QS #133
Nanjing University
C9 LeagueProject 985Project 211
Physics, Astronomy, Chemistry
English / Chinese
Most Competitive
CNY 20,000 - 34,000 / year
Study in Nanjing
Study in Nanjing
The Historic City of Scholars and Modern Research Excellence
Ancient capital of ten dynasties and capital of prosperous Jiangsu Province, Nanjing pairs a 2,500-year scholarly heritage with one of the strongest concentrations of research universities in China. Home to C9 League member Nanjing University and engineering powerhouse Southeast University, the city is a national base for the natural sciences, architecture, electronics, software and advanced manufacturing. With more affordable living than Beijing or Shanghai, a large and welcoming international student community, tree-lined boulevards and easy high-speed access to the whole Yangtze River Delta, Nanjing offers international students elite academics and excellent career prospects at outstanding value.
Nanjing at a Glance
- Population
- 9.5+ million
- Universities
- 50+
- International Students
- 30,000+
- Double First-Class
- 13 universities
- Avg. Living Cost
- US$350–700 / mo
- Safety
- Very High
- Climate
- Humid subtropical
- Best Known For
- Research & the sciences
Why Nanjing
Why Choose Nanjing?
The academic, research and career strengths that make Nanjing one of Asia's leading study destinations.
Elite Research Universities
Home to Nanjing University (C9 League) and Southeast University — leaders in the natural sciences, astronomy, architecture, civil and information engineering.
A National Science Hub
One of China’s densest clusters of universities and national laboratories, with world-class strength in physics, chemistry, astronomy and materials.
Great Value in the Delta
Notably more affordable than Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen, letting students access top-tier universities within the wealthy Yangtze River Delta.
Strong Tech & Industry
A growing base for electronics, software, integrated circuits, automotive and green energy, backed by major national high-tech development zones.
Unmatched Scholarly Heritage
Capital of ten dynasties, with the Ming City Wall, Confucius Temple, Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum and Purple Mountain framing daily student life.
Yangtze Delta Gateway
A major high-speed rail hub and international airport put Shanghai, Hangzhou and Suzhou within an hour or two of campus.
Quick Facts
Nanjing Essentials
The practical facts international students ask about most, at a glance.
Population9.5+ million
Area6,587 km²
Summer Temperature28–38°C
Winter Temperature0–8°C
Time ZoneUTC+8
Official LanguageMandarin Chinese
CurrencyRMB (CNY)
International Airports1 (Lukou)
Metro Lines12+
Safety LevelVery High
Internet InfrastructureExcellent
High-Speed RailNationwide
Right Fit
Who Is Nanjing Best For?
Nanjing is an outstanding choice for many students — but not everyone. Here's how to tell if it fits your goals.
Nanjing Is Ideal For
- Natural Sciences & ResearchYou want to study at Nanjing University, a C9 leader in physics, astronomy, chemistry and environmental science.
- Architecture & EngineeringYou're drawn to Southeast University's renowned architecture, civil, biomedical and information engineering.
- Value-Conscious StudentsYou want a C9-calibre academic experience in the prosperous Yangtze Delta without Shanghai-level living costs.
- History & Culture LoversYou value living in one of China’s great ancient capitals, rich in heritage, gardens and student culture.
- Yangtze Delta CareersYou want a base connected to the electronics, software, automotive and green-energy industries of eastern China.
May Not Be the Best Choice If
- You want the very lowest possible living costs in China
- You dislike hot, humid summers
- You prefer a small, quiet town over a major city
- You want to be inside a coastal financial megacity like Shanghai or Shenzhen
- You are looking mainly for a tropical or beach climate
Cost of Living
What It Costs to Live in Nanjing
Typical monthly student budget in US dollars. Actual costs depend on your lifestyle and accommodation choice.
University DormitoryUS$100–260Most affordable
Private ApartmentUS$280–650+More independence
FoodUS$150–300
TransportationUS$15–40
Mobile & InternetUS$8–20
EntertainmentUS$40–130
Estimated Monthly TotalUS$350–700per month, all-in
Compared With
- vs Beijing: CheaperAround 20–35% more affordable overall
- vs Shanghai: Much cheaperAround 25–40% more affordable overall
- vs Shenzhen: CheaperAround 20–35% more affordable overall
- vs Hangzhou: SimilarBroadly comparable, often slightly cheaper
- vs Xi'an: More expensiveAround 15–25% higher overall
Budget Tip
Nanjing offers C9-calibre universities within the wealthy Yangtze River Delta at clearly lower costs than Beijing or Shanghai. Most international students live comfortably on US$350–700 per month, and choosing a university dormitory over a private apartment saves a further US$150–350.
Climate
Nanjing Throughout the Year
Four distinct seasons shape campus life. Here's what to expect — and pack for.
March–May
Spring
10–24°CMild & bloomingWarm, comfortable days with blossoming plum and cherry trees across the city’s famous parks and campuses.
June–August
Summer
28–38°CHot & humidOne of China’s "three furnaces" — hot, humid days with a rainy season in June; campuses and dorms are fully air-conditioned.
September–November
Autumn
12–26°CClear & pleasantCrisp, sunny and comfortable — widely considered the best season, especially the golden gingko and plane-tree avenues.
December–February
Winter
0–8°CCold & dampCold, damp winters with occasional light snow; indoor spaces and dorms are heated for comfort.
Top Universities
Best Universities in Nanjing
Nanjing's leading institutions for international students — spanning engineering, medicine, business, AI and more.
QS #441
Southeast University
Project 985Project 211Double First-Class
Architecture, Civil Engineering, Information Engineering
English / Chinese
Competitive
CNY 22,000 - 32,000 / year
Best Programs
Top Programs to Study in Nanjing
The academic fields where Nanjing offers the strongest universities, research and career pathways.
