Are you considering studying in China? A public university may be a good option for your future academic plans.
International students have long considered China as a potential academic and professional destination. The country offers a wide range of educational opportunities, and students can compare affordable universities in China. Tuition varies considerably by university, degree level, and program, so prospective students should compare current fees and scholarship opportunities before applying.
Below, we highlight top public universities in China for prospective international students.
Top Public Universities in China
1. Tsinghua University
Established in 1911 as Tsing Hua Imperial College, Tsinghua University is a comprehensive research university in Beijing. Its official admissions overview currently lists 22 schools and 59 departments and states that undergraduate and graduate programs are taught in Chinese and English. Its academic fields include engineering, science, medicine, humanities, law, management, and the arts.
2. Peking University
Founded in 1898 as the Imperial University of Peking, Peking University was China’s first modern institution of higher education and first national comprehensive university. It is now a comprehensive university in Beijing that offers programs and courses for international students, including English-taught options.
3. Zhejiang University
Zhejiang University was founded in 1897 and is based in Hangzhou. Its official facts page currently lists 41 colleges and schools, along with undergraduate, graduate, and international student communities. Graduate offerings at its School of Management include the 2.5-year Business Analytics and Innovation program, or BAI@QTEM, and the Global MBA Program.
4. Shanghai Jiao Tong University
Founded in 1896, Shanghai Jiao Tong University is directly administered by China’s Ministry of Education and co-sponsored by the Shanghai Municipal Government. The university currently reports more than 2,800 international students. On its admissions page, prospective students can review available degree and non-degree programs, admissions requirements, application procedures, and scholarship information.
5. Tongji University
Tongji University traces its origins to the German Medical School established in Shanghai in 1907. It is a public university under the direct administration of China’s Ministry of Education. For 2026, official materials list annual tuition of CNY 33,800 for the English-taught Architecture International Class and CNY 45,000 for the English-taught MBBS program. Tongji’s current tuition table lists annual fees for English-taught graduate programs ranging from CNY 25,080 to CNY 154,000, depending on the program.
6. Fudan University
Fudan University was established in 1905 as Fudan Public School. Its current international admissions information includes Chinese-taught programs and multiple English-taught undergraduate programs, such as the MBBS, Undergraduate International Program in Economics, Global Bachelor of Fintech, Data Science and Big Data Technology, and International Organizations and Global Governance programs. Fudan also publishes separate listings for English-taught postgraduate programs and scholarships for international applicants.
7. Wuhan University
Wuhan University is a public university in Wuhan, Hubei Province, and is directly administered by China’s Ministry of Education. It was included in the former Project 985 and is included in the second-round Double First-Class initiative. International applicants should consult the university’s official admissions portal for current program offerings, entry requirements, application periods, and deadlines.
Pursuing higher education in China can give international students access to a broad selection of public universities and academic programs. Chinese Government Scholarships, local government scholarships, and university scholarships are available, but eligibility, coverage, and application procedures vary. Prospective students should confirm all program, tuition, scholarship, and visa information through current official sources before applying.
We hope that this list of top public universities in China has given you more options to explore when planning to study in China. Don’t miss the range of program options available to international students by exploring these available courses for international students! For more information about studying in China, visit our Study in China Page.
