Top-Ranked Chemistry Research
Chemistry at Nankai ranks among China’s very best, with world-class labs in catalysis, materials and green chemistry.
Tianjin, ChinaQS #407
Nankai University
Dedication to public interest, acquisition of all-round capability, aspiration for daily progress
Founded in 1919 by educators Yan Xiu and Zhang Boling, Nankai University is one of China’s most respected comprehensive research universities and a member of the 985, 211 and Double First-Class programs. It is best known for chemistry, economics, mathematics and history, and hosts the Chern Institute of Mathematics, established by geometer Shiing-Shen Chern. Nankai operates the historic Balitai campus and the large modern Jinnan campus in Tianjin, only half an hour by high-speed rail from Beijing. For international students it offers rigorous academics, generous scholarship access and a calmer, more affordable city than China’s largest metropolises.
Project 985Project 211Double First-Class
- QS World Ranking
- #407
- Location
- Tianjin, China
- Founded
- 1919
- International Students
- 3,000+
- Teaching Language
- English / Chinese
- Tuition
- CNY 23,000 - 32,000 / year
- Intake
- September
- Application Deadline
- April 20
Why Choose
Why Choose Nankai University
Key reasons international students choose Nankai University for their studies in China.
Elite Economics Tradition
Home to China’s oldest economics research institute, shaping national policy debate for nearly a century.
Chern Institute Of Mathematics
A global centre for geometry and topology founded by Shiing-Shen Chern, hosting international mathematicians year-round.
Thirty Minutes From Beijing
High-speed rail links Tianjin to Beijing in about 30 minutes, combining capital access with lower living costs.
Zhou Enlai Alumni Legacy
Alma mater of Premier Zhou Enlai, giving graduates unusual standing in Chinese government and diplomatic circles.
Strong Chinese Studies Pathway
Long-established Chinese language and culture programs make Nankai a top choice for building fluent Mandarin.
Rankings & Recognition
Academic Reputation
National designations and world rankings that signal academic strength and prestige.
QS World University Ranking#407
China National Ranking#13
National Designations
Project 985Project 211Double First-Class
Programs
Programs for International Students
Explore the degree programs and academic strengths available to international students at Nankai University.
Chinese Language & Literature
BachelorLanguage: Chinese
Duration: 4 years
Tuition: CNY 23,000 / year
Intake: September
Scholarship: Confucius Institute Scholarship eligible
Economics
BachelorLanguage: Chinese
Duration: 4 years
Tuition: CNY 26,000 / year
Intake: September
Scholarship: Tianjin Government Scholarship eligible
Chemistry
BachelorLanguage: Chinese
Duration: 4 years
Tuition: CNY 30,000 / year
Intake: September
Scholarship: Nankai Freshman Scholarship eligible
International Business (English-taught)
BachelorLanguage: English
Duration: 4 years
Tuition: CNY 32,000 / year
Intake: September
Scholarship: Merit scholarships available
Chinese Economy & Public Policy
MasterLanguage: English
Duration: 2 – 3 years
Tuition: CNY 32,000 / year
Intake: September
Scholarship: CSC full scholarship eligible
Chinese Language Program
Non-DegreeLanguage: Chinese
Duration: 1 semester – 2 years
Tuition: CNY 12,000 / semester
Intake: September & March
Scholarship: Confucius Institute Scholarship
Admission
Admission Requirements
What you need to apply to Nankai University as an international student.
- Academic RequirementsHigh school graduation with solid results for bachelor’s programs; a relevant bachelor’s degree for master’s. Science majors expect strong maths and chemistry grades.
- Language RequirementsChinese-taught programs: HSK Level 4–5 (HSK 5 for humanities and economics). English-taught programs: IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 90.
- Required DocumentsPassport, high school or degree certificate, transcripts, HSK or English test report, study plan, two recommendation letters and non-criminal record.
- Application DeadlineScholarship applicants: early March. Self-funded applicants: April 20 for the September intake.
- Application ProcessApply through the Nankai international students online application system, upload documents and pay the application fee.
- InterviewMost schools hold an online interview or written assessment for shortlisted degree applicants.
- Medical ExaminationA completed Foreigner Physical Examination Form is required, with a re-check in Tianjin after arrival.
- Visa DocumentsNankai issues the Admission Notice and JW202 form needed for an X1 student visa application.
Tuition & Scholarships
Costs & Funding
Transparent tuition, living costs and scholarship options for international students.
Cost Breakdown
- Annual Tuition
- CNY 23,000 - 32,000 / year
- Accommodation
- CNY 700 – 1,400 / monthOn-campus international dormitory, twin or single room
- Application Fee
- CNY 400 – 800 (one-time)
- Medical Insurance
- CNY 800 / yearCompulsory comprehensive insurance for all international students
- Estimated Living Cost
- CNY 2,000 – 3,200 / monthCanteen meals, transport and personal expenses in Tianjin
Estimated First-Year CostCNY 50,000 – 85,000
Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC)
Coverage: Full tuition, campus accommodation, monthly living stipend and medical insurance.