Natural Sciences & Astronomy
Among China's strongest programs in physics, astronomy, chemistry and environmental science.
Why Nanjing?Nanjing University is a C9 leader with world-class research bases and national laboratories.
Recommended Universities
Career OutlookExcellent — research, academia, energy and advanced technology.
Architecture & Civil Engineering
Historic, internationally respected training in architecture, urban design and civil engineering.
Why Nanjing?Southeast University's architecture school is one of the oldest and most prestigious in China.
Recommended Universities
Career OutlookExcellent — architecture, construction, planning and infrastructure.
Information & Electronic Engineering
Leading programs in information engineering, electronics, communications and integrated circuits.
Why Nanjing?Southeast University anchors China’s research in information science and communications.
Recommended Universities
Career OutlookExcellent — electronics, telecoms, chips and software.
Medicine & Biomedical Engineering
Strong clinical medicine and biomedical engineering supported by major teaching hospitals.
Why Nanjing?Both NJU and SEU maintain respected medical and biomedical research programs.
Recommended Universities
Career OutlookVery good — clinical, biomedical and public-health careers.
Business & Economics
Highly regarded business, economics and management programs in a wealthy provincial economy.
Why Nanjing?Nanjing University's business and economics schools rank among China's best.
Recommended Universities
Career OutlookVery good — finance, management, trade and consulting.
Careers
Career Opportunities in Nanjing
Why graduates choose Nanjing — a concentration of leading industries, employers and internships.
Strong Industries
Electronics & SemiconductorsA major base for chips, electronics and displays.
Software & ITA national software and information-services hub.
Architecture & ConstructionLeading design, planning and engineering firms.
Automotive & ManufacturingAutomotive, machinery and advanced manufacturing.
Green Energy & ChemicalsNew-energy, petrochemical and materials industries.
Education & ResearchDense cluster of universities and research institutes.
Major Employers
Nanjing University
Southeast University
Suning
ZTE Nanjing
Fujitsu Nanjing
LG Chem Nanjing
Post-Graduation Advantage
Nanjing combines a strong Yangtze Delta job market in electronics, software and engineering with lower living costs than Shanghai — especially valuable for Science, Architecture, IT and Engineering students seeking internships in eastern China.
Student Life
Life as a Student in Nanjing
Everything that shapes daily life outside the classroom — from housing and food to sports, safety and community.
AccommodationAffordable on-campus dorms and modern private apartments.
DiningFamous Huaiyang cuisine, duck dishes and Qinhuai snacks.
Halal FoodWidely available with many Muslim-friendly restaurants.
Transportation12+ metro lines and an extensive bus network.
SportsUniversity gyms, pools and modern sports facilities.
ShoppingLarge malls, historic markets and fast e-commerce.
HealthcareTop hospitals and reliable student clinics.
International CommunityA large, long-established global student community.
Weekend ActivitiesPurple Mountain, Xuanwu Lake, City Wall and Confucius Temple.
SafetyOne of the safest and most welcoming major cities.
Getting Around
Transportation & Accessibility in Nanjing
How students move around the city and connect to the rest of China and the world.
International AirportNanjing Lukou International Airport with global routes.
Metro12+ lines reaching campuses and the whole city.
High-Speed RailA Yangtze Delta hub with fast links across China.
Public TransportExtensive, low-cost bus network.
Ride-HailingDidi and taxis available everywhere.
Shared BikesDockless bikes on almost every street.
WalkabilityFlat, leafy, walkable streets and lakeside paths.
Compare Cities
Compare Nanjing With Other Cities
See how leading Chinese study destinations stack up. Higher bars are better; for cost of living, a higher bar means more affordable.
University Quality
- Nanjing
- Beijing
- Shanghai
- Guangzhou
- Shenzhen
Research
- Nanjing
- Beijing
- Shanghai
- Guangzhou
- Shenzhen
Cost of Living
- Nanjing
- Beijing
- Shanghai
- Guangzhou
- Shenzhen
International Environment
- Nanjing
- Beijing
- Shanghai
- Guangzhou
- Shenzhen
Career Opportunities
- Nanjing
- Beijing
- Shanghai
- Guangzhou
- Shenzhen
Lifestyle
- Nanjing
- Beijing
- Shanghai
- Guangzhou
- Shenzhen
Safety
- Nanjing
- Beijing
- Shanghai
- Guangzhou
- Shenzhen
FAQ
Nanjing — Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions international students ask most about studying in Nanjing.
Explore More
Explore More Destinations
Find the city that best matches your academic goals, budget and lifestyle preferences.
4 Universities
Beijing
China's Academic Capital
Explore Universities
3 Universities
Shanghai
Global Finance & Innovation Hub
Explore Universities
2 Universities
Guangzhou
Gateway to Southern China
Explore Universities
2 Universities
Shenzhen
Innovation & Technology Hub
Explore Universities
1 University
Hangzhou
E-commerce & Scenic City
Explore Universities
2 Universities
Chengdu
Relaxed Cultural Powerhouse
Explore Universities
2 Universities
Wuhan
University Hub of Central China
Explore Universities
2 Universities
Xi'an
Ancient Capital of Learning
Explore Universities
2 Universities
Tianjin
Coastal Education Hub
Explore UniversitiesTake the First Step
Ready to Study in Nanjing?
Whether you're interested in MBBS, Computer Science, AI, Engineering or Business, Nanjing offers some of the strongest academic opportunities in Asia. Get your free academic assessment and discover which Nanjing universities best match your profile and goals.
Free Academic Assessment
Discover Your Admission Potential — Free
Complete your assessment today and receive:
- Academic Eligibility Assessment
- Admission Potential Evaluation
- Professional Guidance on Your Next Step
- 100% Free • No Obligation • Confidential