China has a well-established higher education system with a wide range of universities, colleges, and specialized institutions offering various academic programs. China has made significant investments in its higher education sector over the past few decades, leading to rapid expansion and improvements in quality. Some of China's universities are internationally recognized for their research output and academic excellence. Additionally, many universities in China offer programs taught in English, attracting a growing number of international students to study in the country.
Several Chinese universities are popular among foreign students for their academic quality, international reputation, and diverse range of programs. Some of the best Chinese universities for foreign students include:
Peking University
Top university in Beijing, Peking University is renowned for its comprehensive academic programs across various disciplines, including humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.
Established in 1898 as the Imperial University of Peking, Peking University holds the distinction of being China's inaugural national comprehensive university and the apex educational institution of its time. Since the inception of the People’s Republic of China in 1949, it has evolved into a multifaceted university with a focus on both humanities and sciences in education and research. The merger with Beijing Medical University in 2000 further propelled its growth across various domains including science, engineering, medicine, agriculture, humanities, and social sciences.
Peking University is renowned for nurturing top-tier, innovative students, driving cutting-edge scientific research and knowledge creation, and facilitating significant international exchanges. It comprises six faculties: Humanities, Social Sciences, Economics and Management, Science, Information Technology and Engineering, and Health Science, housing 55 schools and departments, 60 research entities, and ten affiliated hospitals. The university boasts a student body exceeding 48,600 (inclusive of approximately 2,500 international students) and a faculty and staff count exceeding 12,600, including over 123 members of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Chinese Academy of Engineering.
Tsinghua University
Located in Beijing, Tsinghua University is one of China's most prestigious universities, known for its excellence in engineering, science, and technology. Tsinghua University occupies the former imperial gardens of the Qing Dynasty, surrounded by a wealth of historical landmarks. Established in 1911 as "Tsing Hua Imperial College" and later renamed "Tsing Hua College" in 1912, the university section was founded in 1925, adopting the name "National Tsing Hua University" in 1928.
Following the founding of the People's Republic of China, Tsinghua University underwent a transformation into a polytechnic institute with a focus on engineering during the nationwide restructuring of universities and colleges in 1952. Under the leadership of President Jiang Nanxiang, appointed in November 1952, Tsinghua emerged as a leading institution for engineering and scientific education, emphasizing both professional expertise and personal integrity.
Since China's opening up in 1978, Tsinghua University has experienced remarkable growth, evolving into a comprehensive research university. Presently, it comprises 21 schools and 59 departments, spanning disciplines in science, engineering, humanities, law, medicine, history, philosophy, economics, management, education, and art.
Additionally, Tsinghua University initiated four university alliances, including the China-UK Humanities Alliance for Higher Education, the Asian Universities Alliance (AUA), the Global Alliance of Universities on Climate (GAUC), and the Global MOOC and Online Education Alliance.
In 2021, Tsinghua University unveiled its Global Strategy 2030, aimed at further elevating its international exchange and cooperation efforts and contributing to the establishment of a community with a shared future for humanity.
Fudan University
Fudan University, located in Shanghai, was founded in 1905. The 1952 State Reform of Higher Education Institutions laid the groundwork for Fudan University's evolution into a distinguished comprehensive institution, with a strong emphasis on arts and sciences.
On April 27th, 2000, Fudan University underwent a significant transformation through its merger with Shanghai Medical University. During this period, Fudan implemented innovative educational models, including continuous general education throughout undergraduate studies, and a talent cultivation system emphasizing innovation and inquiry skills. To accommodate its rapid expansion, Fudan expanded to encompass four campuses: Handan, Fenglin, Jiangwan, and Zhangjiang.
Comprising 17 full-time schools, 69 departments, and a wide array of degree programs, Fudan University boasts an impressive academic portfolio. It is authorized to confer PhD degrees in 22 disciplines and 134 sub-disciplines, offering 201 master's degree programs and six professional degree programs. Additionally, it hosts seven key social science research centers under the Ministry of Education P.R.C., nine national basic science research and training institutes, and 25 post-doctoral research stations. Presently, it houses 77 research institutes, 112 cross-disciplinary research institutes, and five national key laboratories.
