Top 15 Most Prestigious Universities in China

Fudan University is another renowned comprehensive university in China. Originally established as Fudan Public School, the name 'Fudan' is derived from a classical Confucian saying, meaning 'the light of dawn returning.' In 1949, the university was renamed Fudan University. It is now considered one of the top 80 universities in the world.

Today, Fudan University boasts a diverse education system, with 28 academic schools and 70 undergraduate programs. The university has an impressive enrollment of 30,000 students, including 13,200 undergraduates, 13,800 graduate students (masters and PhD), and 3,800 international students. Fudan is one of China’s leading universities in attracting international students, reflecting its strong global reputation and influence.

Fudan University is committed to providing a high-quality academic environment, supporting students in their intellectual and skill development, and fostering research and innovation. Through these efforts, the university has made significant contributions to the enhancement of education both nationally and globally. The university’s library, established in 1922, holds over 4.45 million books and articles as of 2004. Notable alumni include former Chinese Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan, Vice President Li Yuanchao, and Zhu Dan, a special advisor to the IMF Director-General.

Website: https://iso.fudan.edu.cn/

Nanjing University is regarded as one of the top three universities in China for scientific research. Originally named Sanjiang Normal School, the institution was renamed Nanjing University in 1949. It has three campuses: Guluo, Fuzhou Road, and Xianlin, with Guluo being the main campus located in the heart of Nanjing.

Nanjing University is one of the premier institutions in China, offering a wide range of disciplines. The university provides 86 undergraduate programs and boasts world-class facilities, including one national laboratory, seven national key laboratories, and eight key laboratories under the Ministry of Education.

With one of China's leading observatories, Nanjing University has laid the groundwork for strong development in fields related to Astronomy. This has not only helped the university solidify its position in the international research community but also created outstanding opportunities for students to pursue top-tier learning and research. Notable alumni include the first female president of the American Physical Society, Wu Jianhong, and politician Hua Chunying.

Website: https://www.nju.edu.cn/

Wuhan University is one of China’s prestigious national comprehensive universities. It currently operates 29 colleges offering a wide variety of programs in fields such as science, agriculture, history, economics, philosophy, and educational management. It is also known for having one of the largest populations of Vietnamese international students in central China.

The university houses four national key research institutes and seven key social science research centers under the Ministry of Education. With a library collection of 5.2 million books, Wuhan University is a hub for learning and research. Located by the East Lake and the Lajia Hill, the university boasts a breathtaking campus with a blend of traditional and modern architecture, making it one of the most beautiful campuses in China.

The university’s scenic beauty peaks during late February and early March when thousands of cherry trees bloom, creating a spectacular view. Notable alumni include General Liu Aizhou of the Chinese Air Force, Judge Wan Xiang, and author Chi Li.

Website: https://www.whu.edu.cn/

Shanghai Jiao Tong University is a key university directly under the Ministry of Education of China and the Shanghai Municipal Government. It is renowned for its strength in natural sciences and engineering fields, particularly in areas such as information systems with electronics, marine vessel engineering, autonomous control, composite materials, and metal alloy processing, all of which are globally competitive.

The university currently has 29 faculties and specialized departments, 26 affiliated institutions, and 14 hospitals. It offers 64 undergraduate programs, 57 master’s programs, and 36 doctoral programs. Shanghai Jiao Tong University boasts 8 national key laboratories, 5 national engineering research centers, 1 Ministry of Defense laboratory, 1 national technology transfer center, and 2 cultural research centers under the Ministry of Culture, along with numerous municipal key laboratories.

Notable alumni include former Shanghai Mayor Wang Daohan, scientist Qian Xuesen, known as the father of China’s nuclear missile and space programs, and former President Jiang Zemin.

Website: https://isc.sjtu.edu.cn/

Beijing Normal University is the first teacher training university in China, and it remains the most prestigious in the country for nurturing and training excellent educators. The university has 25 affiliated schools offering 58 different undergraduate programs. Its strengths lie in education, psychology, and history, although it has recently expanded into a wider range of disciplines beyond pedagogy.

Beijing Normal University houses 7 significant research institutes in the humanities and social sciences under the Ministry of Education, 4 national key laboratories, 5 engineering research centers, 2 municipal technology and engineering centers, along with many other specialized research centers.

The university’s libraries hold over 4.1 million documents, 17,300 GB of digital resources, and 1,400 GB of e-books. Its central research libraries meet international standards. Notable alumni include human rights activist Liu Xiaobo, Nobel Peace Prize laureate in 2010, Nobel Laureate in Literature Mo Yan, and historian Hu Yifan.

Website: https://iso.bnu.edu.cn/

Sun Yat-sen University was founded by the renowned revolutionary leader Sun Yat-sen, initially named Guangdong University. In the 2015 Asian University Rankings, it was placed 42nd among the top 100 universities in Asia. The university is a comprehensive institution, offering a wide array of programs across the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, health sciences, pharmacy, and management.

