China Academy of Art (CAA) is a public art university in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province. Founded in 1928, CAA became China’s first art academy with a complete study system.

Zhejiang Province, the Ministry of Education, and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism support the university. CAA also belongs to China’s national Double First-Class plan.

The university has built a strong name in:

• Fine arts
• Chinese painting
• Calligraphy
• Design
• Architecture
• Film
• Animation
• Art history and theory

CAA has five campuses. Nanshan, Xiangshan, Liangzhu, and Xianghu are in Hangzhou. Zhangjiang Campus is in Shanghai.

CAA uses Chinese for most international degree programs. Therefore, applicants need both creative skills and strong Chinese language ability.

Why Choose China Academy of Art?

China Academy of Art offers focused studio training in a creative setting. It may suit an international student who wants to explore Chinese art while building practical skills.

Main benefits include:

• Strong Chinese painting and calligraphy traditions
• Modern animation and digital media art programs
• Art studios, craft rooms, and design workshops
• Museums and exhibition spaces
• A location near West Lake
• Double First-Class status
• Strong art and design subject rankings

Students who plan to study in China should prepare a portfolio for their chosen major. They should also check the course language before applying.

Undergraduate Admission Requirements

CAA publishes current notices on its international admissions page.

The 2026 bachelor’s requirements included:

• Non-Chinese citizenship
• A valid foreign passport
• A high school diploma or expected graduation letter
• HSK Level 4 with at least 180 points
• An HSK listening score of at least 70
• CSCA results for Liberal Arts Chinese and Mathematics
• A portfolio that follows the chosen major’s rules
• A health examination form
• A no-criminal-record certificate
• An online interview
• An RMB 800 application fee

Most bachelor’s programs take four years. Sculpture and architecture take five years.

Portfolio rules differ by major. Applicants should not submit the same work for painting, animation, architecture, and design.

Postgraduate Admission Requirements

Master’s applicants generally need:

• A recognized bachelor’s degree
• Complete university transcripts
• HSK Level 4 with at least 180 points
• An HSK listening score of at least 70
• A study plan of more than 2,000 Chinese characters
• Two academic recommendation letters
• A portfolio for most studio-based majors
• A health examination form
• A no-criminal-record certificate
• A video interview
• An RMB 800 application fee

Some art history and theory programs may not require a portfolio.

Chinese-taught master’s programs normally take three to four years.

CAA offers many art, design, and creative study areas.

Popular programs include:

• Chinese Painting and Calligraphy
• Painting and Sculpture
• Visual Communication Design
• Digital Media Art
• Animation
• Architecture
• Landscape Architecture
• Ceramic Art and Crafts
• Art History and Art Management
• Cultural Relic Conservation
• Film and Television Production
• Mixed-Media Art

These programs combine studio work, theory, research, and cultural study.

Global Rankings

CAA does not appear in every broad world ranking because it focuses on art and design.

Its main published ranking results include:

• QS Art and Design 2026: #94 worldwide
• Times Higher Education: University profile available, but no overall world rank
• ShanghaiRanking: No overall ARWU world position listed
• CNUR 2026: #189 in China and #2 among fine arts academies

CNUR also places CAA among China’s leading universities for painting, fine arts, and cultural relic conservation.

Subject rankings often give a clearer view of a specialist art university than broad global rankings.

Undergraduate Tuition Fees

CAA’s official tuition page lists:

• Bachelor’s tuition: RMB 52,000 per year
• Application fee: RMB 800
• Comprehensive insurance: included
• Art materials: not included
• Personal expenses: not included

Students should also budget for printing, tools, models, software, and project work.

Postgraduate Tuition Fees

CAA lists these yearly fees:

• Master’s tuition: RMB 60,000
• Doctoral tuition: RMB 68,000
• Application fee: RMB 800
• Art materials and exhibition costs: not included

Actual study costs depend on the program. Architecture, film, sculpture, and design students may spend more on projects.

Scholarships

CAA lists several scholarship routes:

• Chinese Government Scholarship Bilateral Program
• Chinese Government Scholarship University Program
• Zhejiang Provincial Government Scholarship
• China Academy of Art International Student Scholarship

CAA mainly offers the provincial and university awards to qualified self-funded students after enrollment.

Scholarship rules and deadlines may change each year. Applicants should read the latest notice before submitting their documents.

Application Deadlines & Intake

CAA’s main degree intake starts in September.

The 2026 dates were:

• Bachelor’s deadline: March 31, 2026
• Extended bachelor’s deadline: April 30, 2026
• Master’s deadline: December 31, 2025
• Extended master’s deadline: February 28, 2026
• New-student registration: September 2026

These deadlines have passed.

Students planning to apply for 2027 should wait for the official 2027 guide. They can prepare their HSK results, CSCA results, school records, and portfolios in advance.

Food & Dining on Campus

CAA operates student dining halls and food services. Menus and opening hours differ by campus.

Students with allergies or special diets should check their campus dining options after arrival.

Student Accommodation

CAA provides student housing for some international students.

Xiangshan housing may serve students from the Xiangshan and Nanshan campuses. Liangzhu Campus also has double rooms for students.

CAA normally asks first-year bachelor’s students to live on campus. Students pay their own water and electricity costs.

Room prices and available spaces may change. Applicants should check the latest housing notice before registration.

Library

CAA libraries offer:

• Art books
• Academic journals
• Image collections
• Rare Chinese books
• Digital learning tools
• Research records

Students can use these materials for studio projects, design research, art history, and written assignments.

Sports Facilities

CAA provides a gym, exercise areas, sports classes, and student activities.

Facilities differ across campuses.

Research and Academic Support

CAA supports study and creative work through:

• Art studios
• Craft workshops
• Research labs
• Faculty guidance
• Research centers
• Exhibition halls
• Art Museum of China Academy of Art
• China Design Museum
• Folk Crafts Museum

These spaces give students more ways to develop ideas, display work, and study Chinese art.

Hangzhou is the capital of Zhejiang Province.

West Lake, museums, tea culture, creative firms, and technology companies shape the city. This mix gives art and design students many sources of ideas.

Hangzhou has a calmer pace than Shanghai. However, high-speed trains connect it with Shanghai, Suzhou, Nanjing, and other cities in the Yangtze River Delta.

The city may suit students who want culture, modern industries, and easy regional travel.

Living Expenses in City

CAA does not list one standard monthly budget.

Students should plan for:

• Housing
• Food
• Local transport
• Art supplies
• Mobile and internet services
• Health costs
• Personal expenses
• Travel and entertainment

Art supplies can increase the total cost. Students in architecture, sculpture, film, and design may need extra money for models, printing, tools, and equipment.

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Frequently Asked Questions