Water Engineering Leader
A national specialist in hydraulic engineering, hydrology and water resources management with a century of focused expertise.
Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
Hohai University
Engineering water, cities and a sustainable future since 1915
Founded in 1915, Hohai University is a national 211 and Double First Class university with a distinctive mission in water conservancy and civil engineering. Its academic strengths span hydraulic engineering, water resources management, hydrology, environmental science, civil infrastructure and coastal engineering. With campuses in Nanjing and Changzhou, Hohai gives international students access to a rigorous engineering tradition, major research projects addressing floods and droughts, and the Yangtze River Delta innovation economy.
Project 211Double First-Class
- Location
- Nanjing, China
- Founded
- 1915
- International Students
- 1,200+
- Teaching Language
- English / Chinese
- Tuition
- CNY 20,000 - 30,000 / year
- Intake
- September
- Application Deadline
- June 30
Why Choose
Why Choose Hohai University
Key reasons international students choose Hohai University for their studies in China.
Century Of Engineering
Founded in 1915, Hohai combines long-standing water science traditions with modern infrastructure and environmental research.
Climate Resilience Research
Students work alongside researchers tackling floods, droughts, river basins, coastal risk and sustainable water systems.
Strong Civil Engineering
Civil, transportation and municipal engineering programs connect classroom learning with China’s rapid urban development.
Yangtze Delta Location
Nanjing provides access to major engineering employers, research institutes and a well-connected international city in eastern China.
Sustainability In Practice
Environmental science and water governance training prepares graduates for the global transition toward resilient, low-carbon cities.
Rankings & Recognition
Academic Reputation
National designations and world rankings that signal academic strength and prestige.
China National Ranking#63
National Designations
Project 211Double First-Class
Programs
Programs for International Students
Explore the degree programs and academic strengths available to international students at Hohai University.
Water Resources and Hydropower Engineering
BachelorLanguage: English
Duration: 4 years
Tuition: CNY 24,800 / year
Intake: September
Scholarship: CSC and Hohai scholarships eligible
Civil Engineering
BachelorLanguage: English
Duration: 4 years
Tuition: CNY 24,800 / year
Intake: September
Scholarship: University and government scholarships eligible
Environmental Engineering
BachelorLanguage: English
Duration: 4 years
Tuition: CNY 24,800 / year
Intake: September
Scholarship: CSC and Jiangsu scholarships eligible
Hydraulic Engineering
MasterLanguage: English
Duration: 3 years
Tuition: CNY 30,000 / year
Intake: September
Scholarship: CSC full scholarship eligible
Water Resources Engineering
DoctorLanguage: English
Duration: 4 years
Tuition: CNY 32,000 / year
Intake: September
Scholarship: CSC and university scholarships eligible
Admission
Admission Requirements
What you need to apply to Hohai University as an international student.
- Academic RequirementsHigh school diploma for bachelor’s programs; a relevant bachelor’s or master’s degree for graduate admission.
- Language RequirementsEnglish-taught programs generally require IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL 80; Chinese-taught programs generally require HSK 4 or above.
- Required DocumentsPassport, notarised academic records, graduation certificate, study plan, language certificate, physical examination form and non-criminal record certificate.
- Application DeadlineMost September-intake applications close between May and June; confirm the exact date with the target program.
- Application FeeCNY 400, non-refundable, where charged by the application system.
- Medical ExaminationAdmitted students must provide a Foreigner Physical Examination Form and complete the required arrival procedures.
Tuition & Scholarships
Costs & Funding
Transparent tuition, living costs and scholarship options for international students.
Cost Breakdown
- Annual Tuition
- CNY 20,000 - 30,000 / year
- Accommodation
- CNY 8,000 – 15,000 / yearInternational student dormitory, depending on room type
- Application Fee
- CNY 400 (one-time)
- Medical Insurance
- About CNY 800 / yearSubject to the university’s current insurance plan
- Estimated Living Cost
- CNY 2,000 – 3,500 / monthMeals, transport and personal expenses in Nanjing
Estimated First-Year CostCNY 60,000 – 90,000
Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC)
Coverage: May cover tuition, accommodation, insurance and a monthly stipend.
