Study in China: Most Prestigious Universities in China for International Students

China has quickly become one of the world’s most exciting places for education. Here, history, innovation, and opportunity come together. The country has some of the best universities in Asia. It now attracts hundreds of thousands of international students every year.

Studying in China gives you a unique experience. Its strong economy might attract you. You could also be interested in its top research centers. Additionally, you may want to experience one of the world’s oldest cultures up close.

If you want to study abroad in China 2026, start here. This is your guide to top universities in China for International students.

This guide looks at the best universities in China for international students in 2026. It includes universities in Beijing and Shanghai like Tsinghua, Peking, Fudan and SJTU, and also USTC, ZJU, and others from different cities.

1. Tsinghua University (Beijing)

Why choose Tsinghua University?

Located in Beijing’s Haidian District, Tsinghua University (est. 1911) is often regarded as the pinnacle of higher education in China. Its campus sits on the grounds of a former Qing dynasty royal garden, blending historical architecture and modern facilities.

Tsinghua is arguably THE most prestigious university in China, and is often dubbed the Harvard of China.

Highlights for international students:

• Tsinghua is part of China’s top “C9 League.” National programs like Project 211, Project 985, and the Double First-Class Program support it.
• The university has many programs in science, engineering, humanities, law, medicine, and more. This makes it one of the most complete institutions in China.
• Tsinghua now offers more master’s degrees in English. These programs are in engineering, business, and social sciences.

What to know before applying:

• Admissions are very competitive, especially for local students. International applicants should have strong academic records. They also need good language skills in English and/or Chinese, depending on the program.
• Being in Beijing gives you access to important research institutes, industry partners, and global networks. It also offers a lively student life, but the cost of living is higher.

2. Peking University (Beijing)

Why choose Peking University (PKU)?

Founded in 1898, Peking University is one of China’s oldest and most prestigious institutions. The campus is located on the site of an old imperial garden. It has landmarks like Weiming Lake and traditional Chinese buildings.

Highlights for international students:

• PKU ranks among the top universities globally (QS, THE, ARWU) and is often cited as China’s “Harvard” equivalent. For example, it is ranked 14th in the world in QS 2026 for Mainland China.
• It has strong programs in liberal arts, sciences, medicine, and languages. This makes it a great choice for all students with all kinds of interests.
• International cooperation is robust: PKU has dual degree, exchange programmes, and thousands of international students each year.

What to know before applying:

• Like any top school in China, competition is tough. You should check if the program you want is taught in English or Chinese.
• Living in Beijing gives enormous cultural, academic and career advantages – make sure you budget accordingly.

3. Fudan University (Shanghai)

Why choose Fudan University?

Situated in the heart of Shanghai, Fudan University combines academic excellence with urban vibrancy. One of China’s key comprehensive universities, steeped in tradition yet deeply international.

Highlights for international students:

• Fudan offers many programs in natural sciences, social sciences, medicine, and language studies. It also has special language and culture immersion programs for international students.
• Being in Shanghai offers students easy access to global companies, internships, cultural diversity and modern amenities.

What to know before applying:

• If your goal is intensive Chinese language improvement, Fudan is a strong pick because of its language-rich environment.
• Shanghai can be more expensive than other Chinese cities — plan your budget accordingly.

4. Zhejiang University (Hangzhou)

Why choose Zhejiang University (ZJU)?

Zhejiang University is in Hangzhou, a beautiful city about two hours from Shanghai. This university hosts one of China’s oldest and most research-focused universities.

Highlights for international students:

• The university has a strong commitment to innovation, entrepreneurship and advanced research in fields like artificial intelligence, clean energy, ocean technology and manufacturing.
• Hangzhou offers a great quality of life. It has beautiful landscapes and a slower pace than bustling metropolitan areas. Still, it has excellent connectivity.

What to know before applying:

• If you choose a STEM or innovation path, you will find great research and industry connections.
• While Hangzhou is well-connected, it may offer fewer “global city” amenities compared to Beijing or Shanghai.

5. Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) – Shanghai

Why choose SJTU?

SJTU was founded in 1896. It is one of the first modern universities in China. It has built strong global partnerships and professional programs.

