Due to its history of academic excellence and vibrant culture, China is acclaimed to be one of the most appealing countries for higher education. The country’s exceptional educational system alongside its first-rate learning conditions makes it one of the first choices for both Chinese and international students. In addition to obtaining a diploma from some of the top-tier universities in the world, students studying throughout China can immerse themselves in the country’s rich and unique culture.
One of the most distinguished fields of research at Chinese universities is the study of law. Chinese law programs are among the best in the world and pride themselves on giving their students a well-rounded worldly legal education. At almost all universities, students may study various areas of law on all three academic levels. This article will take a closer look at five of the most respected law schools in China.
Top Law Schools in China
1. China University of Political Science and Law
- Study Program
- Degree/s Offered: LL.B., LL.M., Ph.D. | Medium of Instruction: English
Initially established in 1952, the China University of Political Science and Law is considered to be the best law school in China. Its student body consists of 15.600 students, whose areas of research may span from languages and the arts to the fields of law and economics. The University’s diverse program is available at all three academic levels and is taught by some of the most prominent academic figures in both China and the world.
CULP is one of the leading research centers for educational innovation due to creating the Comparative Law degree, the first two English taught legal education programs in China. International students may choose to continue their legal studies at CUPL at either a Ph.D. program or two available LLM programs. In addition to its exceptional academic standing, the University’s location in the capital of Beijing offers an additional advantage for its students. Namely, they can study law amongst some of the most prestigious law firms and judiciary courts in China.
2. Shanghai Jiao Tong University
When discussing the best law universities in China, Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) consistently stands out for combining elite, research-driven academics with a prime location in Shanghai, one of Asia’s most influential legal and commercial hubs. Its KoGuan School of Law is internationally oriented, supported by specialized research centers across key fields (from competition and financial law to intellectual property and human rights), and it offers structured international pathways such as English-taught LL.M. study designed for global legal practice. This mix of global visibility and practice-facing training is a big reason SJTU is regularly recognized in major international rankings for both the university overall and for law specifically.
That international, skills-based approach is exactly what drew Serbian attorney Stefan Pekić to pursue his LL.M. at SJTU as he deepened his focus on international trade law and cross-border cooperation. Describing the classroom culture, he emphasized that “the teaching approach… focused heavily on discussion during lectures, and writing research papers at the end of each semester,” adding that “the system was not based on rote memorization, which suited me very well.” In a field where legal reasoning and persuasive writing matter as much as doctrinal knowledge, his experience highlights how SJTU’s law training aims to build the habits and outputs (analysis, debate, research) that translate directly into international legal work.
Just as important, Pekić’s story shows how accessible SJTU can be for talented international applicants, and how seriously it supports them once they arrive. He noted that “all classes were conducted entirely in English,” making it realistic to earn a China-based LL.M. without needing Chinese for academic success. SJTU’s broader appeal is a top-tier Chinese law environment with global reach, strong institutional organization, and real pathways for international lawyers who want China expertise without compromising on academic rigor.
3. Southwest University of Political Science and Law
- Study Program
- Degree/s Offered: LL.B., LL.M., Ph.D. | Medium of Instruction: Chinese
One of the most notable Chinese institutions for the study of law, the Southwest University of Political Science and Law is located in the city of Chongqing, in southwest China. Alongside being established amongst the first higher institutions for political and legal study, the University is also home to many prominent alumni in the field of law. At present, its student body is allowed to earn a diploma at one of the University’s 14 schools and all three academic levels. Although undergraduate students cannot study law in both Chinese and English, this opportunity is present at both Chinese Law and Law master’s programs, as well as during their Ph.D. studies.
In addition to its diverse academic program, SWUPLS offers its students a wide array of international exchange programs in Europe, Australia, Asia, and North America. Through its connections with other leading legal institutions around the world, the University aims to build cultural bridges and give its students an international and novel education.
4. Peking University
Peking University, another excellent law school in China, was founded in 1898 in the capital city of Beijing. Almost a century later, the Peking University Law School was established. Throughout its history, the University has remained at the epicenter of major intellectual movements and has educated various noteworthy figures in the field of law. Its rich past is documented in the University’s library which is noted to be one of the largest in the world.
Presently, the Peking University Law School offers its students a chance to study law at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. At the undergraduate level, it is primarily focused on five key legal areas: economic law, jurisprudence, constitution and, administrative law, and criminal law. Once students have obtained their bachelor’s degree, they may choose to study other legal areas such as international law, civil and commercial law, procedural law, etc. during their graduate studies. The University strives to incorporate both well-established and innovative teaching practices into its curriculum and host both well-known and up-and-comic scholars and legal experts.
5. Tsinghua University
In our list of the five best law universities in China, it is crucial to mention Tsinghua University, a leading research center situated in the Chinese capital of Beijing. The University was initially established in 1911 as a preparatory school for students who were to continue their higher education in the US. Over the century, it came to be known as one of the leading institutions for the study of law, numbering over 50.000 students yearly. Due to its international roots, Tsinghua University aims to give its students a worldly education through numerous exchange and international programs.
In addition to the university’s remarkable academic credentials, it stands out for its location as well. Namely, the University is situated in the Haidian district, on the grounds of the royal gardens of the Qing Dynasty. Symbolizing its vibrant history, its architecture is a unique mixture of Eastern and Western design, with some arguing it has the most beautiful campus in the world.
We hope that this article on Best Universities for Law in China was helpful. Make sure to also check out the Available Open Courses for International Students!
