Study at Zhejiang University
Join one of China's leading research universities, recognized globally for excellence in engineering, medicine, agriculture, business, artificial intelligence, and innovation in the beautiful city of Hangzhou.
Tradition Meets Innovation
Zhejiang University (ZJU), founded in 1897 as Qiushi Academy, is one of China's oldest and most prestigious universities. Located in the scenic city of Hangzhou, ZJU is a comprehensive research university and a member of the elite C9 League — China's equivalent of the Ivy League.
With over 63,000 students across seven campuses, ZJU is one of China's largest and highest-ranked universities. It has 7 faculties encompassing 37 colleges/schools and over 140 departments, covering virtually every academic discipline from engineering and medicine to agriculture, humanities, and business.
ZJU is particularly renowned for its engineering programmes, agricultural science, computer science, medicine, and its powerful innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem. The university has produced more technology startup founders than almost any other Chinese university, and its alumni network includes leaders across Chinese industry, government, and academia. Hangzhou — home to Alibaba and a thriving tech ecosystem — provides an ideal environment for innovation and career development.
Academic Programmes
37 colleges covering engineering, science, medicine, agriculture, business & humanities
College of Computer Science & Technology
Zijingang Campus
College of Information Science & Electronic Engineering
Zijingang Campus
College of Control Science & Engineering
Zijingang Campus
College of Mechanical Engineering
Zijingang Campus
College of Civil Engineering & Architecture
Zijingang Campus
School of Medicine
Zijingang/Affiliated Hospitals Campus
School of Management
Zijingang Campus
School of Economics
Zijingang Campus
College of Agriculture & Biotechnology
Zijingang Campus
College of Pharmaceutical Sciences
Zijingang Campus
School of International Studies
Zijingang Campus
Guanghua School of Law
Haining International Campus
ZJU-UIUC Institute (Haining)
Haining International Campus
College of Energy Engineering
Zijingang Campus
Affordable World-Class Education
Hangzhou offers excellent value — lower costs than Shanghai or Beijing
Undergraduate
- tuition chinese taught: CNY 20,000–30,000/year (approximately USD $2,800–$4,200/year — standard Chinese-taught programmes)
- tuition english taught: CNY 30,000–80,000/year (approximately USD $4,200–$11,150/year — English-taught and international joint programmes)
- tuition medicine: CNY 40,000–76,000/year (approximately USD $5,600–$10,600/year — MBBS programme for international students)
- tuition joint programmes: CNY 80,000–120,000/year (approximately USD $11,150–$16,700/year — ZJU-UIUC and other joint degree programmes)
- note: Fees vary significantly by programme, language of instruction, and whether it is a joint/international programme. The ZJU-UIUC Institute at Haining International Campus has higher fees reflecting the dual-degree structure. Reviewed annually.
Graduate
- masters chinese taught: CNY 25,000–40,000/year (approximately USD $3,500–$5,600/year)
- masters english taught: CNY 40,000–99,000/year (approximately USD $5,600–$13,800/year — international programmes)
- mba: CNY 250,000–398,000 total (approximately USD $35,000–$55,500 total — ZJU MBA programmes)
- phd: CNY 25,000–40,000/year (approximately USD $3,500–$5,600/year — most PhD students receive full scholarships)
- note: Research postgraduate students typically receive full funding through CSC, ZJU scholarships, or supervisor research grants. Taught programme fees vary widely. Check individual programme pages.
Living in Hangzhou
- on campus accommodation: CNY 300–1,000/month (approximately USD $42–$140/month — international student dormitory, single or double room)
- off campus housing: CNY 2,500–6,000/month (approximately USD $350–$835/month — Hangzhou rental market)
- food: CNY 800–1,500/month (approximately USD $110–$210/month — campus canteens are very affordable)
- health insurance: CNY 800/year (approximately USD $110/year — compulsory for international students)
- transportation: CNY 100–200/month (approximately USD $14–$28/month — Hangzhou metro and bus)
- personal expenses: CNY 1,000–2,000/month (approximately USD $140–$280/month)
- total estimate: CNY 2,200–4,500/month (approximately USD $310–$630/month total living — Hangzhou is more affordable than Shanghai or Beijing)
Tuition fees and living costs are reviewed annually by Zhejiang University. The figures above are estimates based on 2024–2025 information. Students should always verify the latest official figures on the ZJU admissions website before applying. Hangzhou offers excellent value compared to Shanghai and Beijing.
Funding Your ZJU Education
CSC, ZJU, and Zhejiang Provincial scholarships for full funding
Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC)
Full tuition waiver + accommodation + monthly living stipend (CNY 3,000–3,500/month for Masters, CNY 3,500/month for PhD) + comprehensive medical insurance
Eligibility: International students from eligible countries applying to degree programmes at ZJU. Nominated through Chinese embassies or directly through ZJU.
