Teacher Education Leader
A century-long reputation in education prepares students for schools, research and education policy careers worldwide.
Nanjing, Jiangsu, ChinaQS #901
Nanjing Normal University
A century of teacher education in the historic capital of Jiangsu
Nanjing Normal University (NNU) is a leading comprehensive university in eastern China and one of the country’s historic centres for teacher education. Its nationally recognised disciplines include education, Chinese language and literature, geography, geographic information science, environmental science and fine arts. With campuses in historic central Nanjing and modern Xianlin, NNU offers international students a supportive route into Chinese study, education research and the rapidly developing Yangtze River Delta.
Project 211Double First-Class
- QS World Ranking
- #901
- Location
- Nanjing, China
- Founded
- 1902
- International Students
- 800+
- Teaching Language
- English / Chinese
- Tuition
- CNY 18,000 - 28,000 / year
- Intake
- September
- Application Deadline
- May 31
Why Choose
Why Choose Nanjing Normal University
Key reasons international students choose Nanjing Normal University for their studies in China.
International Chinese Education
Strong Chinese language and literature expertise supports immersive study in one of China’s most historic cities.
Geography & GIS Strength
Leading geography and geographic information research connects classroom learning with environmental and urban challenges.
Double First Class University
National recognition provides a strong academic platform without the extreme selectivity of China’s C9 universities.
Two Complementary Campuses
Historic Suiyuan heritage and modern Xianlin facilities offer both cultural depth and contemporary student life.
Yangtze Delta Access
Nanjing’s location gives students access to major employers, museums and high-speed rail links across eastern China.
Rankings & Recognition
Academic Reputation
National designations and world rankings that signal academic strength and prestige.
QS World University Ranking#901
China National Ranking#58
National Designations
Project 211Double First-Class
Programs
Programs for International Students
Explore the degree programs and academic strengths available to international students at Nanjing Normal University.
Education
BachelorLanguage: Chinese
Duration: 4 years
Tuition: CNY 18,000 / year
Intake: September
Scholarship: CSC eligible
Chinese Language and Literature
BachelorLanguage: Chinese
Duration: 4 years
Tuition: CNY 18,000 / year
Intake: September
Scholarship: Jiangsu Government Scholarship eligible
Geography
BachelorLanguage: Chinese
Duration: 4 years
Tuition: CNY 18,000 / year
Intake: September
Scholarship: University awards available
International Chinese Education
MasterLanguage: Chinese / English
Duration: 2 years
Tuition: CNY 22,000 / year
Intake: September
Scholarship: CSC and university scholarships
Geographical Science
MasterLanguage: English / Chinese
Duration: 3 years
Tuition: CNY 24,000 / year
Intake: September
Scholarship: CSC eligible
Chinese Language Program
Non-DegreeLanguage: Chinese
Duration: 1 semester - 1 year
Tuition: CNY 9,000 / semester
Intake: September and March
Scholarship: Language scholarships may apply
Admission
Admission Requirements
What you need to apply to Nanjing Normal University as an international student.
- Academic RequirementsHigh school diploma for bachelor’s study; a relevant bachelor’s degree for master’s study, with strong academic results.
- Language RequirementsChinese-taught programs generally require HSK 5; English-taught programs require recognised English proficiency.
- Required DocumentsPassport, diploma, transcripts, language certificate, study plan, recommendation letters and a physical examination form.
- Application DeadlineMost September-intake applications close between April and May; confirm the programme-specific date with NNU.
- Application ProcessSubmit the online international student application, upload certified documents and monitor the admissions portal.
- InterviewSome degree and scholarship applicants may be invited to an online interview or departmental assessment.
- Medical ExaminationAdmitted students complete the Foreigner Physical Examination Record for visa and registration purposes.
- Visa DocumentsSuccessful students receive an Admission Notice and JW202 or electronic study visa certificate.
Tuition & Scholarships
Costs & Funding
Transparent tuition, living costs and scholarship options for international students.
Cost Breakdown
- Annual Tuition
- CNY 18,000 - 28,000 / year
- Accommodation
- CNY 700 - 1,500 / monthInternational student residence, subject to availability
- Registration Fee
- CNY 400 - 600 (one-time)
- Medical Insurance
- About CNY 800 / yearRequired for international students
- Estimated Living Cost
- CNY 2,000 - 3,500 / monthMeals, transport and personal expenses
Estimated First-Year CostCNY 42,000 - 72,000
Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC)
Coverage: May cover tuition, accommodation, insurance and a monthly stipend depending on the award route.
