CHINA · HEFEI
University of Science and Technology of China
public · Founded 1958 · Languages: en, zh
In short
The University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) is a top-ranked elite research university in Hefei, China, offering strong programs in science and engineering. It provides competitive tuition fees, generous scholarships for international students, and affordable living costs.
Key facts
- Type
- Public
- Founded
- 1958
- Students
- 15,500
- International students
- 1,200
- Acceptance rate
- 8%
- Tuition (intl)
- €3–5k/yr
- Languages
- EN, ZH
- Location
- Hefei, China
The University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) is an elite research university in Hefei, Anhui, founded in 1958 under the Chinese Academy of Sciences. One of China's C9 League institutions, USTC is ranked in the global top 100 and is renowned for exceptional programs in physics, chemistry, mathematics, and computer science. Despite enrolling only about 15,500 students, USTC generates a research output and citation impact far exceeding its size. Landmark achievements include the world's first satellite-based quantum key distribution experiment and pioneering work in high-temperature superconductors, AI chemistry, and nuclear engineering. The university's alumni include leading scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs in China and internationally. International students can apply for undergraduate and graduate programs, with CAS and Chinese Government Scholarships providing generous financial support. While most instruction is in Chinese, graduate-level English-medium courses are increasingly available.
Why study here
- China's most selective science university, consistently ranked top 100 globally.
- World-leading research in quantum physics, chemistry, and materials science with CAS affiliation.
- Small cohort size (~15,500 students) ensures close mentorship and intense academic environment.
- Generous CAS and Chinese Government Scholarships for international students.
- Low living costs in Hefei with excellent high-speed rail connections to Shanghai and Beijing.
Student life
USTC has a compact, focused campus community with a strong culture of academic intensity. Student life includes sports, clubs, and a vibrant science community. Hefei's affordable cost of living, growing tech industry, and proximity to Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) scenic area offer quality-of-life advantages. The university's international student office provides dedicated support for language, culture, and housing.
Fees
InternationalAnnual tuition for international students is approximately CNY 26,000–30,000 (approximately EUR 3,200–3,700) for science and engineering programs. Some specialist programs may be higher.
HomeDomestic Chinese students pay the standard national university fee of approximately CNY 4,800–6,000 per year.
LivingLiving costs in Hefei are among the lowest of China's major university cities: approximately CNY 2,500–4,000 per month (EUR 300–500) covering accommodation, food, and daily expenses.
CAS Scholarship and Chinese Government Scholarship recipients have tuition fully or partially waived, plus a monthly living stipend of CNY 2,500–3,500.
Admissions
CitizenshipNon-Chinese passport required
Education12 years of schooling (senior high school graduation)
HealthPhysical examination required
Application portalOnline via ustc.edu.cn/en
HSKLevel 4 minimum for Chinese-medium programs (Level 5 preferred)
TOEFL iBT90 for English-medium graduate programs
IELTS6.5 for English-medium graduate programs
Rankings
QS World University Rankings 202685
QS China Rankings 2025#7 in China (mainland)
Times Higher Education World Rankings 2025101–150
QS Subject Rankings 2025Top 50 for Physics
QS Subject Rankings 2025Top 100 for Chemistry
University scholarships
Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC)Full tuition + CNY 2,500–3,500/month living stipend
CAS-TWAS President's FellowshipFull scholarship for developing-country PhD students
USTC University ScholarshipPartial tuition waiver for merit applicants
Accreditation
Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China; affiliated with the Chinese Academy of Sciences; C9 League member
Programs
a selectionUniversity of Science and Technology of China · China
Technology Talents Program (Elite Class)
The Technology Talents Program (Elite Class) at the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) offers specialized, advanced learning opportunities for incoming freshmen. This program aims to identify and nurture students with exceptional potential in science and technology. Students admitted into these elite classes will have their administrative school affiliation transferred to the elite class's respective school, indicating a focused academic path.
Bachelor's
Level
—
Tuition
48 mo
Duration
University of Science and Technology of China · China
Undergraduate Programs
The University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) offers 33 undergraduate programs across 12 distinct subject areas, including Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, Life Science, Engineering Science, Electronic Information, Computer Science, Geophysics, Environmental Science, Economic Management, and Nuclear Engineering. These are full-time, 4-year programs. While most classes are conducted in Chinese, some programs offer instruction in English or are bilingual. Upon successful completion of all required coursework and a thesis defense, students will be awarded a Bachelor's degree and a graduation certificate. USTC is a national key university under the leadership of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), recognized for its strengths in advanced science, high technology, unique management studies, and humanities disciplines.
Bachelor's
Level
—
Tuition
48 mo
Duration
University of Science and Technology of China · China
Undergraduate Programs at the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC)
The University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) is a national key university under the direct leadership of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). USTC is renowned for its strengths in advanced science and high technology, alongside unique management studies and well-developed humanities disciplines. USTC offers 33 undergraduate programs across 12 subject areas, providing a comprehensive educational experience for international students. These are typically four-year full-time study programs, with degrees and certificates awarded upon successful completion of coursework and thesis defense.
Bachelor's
Level
—
Tuition
48 mo
Duration
University of Science and Technology of China · China
Undergraduate Programs in Science and Technology
The University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) offers a variety of 4-year undergraduate programs designed for international students. These programs cover 12 key subject areas, including Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, Life Sciences, Engineering, Electronic Information, Computer Science, Geophysics, Environmental Science, Economic Management, and Nuclear Engineering. While most classes are taught in Chinese, some courses may be delivered in English or bilingually. Upon successful completion of all coursework and a thesis defense, students will be awarded a Bachelor's degree and a graduation certificate. USTC is a national key university recognized for its strengths in science and technology, managed under the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
Bachelor's
Level
—
Tuition
48 mo
Duration
University of Science and Technology of China · China
USTC "Elite Science and Technology Program" (Undergraduate)
The University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) offers specialized undergraduate programs known as "Elite Science and Technology Programs" (科技英才班). These programs are designed to foster talent in advanced science and high technology fields, often in collaboration with institutes of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and leading technology companies. Students benefit from USTC's strong foundation in science, technology, and management studies. The undergraduate programs are typically four-year full-time studies, leading to a Bachelor's degree and a graduation certificate upon successful completion of coursework and thesis defense. While classes are primarily taught in Chinese, some courses may be offered in English or bilingually.
Bachelor's
Level
—
Tuition
48 mo
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 the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC)?
+
Annual tuition for international students at USTC is approximately CNY 26,000–30,000 for science and engineering programs. Some specialist programs may have higher fees. Scholarship recipients may have tuition fully or partially waived.
What are the living costs for international students in Hefei?
+
Living costs in Hefei are considered low, approximately CNY 2,500–4,000 per month. This covers accommodation, food, and daily expenses.
Are there scholarships available for international students at USTC?
+
Yes, USTC offers the CAS Scholarship and Chinese Government Scholarship, which can cover full or partial tuition and provide a monthly living stipend. Other scholarships like the CAS-TWAS President's Fellowship and USTC University Scholarship are also available.
What are the main academic strengths of USTC?
+
USTC is renowned for its exceptional programs in physics, chemistry, mathematics, and computer science. It is particularly recognized for world-leading research in quantum physics, chemistry, and materials science.
What are the English language requirements for graduate programs?
+
For English-medium graduate programs, international applicants typically need a TOEFL iBT score of 90 or an IELTS score of 6.5. For Chinese-medium programs, HSK Level 4 is the minimum requirement, with Level 5 preferred.
Last updated