Highlights for international students:

• SJTU offers many programs, such as engineering, business, and medicine. It has strong global accreditation and partnerships. For example, it is AACSB accredited for business and has ties with top universities. This makes SJTU appealing to international students.
• Being in Shanghai, it offers excellent career prospects, a global city environment, and international culture.

What to know before applying:

• The cost of living in Shanghai is high. Make sure the program you choose is taught in your preferred language.

6. University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) – Hefei

Why choose USTC?

USTC is in Hefei, Anhui Province. It is known as one of China’s top universities for research, especially in science and technology.

Highlights for international students:

• The university excels in disciplines such as quantum information science, nanotechnology, and advanced engineering, with significant global research output.
• USTC offers one of the best environments in China for students focused on STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics).

What to know before applying:

• Since USTC focuses more on academics and research, be ready for intense study. You may find fewer English-taught options than at other universities.
• Hefei is not as international as Beijing or Shanghai. This can have both benefits and downsides. The benefits include lower costs and a quieter lifestyle. The downsides are fewer global city amenities.

7. Nanjing University (Nanjing)

Why choose Nanjing University (NJU)?

NJU is in the historic city of Nanjing. One of China’s oldest and most complete universities exists. NJU offers strong programs in humanities, sciences, and the arts.

Highlights for international students:

• NJU has strong ties to China’s education history. It offers a wide range of subjects, including art, math, humanities, and sciences. This makes NJU a great choice for students who want both academic variety and cultural experiences.
• The city of Nanjing itself provides a rich historical, cultural and student-friendly environment.

What to know before applying:

• Check individual programme language medium (English/Chinese) and international support services.
• Nanjing is a big city. It may not have as many global campus features as Beijing or Shanghai. However, this can lead to a more connected experience for international students.

8. Wuhan University (Wuhan)

Why choose Wuhan University (WHU)?

Wuhan University is in the center of Wuhan, Hubei Province. It is famous for its beautiful campus, especially during cherry-blossom season, and has a strong academic reputation.

Highlights for international students:

• The campus is often called one of the most beautiful in China.
• Wuhan is a major education center. It has good infrastructure and easy access to the rest of China.

What to know before applying:

• For a more visual, scenic campus with fewer crowds than Beijing/Shanghai, WHU is a fine choice.
• As a large city, it is not as global as Shanghai or Beijing. This means there may be fewer amenities and less international exposure. However, the cost of living is lower.

9. Harbin Institute of Technology (HIT) – Harbin

Why choose Harbin Institute of Technology?

HIT is one of the top engineering and science universities in China. It is in Harbin, a city known for its winter ice festivals and Russian-style buildings.

Highlights for international students:

• Ideal for students majoring in science, engineering, computer science and related fields.
• The city of Harbin provides a unique cultural experience. It is home to the famous Harbin Ice & Snow Festival. This festival adds a memorable aspect to studying abroad.

What to know before applying:

• The climate in Harbin is much colder than many other Chinese cities — and that may affect your living experience.
• While the engineering opportunities are strong, check the English-instruction availability and support for international students.

10. Beijing Normal University (BNU) – Beijing

Why choose Beijing Normal University?

BNU, established in 1902 and located in Beijing, has a strong reputation especially for teacher education, social sciences, the humanities, and interdisciplinary research.

Highlights for international students:

• As one of China’s key universities under various national programmes (Project 211, Project 985, etc.), BNU offers quality education and growing internationalisation.
• It is great for students who are interested in education, social sciences, psychology, environmental studies, and cross-disciplinary work. It is also good for those who want to focus on China’s language and culture.

What to know before applying:

• If you are mainly interested in engineering or business, check if BNU has the program you need. You might also find better options at other universities listed above.
• Being in Beijing gives strong access to academic networks and cultural institutions, just as with other top universities in the capital.

Start Your Journey to Study in China Today

Whether you choose Beijing’s elite universities, Shanghai’s global campuses, or Hangzhou’s innovation hubs, you’ll gain lifelong connections, cultural fluency, and career advantages across Asia and beyond.

With a growing number of English-taught programs, China continues to open its doors wider to students from every corner of the world.

Choosing to study in China is a life-changing decision. Whether you’re researching top China universities or preparing your China university application, having a trusted partner can make all the difference.

At ApplyForChina, we make the process simple and stress-free. From finding the right university to submitting your application, we’re here to support you every step of the way.