Data science is one of the most important fields for students interested in technology, business analytics, machine learning, and Artificial Intelligence (AI). This is especially relevant in China, where universities, companies, and government agencies continue to invest heavily in AI and big data.
The science of analyzing and extracting knowledge from massive amounts of complex data, and putting that knowledge into practical use, is what ultimately fuels machine learning and AI.
China’s State Council has set national AI development goals through 2030, including becoming a major global AI innovation center. With a growing number of undergraduate and postgraduate data science options now available, this article looks at several top universities offering data science-related programs in China.
Top Schools Offering Data Science in China
1. New York University Shanghai
This four-year undergraduate Data Science major at NYU Shanghai is designed to produce data-driven creative thinkers with a broad education and a global perspective.
This university was founded in 2012 by New York University (NYU) in partnership with East China Normal University. It currently has about 2,000 undergraduate and graduate students, with about half from China and the other half from the United States and more than 70 other countries. NYU Shanghai is based in Pudong, Shanghai, and its newer campus is located in Qiantan.
In its efforts to foster global citizens, NYU Shanghai encourages students to spend up to two semesters studying at NYU’s campuses in New York or Abu Dhabi, one of NYU’s 13 global academic centers, or an approved international exchange program.
2. Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen
The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen has a School of Data Science (SDS), established in July 2020. The school aims to combine teaching, research, and industry collaboration to support data science innovation.
The School of Data Science, based in Shenzhen, offers four undergraduate programs: Data Science and Big Data Technology, Computer Science and Engineering, Statistics, and Financial Engineering. It also offers six master’s programs and two doctoral programs in Data Science and Computer Science.
3. University of Hong Kong
The University of Hong Kong (HKU) is the oldest tertiary education institution in Hong Kong. It was incorporated in 1911 and officially opened in 1912. HKU ranked 1st in the QS Asia University Rankings 2026.
HKU is also a strong option for data science study in China, with its Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science and Department of Computer Science jointly offering the postgraduate Master of Data Science program.
HKU’s Faculty of Science has noted that a Forbes columnist included HKU’s Master of Data Science program among the “10 Best AI and Data Science Master’s Courses for 2021.”
This 1.5-year full-time or 2.5-year part-time program requires 72 credits. Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree or an equivalent qualification and should have taken university-level or post-secondary courses in calculus and algebra, computer programming, and introductory statistics or related areas.
4. Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University
The BEng Data Science and Big Data Technology with Contemporary Entrepreneurialism program at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) covers mathematics, data science, statistics, and computer science, while also giving students opportunities to develop entrepreneurial and leadership skills.
XJTLU was founded in 2006 as a joint venture between Xi’an Jiaotong University and the University of Liverpool. This partnership allows students in this program to graduate with two degrees: an XJTLU degree from the Chinese Ministry of Education and a globally recognized degree from the University of Liverpool.
The four-year, full-time degree is offered at XJTLU Entrepreneur College (Taicang). Students can benefit from XJTLU’s industry-focused model, real-world projects, internship and industry opportunities, and purpose-built facilities on the Taicang campus.
5. Southern University of Science and Technology
Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech) is a public university established in 2011 and located in Shenzhen.
SUSTech is a notable option for data science study in China. Its Department of Statistics and Data Science, established in April 2019, offers two undergraduate programs: Statistics and Data Science and Big Data Technology.
The department also has two graduate programs, M.Phil. and Ph.D., which cover research areas such as statistics, data science, and big data technology.
The undergraduate Data Science and Big Data Technology program combines statistical theory and computing technology to help students analyze big data and apply data-driven methods across different fields.
6. Duke Kunshan University
Located in Kunshan, Jiangsu Province, Duke Kunshan University was established in September 2013 as a U.S.-China partnership among Duke University, Wuhan University, and the city of Kunshan.
This partnership allows students who complete their academic requirements to receive Duke Kunshan University graduation documents approved by China’s Ministry of Education, as well as a diploma from Duke University.
Duke Kunshan University is a notable data science university in China, with seminars of fewer than 20 students and a student-faculty ratio of roughly 7:1. It also offers students in good standing the opportunity to spend up to one semester and one six-week summer term studying at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina.
7. Zhejiang University of Science
Zhejiang University of Science is a multidisciplinary institution with an emphasis on engineering, while also offering programs in economics, science, management, education, and the arts.
The university has two campuses: Xiaoheshan Campus in Hangzhou and Anji Campus in Anji, Huzhou.
ZUST was founded in 1980 and has long emphasized applied education and Sino-German cooperation.
Besides offering its Bachelor’s in Data Science and Big Data Technology, ZUST’s Department of Big Data Science has a Data Science and Artificial Intelligence laboratory supported by master’s degree areas such as mathematics, applied statistics, engineering simulation and statistics, and vehicle engineering. Its research areas include machine learning and big data processing, big data processing and statistical analysis, big data analysis and applications, and big data intelligent processing.
With the increasing popularity and need for detailed data analysis in today’s data-driven digital world, there is no better time to study data science. Whether you are looking for an undergraduate or postgraduate qualification in data science, big data, or AI, China offers a growing range of programs that can support a future career in this field.
We hope this article on data science universities in China was helpful. Make sure to also check out the China Page and the various Available Data Science Programs for International Students to explore your study options.
