Universities in China: English-Taught Programs & Admissions

China has thousands of colleges and universities. Many offer strong degrees, global rankings, English-taught courses, and scholarships. For international students, universities in China cover fields from engineering and medicine to business and Chinese language.

This guide covers rankings, university groups, popular majors, English-taught programs, scholarships, and how to apply to China universities. It can help you compare China study abroad programs and plan to study in China.

Quick Answer: What Are Universities in China Like?

China has one of the world’s largest university systems. The Ministry of Education listed 3,196 higher education institutions as of June 17, 2026.

Official 2024 data also recorded 271,064 international students in higher education. Peking University and Tsinghua University both rank in the global top 15 of the QS World University Rankings 2027.

How Many Universities Are in China?

China’s 3,196 higher education institutions include:

• 1,412 undergraduate institutions.
• 1,540 higher vocational colleges.
• 244 adult higher education institutions.

You may also see these labels when comparing Chinese universities:

• Double First-Class: 147 universities in the current national excellence plan.
• 985 Project: 39 elite universities in the former national project.
• 211 Project: 112 universities in the former national project.
• C9 League: Nine leading research universities.

These labels show national status. However, they should not decide your choice alone. Your major, city, fees, admission rules, and scholarships also matter.

Read our C9, 985 and 211 universities, Double First-Class university list, and Chinese higher education system guides.

What Are the Top Universities in China?

China has 10 mainland universities in the QS 2027 global top 200. The leading five are:

1. Peking University — #13 globally. Its strengths include humanities, law, medicine, natural sciences, and research.

2. Tsinghua University — #14 globally. This leading public university excels in engineering, computer science, technology, and materials science.

3. Fudan University — #26 globally. It has major strengths in medicine, business, journalism, and social sciences.

4. Shanghai Jiao Tong University — #36 globally. Its strengths include technology, business, medicine, and engineering programs.

5. Zhejiang University — #47 globally. The university has strong programs in science, engineering, agriculture, and technology.

Other leading universities include Nanjing University, the University of Science and Technology of China, Tongji University, Wuhan University, and Harbin Institute of Technology

See our Top Universities in China rankings guide for a wider comparison.

How Do These Universities Fit the Main University Groups?

Group	Total	From the Top 10
C9 League	9	Peking, Tsinghua, Fudan, Shanghai Jiao Tong, Zhejiang, Nanjing, USTC, HIT
985 Project	39	All 10
211 Project	112	All 10
Double First-Class	147	All 10

All 10 belong to the former 985 and 211 groups and the current Double First-Class initiative. Eight also belong to the C9 League. Tongji University and Wuhan University are the two exceptions.

Popular Fields of Study at Universities in China

International students in China study many subjects. These are common choices:

• Engineering — China produces more engineering graduates than any other country. Programs in AI, automation, civil engineering, and environmental science are available at Tsinghua, SJTU, and Tianjin University. Global employers increasingly value engineering degrees from top Chinese universities.
• Medicine — English-taught MBBS programs attract students from South and Southeast Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Wuhan University and Sun Yat-sen University offer strong clinical training at affordable fees. English-medium MBBS programs typically cost between CNY 30,000 and CNY 45,000 per year.
• Business — China’s economic growth has made its business schools globally competitive. Fudan School of Management, Tsinghua School of Economics and Management, and CEIBS all appear in global top-100 MBA lists. Business degrees in China open doors in one of the world’s largest economies.
• Chinese Language — Beijing Language and Culture University (BLCU) is the most dedicated institution for international students studying Mandarin. It offers short-term language courses through to full degree programs. Studying Mandarin in China moves students forward far faster than classroom study elsewhere.

See our Chinese language programs guide for more options.

Which Universities Offer English-Taught Programs?

You do not always need Mandarin to study at universities in China. Many schools offer English-taught programs in engineering, medicine, business, economics, and other fields.

China now offers over 1,000 English-taught degree programs across universities nationwide. Most English-taught options are available at the master’s and PhD levels. Many top universities also run English-taught bachelor’s programs, especially in medicine, engineering, and business.

Common fields include:

• Engineering and Technology — Common fields include AI, civil engineering, mechanical engineering, and computer science. Options are available at Tsinghua, SJTU, and Beihang University.
• Medicine (MBBS) — Clinical medicine in English is available at over 45 approved universities. Popular choices include Wuhan University, Sun Yat-sen University, and SJTU’s medical school.
• Business and Economics — MBA and undergraduate business programs in English at Fudan, CEIBS, and Renmin University of China.
• Chinese Language and Culture — Intensive Mandarin programs designed for international students, especially at Beijing Language and Culture University (BLCU).

What Do You Need for an English-Taught Program?

Each school sets its own rules. Common forms of English proof include:

• IELTS: often around 6.0 or above.
• TOEFL iBT: often around 80 or above.
• Duolingo English Test: accepted by some schools.
• English-medium education proof: accepted by some schools if your previous studies were in English.

For Chinese-taught programs, students usually need HSK 4 or HSK 5. The exact level depends on the school and major.

Browse our degree programs or read how to choose the right Chinese university for your major.

Scholarships for Studying in China

China offers many scholarship opportunities for studying in China. The Chinese Government Scholarship is the best-known option. The China Scholarship Council manages it under the Ministry of Education.

A full scholarship can include:

• Tuition.
• University housing or a housing allowance.
• Medical insurance.
• A monthly stipend.

Monthly stipends depend on the study level. Undergraduate students receive CNY 2,500 per month. Master’s students receive CNY 3,000, while doctoral students receive CNY 3,500.

Universities and local governments also offer scholarships. The amount and rules vary.

Learn more in our Chinese scholarships guide.

How to Apply to Universities in China

How to apply for a study abroad program in China comes down to four basic steps.

Step 1 — Choose a university and program.

Compare each program’s subject, location, teaching language, tuition, and scholarship options. Start with our Chinese university search.

Step 2 — Prepare your documents.

Prepare your passport, school records, graduation certificate, language proof (IELTS, TOEFL, or HSK), and application form. Some programs also require a health form, personal statement, research plan, recommendation letters, or CSCA results.

Step 3 — Submit your application.

Check the official deadline for each China university. Many September intake applications close between spring and early summer.

Step 4 — Apply for your student visa.

After admission, use your documents to apply for the correct Chinese student visa.

For more help, read how to apply to Chinese universities and our study abroad in China roadmap.

Ready to Study at a University in China?

A China university ranking can help you compare schools, but rankings are only one part of your choice. Also compare your major, budget, teaching language, city, and scholarship chances.

Apply for China can help you compare universities, prepare your documents, and find scholarship options.

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