With a diverse student body exceeding 45,000, including full-time, continuing education, and online students, Fudan University maintains a dynamic academic environment. It also welcomes approximately 7,000 international students, ranking sixth nationally in terms of international enrollment.
In addition to its academic prowess, Fudan University boasts 17 affiliated hospitals, such as Zhongshan Hospital and Huashan Hospital, which integrate medical service, medical education, and research, further solidifying its contribution to healthcare and medical advancement.
The Chinese University of Hong Kong
The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) is a leading comprehensive research university located in Hong Kong. Established in 1963, CUHK is known for its commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and community service. It offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs across various disciplines, including arts, business, engineering, law, medicine, science, and social sciences.
CUHK is recognized for its strong emphasis on bilingual education in English and Chinese, fostering a multicultural and inclusive learning environment. The university has a diverse student body and faculty, with a focus on nurturing innovative thinkers and leaders who can contribute to the global community.
As a research-intensive institution, CUHK is involved in cutting-edge research across multiple fields, collaborating with international partners and addressing pressing societal challenges. It has established research centers and institutes dedicated to advancing knowledge and innovation in areas such as biotechnology, information technology, environmental sustainability, and social sciences.
University of Science and Technology of China (USTC)
The University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) is a prominent university in China and enjoys an excellent reputation worldwide. It was established by the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) in 1958 in Beijing, as a strategic action by the Chinese government, to meet China’s science and technology needs and increases the country’s international competitiveness. CAS integrated its resources with USTC, with the aim of educating top talent in cutting-edge, interdisciplinary science and technology. In 1970, USTC moved to its current location in Hefei, the capital of Anhui Province.
USTC is committed to fostering innovation, academic excellence, and societal impact through its rigorous academic programs and cutting-edge research initiatives. The university offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs across various disciplines, including physics, chemistry, biology, computer science, mathematics, engineering, and management.
As a key player in China's scientific and technological landscape, USTC has established numerous research institutes, laboratories, and centers of excellence, where faculty and students engage in groundbreaking research across a wide range of fields. The university has made significant contributions to scientific advancements, including in areas such as quantum physics, materials science, information technology, and renewable energy.
USTC also prioritizes international collaboration and exchange, fostering partnerships with leading universities and research institutions worldwide. Through these collaborations, USTC aims to promote academic exchange, knowledge sharing, and research cooperation on a global scale.
Overall, the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) stands as a beacon of scientific and technological innovation, shaping the future of China and the world through its academic excellence and research achievements.
Zhejiang University
Situated in Hangzhou, Zhejiang University (ZJU( is recognized for its research capabilities and offers programs in fields such as engineering, life sciences, and business.
Originally founded as National Third Chungshan University in 1927 in honor of Sun Yat-sen, the institution was swiftly renamed National Chekiang University. Following the Revolution, it was restructured as an engineering-focused university in 1952. In 1998, a significant consolidation occurred when Zhejiang Medical University, Hangzhou University, and Zhejiang Agricultural University, originating from former departments of Chekiang (Zhejiang) University, merged to establish the present-day Zhejiang University as a comprehensive educational institution.
Zhejiang University comprises 7 faculties, 37 colleges, schools, and departments, offering an extensive array of more than 140 undergraduate and 300 graduate programs. Additionally, the university boasts seven affiliated hospitals, a museum, two international joint institutes, and hosts over 200 student organizations. Notably, 52 members of the ZJU faculty are esteemed members of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Chinese Academy of Engineering.
As a comprehensive research university, Zhejiang University engages in research across 12 academic disciplines, spanning agriculture, art, economics, education, engineering, history, law, literature, management, medicine, natural sciences, and philosophy. The university houses three State Specialized Labs, including the State Specialized Lab of Secondary Resources Chemical Engineering, the State Specialized Lab of Power Electronics, and the State Specialized Lab of Biomedical Sensor.
As of June 2023, Zhejiang University enrolled a total of 65,821 full-time students, comprising 29,117 undergraduates, 20,554 master's candidates, and 16,150 doctoral candidates. Furthermore, in June 2023, the university welcomed 5,123 international students to its diverse academic community.
Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is a leading institution of higher education located in Hung Hom, Hong Kong. Established in 1937 as the Government Trade School, it has since evolved into a comprehensive university renowned for its commitment to applied research, professional education, and innovation.
