University of Science and Technology of China (USTC)
– 中国科学技术大学

The University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), located in Hefei, Anhui Province, is one of China’s top research universities.

Founded in 1958 by the Chinese Academy of Sciences, it was established with a focus on developing scientific talent. Over time, USTC has built a strong reputation for its research, technology, and innovation.

As of 2025, USTC has 32 schools, including eight integrated institutes that combine both science and education. It offers a variety of programs in areas such as Physics, Chemistry, Computer Science, and Engineering.

Home to two national laboratories, the university’s commitment to cutting-edge research has made it a hub for scientific breakthroughs, solidifying its position as a leader in research facilities within China

The University of Science and Technology of China currently ranks 133rd in the 2025 QS World Rankings, and 7th in the Shanghai Rankings.

The University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) has different admission requirements depending on the program level (undergraduate, master’s, or doctoral) and the applicant’s nationality.

For Undergraduate Programs:

• Eligibility: Applicants must be under 30 years of age, and have completed senior high school.
• Language Proficiency: A minimum of HSK Level 5 is required for Chinese-taught programs. For English-taught programs, proof of English proficiency such as TOEFL or IELTS is required.

For Postgraduate Programs:

• Eligibility:
  • Master’s applicants must have a bachelor’s degree and be under 40 years old.
  • Ph.D. applicants need a master’s degree and must be under 45 years old.

Application Timeline:

• Applications for international students open in October and close around the next March. Admission decisions are made by June or July​.

For more details, you can visit USTC’s official admission page.

For international students, the tuition fee for USTC is 26,000 RMB – 40,000 RMB per year. There are additional costs such as insurance fees and accommodation, which ranges from 500 to 1,000 RMB per month.

USTC provides several scholarships which can cover tuition, insurance, and offer monthly stipends​. This includes:

• Category A: For degree-seeking students (Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral). It covers tuition fees and provides a monthly stipend (2,500 RMB for undergraduates, 3,000 RMB for master’s students, and 3,500 RMB for doctoral students).
• Category B: For non-degree students or exchange students from partner universities. The stipend amounts vary based on academic level.
• Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC): Provides full tuition coverage, accommodation, medical insurance, and a stipend.
• CAS-TWAS President’s Fellowship: For doctoral candidates from developing countries, this covers tuition, living expenses, and research funding.
• CAS One-Belt-One-Road Scholarship: Targets international students from countries along the Belt and Road Initiative, primarily for master’s degree students.

The University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) consists of several modern campus facilities that support both academic pursuits and recreational activities.

The university’s main campus in Hefei is split into several parts, with the East and West Campuses connected by a scenic bridge surrounded by willows. These campuses feature various teaching buildings, libraries, and dining halls, ensuring students have access to essential resources.

Dormitories: Students live in four-person rooms, with convenient services such as 24/7 laundry, and accessible campus transport (including electric bikes).

Dining: USTC has several cafeterias that operate from 6 AM to 11 PM. This cafeterias offer a variety of meal options to cater to students from all around the world. A university-wide card system is used for food and other expenses.

USTC is located in Hefei, a city known for its rich history and fast-growing technology sector.

Hefei is a national hub for scientific research, with over 1,000 R&D institutions. It also has a well-connected transportation system, making it easy for students to travel to other major cities in China.

The city offers a good balance of traditional culture and modern innovation, creating a vibrant atmosphere for students.