99 best universities in China in 2026
Ranking based on the average of the three main global rankings: Shanghai (ARWU), Times Higher Education and QS.
Tsinghua University
Average rank: #14
No. 25South China University of Technology
A "985" Guangzhou university born from the South China Institute of Technology (1952), excelling in engineering and design.
No. 26Northwestern Polytechnical University
Based in Xi'an, NWPU is an elite engineering university for aeronautics, space and marine technology, tied to defence industry.
No. 27Central South University
A comprehensive Changsha university combining the renowned Xiangya medical school (1914) with powerhouse engineering and mining colleges.
No. 28East China Normal University
Founded in 1951 in Shanghai, ECNU is a comprehensive 985 university renowned for teacher education and outstanding sciences.
No. 29Hunan University
Heir to the Yuelu Academy founded in 976, Hunan University in Changsha blends a thousand-year tradition with engineering excellence.
No. 30Shenzhen University
Fast-growing public university in Shenzhen, at the heart of southern China's technology ecosystem.
No. 31Yunnan University
Public Double First-Class university in Kunming, China's scientific gateway to Southeast Asia.
No. 32Nanchang University
Public Double First-Class university in Nanchang, flagship of Jiangxi and its medical school.
No. 33Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications
Public Double First-Class university in Nanjing, specialising in telecommunications and IT.
No. 34Dalian University of Technology
A "985" university founded in 1949, Dalian University of Technology is northeast China's engineering powerhouse.
No. 35Guizhou University
Major public 211 university in Guiyang founded in 1902, covering all disciplinary fields of Guizhou province.
No. 36Jilin University
A major comprehensive Changchun institution, Jilin University was formed in 2000 by merging six prominent universities.
No. 37Northeastern University (Shenyang)
Founded in 1923, Northeastern University in Shenyang is a "985" powerhouse in metallurgy, computing and automation.
No. 38University of Electronic Science and Technology of China
A "985" university founded in Chengdu in 1956, UESTC leads China in electronics, quantum information and AI.
No. 39Chongqing University
Founded in 1929, Chongqing University is a "985" engineering hub at the heart of southwest China's metropolis.
No. 40Yangzhou University
Comprehensive public university in Yangzhou formed in 1992 from six historic institutions.
No. 41Jinan University
Public Double First-Class university in Guangzhou, China's foremost overseas-Chinese university.
No. 42Hefei University of Technology
Public 211 university in Hefei, a pillar of industrial engineering and manufacturing in Anhui.
No. 43China Agricultural University
Founded in 1905 in Beijing, China Agricultural University is the nation's top institution for agronomy and veterinary science.
No. 44Taiyuan University of Technology
Public engineering university founded in 1902 in Taiyuan, historically focused on heavy machinery and energy.
No. 45Shanghai University
A young comprehensive university (1994) in the Shanghai metropolis, Shanghai University blends classic disciplines with visual arts.
No. 46Zhejiang University of Technology
Public engineering university in Hangzhou, a pillar of Zhejiang's chemical and manufacturing industry.
No. 47Soochow University (Suzhou)
Rooted in a 1900 foundation, Soochow University is a top comprehensive institution in the historic city of Suzhou.
No. 48Fuzhou University
Public Double First-Class university in Fuzhou, the engineering engine of Fujian province.