Chinese universities

Universities in China

Here we outline all the major Chinese universities across all Chinese provinces that are in the top 500 Universities in the world. China has rapidly become a major provider of world class study, attracting many overseas students - particularly in S.E. Asia. In 2016 397,635 international students are studying in China. Every year that the International rankings are published the universities in China go up a few places.

Two thousand years of the traditional examinations were abandoned in 1912 when the Republic of China was founded. In the Imperial system the Hanlin Academy was the top academic institution for 1,100 years. The accurate memorization of huge amounts of classical literature had had a stultifying effect on Chinese scholarship. Many of China's main universities have their roots in institutions set up by foreign missionary societies offering Chinese people new fields of knowledge for the first time. Other institutions have grown from technical colleges that fueled China's need for engineering skills in the 1970s. Since the turn of the millennium China has reformed the university sector to the western model. The proportion receiving tertiary education has risen from 1.4% in 1978 to over 30% now and there are over 2,000 accredited institutions. China's high population translates into 7 million new graduates each year. The top 100 universities are being developed under the government's project 211 while the top 39 are groomed for top International status in project 985 . There remain concerns that too much emphasis is placed on learning facts rather than creative thinking. The Bachelor's degree is normally four years of full-time study which include four areas: basic compulsory topics (Computer technology, English, Chinese, Mathematics, Politics, Physical Education); elective general topics; field of study compulsory topics; field of study elective topics. In this way a degree is more generalized than in the western model. The Master's degree ( Shuò shì xué wèi) is typically three full-time years for ‘academic’ subjects and two years for ‘vocational’ subjects.

Admission to university in China is based on the Annual College Entrance Examination (gaokao ) but recommendation from a school carries some weight. Extra priority is given to the poorer provinces. The majority of universities in China are state funded and are subject to some government control. The cost for Chinese students are kept quite low: grants, loans and part-time work are used to fund study. The government also provides some funding for grants for students to study in China from abroad.

In general studying at a Chinese university is geared to accumulating facts and skills; lecturers are rarely challenged by students and generally shown more respect than in the west. Studying at university is seen as a privilege rather than a right.

You can click on the column headers to sort the universities by name, ranking, location or student numbers. We give figures on the number of undergraduates and postgraduates as well as international students which is a rough figure of all the ‘non-local’ students studying at the University. The Ranking shown is the ranking according to QS (Quacquarelli Symonds Limited ) who monitor all the world's top universities. We use this to show the relative position compared to all other universities. The Map link displays a detailed Google map of the location of the Chinese university. The Info link takes you to the university's own web site, in nearly all cases this is the English language web site. Quite a lot of teaching is done in English, especially in Hong Kong; and if not the Universities usually offer a crash course in Mandarin.

