Computer science remains a popular and competitive field for students interested in technology careers. If you want to build a career in software, data, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, or research, studying computer science can help you develop the technical foundation needed for the technology sector.
Computer science is one of the most popular academic fields, but not all computer science curricula are the same. China is home to several highly ranked universities in computer science and information systems, including institutions that appear near the top of major global subject rankings. Below, we list some of the top universities to study computer science in China.
Top Schools Offering Computer Science in China
1. Tsinghua University
Tsinghua University is one of China’s leading universities for computer science. In the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026 for Computer Science and Information Systems, Tsinghua is the highest-ranked university in mainland China and is ranked 11th globally.
Tsinghua University’s Department of Computer Science and Technology (DCST) has contributed to teaching, research, and product development in computer science and technology. Its official history lists achievements including the 0520-C IBM-compatible microcomputer and CERNET, which the department describes as the world’s largest national education and research network.
DCST offers undergraduate, master’s, and Ph.D.-level study in computer science and technology. The undergraduate curriculum requires at least 172 credit units and includes a freshman seminar, advanced laboratory work, summer practice, and a bachelor’s thesis. At the master’s level, the department lists a Master of Science in Computer Science and Technology and a Master of Engineering, both with research and thesis requirements.
2. Peking University
Peking University is another leading Chinese research university for computer science. Its School of Computer Science was established in 2021 on the basis of the Department of Computer Science and Technology, which dates back to 1978.
The School of Computer Science has 109 faculty members, including professors, researchers, associate professors, assistant professors, associate researchers, lecturers, and assistant researchers. Current international graduate admission information lists full-time master’s and Ph.D. programs in Computer Science and Technology.
For international graduate applicants in Computer Science and Technology, Peking University states that courses are taught in Chinese or English. The standard length is three years for the master’s program, four years for Ph.D. applicants with a master’s degree, and five years for Ph.D. applicants entering without a master’s degree.
3. Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU)
Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) is one of China’s strongest universities for computer science. In the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026 for Computer Science and Information Systems, SJTU is listed among the highest-ranked mainland Chinese universities and is ranked 30th globally.
SJTU’s current School of Computer Science was officially established on May 11, 2025. It integrates the former Department of Computer Science and Engineering, School of Software, School of Cyber Science and Engineering, John Hopcroft Center for Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence Institute, Institute of Cyber Science and Technology, and Qingyuan Research Institute of SJTU.
The school’s computer science research covers areas such as parallel and distributed computing, computer networks, information security and cryptography, data and service computing, system software, and intelligent human-computer interaction. Its graduate training plan also lists institutes such as Network and Service Computing, Cryptography and Information Security, and Intelligent Human-Computer Interaction.
What Current Students / Alumni of Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) Say
| Student/Alumnus and Program | Computer Science Academic Experience | University Experience |
|---|
Guiqiu Liao
Master’s in Instrument Science & Technology
September 2016–March 2019 | His master’s research involved indoor aerial-robot navigation and UAV-based structural inspection, with a thesis on improving rotorcraft navigation and control reliability. He describes this training as part of his foundation in robotics and computer vision. | He practiced English with international students at his university in Shanghai while preparing for doctoral study abroad. |
4. Zhejiang University
Zhejiang University is a comprehensive, research-oriented university in Hangzhou. Its international admissions information describes undergraduate programs as usually lasting four to six academic years, with most programs taught in Chinese and some programs taught in English.
Zhejiang University’s College of Computer Science and Technology (CCST) offers computer-science-related education through departments including artificial intelligence, computer science and technology, information security, and software engineering. Students should confirm the current program catalog and language of instruction before applying, since ZJU notes that program catalogs may change.
For graduate study, Zhejiang University states that master’s programs normally last two to three academic years and are generally taught in Chinese, with some English-taught programs available. Applicants should check the current master’s and doctoral catalogs, supervisor requirements, and program pages for the latest computer science options.
5. Fudan University
Fudan University is a major research university in Shanghai. Its School of Computer Science, also known as the Software School, states that computer science programs at Fudan have more than 60 years of history. The Department of Computer Science was founded in 1975, and the School of Computer Science was established in 2008.
The School of Computer Science offers degree programs from bachelor’s to doctoral level. Its listed fields include Computer Science and Technology, Computer Software and Theory, Computer Application Technology, Computer Architecture, Data Science, Software Engineering, Cybersecurity, Computer Technology, Information Security, and related areas.
The Software School has international collaborations, including a joint dual-degree bachelor’s program and a joint dual-degree master’s program with University College Dublin. The school emphasizes practical skills, research ability, and an international perspective.
6. Beihang University
Beihang University, also known as Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, is located in Beijing, China. Its School of Computer Science and Engineering developed from a numerical computing center established in 1958. The school’s research connects computer science and intelligent technology with data science, software engineering, and computing systems.
The university offers an undergraduate program in Computer Science and Technology. Its stated educational objectives combine computing theory with systematic engineering training and the ability to analyze and solve technical problems. The school describes an online experimental platform and access to its laboratories for undergraduates, giving students practical opportunities alongside classroom study.
Academic master’s options include Computer Science and Technology and Software Engineering, while doctoral study is explicitly available in Computer Science and Technology. The graduate research portfolio includes software and theory, computer architecture, and applied computing. Examples range from distributed and embedded systems to graphics, virtual reality, databases, and information security. These are research directions within the graduate environment rather than separate degrees with identical admissions requirements.
