Painted interpretation inspired by Chongqing University’s sandstone Campus A entrance pillars and leafy Shapingba grounds
Chongqing University official seal

CQUChongqing, China

International undergraduate study

Chongqing University

重庆大学

Engineering ambition in China’s mountain city

  • Founded 1929
  • Project 985 / 211
  • Double First-Class
Verified official sourcesUpdated 21 October 2026
QS ranking#=465
LocationChongqing
Teaching languageChinese and English
Degree length4–5 years
Tuition guideRMB 18,000–30,000/year
Application status2026 closed · 2027 pending

01/ 11Overview

A remarkable place to begin.

Founded in 1929. An engineering-led research university with a built-environment tradition and a home in China’s mountain city.

Explore CQU’s story and strengths

History & identity

Founded in 1929, Chongqing University is a public Ministry of Education research university. It joined Project 211 in 1998 and Project 985 in 2001, and is part of China’s Double First-Class initiative.

Engineering with a wider choice

Electrical, mechanical and civil engineering shape CQU’s identity. International undergraduate choices also include business, law, humanities, film and the arts.

A university shaped by Chongqing

The 2000 merger with Chongqing Jianzhu University and Chongqing Architecture College strengthened its built-environment tradition. Today, established Shapingba campuses and the spacious Kexuecheng campus offer different student settings.

  • Engineering with depth

    Study electrical engineering in a nationally recognised discipline at a comprehensive research university.

  • Global university connections

    Chongqing’s overseas university and research partnerships give its academic community a wider international outlook.

  • A memorable place to live

    Leafy campuses sit within reach of Chongqing’s hillside neighbourhoods, riverside walks and lively food culture.

02/ 11Language requirements

What language do you need?

Chinese language HSK 4 · 210+ / HSK 5 For Chinese-taught undergraduate entry Scores, alternatives & exam details
Chinese-taught entry
HSK 4 · 210+ is the general minimum. English, Japanese and German degrees require HSK 5 · 180+.
Programme conditions
The Chinese-taught English degree also needs IELTS 6.0 / TOEFL 80 or accepted English-medium evidence. Materials Engineering requires strong communication in both Chinese and English.

Accepted alternatives

  • No general HSK waiver is published for direct Chinese-taught entry. A CSC-funded foundation year may apply when the degree’s Chinese level is not yet met.

The Chinese-teaching scholarship requires HSK 4 · 210+ and HSKK intermediate · 60+. Chinese-taught degree students must reach HSK 5 for graduation.

English language IELTS 6.0 / TOEFL 80 For English-taught undergraduate entry Scores, alternatives & exam details
English-taught entry
Non-native English speakers need IELTS 6.0+, TOEFL iBT 80+, or one of the published alternatives.
Programme conditions
English-taught degrees do not list HSK as a general admission requirement. Chinese language and China Panorama remain compulsory degree courses.

Accepted alternatives

  • Proof that your previous qualification was taught entirely in English
  • Evidence of at least one year of study in an English-speaking country; native English speakers are exempt from this evidence requirement.

The Chinese wording permits at least one year abroad; the English guide says more than one year. English-taught undergraduates must reach HSK 4 before graduation.

03/ 11Entry requirements

Your grades. Your starting point.

Compare the published requirement with a competitive target.

Official requirementPublished by CQU

Competitive estimateChinaStudyGuide target

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

04/ 11CSCA

Do you need CSCA?

General admissionRequired
Chinese Government ScholarshipRequired
Which CSCA subjects do you need?
Chinese

Humanities Chinese for arts, humanities, economics, law and public administration; STEM Chinese for science, engineering and construction-related management. Teaching Chinese to Speakers of Other Languages is exempt with valid HSK 4 · 210+.

By programme
Mathematics

Required across the Chinese-taught catalogue, including arts and the Chinese-teaching degree. English-taught applicants must also submit the programme-specific CSCA transcript.

Required for Chinese entry
Physics

Chinese-taught engineering, mathematics and computing generally require Physics. The five construction-management choices require Chinese and Mathematics only; Carbon Storage and Biomedical Engineering use Chemistry instead.

By programme
Chemistry

Required for Chinese-taught Carbon Storage Science and Engineering and Biomedical Engineering. Materials Engineering requires both Physics and Chemistry alongside STEM Chinese and Mathematics.

By programme

Take each paper in your programme’s teaching language. The English-taught choices have programme-specific paper requirements in the attached list; the general guide does not give one common science-paper combination or a numerical CSCA minimum.

CQU guide & programme attachment ↗ · CSCA registration ↗

05/ 11Admission routes

Find your way in.

Choose a degree taught in Chinese or English.

Application dates & eligibility
Official route details

06/ 11Application process

From application to arrival.

Step 01

Choose your major

Choose the named degree and teaching language, then check its language level and CSCA combination. Architecture takes five years; the other listed Chinese-taught degrees take four.

Documents that deserve an early start

Application materials

Personal statement

General undergraduate application

Write at least 800 words covering your background, education, motivation and study plan. CSC Type A separately asks for an undergraduate study plan of at least 200 words; the Chinese-teaching scholarship adds its own statement requirement.

Creative portfolio

Arts applicants only

Prepare work relevant to the degree, such as paintings, scripts or short films. Drawing and design need a suitable drawing foundation; dance and music require the corresponding performance background.

Notarised school records

All undergraduate applicants

Arrange your high-school diploma and complete transcripts with an explanation of the school’s grading system. Current pupils may apply with expected-graduation proof, then bring the final diploma for registration.