Eligibility: Outstanding international applicants for eligible degree programmes.
Deadline: Usually March - April
Jiangsu Government Scholarship
Coverage: Full or partial tuition support for eligible international students studying in Jiangsu.
Eligibility: Admitted degree students with strong academic performance.
Deadline: Usually April - May
NNU Scholarships
Coverage: University-funded tuition reductions or awards for high-achieving international students.
Eligibility: New and continuing students assessed under current university rules.
Deadline: With admission application or annual review
International Chinese Language Scholarship
Coverage: Support for Chinese language and Chinese education study, according to the current award category.
Eligibility: Applicants recommended through eligible partner institutions or testing centres.
Deadline: Varies by programme
Campus Life
Life on Campus
What daily student life looks like at Nanjing Normal University.
Suiyuan Heritage Campus
The historic Suiyuan campus preserves gardens, architecture and the legacy of NNU’s teacher education tradition.
Modern Xianlin Campus
Xianlin provides contemporary classrooms, laboratories, libraries, residences and sports facilities.
Education-Focused Library
Students access extensive Chinese and international collections for education, humanities and social science research.
Student Organizations
Clubs, cultural festivals, volunteering and language exchange activities create an active international campus community.
Affordable City Living
Nanjing offers extensive campus dining and a lower cost of living than Beijing or Shanghai.
Historic Nanjing
Metro and high-speed rail connections put museums, heritage sites and eastern China within easy reach.
Gallery
Campus Gallery
A visual tour of Nanjing Normal University.
Research & Innovation
Research Strengths
Research capacity and innovation ecosystem at Nanjing Normal University.
Education Research
Research centres examine teacher development, curriculum, educational technology and policy in China and internationally.
Geography & GIS
Geographical science research supports regional planning, spatial analysis and sustainable development.
Chinese Language Studies
Language and literature scholars contribute to Chinese linguistics, culture and international Chinese education.
Environmental Research
Interdisciplinary work addresses ecosystems, resources, environmental change and urban sustainability.
Humanities Excellence
Strong history, literature, philosophy and arts communities provide depth beyond the university’s education profile.
International Collaboration
Partnerships with overseas universities support joint research, exchange and comparative education projects.
Career Outcomes
Graduate Outcomes
Where a degree from Nanjing Normal University can take you after graduation.
Education Careers
Graduates pursue teaching, curriculum, school leadership and education research across China and overseas.
International Chinese Teaching
Chinese language graduates build careers in schools, universities and cultural organisations worldwide.
GIS & Urban Planning
Geography and GIS training supports roles in planning, mapping, environment and regional development.
Yangtze Delta Employers
Nanjing’s regional economy offers access to education, technology, government and cultural-sector employers.
Public Sector Pathways
Humanities and social science graduates pursue public administration, policy, media and non-profit work.
Graduate Study
Research-focused students can progress to doctoral study at NNU or partner universities worldwide.
Student Support
International Student Support
How Nanjing Normal University helps international students settle in and succeed.
Accommodation Assistance
The international office helps students apply for available on-campus housing and understand residence procedures.
Visa Guidance
Support covers JW202 documents, X1 visas, residence permits and entry-exit procedures.
Orientation
Arrival sessions introduce registration, campus services, safety, banking and life in Nanjing.
Academic Advising
Schools and programme advisors help students plan courses, credits and research progression.
Chinese Learning
Chinese language courses and language exchange help English-track students participate confidently in campus life.
Health Services
Students receive guidance on insurance enrolment, campus clinics and local medical services.
International Community
International student activities and peer networks support cultural adjustment and friendships.
Library Access
International students receive access to libraries, databases and study facilities after registration.
Arrival Support
Pre-arrival information helps students prepare documents, transport, housing and registration.
Timeline
Application Timeline
Key dates and milestones for applying to Nanjing Normal University.
- December - February
Applications Open
Review the programme catalogue, scholarship options and document requirements for the September intake.
- February - April
Prepare Documents
Arrange certified academic records, language scores, recommendations and the study plan.
- By March - May
Submit Application
Complete the online application and upload all required documents before the programme deadline.
- May - July
Admission Review
Departments assess applications and scholarship candidates; interviews may be arranged when required.
- July - August
Visa Preparation
Receive the admission documents and apply for the appropriate Chinese student visa.
- Late August
Arrival Planning
Confirm accommodation, travel arrangements, insurance and registration instructions.
- Early September
Registration
Arrive in Nanjing, complete registration, settle into accommodation and attend orientation.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions international students ask most about Nanjing Normal University.
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