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 major universities in China that welcome international students and offer English-taught programs.
Top Universities for English-taught Programs in China
| University | Undergraduate English-taught options | Graduate English-taught options |
|---|
| Tsinghua University | Selected bachelor’s programs and divisions are taught in English. Availability and language requirements differ by major, so applicants should consult the current undergraduate catalog. | Tsinghua currently lists 28 English-taught master’s programs and nine English-taught doctoral programs. Most doctoral programs in engineering and the natural sciences can also be completed in English. |
| Peking University | No complete English-taught bachelor’s degree is identified in this article. International undergraduate programs generally use Chinese as the language of instruction. | English-taught master’s programs include Chinese Law, International Relations, Public Administration, New Media, and MBA programs. English-taught Ph.D. options are also available in selected disciplines. |
| Shanghai Jiao Tong University | English-taught options include the Engineering Cluster and programs in Sustainable Energy and Health Science and Technology. Some programs also require Chinese-language and culture courses and HSK 4 for graduation. | The university offers master’s and Ph.D. programs taught in English across numerous disciplines. Its international graduate catalog contains more than 100 programs taught in English or Chinese, so applicants should verify the language of their chosen program. |
| University of Science and Technology of China | Undergraduate instruction is mainly in Chinese. Some individual courses may be taught in English or bilingually, but no complete English-taught bachelor’s degree is identified in this article. | Some master’s programs and nearly all doctoral programs can be taught in English. Applicants should consult the current English-taught graduate program catalogs for eligible disciplines. |
| Zhejiang University | English-taught options include the MBBS program, ZJU–University of Edinburgh dual-degree programs, and Global Communication and Management. | Selected master’s and Ph.D. programs are taught in English. Availability varies by catalog, and some programs require or recommend provisional acceptance from a Zhejiang University supervisor. |
| Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications | English-taught undergraduate options are limited because most bachelor’s programs use Chinese. Applicants should confirm the teaching language of the available English-medium program for their admission cycle. | English-taught master’s and Ph.D. options are available in fields such as Information and Communication Engineering, Electronic Science, Computer Science, Software Engineering, and related technology subjects. |
| Harbin Institute of Technology | Selected majors marked as using “Chinese & English” instruction may be delivered in English. An English-taught undergraduate class normally requires at least 20 enrolled students, so availability must be confirmed for each intake. | English-medium master’s options are available in areas such as Management, Materials Science, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electronics, and Chemical Engineering. Doctoral programs can generally be taught in English except those in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. |
| Shandong University | English-taught options include Clinical Medicine, Biomedical Engineering, Machine Design, Manufacturing and Automation, Electrical Engineering, Business Administration, Tourism Management, Nursing Science, and English. | English-taught master’s programs include China Studies, Project Management, International Relations, and Global Health. English-taught doctoral programs are also available in eligible disciplines. |
| Nanjing University of Science and Technology | Published English-taught options have included Computer Science and Technology, Electronic Information Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and International Economics and Trade. Availability should be confirmed for the intended admission year. | Almost all graduate programs can reportedly be conducted in English, including master’s and Ph.D. options across engineering, science, management, and technology fields. Applicants should verify the language and supervisor requirements for their department. |
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.
What Current Students / Alumni of Peking University Say:
| Student/Alumnus and Program | English in Practice | Local-Language Insight |
|---|
Bijan Bhattarai
Doctoral Degree in Economics | All classes in his doctoral program were conducted entirely in English, including coursework and communication with faculty. | He experienced no academic difficulties without knowing Mandarin Chinese. |
Oluwaseyifunmi Valentina Oladipo
Master of Public Health in Maternal and Child Health | Her MPH program was conducted primarily in English, including lectures, discussions, presentations, and other academic work. She attended through live online classes during the COVID-19 pandemic. | Chinese was not needed for her academic work, although she was taught Elementary Chinese. She recommends learning basic Chinese for on-campus communication and cultural engagement. |
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.
What Current Students / Alumni of Shanghai Jiao Tong University Say:
| Student/Alumnus and Program | English in Practice | Local-Language Insight |
|---|
Stefan Pekić
LL.M. in International Trade Law | All classes were conducted entirely in English. The program emphasized lecture discussions and research papers completed at the end of each semester. | Chinese was not necessary academically, but it was useful for shopping, scheduling, administrative tasks, and daily life. He also attended a weekly introductory Chinese course. |
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.
6. Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications
Located in Beijing, the Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, commonly known as BUPT, is a national university specializing in information technology and telecommunications. Founded in 1955, it is administered by China’s Ministry of Education and jointly supported by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. Its leading academic areas include information and communication engineering, computer science, electronic engineering, and network technology.
Undergraduate applicants should examine the language of instruction particularly carefully. BUPT states that its undergraduate programs are generally taught in Chinese, with the English program as the exception. Its international admissions information nevertheless includes separate language requirements for applicants to English-taught undergraduate study. Bachelor’s degrees normally take four years, and students applying to Chinese-taught programs must satisfy the university’s current Chinese-language requirements.
