It is one of China’s leading institutions, being part of Project 211 and Double-First Class Universities. Moreover, it was ranked 101 in sports-related subjects by QS Top Universities. Both graduate and undergraduate programs are available at the BSU.
36. Beijing Film Academy
Beijing Film Academy is a public center of excellence in China. It is highly regarded all across the country for offering high-quality programs in film and television studies. Moreover, it prides itself on being Asia’s biggest film school.
37. Beijing Union University
Beijing Union University is a public institution that was founded in 1985. It is managed by the local government of Beijing, where it is situated. The school also has partnerships with other well-known institutions, like Peking University and Tsinghua University.
38. University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences
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.
39. China Central Academy of Fine Arts
China Central Academy of Fine Arts (CAFA) is a prestigious public university. It is located in Beijing. Moreover, CAFA has eight specialty schools and aside from offering undergraduate and postgraduate courses, there are also specialized secondary programs and college certificate programs available for all students.
40. Beijing City University
Beijing City University was established in 1984. Also known as BCU, Beijing City University was originally named Haidian University, until 2003 when the Chinese Ministry of Education approved the school’s reformation. BCU has numerous facilities such as laboratories, workshops, campus networks, and well-equipped infrastructures.
41. China Foreign Affairs University
China Foreign Affairs University (CFAU) is a public center of excellence. It is located in Beijing, the bustling capital of the country. Additionally, CFAU is highly regarded for producing excellent diplomats.
42. People’s Public Security University of China
People’s Public Security University of China (PPSUC) is one of China’s most important and first public security universities. It’s one of the most elite institutions in the country that offers disciplines related to police science and technology. PPSUC ranks the best in China and trains the most qualified and competent police officers in the country and even overseas. The university is included in the Double First-Class University Plan of the government of China.
43. Beijing Institute of Petrochemical Technology
Beijing Institute of Petrochemical Technology, or BIPT, was founded in 1978. BIPT focuses on petrochemical technology and is affiliated with China’s largest oil company, Sinopec. As BIPT specializes in petrochemical programs, students have filed work in their factory.
44. Beijing Institute of Fashion Technology
Beijing Institute of Fashion Technology (BIFT), a top Chinese fashion school specializing in arts and technology, is ranked 201 in the QS ranking for art and design. BIFT comprises several schools which offer several programs for undergraduate and graduate students. The programs are not just restricted to the arts or fashion, as there are also business, engineering, and some courses from other disciplines.
45. China Conservatory of Music
The China Conservatory of Music is a public institute of higher education in China. It is situated in the touristy city of Beijing. On another note, it is famously known as one of the most excellent music academies in the country.
46. University of International Relations
The University of International Relations is a public university specializing in the fields of international relations and foreign languages. With a student-centered approach to education, the university maintains small class sizes and employs dedicated experts to join its faculty. These help in creating an intensive-learning environment as well.
47. China Women’s University
China Women’s University (CWU) is a league on its own, being the only state-owned women’s academic institution in China and connected with the All-China Women’s Federation. Thousands of young Chinese women had their skills, talent, and knowledge honed and developed within CWU’s walls. Indeed, from a small vocational school, CWU has transformed into an empowering and specialized university.
48. Beijing Dance Academy
Beijing Dance Academy, also known as the “Cradle of Dancers,” is the first of its kind in China. This public institution is committed to producing talented dancers, choreographers, and researchers. It is also among the most prominent dance schools worldwide. The academy currently offers bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in different dance subjects.
49. China Youth University for Political Sciences
China Youth University for Political Sciences was originally founded in 1948, then named Central School of the Communist Youth League of China. The university has its campus situated in Xisanhuan Bei Lu in Beijing. They offer different programs focusing on law, politics, public administration, Marxism, journalism, economics, etc.
50. Beijing Wuzi University
Beijing Wuzi University is a public institution located in China’s capital. It is the successor of the Beijing Economics Institute. The university takes pride in being the first to specialize in Futures, Logistics Management and Purchasing Management. Besides such specialties, the university offers several other programs from its six schools for undergraduate and graduate students.
51. The Central Academy of Drama
The Central Academy of Drama was established in 1938, originally named as Yan An Lu Xun Art College. Also known as Zhong Xi, the Central Academy of Drama has two campuses, having the main campus in Dongcheng District, and the second campus in Changping District. The Central Academy of Drama adopts Chinese traditions and also grips other cultures, and made outstanding influence and roles in the Chinese film and TV industries.
52. China University of Labor Relations
China University of Labor Relations is a public institution in Beijing, China, directly connected to the All-China Federation of Trade Unions. It was previously known as the China Institute of Industrial Relations. The university covers various disciplines: art, economics, engineering, law, and literature. Two campuses comprise it: Beijing and Zhuozhou.
53. National Academy of Chinese Theatre Arts
The National Academy of Chinese Theatre Arts is an institution for higher learning in Beijing, China. It was founded in the 1950 through the Experimental School of Chinese Theater Arts established by the Ministry of Culture. Since then, it has continued to promote the Chinese culture through its Theater Arts programs, such as Beijing Opera, Directing, Music, Dramatic Writing, and Stage Design.
54. Beijing Electronic Science and Technology Institute
Beijing Electronic Science and Technology Institute is a public institution in China’s capital. It is under the General Office of the Chinese Communist Party. The institute specializes in and is a prominent researcher of information security. It is relatively small, welcoming less than 3,000 students.
55. Beijing Institute of Graphic Communication
The Beijing Institute of Graphic Communication (BIGC) is one of China’s prime media institutions, focusing on disciplines such as engineering, management, humanities, and the arts. They offer comprehensive programs that produce outstanding professionals in various media-related fields. BIGC also has numerous facilities that nurture students’ learning experiences.
56. Beijing University of Agriculture
Beijing University of Agriculture is a public institution specializing in farming and forestry. Its predecessor is the Hebei Tongzhou Agricultural School, established in 1956. Most of its 20+ bachelor’s and postgraduate degrees concentrate on agricultural subjects. The campus reflects its dedication to the field, with a sprawling landscape befitting a high-quality agrarian institution.
57. Capital University of Physical Education and Sports
The Capital University of Physical Education and Sports is a university focusing on sports-related courses. The institution is equipped with a professional teaching staff and excellent scientific facilities. Throughout the years, the university has progressed to offer programs not just to domestic students but also to international students. It has been extending its efforts to establish international relationships with major universities in the world.
58. Shougang Institute of Technology
Shougang Institute of Technology (SGIT) is a public institution established in 1978. It is located in China’s capital, Beijing. It is ranked 827th in China and 59th in Beijing by Edurank.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can International Students Study in Public Universities in Beijing?
Absolutely! International students in public universities in Beijing can pursue different program levels, but the most popular ones are bachelor’s and master’s programs.
As for tuition fees, note that these vary across specific disciplines and program levels, with some charging significantly more than others. Specifically, public universities in Beijing charge up to 52,000 RMB for bachelor’s and 128,700 RMB for master’s studies.
I hope this article can help you in your search for public universities in Beijing. Feel free to check out the Available Programs for International Students to learn more about studying abroad.