10 Best Universities in China for International Students in 2025

In recent years, Chinese universities have been climbing international rankings due to their research output and collaboration with top schools globally. The Chinese government is making a significant investment in higher education and students are reaping the rewards!

If you’re a student who has always wanted to visit China, why not study abroad there? Studying abroad in China will give you the opportunity to live abroad and travel, all while furthering your education through a top university.

Read on to discover the best universities in China for international students in 2025!

Location: Beijing
Percent international students: 15%
Top majors: natural sciences, engineering, Chinese language
QS university ranking: 14

Aside from being one of the oldest universities in China, Peking University (PKU) is the most prestigious. PKU is the highest-ranked university in China and in the top 20 globally. Over 40,000 students attend the university in the flashy and modern capital, Beijing, so there is plenty to do both on and off campus.

Although it’s a notoriously difficult university for Chinese students to get into, international students with strong academic records have an easier time being accepted. Get ready for a rigorous education and a lot of fun at PKU!

Location: Beijing
Percent international students: 20%
Top majors: engineering, computer science, architecture
QS university ranking: 20

Another strong university located in Beijing, Tsinghua University is a great option for international students who want to study completely in English in China. Tsinghua University has over 30 English-taught master’s degrees in subjects like business, law, engineering, and the social sciences. If you only want to study abroad for a semester during undergrad though, they have a variety of classes in English across disciplines.

The university promotes an active lifestyle on campus, with various sports teams and clubs to join. Every year, a campus-wide event, the Ma Yuehan Cup, is held for students to compete in activities like track and field, basketball, chess, and more.

Location: Shanghai
Percent international students: 9%
Top majors: social science, natural science, medicine
QS university ranking: 39

Current or aspiring Chinese language students will see their skills grow at Fudan University’s International Cultural Exchange School (ICES). Short and long-term programs with start dates throughout the year pair traditional classroom instruction with cultural events and sightseeing around Shanghai.

Students attend ICES from all around the world making it a truly international experience. All programs focus on cultural immersion so students walk away with a better understanding of real life in China.

Location: Shanghai
Percent international students: 11%
Top majors: business, medicine, engineering
QS university ranking: 45

As far as international universities in China go, Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) is a great choice! The university has over 100 partnerships with universities around the world, including 27 in the US including MIT and Columbia. SJTU's business program is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) in the US, EQUIS in Europe, and AMBA in the UK making it a great place to do an MBA or take undergrad business and economics classes.

The university focuses on student employability with several summer exchanges and joint programs that will help you grow your international network. In a global city like Shanghai, you’ll receive a truly broad education!

Location: Hangzhou
Percent international students: 11%
Top majors: engineering, agriculture, medicine
QS university ranking: 47

Zhejiang University (ZJU) is a great place to study abroad in China if you want to get involved in innovative research and entrepreneurship. The university has numerous forward-thinking initiatives to enhance AI, clean energy, ocean technology, and aircraft and manufacturing engineering. A large number of entrepreneurs and notable alumni are associated with ZJU, both in China and overseas.

Hangzhou is a large city located about 2 hours outside of Shanghai. It’s known for being pretty, clean, and with plenty of green spaces. If you’re looking for a less overwhelming alternative to Shanghai that is also close to the action, Hangzhou is a great place to be a student.

Location: Hefei
Percent international students: 2%
Top majors: natural sciences, biotechnology, health sciences
QS university ranking: 133

The University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) has made a name for itself with its high-powered research output in recent years, even beating out Harvard University in natural sciences research in 2024, according to the Nature Index. USTC has research partnerships across Europe and Asia and has collaborated with the prestigious Max Planck Institute in Germany. Students interested in conducting research in China will have many opportunities here to learn in cutting-edge laboratories.

Hefei, located in eastern China around 5 hours outside of Shanghai, has a population of around 9.3 million and is popular among expats. It’s an affordable place for students with modern amenities and plenty of parks and gardens to balance out the bustle of the city.

Location: Nanjing
Percent international students: 10%
Top majors: art, humanities, math
QS university ranking: 145

Nanjing University (NJU) is located in one of the oldest cities in China, Nanjing, that dates back to 265 AD. Here, art and history lovers can engage with their studies both on and off campus. NJU is home to the Academy of Fine Arts, the Art Institute, a Chinese instrument orchestra, a symphony orchestra, and a traditional choir.