China's most comprehensive scholarship. Covers all costs. Apply through CSC online system and ZJU simultaneously. Deadlines typically January–April.
Zhejiang University Scholarship
Full or partial tuition waiver + living allowance (multiple tiers available)
Eligibility: Outstanding international applicants to undergraduate, master's, and doctoral programmes
ZJU's own scholarship programme with full, partial, and tuition-only awards. Automatically considered upon application. Competitive.
Zhejiang Provincial Government Scholarship
Full or partial tuition waiver + living allowance
Eligibility: International students studying in Zhejiang Province
Administered through the Zhejiang Provincial Department of Education. Available at all degree levels. Application through ZJU.
Confucius Institute Scholarship
Full tuition + accommodation + living stipend + medical insurance
Eligibility: International students applying to Chinese language and culture programmes, or Chinese-taught degree programmes
For students pursuing Chinese language or Chinese-taught academic programmes. Managed through Confucius Institute Headquarters.
ZJU Engineering Scholarships
Full or partial tuition for engineering programmes
Eligibility: Outstanding international applicants to engineering programmes including ZJU-UIUC joint degrees
Specific scholarships for the College of Engineering, Computer Science, and ZJU-UIUC Institute. Merit-based.
Doctoral Research Fellowships
Monthly stipend + tuition waiver (varies by supervisor and department)
Eligibility: PhD students with outstanding research potential
PhD students at ZJU typically receive full funding through CSC, ZJU scholarships, or supervisor grants. Research output expectations apply.
How to Get In
Deadline: International applicants: typically March–June for September intake (varies by programme — early application recommended)
- Non-Chinese citizen with a valid foreign passport
- High school diploma or equivalent with strong academic results
- Minimum age 18 by September 1 of the enrollment year
- Chinese language proficiency: HSK Level 4 (score 210+) or HSK Level 5 for Chinese-taught programmes
- English-taught programmes (MBBS, ZJU-UIUC): IELTS 6.0+ or TOEFL iBT 80+ (no HSK required)
- ZJU online application form + application fee
- Personal statement / study plan
- High school transcripts and diploma (notarized with Chinese or English translation)
- Two letters of recommendation
- Physical examination report
- Proof of financial support or scholarship application
ZJU is one of China's most competitive universities for international students. The ZJU-UIUC Institute at Haining International Campus offers English-taught joint degrees in engineering. The MBBS programme is taught in English for international students. Most other undergraduate programmes are in Chinese.
Life at ZJU
Seven campuses in beautiful Hangzhou — near West Lake
Zijingang Campus
ZJU's newest and largest campus — a modern educational city with state-of-the-art research facilities, libraries, sports complexes, and accommodation for tens of thousands of students.
Yuquan Campus
The historic main campus featuring traditional Chinese architecture, the iconic Qiushi statue, ancient camphor trees, and graduate programmes in engineering and science.
Libraries
ZJU's library system holds over 7 million volumes across all campuses. The Zijingang Library is an architectural landmark and one of China's largest university libraries.
Student Residences
International student dormitories with single and double rooms, air conditioning, shared kitchens, and common areas. Located conveniently near academic buildings and canteens.
Sports & Recreation
Olympic-standard sports facilities including swimming pools, stadiums, gyms, courts, and running tracks. ZJU has a proud tradition in competitive sports.
Student Organisations
Over 200 student clubs spanning academic, cultural, artistic, sports, tech, and community service. Active international student community with cultural exchange events.
Innovation & Entrepreneurship
ZJU is China's top entrepreneurship university — home to incubators, tech transfer centres, and deep ties to Hangzhou's startup ecosystem (Alibaba, NetEase, Hikvision).
Hangzhou & West Lake
Hangzhou is one of China's most liveable cities — famous for the UNESCO-listed West Lake, tea culture, technology industry, and a perfect blend of tradition and modernity.
Career Outcomes
Research Strengths
Artificial Intelligence & Robotics
ZJU is a national leader in AI, robotics, and autonomous systems — home to the State Key Laboratory of CAD&CG and producing award-winning research teams in AI competitions globally.
Biomedical Sciences & Medicine
Leading research in precision medicine, cancer biology, neuroscience, and regenerative medicine through affiliated hospitals and dedicated medical research institutes.
Agricultural Innovation
As one of China's top agricultural research universities, ZJU leads in crop science, food safety, smart agriculture, aquaculture, and agricultural biotechnology.
Advanced Manufacturing & Materials
Cutting-edge research in smart manufacturing, advanced materials, nanotechnology, 3D printing, and industrial automation with strong industry partnerships.