PolyU offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs across various disciplines, including business, engineering, design, hospitality, tourism, health sciences, applied sciences, social sciences, and humanities. With a focus on practical, industry-relevant education, PolyU emphasizes hands-on learning, industry collaborations, and experiential learning opportunities for its students. The university offers over 160 taught programmes for more than 25,800 students every year.
PolyU is dedicated to advancing knowledge and innovation across a spectrum of research focus areas, including aerospace, aviation, big data and AI, food safety, health science, infrastructure monitoring, intelligent construction, sustainability, and smart city development. To foster collaboration and interdisciplinary research, the university has established a diverse array of research laboratories, institutes, and centers, facilitating partnerships with local and overseas institutions and industry partners. One notable example is the Aviation Services Research Centre, established in collaboration with Boeing.
Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) is a prestigious research university located in ClearWater Bay, Hong Kong. Established in 1991, HKUST has quickly risen to become one of the leading institutions of higher education in Asia and globally.
HKUST offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs across various disciplines, including science, engineering, business, humanities, and social sciences. The university is known for its rigorous academic programs, innovative teaching methods, and vibrant campus life.
As a research-intensive institution, HKUST is home to world-class research centers and institutes, where faculty and students engage in cutting-edge research and discovery across a broad spectrum of fields. The university's research strengths include areas such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, environmental science, finance, robotics, and sustainability.
For year 2022-23, HKUST enrolled ~10,500 undergraduates and ~7,000 postgraduates, with over 40% (~2,000 undergraduates & ~5,000 postgraduates) of the total enrolment being non-local (not holding Hong Kong citizenship). In terms of student population, the School of Engineering is the largest among the university's four schools, hosting 34% and 36% of HKUST's undergraduates and postgraduates respectively; this was followed by the schools of Business and Management (34%/24%), Science (21%/20%), and Humanities and Social Science (3%/8%).
Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU)
SJTU is particularly known for its strong engineering programs and is located in Shanghai, one of China's most dynamic cities.
SJTU was founded as Nanyang Public School in 1896. It was merged into JiaoTong University in 1921, before gaining its current name in 1959. The university currently has 33 schools, 12 affiliated hospitals, 2 affiliated medical research institutes, 23 directly affiliated units, and 5 directly affiliated enterprises.
40,000 students study not only engineering, but also medicine, law, design, biology, finance, economics, management, foreign languages and other disciplines.
As a leading research institution, SJTU is home to numerous research institutes, centers, and laboratories, where faculty and students engage in cutting-edge research and innovation. The university's research strengths span a wide range of fields, including advanced manufacturing, biotechnology, information technology, sustainable development, and urban studies.
SJTU places a strong emphasis on internationalization and collaboration, fostering partnerships with universities, research institutions, and industries worldwide. Through these collaborations, SJTU seeks to promote academic exchange, knowledge sharing, and joint research initiatives on a global scale.
University of Hong Kong
The University of Hong Kong (HKU) stands as a distinguished research institution situated in Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong. With its founding dating back to 1911, HKU holds the honor of being the oldest tertiary education establishment in Hong Kong and has consistently maintained a prominent position among the world's top universities.
HKU boasts a diverse array of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs spanning various disciplines, encompassing arts, sciences, engineering, business, law, medicine, and social sciences. Renowned for its academic excellence, HKU is distinguished by its innovative teaching methodologies and dedication to fostering well-rounded graduates.
Spanning an expansive 177,000 square meters (1,910,000 sq ft), the university's main campus provides a conducive environment for learning and research. Admission to HKU is highly competitive, with the university receiving approximately 40,000 applications for undergraduate studies in 2016, over 16,000 of which originated from outside the Hong Kong schools' system.
Undergraduate programs typically span four years, with exceptions such as the medical and nursing programs, which require additional years of study. English serves as the primary medium of instruction, endorsed as the campus lingua franca by the University's Senate. Commencing in 2012, local students are mandated to undertake Academic English courses and Chinese language enhancement courses. However, exemptions from the Chinese course requirement are granted to students who are native speakers of languages other than Chinese, as well as those who have not studied Chinese language in their secondary curriculum.
