Data Science might be one of the most sought-after roles today, and this is especially true in China, as Chinese companies are pulling ahead by producing increasingly high-quality Artificial Intelligence (AI) research.
The science of analyzing and extracting knowledge from massive amounts of complicated data, and putting that valuable knowledge into practical application, is what ultimately fuels machine learning and AI.
It is no secret that China is assertively working toward becoming a principal leader in big data analytics, and with President Xi Jinping announcing his intentions for China to lead the world in AI by 2030, now is the perfect time to study Data Science in China.
With only a few educational institutions offering undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications in Data Science, we take a look at some of the best data science universities in China.
Top Universities Offering Data Science Programs in China
1. New York University (NYU) Shanghai – Data Science Department
This 4-year Bachelor’s program majoring in Data Science, offered by NYU Shanghai, is designed to produce leaders who are data-driven creative thinkers, with a broad education and a global perspective.
This prestigious university was founded in 2021 by New York University (NYI) in partnership with East China Normal University and currently boasts around 2,000 students, with an almost equal split of Chinese and International students. NYU Shanghai’s main campus is located in Lujiazui, Shanghai.
In their efforts to foster global citizens, students have the opportunity to spend up to two semesters studying at one of NYU’s twelve study away centers, located in cities across the globe.
2. The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen – School of Data Science
The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen boasts their School of Data Science (SDS), founded in 2020. The school aims to combine research, industry, and, education to become the world’s leading research base of data science innovation.
The School of Data Science, based in Shenzhen, offers four undergraduate programs (Data Science and Big Data Technology, Computer Science and Engineering, Statistics, and Financial Engineering), two master programs (Master of Data Science and Master of Financial Engineering) and one doctoral program (Data Science).
3. The University of Hong Kong – Faculty of Science
The University of Hong Kong (UHK) boasts the title of the oldest tertiary education institution in Hong Kong and was founded way back in 1912. UHK is considered one of the best Universities in Asia, and places 3rd in the QS Top University Rankings for the continent.
UHK is also considered one of the top data science institutions in China, with its Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science and the Department of Computer Science jointly offering the postgraduate Master of Data Science program.
According to the program’s leaflet, Forbes rated UHK’s Master of Data Science program as one of the Top 10 AI and Data Science Master programs.
This 1.5-year (full-time) or 2.5-year (part-time) program requires a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree with honors or equivalent qualification for admission.
4. Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) – School of AI and Advanced Computing
The Data Science and Big Data Technology with Contemporary Entrepreneurialism program at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) not only covers mathematics, data science, statistics, and computer science, but it offers students of this top-notch data science school the added benefit of entrepreneurial and leadership skills.
XJTLU was founded in 2006 in a joint venture between Xi’an Jiaotong University and the University of Liverpool. This partnership allows students in this program to graduate with two degrees: an XJTLU degree from the Chinese Ministry of Education and a globally recognized degree from the University of Liverpool.
The degree program also includes 600 hours of problem-based internship experience and is offered at XJTLU’s new state-of-the-art facilities at the Taicang campus in Wuzhong District, Suzhou.
5. Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech) – Department of Statistics and Data Science
Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech) is a public university founded in 2011 and located in the Nanshan District, Shenzhen.
SUSTech is one of the best data science universities in China, with its Department of Statistics and Data Science, established in April 2019, offering two undergraduate programs: a BSc Program in Statistics and a BSc Big Data Management and Application.
The department also has two graduate offerings, MSc and Ph.D. programs in Statistics.
The SUSTech Department of Statistics and Data Science is expected to grow rapidly in the coming years, and they have big plans to extend their graduate offerings to include Data Science and Big Data Technology.
Located in Kunshan in the Jiangsu province, Duke Kunshan University was founded in 2013 in partnership between Duke University and Wuhan University.
This partnership allows students to receive two degrees upon graduation, one being from internationally recognized Duke University, which is ranked as one of the top 10 universities in the United States by U.S. News & World Report.
Duke Kunshan University is a top data science university in China, boasting small class sizes of 20 or fewer students. It also offers the opportunity to spend up to one semester and one summer term studying at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina.
7. Zhejiang University of Science and Technology
Zhejiang University of Science and Technology (ZUST) is one of the best data science universities in China. It is a multi-disciplinary institution with an emphasis on engineering, incorporating disciplines in economics, science, management, education, and arts.
The university has two campuses: the Xiaoheshan Campus located in Hangzhou, the capital of Zhejiang Province, and the Anji Campus situated in Anji County.
ZUST was founded in 1980 in cooperation with Germany and is considered to this day to be a crucial platform for collaboration in education and technology between Zhejiang Province and Germany.
Besides offering their Bachelor of Data Science and Big Data Technology, ZUST also offers graduates four master’s programs in Mathematics Physics, Applied Statistics, Simulation Calculation, and Statistics. They also have an established research institute for “Data Science and Artificial Intelligence” laboratory, focusing on areas such as “Machine Learning and Big Data Processing”, “Big Data Processing and Statistical Analysis”, “Big Data Analysis and Applications” and “Big Data Intelligent Processing”.
With the increasing popularity and need for detailed data analysis in today’s data-driven digital world, there is no better time to study Data Science. Whether you are looking at an undergraduate or postgraduate qualification in the field of Data Science, Big Data, and AI, China certainly has a variety of offerings guaranteed to set your future career path up for success!
We hope this article on the best data science universities in China was helpful. Make sure to also check out the China Page and the various Available Programs for International Students to explore your study options.