At the graduate level, BUPT offers master’s and doctoral programs taught in Chinese or English. English-medium options are especially relevant to students interested in subjects such as information and communication engineering, electronic science, computer science, software engineering, and related technology fields. Applicants to English-taught graduate programs are generally expected to provide an approved English-language qualification, while available majors and study periods should be confirmed in the current international admissions catalog.
What Current Students / Alumni of Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications Say:
| Student/Alumnus and Program | English in Practice | Local-Language Insight |
|---|
Zahid Iqbal
Master’s in Electronic Science and Information Engineering
PhD in Electronic Science and Technology | His master’s and PhD classes were conducted in English. English was also used for supervision, research discussions, assignments, presentations, academic writing, and thesis work. | Mandarin Chinese was not necessary academically. Basic Chinese was helpful for shopping, transportation, medical visits, local services, and everyday communication. |
7. Harbin Institute of Technology
Harbin Institute of Technology, commonly known as HIT, is a research university founded in 1920. Its main campus is in Harbin, while additional campuses operate in Weihai and Shenzhen. HIT is particularly well known for engineering, computer science, materials science, aerospace, robotics, and other science and technology disciplines.
HIT’s international undergraduate programs generally take four to five years. Although most bachelor’s programs are taught in Chinese, majors identified by the university as having “Chinese & English” instruction may be delivered in English. The university states that an English-taught undergraduate class requires a minimum enrollment of 20 students, so applicants should confirm that their selected program will operate in English for their intake.
Master’s programs normally take two to three years. While most are offered in Chinese, HIT identifies English-medium options in fields such as management, materials science, civil engineering, mechanical engineering, electronics, and chemical engineering. Doctoral programs generally take four years, and HIT states that its doctoral programs can be taught in English except those in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences.
What Current Students / Alumni of Harbin Institute of Technology Say:
| Student/Alumnus and Program | English in Practice | Local-Language Insight |
|---|
Sohaib Bin Altaf Khattak
PhD in Information and Communication Engineering | He selected an English-language PhD program, and all coursework and research were conducted entirely in English. | Mandarin Chinese was not required for the program, but learning basic Mandarin helped with travel, conversations with local people, social integration, and his sense of belonging. |
8. Shandong University
Shandong University is a comprehensive research university whose history can be traced to Shandong Imperial College, established in 1901. The university operates campuses in Jinan, Qingdao, and Weihai and offers programs across humanities, social sciences, science, engineering, medicine, economics, management, and other academic fields.
Shandong University lists several key undergraduate programs taught in English, including Clinical Medicine, Biomedical Engineering, Machine Design, Manufacturing and Automation, Electrical Engineering, Business Administration, Tourism Management, Nursing Science, and English. Most bachelor’s degrees take approximately four years, while the English-taught Clinical Medicine program is longer and normally requires six years.
English-taught graduate options include master’s programs such as China Studies, Project Management, International Relations, and Global Health. Shandong University also admits international students to doctoral programs taught in English in eligible disciplines. Since available majors, teaching languages, and study periods can change between admission cycles, graduate applicants should consult the current program catalog for their intended department.
What Current Students / Alumni of Shandong University Say:
| Student/Alumnus and Program | English in Practice | Local-Language Insight |
|---|
Dr Mehran Idris Khan
PhD in International Law | His doctoral courses and supervision were conducted primarily in English, and he reports that the degree could be completed in English alone. | He also attended Chinese classes. Basic Mandarin made daily life easier and helped him build stronger relationships with colleagues and local communities. |
9. Nanjing University of Science and Technology
Founded in 1953, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, commonly abbreviated as NJUST, is a national research university in Nanjing. It is administered by China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and is particularly recognized for engineering, science, computing, automation, electronics, materials, and related technological disciplines.
NJUST offers a selection of English-taught undergraduate programs for international students. Published options have included subjects such as Computer Science and Technology, Electronic Information Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and International Economics and Trade. Bachelor’s programs are generally completed in four years, although applicants should use the current program list to verify whether a major is available in English for their intended admission year.
English-medium study is also widely available at the graduate level. NJUST reports that almost all of its graduate programs can be conducted in English, giving international applicants options across numerous engineering, science, management, and technology fields. Program length varies by degree and department, so prospective master’s and doctoral students should confirm the current duration, teaching language, and supervisor requirements before applying.
What Current Students / Alumni of Nanjing University of Science and Technology Say:
| Student/Alumnus and Program | English in Practice | Local-Language Insight |
|---|
Ana T. Paredes
Bachelor’s in Materials Science and Engineering | Her undergraduate program was fully taught in English. | Chinese was not otherwise required academically, although the program included one mandatory Chinese course. Learning Chinese during her first year helped with daily life and integration. |
We hope this article on the best English-taught universities in China was helpful. If you are interested, explore Bachelor’s and Master’s Programs for International Students!