Clean Energy & Environment
Research in renewable energy systems, energy storage, environmental remediation, climate adaptation, and water treatment — addressing major sustainability challenges.
Quantum & Information Technology
Frontier research in quantum computing, photonics, integrated circuits, 5G/6G communications, and cybersecurity through national-level laboratories.
International Student Support
Over 7,000 international students from 140+ countries
- International College (dedicated support for international students)
- Visa (X1/X2) application guidance and residence permit support
- Comprehensive orientation programme
- On-campus dormitory allocation for international students
- Chinese language courses (intensive and supplementary)
- Compulsory medical insurance
- Academic advising and tutoring
- International student associations and cultural events
- Buddy programme (Chinese-international student pairing)
- Career services and internship connections
- Psychological counselling services
- Haining International Campus (English-medium environment)
Your Path to ZJU
Expert guidance from enquiry to enrolment
Programme Selection
We help you navigate ZJU's 37 colleges, identify English-taught programmes (MBBS, ZJU-UIUC), and select the right academic pathway for your goals.
Application Strategy
Expert guidance on ZJU's international admission — personal statement writing, document preparation, CSC scholarship application, and interview coaching.
Scholarship Guidance
Identify and apply for CSC, ZJU Scholarship, Zhejiang Provincial Scholarship, and engineering-specific awards. Maximize your chances of full funding.
Research & Supervisor Fit
For graduate applicants, we help identify supervisor alignment, craft research proposals, and navigate applications for ZJU's top research groups.
Visa & Accommodation
China X1/X2 student visa guidance, ZJU dormitory applications, residence permit support, health insurance, and Hangzhou orientation.
Pre-Departure & Arrival
Comprehensive pre-departure briefing for China, airport pickup in Hangzhou, bank account setup, SIM card, and ongoing support after arrival.
Apply to ZJU
Free expert guidance — no hidden fees
Hear From ZJU Students
“ZJU's AI research group is incredibly productive — publishing in top venues and competing internationally. The CSC scholarship covered everything, and Hangzhou is an amazing city to live in. Very affordable too.”
“The MBBS programme at ZJU is well-structured and entirely in English. The clinical training at affiliated hospitals is excellent, and Hangzhou's quality of life is outstanding — safe, clean, and beautiful.”
“The ZJU-UIUC joint programme gave me the best of both worlds — a Chinese university experience with an American engineering curriculum. The Haining International Campus is modern and entirely English-medium.”
Frequently Asked Questions
ZJU is ranked #44 globally (QS 2025), is a C9 League member, and excels in engineering, computer science, medicine, and agriculture. It's China's top entrepreneurship university with deep ties to Hangzhou's tech industry (Alibaba, NetEase). Generous scholarships, affordable living costs, and a beautiful campus near West Lake make it an outstanding choice.
Tuition is very affordable. Chinese-taught programmes cost CNY 20,000–40,000/year (USD $2,800–$5,600). English-taught programmes range from CNY 30,000–120,000/year depending on the programme (ZJU-UIUC joint degrees are at the higher end). Many international students receive full scholarships covering all costs.
Major scholarships include the Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC — full costs), ZJU Scholarship (full or partial), Zhejiang Provincial Government Scholarship, and Confucius Institute Scholarship. PhD students typically receive full funding. Engineering-specific scholarships are available for ZJU-UIUC programmes.
Not for all programmes. ZJU offers English-taught options including the MBBS programme, ZJU-UIUC joint engineering degrees at Haining International Campus, and various graduate programmes. For Chinese-taught programmes, HSK Level 4–5 is required. Chinese language courses are available for all international students.
The ZJU-UIUC Institute at Haining International Campus is a joint venture between Zhejiang University and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC). It offers English-taught joint degrees in Electrical & Computer Engineering, Civil Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering. Graduates receive degrees from both universities.
ZJU has seven campuses in Hangzhou. Zijingang is the modern main campus; Yuquan is the historic campus. With 200+ student clubs, excellent sports facilities, and Hangzhou's incredible livability (West Lake, tea plantations, tech ecosystem), student life is rich and varied. The cost of living is lower than Shanghai or Beijing.
ZJU graduates enjoy a 97%+ employment/further study rate. As China's top entrepreneurship university with deep ties to Hangzhou's tech industry (home to Alibaba, Ant Group, NetEase, Hikvision), career opportunities in technology, engineering, and business are exceptional. The alumni network is one of China's most powerful.
Educational Hub provides comprehensive support including programme selection, CSC and ZJU scholarship applications, personal statement guidance, document preparation and notarization, interview preparation, visa (X1/X2) guidance, accommodation support, and pre-departure briefing for China. Our services are free for students.