Painted interpretation inspired by Duke Kunshan’s silver campus sculpture, green lawns and modern academic buildings
China ↔ United States
Sino-foreign university
Duke Kunshan University official mark

DKUKunshan, Jiangsu, China

International undergraduate study

Duke Kunshan University

昆山杜克大学

A Duke education with a global outlook

A university partnership

Duke University ×
Wuhan University

Verified official sourcesUpdated 12 October 2026
QS rankingNot Listed
LocationKunshan, Jiangsu
Teaching languageEnglish
Degree length4 years
Tuition guideUSD 73,740/year
Application statusOpen · fall 2027

01/ 11Overview

A Duke connection. A Kunshan home.

Founded by Duke University, Wuhan University and the City of Kunshan in 2013. A four-year, English-taught liberal arts and sciences education with 14 interdisciplinary majors and degrees from Duke and Duke Kunshan.

Explore DKU’s story and strengths

History & identity

Founded in 2013 by Duke University, Wuhan University and the City of Kunshan, Duke Kunshan University is an independent, nonprofit Sino-American joint university. Its four-year undergraduate programme began in 2018.

Academic strengths

An English-taught liberal arts and sciences curriculum connects computing, health, environmental science, social inquiry and the humanities. Students develop an individual research or creative project through Signature Work, the undergraduate capstone.

Degrees and recognition

Students meeting both universities’ requirements receive Duke University and Duke Kunshan University bachelor’s degrees, plus a Chinese Ministry of Education-recognised DKU graduation certificate. Duke Kunshan has no overall QS World University Ranking; Duke’s ranking is a separate institutional result.

  • Explore before specialising

    Choose your major in Year 2, after a broad foundation across the liberal arts and sciences.

  • A semester at Duke

    Eligible students can study at Duke University in North Carolina during their junior year; allow for additional costs.

  • A close residential community

    Live and learn with an international student community, with residence staff and faculty supporting campus life.

02/ 11Degrees & study

One university. Two academic worlds.

US university partner

Duke University

United States

Chinese university partner

Wuhan University

Wuhan, China

Who awards your degree?

Graduates who complete both universities’ requirements receive a Duke University bachelor’s degree, a Duke Kunshan University bachelor’s degree and a Chinese-recognised DKU graduation certificate.

Founded with the City of Kunshan, Jiangsu.

03/ 11Admissions

Your application starts with DKU.

Application routeDKU’s official application
Application reviewAcademic record & whole application
Institutional aidSeparate CSS Profile

Apply directly to Duke Kunshan University through its official international application. Your academics, essays, activities and recommendations are reviewed together; choose the round that fits your plans.

Two admission rounds for fall 2027 entry.

Application dates & eligibility
Official route details

04/ 11Entry requirements

Your school record. Your potential.

Compare the published requirement with a competitive target.

Official requirementPublished by DKU

Competitive estimateChinaStudyGuide target

Our competitive estimate is planning guidance, not an official admission requirement.

SAT and ACT are optional for fall 2027 entry. Required school records and final school-leaving results still apply.

Chinese admissions tests & government scholarships

The China Scholastic Competency Assessment (CSCA) is not listed in Duke Kunshan University’s international undergraduate requirements. This is not an explicit exemption statement; follow the current DKU application checklist.

No undergraduate Chinese Government Scholarship route is advertised in the reviewed DKU funding guidance. Institutional merit awards and need-based aid follow DKU’s own rules.

Official application guidance ↗

05/ 11Language

Study in English. Build your Mandarin.

Chinese language No HSK entry requirement Mandarin develops during your degree Scores, alternatives & exam details

Accepted alternatives

Not applicable

Degree teaching is in English. Students assigned to the Chinese as a Second Language track complete 8–16 Chinese-language credits, according to their starting proficiency.

English language IELTS 7 / TOEFL 5 Expected scores if submitted · tests optional Scores, alternatives & exam details
Expected scores if submitted
IELTS Academic 7 · TOEFL iBT 5 for tests from 21 January 2026, or 100 for earlier tests · Duolingo 130 · PTE Academic 70 · Cambridge C1 Advanced/C2 Proficiency 180.
How English is assessed
English is assessed through your application and an interview if invited. Tests are recommended for non-native speakers or students outside an English-medium curriculum, but are optional; these are expected scores for submitted tests, not a compulsory test requirement.
Retakes
If you take an English test more than once, DKU uses your highest score and states no preference between the listed tests.

Accepted alternatives

  • Duolingo
  • PTE Academic
  • Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency
  • Application-based English assessment without a test

English tests are optional. Strong English is expected for the curriculum; use a submitted score to support your application.

06/ 11Application

From your application to Kunshan.

Step 01

Choose your round

Choose Early Decision or Regular Decision in DKU’s official application. Check citizenship eligibility and the binding commitment before choosing Early Decision.