Eligibility: Non-Chinese applicants for bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degrees with strong academic records.
Deadline: Early March
Tianjin Government Scholarship
Coverage: Full or partial tuition waiver for degree students studying in Tianjin.
Eligibility: Admitted or enrolled international degree students at Nankai University.
Deadline: Mid March
Nankai University Freshman Scholarship
Coverage: Partial to full tuition awards for outstanding self-funded new degree students.
Eligibility: First-year international students with excellent academic and language results.
Deadline: April 20
Confucius Institute Scholarship
Coverage: Tuition, accommodation, stipend and insurance for Chinese language and teaching programs.
Eligibility: Students of Chinese language, literature, history or Chinese teaching with HSK results.
Deadline: May 10
Campus Life
Life on Campus
What daily student life looks like at Nankai University.
Two Distinct Campuses
Study between the historic Balitai campus in central Tianjin and the spacious modern Jinnan campus with new labs and residences.
Major Research Library
The Nankai library system holds millions of volumes with especially deep collections in history, economics and chemistry.
International Community
Students from over 100 countries live in dedicated international residences with multilingual student services.
Varied Campus Dining
Multiple canteens serve inexpensive Chinese regional food, halal counters and Western options across both campuses.
Sports & Recreation
Stadiums, indoor gymnasiums, swimming pool, tennis and basketball courts support active student clubs and leagues.
Easy Tianjin Transport
Metro and bus links reach Tianjin’s waterfront, Italian-style town and high-speed rail station to Beijing quickly.
Gallery
Campus Gallery
A visual tour of Nankai University.
Research & Innovation
Research Strengths
Research capacity and innovation ecosystem at Nankai University.
State Key Chemistry Labs
State key laboratories in elemento-organic chemistry and medicinal chemical biology drive nationally leading research output.
Chern Institute Of Mathematics
An internationally recognised centre for geometry, topology and mathematical physics hosting global visiting scholars.
Institute Of Economics
China’s oldest economics research institute, focused on macroeconomic policy, industry and political economy.
Environmental Science Strength
Leading work on pollution control, urban ecology and environmental management for the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region.
History & Chinese Studies
Renowned research on modern Chinese history, world history and archival studies with rare document collections.
Global Research Partnerships
Joint laboratories, exchange programs and co-authored publications with leading universities in Asia, Europe and America.
Career Outcomes
Graduate Outcomes
Where a degree from Nankai University can take you after graduation.
Government & Diplomacy
A traditional pipeline into Chinese public service and international affairs, reinforced by its Zhou Enlai heritage.
Finance & Consulting
Economics and business graduates are recruited by banks, securities firms and consultancies in Tianjin and Beijing.
Chemical & Pharma Industry
Chemistry and materials graduates enter pharmaceutical, petrochemical and new-materials companies across northern China.
Graduate Study Abroad
Strong research training helps graduates win places in master’s and PhD programs worldwide.
Tianjin Industrial Base
Internships with aerospace, automotive, logistics and biotech employers in the Binhai New Area free trade zone.
Loyal Alumni Network
An engaged worldwide alumni community known for mentoring students in academia, business and public institutions.
Student Support
International Student Support
How Nankai University helps international students settle in and succeed.
Accommodation Assistance
Help reserving an on-campus international dormitory room or approved off-campus housing before arrival.
Residence Permit
Guided support converting your X1 visa into a Tianjin residence permit within 30 days of arrival.
Orientation
Orientation week covers registration, campus systems, safety, banking and life in Tianjin.
Academic Advising
School-level advisors and academic tutors assist with course selection, credits and thesis planning.
Chinese Language Support
Elective Mandarin courses and HSK preparation classes are open to all international degree students.
Health Services
Campus clinic, insurance claim assistance and referrals to partner hospitals in Tianjin.
Emergency Assistance
A 24-hour contact line with duty staff for medical, safety or documentation emergencies.
Visa Guidance
Assistance with JW202 documents, visa extensions and travel letters throughout your studies.
Student Community
International student union, buddy scheme and cultural festivals connect you with Chinese classmates.
Timeline
Application Timeline
Key dates and milestones for applying to Nankai University.
- December – January
Applications Open
The Nankai online application system opens for the following September intake.
- By Early March
Scholarship Submission
Submit early for CSC, Tianjin Government and Confucius Institute scholarship consideration.
- March – May
Review & Interviews
Schools assess documents and hold online interviews or written tests for shortlisted applicants.
- June
Admission Results
Admission and scholarship decisions are released through the application system.
- July
Admission Notice & JW202
Nankai issues your Admission Notice and JW202 form for the student visa application.
- July – August
Apply For X1 Visa
Apply at the Chinese embassy or consulate in your home country with your admission documents.
- Early September
Arrival In Tianjin
Arrive on campus, move into your dormitory and join international student orientation.
- Mid September
Registration
Complete registration, medical re-check and residence permit, then begin classes.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions international students ask most about Nankai University.
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QS #531
Tianjin University
Project 985Project 211Double First-Class
Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Architecture
English / Chinese
Competitive
CNY 23,000 - 33,000 / year
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