CHINA · BEIJING
Beijing Normal University
public · Founded 1902 · Languages: en, zh
In short
Beijing Normal University (BNU) is a prestigious public research university in China, known for teacher education and sciences, offering undergraduate to doctoral programmes. It has campuses in Beijing and Zhuhai, with varying tuition fees and scholarships available for international students.
Key facts
- Type
- Public
- Founded
- 1902
- Students
- 32,000
- International students
- 2,800
- Acceptance rate
- 22%
- Tuition (intl)
- €3–7k/yr
- Languages
- EN, ZH
- Location
- Beijing, China
Beijing Normal University (BNU) is a prestigious public research university in China, directly under the Ministry of Education, renowned for its leadership in teacher education, educational sciences, and the fundamental arts and sciences. Founded in 1902, BNU has a long-standing tradition of academic excellence and a strong commitment to cultivating high-quality graduates at undergraduate, master's, and doctoral levels. The university operates a dual-campus model: the historic Beijing campus and a growing Zhuhai campus serving the Greater Bay Area.
Why study here
- Study at one of China's most prestigious universities, directly under the Ministry of Education.
- Benefit from world-class strengths in teacher education, educational sciences, and fundamental disciplines.
- Access undergraduate, master's, and doctoral programmes with a rigorous academic structure.
- Join a Law School rated Class A in national discipline evaluations, with a top-ranked criminal law specialty.
- Engage with a globally connected institution offering extensive international exchange and joint research opportunities.
Student life
BNU's Beijing campus sits in the academically rich Haidian district, home to many of China's top universities, offering students a stimulating intellectual environment. Campus life features a wide array of student associations, cultural events, sports facilities, and research seminars. The university actively fosters community through academic forums and social responsibility programmes. International students benefit from dedicated support services, Chinese language courses, and a welcoming multicultural campus atmosphere.
Fees
InternationalApproximately CNY 20,000–45,000 per year (EUR 2,600–6,000) for undergraduate programmes; CNY 25,000–55,000 per year for postgraduate programmes, varying by discipline.
HomeChinese domestic students pay standard government-regulated tuition of approximately CNY 5,000–6,000 per year.
LivingEstimated living costs in Beijing: CNY 2,000–3,500 per month, covering accommodation, food, and personal expenses.
Tuition fees for international students vary by programme and degree level. Dormitory accommodation is available on campus at subsidised rates.
Admissions
UndergraduateHigh school diploma or equivalent; Chinese Gaokao scores for domestic applicants; HSK Chinese proficiency for most programmes.
PostgraduateBachelor's degree or equivalent; HSK 5 or above for Chinese-medium programmes; English proficiency for English-medium programmes.
DoctoralMaster's degree or equivalent; research proposal; recommendation letters.
IELTS6.0 or above (for English-medium programmes)
TOEFL iBT80 or above (for English-medium programmes)
Rankings
QS World University Rankings 2024247
Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024401–500
Ministry of Education Discipline Evaluation (Law)Class A
University scholarships
Chinese Government ScholarshipFull tuition + stipend + accommodation
Beijing Municipal Government ScholarshipCNY 30,000 per year
BNU President's ScholarshipCNY 10,000–30,000 per year
Accreditation
Accredited by the Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China; member of the Project 985 and Project 211 elite university programmes; part of the Double First-Class University Plan.
Programs
a selectionBeijing Normal University · China
Digital Media Art
The Digital Media Art program at Beijing Normal University is designed for students interested in the intersection of art, technology, and interdisciplinary studies. In an era of global information technology revolution, this program explores how art functions across various disciplines, taking on new forms and applications. Students will develop foundational connections between art, sociology, natural sciences, and interactive technology, aiming to improve the coexistence of humans, art, and the information ecosystem. This program emphasizes understanding the historical evolution of art while developing abstract artistic thinking, enhancing visual expression, and improving narrative abilities. Students will gain an expanded understanding of natural sciences, psychology, and engineering technologies relevant to their chosen research directions. The curriculum fosters strong social literacy, enabling students to functionally integrate art knowledge with practical applications, develop cross-disciplinary art forms, and become leading practitioners in the future of art.
Bachelor's
Level
—
Tuition
—
Duration
Beijing Normal University · China
MA Program in Chinese Philosophy
This Master's program offers a comprehensive exploration of Chinese Philosophy, with a particular focus on Daoism, Confucianism, and the history of Chinese thought. Students will engage with classical texts and contemporary scholarship under the guidance of a distinguished faculty comprising leading academics from Beijing Normal University and international institutions. The curriculum is designed to provide a deep understanding of the philosophical traditions of China, examining their historical development, key concepts, and relevance to modern thought. The program encourages critical thinking and research skills, preparing students for further academic pursuits or careers related to Chinese culture and philosophy.
