Many international students consider China for degree studies, especially because of scholarships offered by the Chinese government, universities, and other funding bodies. One common question is whether students need to be fluent in Chinese before studying in China.
Chinese remains important for daily life and for many degree programs, but many universities in China also offer English-taught courses and degree programs. Depending on the university and program, international students may also be required or encouraged to take Chinese language and culture courses during their studies.
Read this article about five major universities in China that welcome international students and offer English-taught programs.
Top Universities for English-taught Programs in China
1. Tsinghua University
Located in Beijing, Tsinghua University is one of China’s most prestigious universities and is a popular choice for international students. It was established in 1911 under the name “Tsing Hua Imperial College.” Today, Tsinghua offers undergraduate and graduate programs across a wide range of disciplines, with options taught in Chinese and English.
For undergraduate students, Tsinghua’s programs are generally full-time. Most bachelor’s programs take four years, while architecture and sculpture require five years, and programs such as Clinical Medicine and the Yau Mathematical Sciences Leaders Program have longer study periods. Undergraduate programs are delivered in Chinese and English, and students should check the current program catalog for the language of instruction and requirements for their chosen division or major.
For graduate students, Tsinghua’s graduate admissions site currently lists 28 master’s programs and nine doctoral programs in English. It also notes that most doctoral programs in engineering and natural science subjects are delivered in English. Master’s degree programs are generally completed in two to three years, while doctoral programs usually take three to four years; direct doctoral study after a bachelor’s degree normally takes four to five years.
2. Peking University
Peking University, founded in 1898 as the Imperial University of Peking, is another well-known Chinese institution with a large international student community. The university has six faculties and includes a wide range of schools and departments. Its library is also one of the largest university libraries in Asia.
International undergraduate students at Peking University generally study for four to six years, and the 2026 undergraduate admissions information states that Chinese is the medium of instruction. Applicants should also check the current Chinese-language proficiency rules for their chosen admissions route, because the 2026 requirements include approved Chinese-language qualifications such as HSK Level 6 with a score of 210 or above.
At the graduate level, Peking University enrolls international students in master’s and Ph.D. programs. Unless a department or program specifies otherwise, master’s programs usually last two or three years, while doctoral programs last four or five years; direct-entry doctoral programs for students admitted with only a bachelor’s degree generally last five years. PKU lists English-taught master’s programs such as Chinese Law, International Relations, Public Administration, New Media, MBA, and other programs, and it also maintains English-taught Ph.D. program options.
3. Shanghai Jiao Tong University
Shanghai Jiao Tong University is a prominent university in Shanghai founded in 1896. It is directly administered by China’s Ministry of Education and co-sponsored by the Shanghai Municipal Government. The university currently lists six campuses in Xuhui, Minhang, Huangpu, Changning, Pudong, and Chongming.
For undergraduate applicants, Shanghai Jiao Tong University offers several international options, including English-taught undergraduate programs such as the Engineering Cluster and programs in Sustainable Energy and Health Science and Technology. In the Global Institute of Future Technology programs, the university states that courses are taught in English, but students must also take Chinese culture and language courses and meet HSK 4 as the minimum Chinese-language requirement for graduation.
Graduate students applying to English-taught programs at Shanghai Jiao Tong University must meet the university’s language requirements. The 2026 international graduate admissions guide says the university offers more than 100 graduate programs taught in English and Chinese. Master’s programs typically last two to three years, while doctoral programs generally take three to four years.
4. University of Science and Technology of China
The University of Science and Technology of China was established by the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Beijing in 1958 and moved to Hefei, Anhui Province, in 1970. It was founded to meet China’s science and technology needs and to strengthen international competitiveness.
Most English-taught degree options at the University of Science and Technology of China are at the graduate level. The university lists 2026 English-taught master’s and doctoral program catalogs, and its postgraduate information notes that nearly all doctoral programs and some master’s programs can be taught in English. Graduate students must complete required credits and pass a thesis or dissertation defense to receive the degree.
The University of Science and Technology of China also offers undergraduate programs for international students. The university currently lists 38 undergraduate programs in 18 disciplines. Undergraduate instruction is mainly in Chinese, although some courses may be taught in English or bilingually, so applicants should check the current undergraduate catalog and language requirements for their chosen program. In general, undergraduate programs last four years, master’s programs last two to three years, and doctoral programs last three to four years.
5. Zhejiang University
Zhejiang University is located in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province. Its forerunner, Qiushi Academy, was founded in 1897, and the university reports more than 4,700 full-time degree-seeking international students representing over 150 countries.
Zhejiang University offers some English-taught undergraduate options. Its undergraduate admissions page states that bachelor’s programs generally last four to six academic years and are usually taught in Chinese, while some English-taught programs are available. Featured undergraduate options include the MBBS Program, ZJU-UoE Dual Degree Programs, and the English-taught Global Communication and Management Program.
For graduate students, Zhejiang University’s 2026 admissions pages state that master’s programs generally last two to three academic years and doctoral programs three to four academic years. Both levels are generally instructed in Chinese, but some English-taught programs are available through the current program catalogs. Applicants should review the latest catalog and contact requirements, because some programs require or recommend provisional acceptance by a Zhejiang University supervisor.
We hope this article on the best English-taught universities in China was helpful. If you are interested, check out the Available Programs for International Students!