Sun Yat-sen University has 45 academic departments with campuses in the East, North, South, and Zhuhai. The Zhuhai campus is the largest, spanning 3.48 square kilometers and houses several research institutes such as the Human Resource Development and Administrative Science Institute, the Economic Education and Administrative Science Institute, and the Insect Science Institute. The university is particularly focused on research in science and technology, medicine, business, management, humanities, and social sciences. It maintains strong partnerships with numerous research organizations and businesses worldwide, providing students ample opportunities for research projects and internships.

With state-of-the-art facilities, a dynamic learning environment, and expansive career opportunities, Sun Yat-sen University attracts students from all over the globe, playing a significant role in the advancement of education in China. Notable alumni include former Guangdong province governor Huang Hua Hua and vice-governor Tsui Shao Hua.

Website: https://www.sysu.edu.cn/

Renmin University of China is a leading comprehensive national university specializing in social sciences and humanities. Originally founded as Shaanbei Public University in 1937, it was later renamed North China University, then North China University of Finance and Economics, and finally became Renmin University of China in 1950 following approval by the Political Bureau. It was the first formal university established after the founding of the new government.

The university is home to 37 academic institutes and 14 interdisciplinary research organizations. It is renowned for its programs in social sciences, humanities, educational research, management science, and philosophy. Renmin University has earned global recognition by forming partnerships with 252 universities in 57 countries and regions, underscoring its commitment to broadening academic and research opportunities. The university regularly hosts international conferences and engages in global research initiatives, particularly in the fields of humanities and social sciences. Renmin University has honored over 200 esteemed scholars and dignitaries from around the world with honorary doctorates and professorships, fostering a strong international academic community.

Prominent alumni include Chinese Vice Premier Liu Yandong, former Vice Premier Ma Kai, and military historian and scientist Mao Tanwu, the youngest general in China's armed forces.

Website: http://iso.ruc.edu.cn/

Xiamen University is renowned as one of the most picturesque universities in China, and it holds the distinction of being the first institution founded by overseas Chinese in the modern educational history of China. It is also one of the few universities directly governed by China’s Ministry of Education. The university’s campus spans a vast area of 5,000 acres.

The university comprises 22 academic schools (58 departments) and 9 research institutes, with a student population of over 30,000. It employs more than 2,000 faculty members, of whom over 1,300 hold professorial or associate professorial positions. In addition, 20 academicians are part of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and the Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE).

Xiamen University boasts a highly qualified teaching and research staff, including 2,475 full-time faculty and professional researchers, with 1,522 professors and associate professors. The university is home to 38,000 students, including 20,575 undergraduates, 15,590 graduate students, 2,567 doctoral students, and over 2,500 international students. Xiamen University strives to be a top-tier university, recognized both domestically and globally.

Website: https://www.xmu.edu.cn/

Established in 1983 by the State Council of China and the Shenzhen municipal government, Shenzhen University is located in Guangdong Province, featuring a beautiful campus nestled between mountains and the sea. The lush forests and crystal-clear lakes are notable highlights of the campus.

Shenzhen University offers a comprehensive range of programs, including 42 undergraduate degrees, 69 graduate programs (66 master's programs and 3 doctoral programs). The university has a student body of 30,000, including 5,000 graduate students and 26,000 part-time students. Around 600 international students from 15 countries are currently enrolled.

The university is situated along the Shenzhen Bay in Southern China. The main campus, Houhai, covers an area of 1.44 square kilometers. The campus features its own lake, named Wen Shan Lake, and stretches across a hillside surrounded by greenery, offering a serene and inspiring environment with sculptures scattered across the grounds. Shenzhen University is a popular choice among students aiming to study abroad in China.

Website: https://www.szu.edu.cn/

Sichuan University is one of the oldest national universities in China, located in the Sichuan province. It is renowned for its scenic lakeside architecture and stunning palace-like buildings. The university is directly governed by the Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China (MOE).

The university boasts a vast library system with over 6.65 million books, museums, and exhibition centers that offer a wealth of resources for both students and academics. Its Humanities Museum houses over 85,000 artifacts, the Natural History Museum contains more than 870,000 specimens of plants and animals, and the History Archives and Exhibition Center preserves over 280,000 historical documents, including more than 9,000 of significant historical value.

Furthermore, Sichuan University provides state-of-the-art facilities for its students, including well-equipped fitness centers and premium amenities. Students also enjoy access to a range of services such as campus-wide internet, the Analysis and Testing Center, the Modern Educational Technology Center, the Intensive Language Training Center, the College of Adult Education, and the Distance Learning College. These resources contribute to a dynamic and enriching academic environment for both students and faculty.

Website: https://www.scu.edu.cn/

The predecessor of Soochow University, founded in 1900, has a rich legacy of over 100 years of nurturing talented individuals who have contributed to society. Located in Jiangsu province, the university sits amidst the bustling region of Jiangnan. The campus combines sophisticated elegance with the timeless beauty of Suzhou Gardens, creating a serene academic environment.

Soochow University is one of the earliest modern universities in China, having pioneered several initiatives such as introducing Western-style education, establishing graduate programs, creating China’s first law department, and publishing its own university newspaper.