Documents that deserve an early start

Application materials

Personal essays

All applicants

Prepare your personal essay and the required DKU fit essay, explaining your interests and the contribution you would bring. A further-information essay is optional; use your own experiences and voice.

Recommendations

Counselor + two teachers

Ask your counselor and two teachers early. They submit recommendations directly through the application or a supported school system; choose teachers who can describe your academic engagement.

CSS Profile

Need-based aid applicants

Gather family income, assets and supporting records with your family. Select “yes” to aid in your application and submit CSS Profile by the aid deadline; additional IDOC documents may be requested.

All other required documents

  • School Report

    Your counselor or an authorised school official submits the initial School Report. Provide a mid-year report if available; enrolling or already-graduated applicants need the Final Report.

  • Official transcripts

    Include records from every high school attended and any additional credit-bearing study. Provide a mid-year transcript if available and the final transcript before enrolment.

  • External exams and graduation evidence

    Submit applicable school-leaving or national exam results. School officials may provide predicted results; final results and a certified graduation certificate or diploma are required when applicable.

  • Optional academic and English tests

    Self-reported SAT/ACT results are accepted for review; scores used for an offer must be verified by the testing agency before enrolment. English tests are recommended but optional.

  • Optional video supplement

    After submitting, record a short response to a random prompt in the DKU portal. This is free, optional and highly recommended; InitialView and Duolingo video materials can also be shared.

  • Full scholarship application · eligible applicants only

    Complete the separate portal form and a 250–500-word leadership essay by 15 November for Early Decision or 1 February for Regular Decision. Attend an interview if invited.

  • Passport and citizenship evidence

    Upload your valid foreign passport photo page before enrolment. Applicants with relevant Chinese citizenship ties may need additional nationality, residence and citizenship-review evidence.

School officials must send the official academic records. If you share a Duke University application with DKU, later documents and CSS Profile materials must still be sent to both universities.

Get application support Official DKU application guidance

07/ 11Majors

Find your field of study.

14 majors
Browse all 14 majors

DKU undergraduate admission catalogue

MajorTracksLanguage
Applied Mathematics and Computational SciencesComputer Science and MathematicsEnglish
Arts & MediaArts and MediaEnglish
Behavioral ScienceEconomics, Psychology and NeuroscienceEnglish
Computation and DesignComputer Science, Digital Media, and Social PolicyEnglish
Cultures and SocietiesCultural Anthropology and SociologyEnglish
Data ScienceNo separate tracks listedEnglish
Environmental ScienceBiogeochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, and Public PolicyEnglish
Global China StudiesNo separate tracks listedEnglish
Global HealthBiology and Public PolicyEnglish
HumanitiesCreative Writing and Translation, Literature, Philosophy and Religion, and World HistoryEnglish
Materials ScienceChemistry and PhysicsEnglish
Molecular BioscienceBiogeochemistry, Biophysics, Cell and Molecular Biology, Genetics and Genomics, and NeuroscienceEnglish
Philosophy, Politics, and EconomicsEconomic History, Philosophy, Political Science, and Public PolicyEnglish
Quantitative Political EconomyEconomics, Political Science, and Public PolicyEnglish

How you choose your majorDeclare your major in Year 2. Tracks are pathways within a major, rather than separate degrees; availability follows your entering-year Academic Bulletin. Global China Studies is available to the Class of 2029 and later. The Duke–NUS medicine pathway is a separate, selective opportunity for eligible Global Health (Biology) or Data Science applicants, with its own conditions.

Official admission catalogue

08/ 11Budget

Build your budget before you commit.

USD 84,065 is DKU’s published 2026–27 estimated academic-year budget before aid, excluding transportation. Fall 2027 fees are unconfirmed; your award determines the remaining family contribution.

DKU annual budget · USD84,065

Tuition & fees

USD / academic year73,740Published 2026–27 fees

Housing

USD / academic year2,350DKU budget allowance

Food

USD / academic year3,292DKU budget allowance

Books & essentials

USD / academic year2,610DKU budget allowance

Insurance

USD / academic year2,073DKU budget allowance
What’s included in the estimate?

Tuition & fees

Published 2026–27 international tuition and fees.

Housing

Double-room allowance for two semesters.

USD 1,175 per semester; single rooms cost more.

Food

Published board allowance; meals are paid as you go.

DKU’s estimated annual food budget.

Books & essentials

Books, supplies and miscellaneous expenses.

DKU’s published combined allowance.

Insurance

Published international health-insurance allowance.

Required coverage; an approved comparable plan may qualify for a waiver.

DKU’s 2026–27 estimated annual costs are USD 84,065 before aid, excluding transportation. All rates are provisional; 2027–28 fees are unconfirmed. A Duke study-away semester adds approximately USD 7,500–9,500, excluding flights; summer programmes cost extra.

09/ 11Scholarships

Understand your financial support.