Eligibility: Outstanding international applicants for eligible master’s and doctoral programs.
Deadline: Usually March – May
Hohai University Scholarship
Coverage: Full or partial tuition support according to the current award scheme.
Eligibility: International students with strong academic performance applying to eligible programs.
Deadline: With the annual application
Jiangsu Government Scholarship
Coverage: Tuition support for eligible international degree students in Jiangsu Province.
Eligibility: Applicants nominated through the university and meeting the annual criteria.
Deadline: Usually spring
Campus Life
Life on Campus
What daily student life looks like at Hohai University.
Historic Nanjing Campus
The Xikang Road campus places students close to Nanjing’s museums, parks, libraries and historic districts.
Engineering Library
Specialist collections and digital databases support research in water, civil, environmental and transportation engineering.
Water Culture
The university’s identity is visible in research exhibitions, student projects and a campus community shaped by water science.
Sports Facilities
Students can use campus gyms, courts and sports grounds alongside clubs and inter-university activities.
Student Associations
Academic, cultural and international student associations provide opportunities to make friends and develop practical skills.
Connected City
Nanjing’s metro and high-speed rail network make Shanghai, Suzhou and other Yangtze Delta cities accessible.
Gallery
Campus Gallery
A visual tour of Hohai University.
Research & Innovation
Research Strengths
Research capacity and innovation ecosystem at Hohai University.
Water Resources Systems
Research covers watershed management, hydrology, drought mitigation and the sustainable allocation of water resources.
Hydraulic Engineering
Laboratories investigate dams, hydraulic structures, river processes, sediment transport and hydropower systems.
Environmental Protection
Researchers address water pollution control, ecological restoration, wastewater treatment and environmental monitoring.
Resilient Infrastructure
Civil and transportation engineering teams study safe, efficient infrastructure for rapidly growing urban regions.
Coastal And River Research
Projects examine coastal processes, flood risk and the changing relationship between cities, rivers and climate.
Smart Water Technology
Digital modelling, sensors and data analysis are applied to improve the management of complex water systems.
Career Outcomes
Graduate Outcomes
Where a degree from Hohai University can take you after graduation.
Water Sector Careers
Graduates pursue roles with water authorities, hydraulic design institutes, utilities and international development organisations.
Infrastructure Employers
Civil and transportation graduates are prepared for design, construction, consulting and project management careers.
Environmental Consulting
Environmental training supports careers in pollution control, ecological restoration, sustainability and climate adaptation.
Yangtze Delta Opportunities
Nanjing’s location connects students with engineering, technology and manufacturing employers across eastern China.
Research Pathways
Strong students can continue into doctoral research at Hohai or other leading universities worldwide.
International Engineering
Water and infrastructure skills transfer well to global projects addressing urbanisation, climate and resource security.
Student Support
International Student Support
How Hohai University helps international students settle in and succeed.
Accommodation Assistance
The international office provides guidance on dormitory applications and arrival arrangements.
Visa And Residence Help
Staff support admission documentation, X1 visa procedures and residence permit registration after arrival.
Orientation Services
Orientation introduces campus systems, safety, registration, banking and everyday life in Nanjing.
Academic Advising
Schools and supervisors help students choose courses, plan research and understand assessment requirements.
Chinese Language Courses
International students can develop practical Mandarin for study, daily life and future professional work.
Health Services
Students receive insurance guidance and access to campus and local medical services.
International Community
International student activities and cultural events help newcomers build a supportive campus network.
Timeline
Application Timeline
Key dates and milestones for applying to Hohai University.
- December – March
Review Programs
Choose an English- or Chinese-taught program and confirm its annual requirements.
- March – May
Prepare Documents
Arrange transcripts, certificates, language results, study plan and recommendation letters.
- By May – June
Submit Application
Complete the online application and scholarship submission before the program deadline.
- June – July
Receive Decision
The university reviews the file and issues admission and scholarship results.
- July – August
Prepare Arrival
Receive the Admission Notice and visa documents, then arrange travel and accommodation.
- August – September
Visa And Registration
Apply for the X1 visa, arrive in Nanjing and complete registration and medical procedures.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions international students ask most about Hohai University.
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