The city of Nanjing is home to numerous art and history museums. Even walking through the city is a history lesson in and of itself, with ancient, well-preserved architecture from the Ming Dynasty blended seamlessly into the modern infrastructure.

Location: Shanghai
Percent international students: 43%
Top majors: engineering, architecture, sustainable technology
QS university ranking: 192

Tongji University is ranked 148th on a Times Higher Education list of the most international universities in the world in 2024. If studying alongside a diverse group of students from around the world is important to you, this is a fabulous university to choose. The campus holds numerous events and activities throughout the year and has over 100 clubs catering to Chinese music, art, and culture as well as international interests.

Every year, the Student Union hosts a giant event called Global Village. This carnival celebrating diverse cultures at Tongji University includes a cruise, exhibitions, and performances.

Location: Wuhan
Percent international students: 6%
Top majors: dentistry, library science, mining science
QS university ranking: 194

If aesthetics are important to you, Wuhan University is a top university that also has an exceptionally beautiful campus. Here, the architecture is a mix of historical and modern set in wooded and green surroundings. The school has its very own cherry blossom garden where it holds a festival every spring to highlight the gorgeous blooms. As if all of that wasn’t charming enough, Wuhan University’s mascot is a wild red fox named Luoluo.

Wuhan is a lively city in eastern China of over 13 million people. But not to worry, the university will be a quiet getaway from the stress of urban life.

Location: Harbin
Percent international students: 4%
Top majors: science, engineering, computer science
QS university ranking: 252

Harbin Institute of Technology is a top destination if you’re majoring in engineering or science. As one of the 10 best universities in China, international students will receive a respected and well-rounded education. Outside of the classroom, the city of Harbin will wow you with its fusion of Chinese and Russian culture, food, and architecture.

Experience life in a major winter tourism hub and spend your weekends skiing, sledding, and touring the Harbin Ice & Snow World, a yearly festival featuring over 2,000 breathtaking snow and ice sculptures, ice lanterns, an indoor theme park, and more. Immerse yourself in Chinese language and culture in one of the coolest cities in China.

Not only is China home to top universities with respected reputations but there are countless things to see, do, and eat! As a student, you can take advantage of getting to know a place steeped in ancient history and traditions that is also rising as a modern world power.

Yes! You can study abroad in China even if you don’t speak Chinese. While China is the go-to place to improve your language skills, Chinese universities also offer classes taught entirely in English across science, engineering, the humanities, and social sciences.

China can be a cost-effective destination for international students. Average undergraduate tuition runs between $1,000 to $5,000 USD per semester.

Studying abroad in China through a program provider can cost anywhere between $10,000 to $25,000 USD per semester. This price generally includes tuition, housing, cultural activities, support, and more.

Don’t forget to factor in the cost of flights, visas, meals, and spending money! If you’re worried about the cost, study abroad scholarships can help make your time in China much more affordable.

Whether you want to study abroad for a semester or year or do a full degree in China, undergraduate students have several options.

• Program provider: Third-party program providers organize all-inclusive study abroad experiences that usually include housing, registration at the university, activities, visa assistance, travel insurance, and 24/7 support. If you don’t want to have any arrangements on your own, program providers are the best option.
• University exchange or faculty-led program: Universities across China have partnerships with foreign institutions, many of which are in the US. If your college has a program at a university in China, you may be able to study abroad through an exchange or faculty-led program. As an exchange student, you’ll pay the same tuition you already pay at your home university. Faculty-led programs give you the security of traveling in a group from your university for a semester or less.
• Direct Enrollment: This is the most independent option but can also be the most cost-effective. To study abroad through direct enrollment, you’ll need to apply to your Chinese university of choice and then arrange all the details yourself (registration, housing, transfer credits, visa). Even though you’ll save money on program fees, you will also have your work cut out for you!

As an international student in China, each day is an adventure. With so many exciting experiences around every corner, you’ll never have a dull moment. Make 2025 the best year yet by studying abroad at one of the top universities in China for international students!