99 public universities in China in 2026
The public universities in China offer accessible education to as many students as possible, with recognised programs and a strong tradition of academic research.
99 public universities
China has public institutions offering a wide range of programs, often with government-regulated fees and a strong tradition of academic research.
University of Science and Technology of China
Founded in 1958 in Hefei, USTC is a C9 League elite devoted to cutting-edge science, quantum research and new technologies.
Huazhong University of Science and Technology
HUST in Wuhan is a leading Chinese research university famed for engineering, optics and one of Asia's largest medical schools.
East China University of Science and Technology
Founded in Shanghai in 1952 as a chemical sciences school, ECUST has become a leading multidisciplinary engineering university.
Nanjing University of Science and Technology
Founded in Nanjing in 1953, NJUST is a renowned engineering university tied to the defense industry and optics.
University of Science and Technology Beijing
Heir to the Beijing Steel Institute (1952), USTB is China's premier school for materials and metallurgy.
Southern University of Science and Technology
Founded in 2011 in Shenzhen, SUSTech is a young elite public research university devoted to cutting-edge science and innovation.
University of Electronic Science and Technology of China
A "985" university founded in Chengdu in 1956, UESTC leads China in electronics, quantum information and AI.
Donghua University
Public 211 university in Shanghai, a world leader in textiles, fashion and materials.
Central South University
A comprehensive Changsha university combining the renowned Xiangya medical school (1914) with powerhouse engineering and mining colleges.
Guangxi University
Major public 211 university in Nanning, the higher-education flagship of Guangxi autonomous region.
Guizhou University
Major public 211 university in Guiyang founded in 1902, covering all disciplinary fields of Guizhou province.
Hainan University
Public 211 university in Haikou, the higher-education flagship of tropical Hainan island.
Henan University
Public Double First-Class university founded in 1912 in Kaifeng, one of the oldest in China.
Hunan University
Heir to the Yuelu Academy founded in 976, Hunan University in Changsha blends a thousand-year tradition with engineering excellence.
Jiangsu University
Comprehensive public university in Zhenjiang, Chinese pioneer of agricultural machinery education.
Jilin University
A major comprehensive Changchun institution, Jilin University was formed in 2000 by merging six prominent universities.
Northeastern University (Shenyang)
Founded in 1923, Northeastern University in Shenyang is a "985" powerhouse in metallurgy, computing and automation.
Northwest University (Xi'an)
Public Double First-Class university in Xi'an, the oldest in northwest China.
China University of Petroleum (East China)
Public Double First-Class university in Qingdao, a cornerstone of East China's petroleum industry.
China University of Petroleum (Beijing)
Public Double First-Class university in Beijing, the flagship of China's petroleum industry.
Renmin University of China
Founded in 1937, Renmin University of China is the nation's leading authority in economics, finance, law and social sciences.
Shandong University
Founded in 1901, Shandong University is one of China's oldest public universities, renowned for medicine, sciences and humanities.
Sichuan University
A huge public university in Chengdu, Sichuan University is renowned for dental medicine and its comprehensive academic breadth.
Southeast University
Founded in 1902 in Nanjing, Southeast University is a top Chinese public university famed for engineering and architecture.