Last updated 17 Oct 2024

NameDescriptionRank   
Peking University
Beijing
北京大学
Peking University
An entrance to the Peking University. June 2008. Image by galaygobi available under a Creative Commons license .
The first established University in China has remained a leading University since its foundation in 1898. It used to be located just East of the Forbidden City, but is now near Kunming Lake.There are 30 colleges in 12 faculties. The students have often initiated national campaigns such as the big poster campaign in 1966 and the Tiananmen Square student protest of 1989.
Undergrads: 15,128 Postgrads: 15,119 International: 2,000
Peking University web site
Founded 1898
Location Map
41
Tsinghua University
Beijing
清华大学
Tsinghua University
Tsinghua University is a well regarded university in mainland China. The Tsinghua Observatory is shown. July 2008. Image by Financialtimeseditor available under a Creative Commons license .
Tsinghua (Wade Giles spelling) or Qinghua rivals its near neighbour Peking University as the leading Chinese University. It was initially set up to prepare students for study abroad and has retained a strong international flavor. It specializes in science and technology.
Undergrads: 15,184 Postgrads: 16,524 International: 3,490
Tsinghua University web site
Founded 1911
Location Map
25
University of Hong Kong
Hong Kong
香港大学
University of Hong Kong
The University of Hong Kong (Eliot Hall & Meng Wah Complex). Image by Baycrest available under a Creative Commons license .
After the rapid development of Hong Kong, the original College of Medicine (where Sun Yatsen was the most famous student) became a University in 1911 and has been the highest ranked Chinese University for some years. It is highly regarded in a number of disciplines including law and medicine.
Undergrads: 15,227 Postgrads: 11,778 International: 6,814
University of Hong Kong web site
Founded 1911
Location Map
32
Chinese University of Hong Kong
Hong Kong
香港中文大学
Chinese University of Hong Kong
A view of part of the Chinese University campus. December 2013. Image by Citobun available under a Creative Commons license .
Despite the use of 'Chinese' in its name, English is the main teaching language at this well regarded Hong Kong University just 50 years old. It has a high international reputation in mathematics; science; medicine as well as the arts and humanities.
Undergrads: 15,351 Postgrads: 13,337 International: 2,746
Chinese University of Hong Kong web site
Founded 1963
Location Map
51
Fudan University
Shanghai
复旦大学
Fudan University
Zibinyuan Building at Handan Campus. Image by Roalood available under a Creative Commons license .
Currently the highest ranked University outside Beijing and Hong Kong, Fudan is an old institution covering a wide range of subjects.
Undergrads: 15,700 Postgrads: 11,000 International: 2,812
Fudan University web site
Founded 1905
Location Map
51
Shanghai Jiao Tong University
Shanghai
上海交通大学
Shanghai Jiao Tong University
SJTU ME buildings. June 2006. Image by hulalala available under a Creative Commons license .
The University is one of the oldest academic institutions in China. Its early reputation was for producing high caliber engineers and scientists but now covers all major disciplines. It is also known by the acronym SJTU or Jiao Da.
Undergrads: 16,802 Postgrads: 24,495 International: 1,598
Shanghai Jiao Tong University web site
Founded 1986
Location Map
70
City University of Hong Kong
Hong Kong
香港城市大学
City University of Hong Kong
Hong Kong City University Run Run Shaw Library Interior. April 2010. Image by WiNG available under a Creative Commons license .
Hong Kong has more than its fair share of prestigious universities and the City University is among the top six academic institutions in the territory. It became a full University in 1994 and teaches all the main subjects to a high level. It ranks high in languages and linguistics. Like other Hong Kong universities it teaches principally in English.
Undergrads: 12,689 Postgrads: 6,017 International: 905
City University of Hong Kong web site
Founded 1984
Location Map
57
Zhejiang University
Hangzhou
浙江大学
Zhejiang University
School of Architecture. September 2007. Image by Constantboat available under a Creative Commons license .
Situated in the former capital of Hangzhou, Zhejiang University often shortened to Zheda is one of China's oldest and largest Universities. It was dubbed the 'Cambridge of the East' by Joseph Needham. The courses cover a wide range of topics.
Undergrads: 22,929 Postgrads: 21,945 International: 2,700
Zhejiang University web site
Founded 1897
Location Map
110
Nanjing University
Nanjing
南京大学
Nanjing University
Nanjing University auditorium. November 2007. Image available under a Creative Commons license .
The top university at Nanjing is one of the oldest in China. It is split into two campuses one near the city center and the other to the northeast. It covers all disciplines with high attainment in the sciences as well the arts.
Undergrads: 13,865 Postgrads: 12,793 International: 1,847
Nanjing University web site
Founded 1949
Location Map
130
Beijing Normal University
Beijing
北京师范大学
Beijing Normal University
University Campus.
Image by Kelinli available under a Creative Commons license .
