China hosts numerous world-class universities promoting innovation and research. This creates serious competition among both domestic and international applicants to get into their desired programs at these prestigious universities. One of the essential requirements for studying an English-taught program in China is to prove strong English language skills—often the cornerstone that distinguishes successful applicants. IELTS Academic is a globally recognized English language proficiency exam that can be taken almost anywhere in the world, and most Chinese universities recognize IELTS scores with their specific band requirements. This article provides the IELTS band requirements of top universities in China.
Minimum IELTS Band Requirements for Universities in China
Each Chinese university or program has its own criteria for accepting IELTS scores. Below are selected top universities in China with their IELTS band requirements.
1. Shanghai Jiao Tong University
Shanghai Jiao Tong University (STJU) is a prominent public university. STJU is often ranked among world-class universities in major global rankings, including QS World University Rankings and Times Higher Education World University Rankings.
STJU is best known for its engineering, computer science, clinical medicine, and economics departments, with a wide variety of English-taught programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Proficient English skills are essential, and the minimum IELTS Academic band score for most programs is 6.0.
2. Fudan University
Established in 1905, Fudan University is a highly regarded institution in China. It enrolls over 36,000 students, including more than 3,500 international students. Prominent programs include mathematics, economics, chemistry, biotechnology, and nanoscience.
Fudan University offers several English-taught programs. Applicants typically need a minimum IELTS Academic band score of 6.5. Some programs may require band 7.0 or higher, such as doctoral programs in International Politics.
3. Tsinghua University
Located within the former imperial gardens of the Qing Dynasty in Beijing, Tsinghua University is one of the most prestigious universities in China with global recognition. It is consistently ranked at or near the top in China and among the top institutions in Asia, with strong emphasis on engineering, computer science, materials science, and chemistry.
Tsinghua offers numerous programs across degree levels, including English-taught graduate programs. Non-native English speakers generally need at least an IELTS Academic band score of 6.5.
Here is what Tsinghua University Scholars say about IELTS:
“you must meet the following minimum thresholds in order to be considered for the scholarship: TOEFL: 100; IELTS: 7; …”
Michael Gallo
4. Zhejiang University
Zhejiang University, located in Hangzhou, is ranked among the best in China and enrolls over 60,000 students, including thousands of international students. Zhejiang offers multiple English-taught programs. Requirements vary by program: for example, Clinical Medicine (BMed) may require band 6.0, while a master’s in Chinese Economy may require band 6.5.
5. Nanjing University
Nanjing University, also known as Nankin University, is among the oldest universities in China, with campuses at Xianlin and Gulou and hundreds of degree programs.
Nanjing University offers several English-taught programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. International applicants generally need a minimum IELTS Academic band score of 5.5 or above.
IELTS Scores of Students Studying in China
FAQs about Studying in China
What IELTS score do Chinese universities usually ask for?
Most English-taught programs in China expect at least a 6.0–6.5 IELTS overall. For example, Tsinghua University lists a 6.5 minimum for non-native speakers applying to degree programs taught in English.
Is IELTS mandatory for the Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC)?
Not always. Chhoeurm Phearun (UIBE, Beijing) explains that while the CSC itself didn’t require IELTS, many Chinese universities still ask for proof of English ability (IELTS/TOEFL) for English-taught programs, so you must check the program’s page.
Can I be exempted from submitting IELTS if I studied in English before?
Yes, some scholars were exempted with proof of prior English-medium studies. Anees Ahmad (PhD, Chongqing University) says he didn’t need IELTS because his previous degree was taught in English, which satisfied both CSC and university language requirements. Chhoeurm Phearun also used an English Proficiency Certificate from his university.
If IELTS isn’t available, what other proofs of English will Chinese universities accept?
Alternatives commonly accepted include TOEFL or an official certificate stating your previous degree was taught in English. Chhoeurm Phearun used an English-medium certificate; many schools list TOEFL alongside IELTS for English-taught tracks.
We hope this overview of IELTS band requirements in Chinese universities was helpful. Visit our English Language Proficiency Exams page to learn more about IELTS and how to improve your score. If you’re interested in studying in China, explore our Study in China page and the Open Courses for International Students to find programs and opportunities.