Master's
Level
—
Tuition
24 mo
Duration
Beijing Normal University · China
Physics
Beijing Normal University offers advanced studies in Physics, focusing on areas such as phase transitions, critical phenomena, and quantum physics. This program provides opportunities for in-depth research and engagement with faculty actively contributing to these fields through grants and publications. Students will gain expertise in theoretical and computational methods relevant to modern physics research.
PhD
Level
—
Tuition
—
Duration
Scholarships
for China
full fundingTsinghua University
Schwarzman Scholars
Open to applicants of any nationality who hold (or will hold) a bachelor's degree by the programme start and are under ~29 years old at the deadline. English proficiency is required; Chinese is not. Selection seeks demonstrated leadership, academic strength, and the potential to bridge China and the world.
full
Funding
€65k
Max
Oct 15, 2026
Deadline
full fundingTsinghua University (sponsored by Siemens Ltd., China)
Siemens China Scholarship at Tsinghua University
International students who meet Tsinghua University's PhD admission requirements, hold a strong academic background in computer science, engineering or AI, apply to one of the approved Siemens research fields, and do not hold another major PhD scholarship at Tsinghua. Applicants should be willing to collaborate on industry-focused research with Siemens.
full
Funding
€22k
Max
Feb 28, 2027
Deadline
full fundingChina Scholarship Council (CSC), Ministry of Education, People's Republic of China
Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC)
Open to non-Chinese citizens in good health who meet the academic and age requirements for their level (under ~25 for bachelor's, ~35 for master's, ~40 for doctoral, as a guideline). Applicants apply via a Chinese university, a Chinese embassy, or another dispatching authority, depending on the programme.
full
Funding
€20k
Max
Apr 30, 2027
Deadline
full fundingTsinghua University / China Scholarship Council (CSC)
Tsinghua University Chinese Government Scholarship (CGS)
For non-Chinese citizens in good health who apply for a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree at Tsinghua University in Beijing. The Chinese Government Scholarship is administered by Tsinghua as a designated host university; applicants apply both to the China Scholarship Council (CSC) and for Tsinghua admission, and must meet the relevant age and academic requirements.
full
Funding
€15k
Max
Mar 1, 2027
Deadline
full fundingShanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine (SHSMU)
SJTU School of Medicine Chinese Government Scholarship
Open to non-Chinese citizens in good health who are not currently studying in China. Master's applicants must hold a bachelor's degree and be under 35; doctoral applicants must hold a master's degree and be under 40. Applicants must show excellent academic records and must not hold any other Chinese government or organisation scholarship.
full
Funding
€15k
Max
Apr 14, 2027
Deadline
full fundingSoochow University
Soochow University Chinese Government Scholarship
Open to non-Chinese citizens in good health with a valid passport. Master's applicants need a bachelor's degree with good grades and should preferably be under 35; doctoral applicants need a master's degree with strong academic results and should preferably be under 40. Applicants must not already hold another Chinese government or university scholarship.
full
Funding
€14k
Max
Feb 28, 2027
Deadline
Frequently asked questions
What are the tuition fees for international students at Beijing Normal University?
+
Tuition fees for international students at Beijing Normal University range from approximately CNY 20,000–45,000 per year for undergraduate programmes and CNY 25,000–55,000 per year for postgraduate programmes. These costs vary depending on the specific discipline and degree level.
What are the living costs for students in Beijing?
+
Estimated living costs in Beijing are around CNY 2,000–3,500 per month. This estimate covers accommodation, food, and other personal expenses for students living in the city.
What are the English language proficiency requirements for international students?
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For programmes taught in English, international students generally need to provide proof of English proficiency. This typically includes a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 or above, or a TOEFL iBT score of 80 or above.
What academic programmes does Beijing Normal University offer?
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Beijing Normal University offers a wide range of academic programmes at undergraduate, master's, and doctoral levels. It is particularly renowned for its strengths in teacher education, educational sciences, and fundamental arts and sciences.
Are there scholarships available for international students?
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Yes, Beijing Normal University offers several scholarship opportunities for international students. These include the Chinese Government Scholarship, the Beijing Municipal Government Scholarship, and the BNU President's Scholarship, which can cover tuition and provide stipends.
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