The Beijing Normal University is also known as Bei-shi-da; the term 'normal' refers to its early role in teacher training and education remains a focus. It became well known for teaching mandarin to international students. The University now has a broad coverage of all the main disciplines.
Undergrads: 8,600 Postgrads: 9,900 International: 1,800
Beijing Normal University web site
Founded 1902
Location Map
232
Nankai University
Tianjin
南开大学
Nankai University
Zhou Enlai statue at Nankai University, Tianjin, China. September 2010. Image by 刻意 available under a Creative Commons license .
Nankai University, Tianjin started off as a small, private school. The use of a modern syllabus and English made it popular and it soon expanded to become a University. Zhou Enlai is the most famous alumnus from its early days. The University is strong in the fields of economics, mathematics and history.
Undergrads: 12,873 Postgrads: 11,432 International: 2,300
Nankai University web site
Founded 1919
Location Map
277
Xi'an Jiaotong University
Xi'an, Shaanxi
西安交通大学
Xi'an Jiaotong University
XJTU Student Recreation Center. August 2011. Image by Jucember available under a Creative Commons license .
The leading university at Xi'an and surrounding provinces is Xi'an Jiao Tong University (XJTU). It was set up to concentrate on engineering and technology in 1896, at Shanghai and in 1956 was split into two: the Shanghai Jiao Tong and the Xian Jiao Tong Universities. The university has expanded from its original subject base to provide teaching in a full range of subjects.
Undergrads: 17,000 Postgrads: 13,000 International: 500
Xi'an Jiaotong University web site
Founded 1896
Location Map
331
Beihang University
Beijing
北京航空航天大学
Beihang University
The old main building of BUAA. August 2007.
Image by brianchenming available under a Creative Commons license .
Beihang University was previously known as Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics (BUAA), and so has a strong engineering heritage but has widened its subject focus to all fields.
Undergrads: 12,523 Postgrads: 10,282 International: 668
Beihang University web site
Founded 1952
Location Map
381
Wuhan University
Wuhan, Hubei
武汉大学
Wuhan University
The old library of Wuhan University. January 2012. Image by Howchou available under a Creative Commons license .
The leading university in Hubei province is Wuhan University. It has roots as an institution dating back to 1893 before becoming a University in 1928. It covers most subjects in the arts and sciences.
Undergrads: 34,133 Postgrads: 13,918 International: 1,477
Wuhan University web site
Founded 1928
Location Map
273
Shanghai University
Shanghai
上海大学
Shanghai University
Gate of SHU in 2006. Image by Yulin Peng available under a Creative Commons license .
One of several Universities located in Shanghai, Shanghai University was founded in 1922 but then re-constituted in 1994 with parts of other institutions. It has a large undergraduate intake and covers all the main academic subjects.
Undergrads: 26,000 Postgrads: 8,000 International: 3,000
Shanghai University web site
Founded 1922
Location Map
415
Renmin University of China
Beijing
中国人民大学
Renmin University of China
Diakiw, personal photo. February 2007. Image available under a Creative Commons license .
Officially known as Renmin University of China it is also known as the People's University of China, and from the shortened Chinese name as 'Renda'. Its top subjects are in the humanities and social sciences which is consistent with its name. It is situated close to the center of Beijing and boasts the famous English Corner where anyone can help improve their English.
Undergrads: 11,074 Postgrads: 10,844 International: 1,165
Renmin University of China web site
Founded 1937
Location Map
446
Tongji University
Shanghai
同济大学
Tongji University
Tongji northern main building, my own work, taken in 2006. Image available under a Creative Commons license .
The third of Shanghai's great universities, Tongji, was founded over a hundred years ago by the German government. It has a high reputation in engineering and architecture and retains a specialism in the German language.
Undergrads: 21,370 Postgrads: 17,385 International: 1,829
Tongji University web site
Founded 1907
Location Map
345
Harbin Institute of Technology
Harbin, Heilongjiang
哈尔滨工业大学
Harbin Institute of Technology
Harbin Institute of Technology - Main Building. March 2009. Image by Yoshi Canopus available under a Creative Commons license .
The Harbin Institute of Technology is the leading university in northeastern China. It is actually split over three campuses spread over three provinces: Weihai in Shandong; Shenzhen in Guangdong and Harbin in Heilongjiang. It concentrates on space technology; military technology and general engineering. The Harbin campus has some hints to its history of Russian influence.
Undergrads: 25,002 Postgrads: 12,710 International: 1,584
Harbin Institute of Technology web site
Founded 1920
Location Map
291
Beijing Institute of Technology
Beijing
北京理工大学
Beijing Institute of Technology
Stadium of the Beijing Institute of Technology, a venue of the 2008 Summer Olympics. May 2008. Image by Flora available under a Creative Commons license .