University merit awards

Merit-based scholarships

FundingUp to full tuition
Competition*High*

Coverage

  • Tuition support based on merit
  • Automatic consideration with admission

Award values vary; renewal throughout the four-year programme requires meeting the award conditions.

Application
No separate application; all admission applicants are considered. Awards are announced with admission.
CSCA
No CSCA requirement listed for these awards.
Selection
Academic achievement, character, activities, talent and service; test-optional applicants are not disadvantaged.
Official scholarship details
University financial aid

Need-based financial aid

FundingVariable tuition support
Competition*Individual review

Coverage

  • Support based on demonstrated financial need
  • Aid decision issued with admission

DKU is need-aware: your level of financial need may affect admission. Request aid during admission; admitted students who did not apply cannot request it later.

Application
Select “yes” to aid and submit CSS Profile, code 7059: ED 5 November 2026; RD 15 January 2027. Submit IDOC records if requested.
CSCA
No CSCA requirement listed for DKU financial aid.
Selection
Academic strength, demonstrated need and available funds; renewal requires meeting the award conditions.
Official scholarship details
Fall 2027 full scholarship

Global Leaders Full Scholarship Award

FundingTuition + living support
Competition*Exceptional

Coverage

  • Four consecutive years of full-time tuition
  • Subsidies for books, housing, insurance and meals
  • One return flight per academic year; one-time laptop stipend
  • Essential costs for a junior-year Duke semester

Up to three awards for the Class of 2031. Support covers most non-tuition costs, with renewal conditions. Candidates meeting the financial-hardship criteria who are not selected will not be admitted; a small ranked RD waitlist may be used. Recipients should expect a media-release consent form.

Application
Apply for admission and need-based aid, then submit the portal scholarship form and 250–500-word essay: ED 15 November 2026; RD 1 February 2027. Interview if invited.
CSCA
No CSCA requirement listed for this institutional award.
Selection
First-year fall 2027 international applicants with full financial need, academic excellence and leadership potential; top 10% of the applicant pool.
Official scholarship details

*Merit competition is a ChinaStudyGuide planning estimate. Request need-based aid during admission. DKU is not eligible for US federal student aid; FAFSA is not part of this application. No undergraduate Chinese Government Scholarship route is advertised in the reviewed funding guidance.

Explore the scholarship guide

10/ 11Accommodation

Your home in Kunshan.

On campus

University residences

University-managed housing for all four undergraduate years.

Required in Years 1–4Locations & practical details
Locations
The main campus and any offsite buildings owned, leased or operated by DKU count as university housing.
Best for
Your required residential experience, with Resident Assistants and learning communities.
Plan for
Apply through Mercury. Published semester tariffs: double RMB 8,250 / USD 1,175; single RMB 11,250 / USD 1,603. Room type and assignment determine the bill.
Off campus

Private rental in Kunshan

Independent rental does not replace the undergraduate residence requirement.

Not a standard optionLocations & practical details
Locations
Private leases outside university-operated residences are separate from DKU housing.
Best for
Not an alternative for normal undergraduate enrolment; visitors arrange their own accommodation.
Plan for
Discuss any exceptional housing need with Residence Life before signing a lease. Private costs include deposits, utilities and commuting; no DKU private-rental tariff is published.

Plan your residence. University residence and dining facilities close during winter break. Plan break accommodation and travel separately; follow your room-assignment instructions.

11/ 11Student life

A global campus. A city to discover.

Painted interpretation of water gardens and paths inspired by Duke Kunshan University’s campus
Water gardens and campus paths
Painted interpretation inspired by Kunshan’s Jiangnan water-town surroundings
Beyond the campus gates

Kunshan after class

Kunshan sits between Shanghai and Suzhou, combining a modern industrial city with Jiangnan water-town surroundings. Dayu Bay offers nearby food and shops; bigger-city weekends bring museums, gardens and arts beyond the residential campus.

Life on campus

A residential campus connects classes, clubs, sport and shared meals. Resident Assistants and faculty-led living communities help you settle in; your Signature Work project adds an individual focus to later study.

Around your neighbourhood

Dayu Bay is within walking distance for restaurants and shops, while the campus Community Center has everyday essentials. The setting is quieter than central Shanghai; shuttles, buses and taxis connect wider outings.

Weekends beyond Kunshan

Explore Jiangnan water-town surroundings, Suzhou’s gardens or Shanghai’s museums and neighbourhoods. Plan the journey around your timetable and budget, with Mandarin practice woven into everyday outings.

Keep exploring

More universities. More possibilities.

Official sources & latest updates

Official sources checked 12 October 2026. This guide covers eligible international first-year undergraduate applicants for fall 2027.

The dated 2026–27 application checklist and current testing policy take precedence over the older checklist repeated at the foot of the application page. Budget values refer to 2026–27; fall 2027 prices are unconfirmed. Qualification estimates are ChinaStudyGuide preparation guidance. Duke’s ranking and accreditation are separate from DKU’s institutional status.