In 1952, as part of the national educational restructuring, the university merged with the East China Normal University’s art academy and the educational faculties of South Jiangsu University, forming the Soochow Teachers' College. The university officially adopted the name Soochow University in 1982 after receiving approval from the State Council.

Today, the university offers 12 academic departments, including philosophy, economics, law, education, literature, history, theory, engineering, agriculture, medicine, management, and arts. With a solid infrastructure and strong reputation, Soochow University remains a prestigious and comprehensive institution in China and abroad.

Website: https://www.suda.edu.cn/

Shandong University is located in Jinan, Shandong Province, and is directly governed by the Ministry of Education of China. With a rich history of development, it is a comprehensive university and a member of both the 211 and 985 projects, which are national initiatives supporting the development of high-quality universities.

Since its establishment, Shandong University has undergone significant transformations. Initially founded as the Royal Shandong Academy, it evolved into National Qingdao University, then National Shandong University, and eventually became the Shandong University we know today. The university covers eight campuses spanning a total area of 533 hectares and is home to four directly affiliated hospitals, three non-affiliated hospitals, and 11 teaching hospitals.

Shandong University currently employs 7,782 faculty members and serves 60,000 full-time students, including 41,103 undergraduates, 16,607 master's students, and 907 doctoral candidates. The university's campus architecture is renowned for its European-style design, often regarded as one of the most spectacular in China. The modern architectural features blend beautifully with the campus's scenic, Western-style charm.

Website: https://www.sdu.edu.cn

Peking University is one of the top universities in China and also one of the earliest institutions in modern Chinese society. It was established to replace the ancient Imperial College, initially named Jing Shi University. In the 2016-2017 Times Higher Education World University Rankings, it ranked 29th globally and 2nd in Asia.

Peking University is widely recognized as the leader in social sciences and the arts in China. The university offers five major academic disciplines: humanities, natural sciences, social sciences, information and engineering, and medicine. It comprises 42 schools and research institutes, 216 research centers, including 2 national engineering research centers, and 18 affiliated hospitals and teaching hospitals.

Boasting the largest library in Asia, Peking University’s collection includes nearly 6 million books, 200,000 e-books, and over 6,500 journals from both China and around the world. The university is not only famous for its academic excellence and long history but also for its traditional Chinese architecture and campus design, which is located in the former Qing Dynasty imperial garden. The campus features traditional Chinese elements such as pavilions, temples, buildings, gardens, and many other notable structures.

Peking University has the highest number of international students in China, with around 2,000 foreign students enrolled each year, 40% of whom are from North Korea. The university's prominent alumni include poet Xu Zhimo, political figure Zhang Guodao, Premier Li Keqiang, writer Dong Hua, and former politician Bo Xilai.

Website: https://www.pku.edu.cn/

Along with Peking University, Tsinghua University is one of the most prestigious and oldest universities in China. It is a comprehensive university offering a wide range of disciplines. Originally, Tsinghua was established as a preparatory school for Chinese students intending to pursue higher education at American universities, and was initially known as Tsinghua Academy. According to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, it was ranked 35th among the top 200 universities globally in 2015-2016, and 5th in Asia.

Tsinghua is renowned for its excellence in natural sciences, technology, and engineering in China. The university has 14 schools and 56 departments offering programs in fields such as science, engineering, humanities, law, medicine, history, philosophy, economics, management, education, and the arts. Tsinghua also houses 47 research institutes and 29 research centers, 5 of which are national-level research facilities. The university library spans 39,000 square meters and holds over 4.1 million books.

The campus, built on the site of a former royal garden, is spacious and filled with beautiful landscapes, making bicycles a common mode of transport for students. The architecture of the university blends Eastern and Western styles, merging modern and traditional elements. In 2011, Tsinghua was ranked among the top 14 most beautiful universities in the world by Forbes. Notable alumni include former President Hu Jintao, President Xi Jinping, philosopher Liang Qichao, and Nobel laureate in Physics, Yang Zhenning.

Website: https://www.tsinghua.edu.cn/

Currently, Zhejiang University stands as the largest and most comprehensive university in China, offering a wide range of academic fields. Initially named the Shaanxi Academy, it was one of the first modern academies to be established in China. In 1998, the university was formed by merging four institutions: Zhejiang University, Hangzhou University, Zhejiang Medical University, and Zhejiang Agricultural University.

Known for its high academic achievements in economics, physics, and law, Zhejiang University currently consists of 36 schools, 7 faculties, and offers 11 primary disciplines and 108 undergraduate programs. The campus spans 450.5 hectares, with classroom space covering 1.95 million square meters, and its library occupies 59,000 square meters with a collection of nearly 6 million books.

Zhejiang University is also the largest university in China by enrollment, with 63,779 students in 2010. Notable alumni include political figures like Huang Fu, former president of the First Automobile Works (FAW) Chu Yanming, and Nobel laureate in physics Li Zhengdao.

Website: https://www.zju.edu.cn