In short
Zhejiang University, a C9 League member founded in 1897, is a leading comprehensive research university in Hangzhou, China. It offers a wide range of programs, including unique dual-degree options with international universities, and is recognized globally for its academic excellence.
Key facts
- Type
- Public
- Founded
- 1897
- Students
- 65,821
- International students
- 5,123
- Acceptance rate
- 28%
- Tuition (intl)
- €4–8k/yr
- Languages
- EN, ZH
- Location
- China
Zhejiang University (ZJU), founded in 1897 in Hangzhou, China, is one of Asia's leading comprehensive research universities and a C9 League member. Enrolling over 65,000 students across 37 schools and 13 academic disciplines, ZJU excels in engineering, life sciences, medicine, computer science, and agriculture. Its International Campus in Haining hosts joint dual-degree programmes with the University of Illinois and the University of Edinburgh. Ranked 49th globally by QS, ZJU is among China's most prestigious and internationally accessible universities.
Why study here
- C9 League membership and QS rank 49 confirm ZJU's place among Asia's and the world's elite research universities.
- Unique dual-degree English-medium programmes jointly run with the University of Illinois and the University of Edinburgh at the Haining International Campus.
- 21 disciplines recognised as world-class under China's Double First-Class initiative, offering cutting-edge research opportunities.
- Over a dozen scholarship channels including Chinese Government Scholarships, Zhejiang Provincial Scholarships, and programme-specific awards.
- Hangzhou — 'China's paradise city' — offers world-class tech ecosystem (home to Alibaba), scenic West Lake UNESCO heritage, and strong graduate employment prospects.
Student life
ZJU's International Campus in Haining provides a purpose-built multicultural residential college with private bedrooms, shared study lounges, a swimming pool, fitness room, courts, and multiple dining options including Halal cuisine. Student committees organise cultural events, sports tournaments, and networking opportunities connecting students from 58+ countries. The campuses in Hangzhou place students minutes from West Lake, historic temples, and a thriving café and tech startup culture.
Fees
InternationalSelf-funded international undergraduate tuition typically ranges CNY 30,000–55,000/year (approx. €4,000–€7,500); master's programmes CNY 40,000–60,000/year; dual-degree Haining programmes may be higher.
HomeChinese domestic undergraduate tuition is approximately CNY 5,000–8,000/year.
LivingMonthly living costs at the Haining campus range CNY 2,500–4,000 (€340–€550) including dormitory, meals, and local transport.
An application fee of CNY 800 applies. First-year tuition must be pre-paid to confirm enrolment after receiving a pre-admission notice. Scholarship recipients may have full or partial fee coverage.
Admissions
Undergraduate age limitUnder 25 years old
Undergraduate academicsHigh school diploma or equivalent; CSCA test scores required from 2026/2027 intake
Master's age limitUnder 35 years old
Master's academicsBachelor's degree or equivalent; interview or written test may apply
Chinese-taught programmesHSK Level 5 or above required
English-taught programmesTOEFL/IELTS proof required for non-native English speakers
Character requirementsNo criminal record; friendly attitude toward China; good physical and mental health
TOEFL iBTMinimum 80 (exact threshold varies by programme)
IELTS AcademicMinimum 6.0 (exact threshold varies by programme)
Rankings
QS World University Rankings 202549
Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) 202450
THE World University Rankings 202575
US News Best Global Universities 202437
University scholarships
Chinese Government Scholarship (University Programme)Full tuition + stipend + accommodation
Zhejiang Provincial Government ScholarshipCNY 20,000 (new international undergraduates)
Chinese Government Silk Road ScholarshipFull coverage (eligible countries)
China-ASEAN Marine ScholarshipFull or partial coverage
ZJU English-taught Engineering ScholarshipPartial tuition
Accreditation
Zhejiang University is directly affiliated with China's Ministry of Education, recognised under Project 985 and the Double First-Class initiative. Member of the C9 League and the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU).
Programs
a selectionZhejiang University · China
Bachelor of Arts/Science in Zhejiang University
Zhejiang University (ZJU) is a comprehensive, research-oriented, and innovative university with distinctive characteristics and significant influence both domestically and internationally. It offers programs across 13 major disciplines, including Philosophy, Economics, Law, Education, Literature, History, Science, Engineering, Agriculture, Medicine, Management, Art, and Interdisciplinary Studies. Most undergraduate programs are taught in Chinese, though some are offered in English. The typical program duration is 4-6 years, and successful graduates will be awarded a Bachelor's degree in accordance with national and university regulations.
Bachelor's
Level
—
Tuition
—
Duration
Zhejiang University · China
International Undergraduate Programs
Zhejiang University (ZJU) offers a range of undergraduate programs specifically designed for international students. These programs provide a comprehensive academic experience with a focus on providing students with a strong foundation in their chosen fields. The university is committed to fostering an international learning environment and attracting talented students from around the globe.
Bachelor's
Level
—
Tuition
—
Duration
Zhejiang University · China
Master's Programs for International Students
Zhejiang University (ZJU) is a comprehensive, research-oriented, and innovative university with a distinctive profile and significant influence both domestically and internationally. Our academic offerings span 13 major disciplines, including Philosophy, Economics, Law, Education, Literature, History, Science, Engineering, Agriculture, Medicine, Management, Art, and Interdisciplinary Studies. Most master's programs are taught in Chinese, with a select few offered in English. The typical duration for master's programs is 2-3 years, and graduates who meet the national and university's degree conferral requirements will be awarded a master's degree.
Master's
Level
—
Tuition
36 mo
Duration
Zhejiang University · China
Master's Programs in Transportation Engineering
Zhejiang University, in collaboration with the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, offers a Master's program in Transportation Engineering through the Zhejiang University-Illinois Institute of Technology (ZJUI). This program is designed for international students seeking advanced knowledge and research opportunities in the field of transportation. The curriculum combines theoretical learning with practical application, preparing graduates for diverse career paths in transportation planning, design, and management. ZJUI is a unique academic institution that leverages the strengths of both Zhejiang University and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. It aims to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation. The program's location in China provides students with a dynamic environment to study and experience the rapidly evolving transportation systems in Asia. This program is delivered entirely on campus, offering students direct access to faculty, research facilities, and a vibrant student community. The focus is on providing a rigorous academic experience that meets international standards, while also offering a distinct cultural and educational perspective.
Master's
Level
—
Tuition
24 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 approximate tuition fees for international students at Zhejiang University?
+
Self-funded international undergraduate tuition typically ranges from CNY 30,000 to 55,000 per year. Master's programmes usually cost between CNY 40,000 and 60,000 per year. An application fee of CNY 800 also applies.
What are the living costs for students at the Haining campus?
+
Monthly living costs at the Haining campus are estimated between CNY 2,500 and 4,000. This includes dormitory accommodation, meals, and local transportation.
What are the English language proficiency requirements for international students?
+
For English-taught programs, non-native English speakers typically need a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 80 or an IELTS Academic score of 6.0. The exact score requirements may vary by program.
Does Zhejiang University offer scholarships for international students?
+
Yes, Zhejiang University offers various scholarships, including the Chinese Government Scholarship, Zhejiang Provincial Government Scholarship, and the ZJU English-taught Engineering Scholarship, which can cover full or partial tuition and provide stipends.
What academic qualifications are needed for admission?
+
Undergraduate applicants need a high school diploma or equivalent, and must be under 25 years old. Master's applicants require a bachelor's degree or equivalent and must be under 35 years old.
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