What Current Students / Alumni of Beihang University Say
| Student/Alumnus and Program | Computer Science Academic Experience | University Experience |
|---|
Mehedi Hasan
Master of Engineering | He first began working with machine learning during his master’s at Beihang, developing experience in computational methods. He describes this preparation as part of the analytical and coding foundation he brought to later doctoral research in AI and cybersecurity. | — |
7. Huazhong University of Science and Technology
Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST) is a major university in Wuhan with strengths in science and engineering. Students interested in computer science should consult HUST’s current school and international admissions pages, as program availability and application requirements can vary by degree level and language of instruction.
HUST’s 2026 international graduate admissions guide sets eligibility rules for master’s and doctoral applicants and notes that applicants are evaluated based on academic performance and potential. It also lists language requirements for Chinese-medium and English-medium graduate programs.
For computer science applicants, the most important step is to confirm the current major name, language of instruction, supervisor or research-field requirements, tuition, and scholarship availability directly through HUST’s official admissions channels.
8. University of Electronic Science and Technology of China
The University of Electronic Science and Technology of China (UESTC) is closely associated with China’s early development of computer science education. Its School of Computer Science and Engineering states that Computer Science and Technology at UESTC was founded in 1956 as part of the first batch of computer science disciplines in China.
The UESTC School of Computer Science and Engineering offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral study pathways. Current research fields listed for graduate study include information security, digital media technology, embedded systems, computer networks, artificial intelligence, and cloud computing.
This school provides undergraduate and graduate study options in computer science and technology. International applicants should check the current UESTC admissions brochure and program pages for the available language of instruction and degree-specific requirements.
9. Tianjin University
Tianjin University is located in Tianjin, China, and teaches computing through its School of Computer Science and Technology. Its computer science discipline dates to 1958. The school brings together computer science, computer engineering, and computational intelligence, connecting foundational computing with intelligent systems and interdisciplinary applications.
The undergraduate Computer Science and Technology program covers computer architecture, foundational software, computer networks, and algorithms. Students also encounter applications such as visual computing, big data, high-performance computing, natural language processing, and the Internet of Things. This combination provides a foundation in both software and hardware while allowing students to develop more specialized computing interests.
Graduate options include academic study in Computer Science and Technology and a professional master’s in Electronic Information with computing-related fields. The latter lasts three years and combines coursework, professional practice, and thesis work. The four-year doctorate in Computer Science and Technology identifies computer networks, visual computing and pattern recognition, natural language processing, and computer architecture as its principal research directions.
What Current Students / Alumni of Tianjin University Say
| Student/Alumnus and Program | Computer Science Academic Experience | University Experience |
|---|
Rahool Dembani
MS in Software Engineering
2017–2020 | His master’s developed his expertise in artificial intelligence and machine learning. His thesis on deep-learning-based facial expression and face recognition gave him hands-on experience with advanced neural network architectures; looking back, he would have aimed for a stronger publication record from his master’s research. | — |
10. Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications
Located in Nanjing, China, Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications organizes its computing education through the College of Computer Science, College of Software, and College of Cyberspace Security. These units share an academic structure that grew from a computer department established in 1985. The university’s telecommunications background is reflected in its emphasis on networked computing and information security.
Undergraduate choices include Computer Science and Technology, Software Engineering, and Information Security. These are separate full programs rather than specializations within one degree, and the college reports engineering education accreditation for all three. Computer Science and Technology provides the broadest named computing route, while the other programs focus more directly on software development and secure information systems.
The college offers academic master’s programs in Computer Science and Technology, Software Engineering, and Cyberspace Security, alongside a professional master’s field in Computer Technology. Doctoral authorization includes Computer Science and Technology and Cyberspace Security. Research areas span computer architecture and distributed systems, Internet of Things sensing and computing, artificial intelligence and big data, and network and software security.
What Current Students / Alumni of Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications Say
| Student/Alumnus and Program | Computer Science Academic Experience | University Experience |
|---|
Md Rabbi Al Islam
Bachelor’s in Electronic and Information Engineering
Completed in 2019 | His undergraduate studies built a foundation in programming, algorithm design, and data analysis. His final-year thesis investigated object recognition using deep learning, giving him practical experience applying computing methods. | — |
11. Chongqing University
Chongqing University is located in Chongqing, China, and provides computing education through its College of Computer Science. The college traces its undergraduate computer science program to 1958, master’s education to 1978, and doctoral education to 1986. Its current degree directory confirms pathways from undergraduate study through research at the doctoral level.
The college lists undergraduate programs in Computer Science and Technology, Internet of Things Engineering, and Information Security. Computer Science and Technology emphasizes the discipline’s fundamental principles, methods, and technologies, together with introductory research capabilities. The other two programs offer more focused routes into connected devices and secure computing, so applicants should distinguish their specialized curricula from the broader computer science program.
Graduate offerings include a master’s in Computer Science and Technology, a professional master’s in Electronic Information, and a PhD in Computer Science and Technology. The doctoral program identifies computational intelligence and information security, intelligent networks and advanced computing, machine learning and cross-media perception, and big data intelligence and service computing as research areas.
What Current Students / Alumni of Chongqing University Say
| Student/Alumnus and Program | Computer Science Academic Experience | University Experience |
|---|
Guiqiu Liao
Bachelor’s in Measurement & Control Science and Technology
September 2012–June 2016 | His undergraduate projects included an intelligent-car prototype and aerial robots, with a dissertation on autonomous navigation and precise positioning for a quadcopter. He identifies this work as part of his foundation in robotics and computer vision. | — |
We hope that this article on universities for computer science in China was helpful. If you are interested, explore Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees for International Students!
