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. 49Nanjing Tech University
Public engineering university in Nanjing, heir to China's institute of chemical technology.
No. 50Zhengzhou University
A large comprehensive university in Henan, Zhengzhou University is a "211" and "Double First-Class" hub of central China.
No. 51Lanzhou University
Founded in 1909 on the Silk Road, Lanzhou University is a major comprehensive university of northwest China.
No. 52Beijing University of Chemical Technology
Public Double First-Class university in Beijing, China's reference in chemical engineering.
No. 53Renmin University of China
Founded in 1937, Renmin University of China is the nation's leading authority in economics, finance, law and social sciences.
No. 54Jiangsu University
Comprehensive public university in Zhenjiang, Chinese pioneer of agricultural machinery education.
No. 55East China University of Science and Technology
Founded in Shanghai in 1952 as a chemical sciences school, ECUST has become a leading multidisciplinary engineering university.
No. 56Nanjing University of Science and Technology
Founded in Nanjing in 1953, NJUST is a renowned engineering university tied to the defense industry and optics.
No. 57University of Science and Technology Beijing
Heir to the Beijing Steel Institute (1952), USTB is China's premier school for materials and metallurgy.
No. 58China University of Petroleum (Beijing)
Public Double First-Class university in Beijing, the flagship of China's petroleum industry.
No. 59China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing)
Public Double First-Class university in Beijing, a reference in mining, energy and mine safety.
No. 60Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics
Founded in 1952, NUAA in Nanjing is a Chinese reference in aeronautics, astronautics and energy.
No. 61Nanjing Forestry University
Public Chinese university founded in 1902, renowned for forestry, ecology, wood science and bio-based materials.
No. 62Ocean University of China
Based in Qingdao, Ocean University of China is the national reference in marine science and technology.
No. 63Zhejiang Normal University
Public normal university in Jinhua founded in 1956, specialising in education and humanities.
No. 64South China Normal University
Public Double First-Class normal university in Guangzhou, a pillar of education in Guangdong.
No. 65China University of Petroleum (East China)
Public Double First-Class university in Qingdao, a cornerstone of East China's petroleum industry.
No. 66Jiangnan University
Rooted in a 1902 institution in Wuxi, Jiangnan University is China's reference in food science and textiles.
No. 67Hainan University
Public 211 university in Haikou, the higher-education flagship of tropical Hainan island.
No. 68China University of Geosciences (Wuhan)
Public Double First-Class university in Wuhan, internationally recognised in geosciences.
No. 69Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology
Public Double First-Class university in Nanjing, a world leader in atmospheric science.
No. 70Donghua University
Public 211 university in Shanghai, a world leader in textiles, fashion and materials.
No. 71Nanjing Agricultural University
Heir to an 1902 agricultural school, Nanjing Agricultural University is a Chinese pillar of agronomy and veterinary science.
No. 72Xidian University
Born in 1931 from military radio schools, Xidian University in Xi'an is a national leader in electronics, computing and cybersecurity.