Chinese Universities with English Taught Programs: Full Guide for 2026
You can explore English-taught programs in China even if you do not speak Mandarin. Hundreds of Chinese universities with English taught programs now accept international students and deliver full degrees in English.
Quick Answer: Do Chinese Universities Offer English-Taught Programs?
Yes. Many top Chinese universities with English taught programs offer full bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD degrees in English. You generally need proof of English proficiency, such as IELTS or TOEFL, rather than HSK.
Type 2 — Sino-foreign joint venture universities These are independent campuses, co-founded by a Chinese university and a foreign partner. All courses are delivered in English with no Chinese language required to apply. You often graduate with two degrees — one from the Chinese institution and one from the foreign partner.
Two Types of English-Taught Programs in China
Before you apply to universities in China, it helps to know which type of program suits you.
Type 1 — English-taught programs at Chinese public universities
These run inside a regular Chinese university. You study alongside local students in some courses. Classes are in English, but you may encounter some Mandarin in daily campus life.
Type 2 — Sino-foreign joint venture universities
These institutions bring together Chinese and foreign university partners. Many offer degrees taught entirely in English, and some award degrees from both partners. Check each university’s language requirements and degree arrangements before applying.
Top Sino-Foreign Joint Venture Universities
These campuses offer English-taught programs in mainland China. They suit students who want an international learning environment. Degree arrangements vary by university.
Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) — Suzhou
XJTLU was founded in 2006 in Suzhou by xi’an jiaotong university and the University of Liverpool. It is the largest Sino-British university, with more than 10,000 students. It offers more than 100 degree programs, covering a wide range of fields such as science, engineering, business, finance, architecture, and the humanities. Graduates receive both an XJTLU degree and a University of Liverpool degree.
Duke Kunshan University — Kunshan
Duke Kunshan is a partnership between Duke University and Wuhan University. It offers liberal arts and sciences programs in English, with a strong focus on interdisciplinary study and global leadership.
NYU Shanghai — Shanghai
NYU Shanghai is a full-campus partnership between New York University and East China Normal University. Students can take courses at any NYU global campus and graduate with an NYU degree.
University of Nottingham Ningbo China — Ningbo
The University of Nottingham’s China campus offers degrees in business, engineering, and the sciences. Its programs are taught in English.
CUHK-Shenzhen — Shenzhen
CUHK-Shenzhen was founded in 2014 and runs on a “one brand, two campuses” model with the Chinese University of Hong Kong. More than 20 undergraduate programs are taught fully in English across Management and Economics, Science and Engineering, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, and Medicine.
Top Chinese Public Universities with English-Taught Programs
These universities rank among the best in China and the world. Graduate students can explore English-taught master’s and PhD programs at many of these institutions. Some also offer bachelor’s degrees in English, giving students more options before graduate school.
Tsinghua University — Beijing
As a top university in China, Tsinghua offers around 30 graduate programs in English. Of these, 22 are master’s programs and eight are doctoral programs. Fields include global affairs, engineering, computer science, and business.
Peking University — Beijing
Peking University provides English-taught programs in data science, public policy, international relations, and new media. It is one of China’s top two universities and consistently ranks in the QS World Top 20.
Shanghai Jiao Tong University — Shanghai
SJTU offers English-taught bachelor’s and master’s tracks in engineering and electronic information. It also has one of China’s most respected MBA programs taught in English.
Fudan University — Shanghai
Fudan offers English-medium master’s programs in economics, international relations, and the social sciences. It ranks in the QS World Top 50 and has a large international student community.
Beijing Institute of Technology (BIT) — Beijing
BIT offers English-taught undergraduate and graduate degrees in engineering and artificial intelligence. It is a strong choice for students interested in technology and applied sciences.
Jinan University English Taught Programs — Guangzhou
Jinan University (暨南大学; JNU) in Guangzhou is one of China’s oldest universities and a top choice for international students seeking English-taught degrees at an accessible tuition level.
The International School of Jinan University was founded in 2001. It offers degree programs taught in English. There are eight bachelor’s degree programs, four master’s degree programs, and one doctoral program in China Studies.
English-Taught Bachelor’s Programs at Jinan University
- International Economics and Trade
- Accounting
- Clinical Medicine (MBBS)
- Food Nutrition and Health
- Pharmacy
- Finance
- Computer Science and Technology
- International Journalism and Communication
English-Taught Master’s Programs at Jinan University
- China Studies
- Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Electronic Information
- International Business
Jinan University Admission Requirements (English Programs)
To apply for an English-taught program, you will need:
- A high school diploma (for bachelor’s) or bachelor’s degree (for master’s)
- TOEFL score of 80 or above, or IELTS score of 5.5 or above. Applicants from countries where English is the official language are exempt.
- Valid passport and health certificate
- Academic transcripts
Jinan University Tuition Fees (English Programs)
English-taught bachelor’s programs at Jinan University cost CNY 28,000–40,000 per year, depending on the subject. Clinical Medicine (MBBS) costs CNY 40,000 annually. Master’s tuition varies by program.
Chinese-taught programs generally have lower tuition, starting at CNY 19,000 per year. For more information about tuition, admissions, and scholarships, see our Jinan University guide.
JNU also accepts students through the CSC Scholarship and offers university-level scholarships for outstanding applicants. Contact Apply For China to check which scholarships you qualify for.
How to Choose the Right Program
Use this table to match your goals to the right type of program. The universities include public institutions and Sino-foreign joint campuses, each with different study options.
| Your Goal | Best Option |
| Full English environment, dual degree | Sino-foreign joint university (XJTLU, NYU Shanghai) |
| Top QS ranking, master’s or PhD level | Tsinghua, Peking University, Fudan, SJTU |
| Affordable English bachelor’s degree | Jinan University, Beijing Institute of Technology |
| Medicine in English (MBBS) | Jinan University, Southern Medical University |
| Business or economics | Fudan, SJTU, Jinan University (MBA) |
Do You Need Mandarin for English-Taught Programs?
Most English-taught programs in China ask for proof of English ability, such as IELTS or TOEFL, rather than HSK. However, requirements vary by university and program.
That said, learning basic Mandarin helps a lot with daily life on campus. Many universities offer free or low-cost Mandarin classes alongside your degree. You can explore your options through Chinese language programs at accredited universities.
Ready to Apply?
Finding the right English-taught program in China takes research — but you do not have to do it alone. Apply For China helps international students match with the right university, prepare their application, and secure scholarships.
You can also browse degree programs or read our full guide to studying in China to plan your next step.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Hundreds of Chinese universities offer full degrees in English at bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD level. You apply with IELTS or TOEFL instead of HSK.
Top options include Tsinghua University, Peking University, Fudan University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Jinan University, and joint-venture campuses like XJTLU, NYU Shanghai, and Duke Kunshan University.
Tsinghua University and Peking University share this reputation. Both rank in the QS World Top 20 and are China’s most selective and globally recognized universities.
Yes. American students apply through the same international admissions process. You need a high school diploma, IELTS or TOEFL proof, and a valid passport. No Mandarin is required for English-taught programs.
Jinan University’s International School offers eight English-taught bachelor’s programs in fields including business, science, and medicine. Annual undergraduate tuition ranges from CNY 28,000 to CNY 40,000, depending on the subject.
Most universities require IELTS 5.5 to 6.5 for English-taught programs. Jinan University accepts IELTS 5.5. Tsinghua and Peking University typically require 6.5 or above for master’s programs.
Yes. The CSC Scholarship covers tuition, housing, and a monthly stipend at most Chinese public universities. Individual universities also offer their own merit scholarships.