25 Best Universities In China For International Students 2025

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

Out of 887 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 404,400 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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Sichuan University is a research-focused institute for tertiary studies. It is situated in the historically rich city of Chengdu. Founded in 1896, it is now one of China’s leading universities.

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.

Southeast University is a public institution in Nanjing, China. It has three campuses: Sipailou, Jiulonghu, and Dingjiaqiao. The university offers 80+ undergraduate programs and 40+ master’s degree programs. There are a select number of English-taught programs available.

Jinan University is a Chinese public center of learning for tertiary students. It is situated in the modernized city of Guangzhou. Adding to this, it has five campuses and some are located in Shenzhen and Zhuhai.

East China Normal University, founded in 1951, is one of the universities located in Shanghai, China. The university is known for its nickname “Garden University,” with its campuses in the Putuo and Minha districts occupying an area of more than 207 hectares. From its initial focus on teacher training, the university’s academic profile has extended to scientific research, talent training, global education, and community service.