Beijing Institute of Technology is ranked the sixth University within Beijing and in the top twenty in China. It specializes in science and technology. The campus is located near Zhongguancun dubbed the Silicon Valley of China.
Undergrads: 14,010 Postgrads: 8,205 International: 426
Beijing Institute of Technology web site
Founded 1940
Location Map
405
Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Hong Kong
香港科技大学
Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
HKUST Sundial. September 2005. Image by Memes available under a Creative Commons license .
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology often abbreviated as HKUST was founded less than 35 years ago; it specializes in science, engineering, business and technology and has rapidly achieved a high International ranking.
Undergrads: 8,699 Postgrads: 3,897 International: 3,625
Hong Kong University of Science and Technology web site
Founded 1991
Location Map
28
University of Science and Technology of China
Hefei, Anhui
中国科学技术大学
University of Science and Technology of China
Teaching Building II, Library, etc... February 2007. Image by Minbaili available under a Creative Commons license .
The University at Hefei was founded by the Chinese Academy of Sciences under the leadership of Guo Moruo to promote research into science and technology. Since its foundation in 1958 it has broadened its scope and is one of the top Universities in China.
Undergrads: 7,667 Postgrads: 8,921 International: 49
University of Science and Technology of China web site
Founded 1958
Location Map
113
Sun Yatsen University
Guangzhou
中山大学
Sun Yatsen University
Sun Yatsen University, Guangzhou. 11th Nov. 2011. Image by kevinmcgill available under a Creative Commons License
Sun Yatsen founded this University back in 1924 shortly before his death. Guangzhou was his power base in southern China. With Sun Yatsen's qualification in medicine it is no surprise that it has a strong medical research center. It also has high achieving faculties in business; humanities; politics and computing.
Undergrads: 32,690 Postgrads: 21,610 International: 3,217
Sun Yatsen University web site
Founded 1924
Location Map
307
Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Hong Kong
香港理工大学
Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Image by David1010 available under a Creative Commons License
This old Hong Kong institution became a University in 1994. It is now the third ranked university in Hong Kong with a high international reputation. It concentrates on business, design, engineering rather than science.
Undergrads: 18,777 Postgrads: 8,766 International: 481
Hong Kong Polytechnic University web site
Founded 1937
Location Map
116
Hong Kong Baptist University
Hong Kong
香港浸会大学
Hong Kong Baptist University
Views from Siu Lek Yuen Road. Image by Nicsmrakelo available under a Creative Commons License
Originally founded as an American Baptist College it became a university in 1994 and now has a high international ranking. It has a full range of courses and is strong in geography, computer science and mathematics.
Undergrads: 6,690 Postgrads: 2,601 International: 2,720
Hong Kong Baptist University web site
Founded 1956
Location Map
281
Xiamen University
Xiamen, Fujian
厦门大学
Xiamen University
Picture taken by Lukacs at Xiamen University, China. Image by Lukacs available under a Creative Commons License
The university founded in 1921 was the first to be founded by overseas Chinese as Amoy University. It is ranked within the top 20 universities in China. Lu Xun is the most famous figure associated with the University.
Undergrads: 17,847 Postgrads: 10,286 International: 2,800
Xiamen University web site
Founded 1921
Location Map
406
Tianjin University
Tianjin
天津大学
Tianjin University
Tianjin University 9th Teaching Buildung. Image by Xrdtj available under a Creative Commons License
One of the oldest Universities in China and has remained a leading institution in China. It has coverage of the full range of academic subjects.
Undergrads: 15,000 Postgrads: 9,000 International: 1,800
Tianjin University web site
Founded 1895
Location Map
425
Huazhong University of Science and Technology
Wuhan, Hubei
华中科技大学
Huazhong University of Science and Technology
Eastern zone - cafeteria and student services center. Image by Vmenkov available under a Creative Commons License
Huazhong is the main University in Hubei province and specializes on Science and Technology. In 1953 it began as an engineering institute before merging with other Wuhan institutions in 2000 to become a university.
Undergrads: 36,000 Postgrads: 20,040 International: 560
Huazhong University of Science and Technology web site
Founded 1953
Location Map
445
Jilin University
Jilin
吉林大学
Jilin University
Laboratory in Jilin University, China. Image by Charlie fong available under a Creative Commons License
After re-organization in 1948 the Shenyang site was chosen for the North-eastern Administration College. It became Jilin University in 2000 after merging with other local higher education establishments. It covers all the main disciplines but is renowned for engineering subjects and natural sciences.
Undergrads: 43,024 Postgrads: 24,021 International: 1,272
Jilin University web site
Founded 1946
Location Map
455
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