All other required documents

  • Passport and current visa

    For the 2026 call, the ordinary passport must remain valid beyond March 2027. Applicants already in China also submit their visa or residence-permit page and entry stamps.

  • CSCA and language reports

    Provide valid reports for the degree’s required papers and teaching language, and the applicable HSK or English evidence.

  • Medical examination

    Submit the fully completed Foreigner Physical Examination Form with the laboratory, ECG and chest X-ray reports. The examination is valid for six months and needs the doctor’s signature, hospital stamp and sealed photograph.

  • Police certificate

    Submit a non-criminal-record certificate issued within six months before the application.

  • Financial evidence

    Provide a bank or financial statement issued within six months showing at least RMB 30,000 available. The university may relax the amount for full scholarship applicants.

  • Study or employment certificate

    Current students provide enrolment proof; employed applicants provide an employment certificate.

  • Scholarship-specific endorsement

    Chinese language teachers scholarship applicants need a recommendation from an approved recommending institution. In-service teachers also provide employment proof and an employer reference; undergraduate applicants are not subject to the postgraduate professor-letter requirement.

  • Nationality and additional records

    Supply nationality-history evidence and any supplementary documents requested for your case. The Chinese-teaching scholarship also requires certified guardian documents for applicants under 18.

Use Chinese or English documents, with notarised translations for other languages. School-issued certificates need the certifier’s name, contact details and official stamp. Upload scans at application and retain originals for registration.

CQU application portal Email admissions

07/ 11Subjects

What will you study?

59 options
Browse all 59 options

CQU undergraduate admission catalogue

MajorSchool / departmentLanguage
JournalismSchool of Journalism and CommunicationChinese
MarketingSchool of Economics and Business AdministrationChinese
Business AdministrationSchool of Economics and Business AdministrationChinese
Public AdministrationSchool of Public Policy and AdministrationChinese
Urban ManagementSchool of Public Policy and AdministrationChinese
EconomicsSchool of Public Policy and AdministrationChinese
LawSchool of LawChinese
DrawingSchool of ArtsChinese
Product DesignSchool of ArtsChinese
Environmental DesignSchool of ArtsChinese
Visual Communication DesignSchool of ArtsChinese
Dance PerformanceSchool of ArtsChinese
Music PerformanceSchool of ArtsChinese
EnglishSchool of Foreign Languages and CulturesChinese
JapaneseSchool of Foreign Languages and CulturesChinese
GermanSchool of Foreign Languages and CulturesChinese
Teaching Chinese to Speakers of Other LanguagesSchool of Foreign Languages and CulturesChinese
Chinese Language and LiteratureLiberal Arts CollegeChinese
HistoryLiberal Arts CollegeChinese
PhilosophyLiberal Arts CollegeChinese
ActingMeishi Film AcademyChinese
Broadcasting and Hosting ArtsMeishi Film AcademyChinese
Radio and Television DirectingMeishi Film AcademyChinese
Drama and Television DirectingMeishi Film AcademyChinese
Drama and Television LiteratureMeishi Film AcademyChinese
Energy and Power EngineeringSchool of Energy and Power EngineeringChinese
New Energy Science and EngineeringSchool of Energy and Power EngineeringChinese
Nuclear Engineering and TechnologySchool of Energy and Power EngineeringChinese
Information and Computing ScienceCollege of Mathematics and StatisticsChinese
Mathematics and Applied MathematicsCollege of Mathematics and StatisticsChinese
StatisticsCollege of Mathematics and StatisticsChinese
Safety EngineeringSchool of Resources and Safety EngineeringChinese
Carbon Storage Science and EngineeringSchool of Resources and Safety EngineeringChinese
ArchitectureSchool of Architecture and Urban PlanningChinese
Urban PlanningSchool of Architecture and Urban PlanningChinese
Landscape ArchitectureSchool of Architecture and Urban PlanningChinese
Civil EngineeringSchool of Civil EngineeringChinese
Building Environment and Energy Application EngineeringSchool of Civil EngineeringChinese
Electrical Engineering and AutomationSchool of Electrical EngineeringChinese
Real Estate Development and ManagementSchool of Management Science and Real EstateChinese
Engineering ManagementSchool of Management Science and Real EstateChinese
Quantity SurveyingSchool of Management Science and Real EstateChinese
Financial ManagementSchool of Management Science and Real EstateChinese
Intelligent ConstructionSchool of Management Science and Real EstateChinese
Computer Science and TechnologyCollege of Computer ScienceChinese
Materials EngineeringCollege of Materials Science and EngineeringChinese
Engineering MechanicsCollege of Aerospace EngineeringChinese
Aerospace EngineeringCollege of Aerospace EngineeringChinese
Mechanical Design Manufacture and AutomationCollege of Mechanical and Vehicle EngineeringChinese
Mechatronic EngineeringCollege of Mechanical and Vehicle EngineeringChinese
Vehicle EngineeringCollege of Mechanical and Vehicle EngineeringChinese
AutomationSchool of AutomationChinese
Robotic EngineeringSchool of AutomationChinese
Biomedical EngineeringCollege of BioengineeringChinese
Electrical Engineering and AutomationSchool of Electrical EngineeringEnglish
Civil EngineeringSchool of Civil EngineeringEnglish
Materials EngineeringCollege of Materials Science and EngineeringEnglish
Mechanical Design Manufacture and AutomationCollege of Mechanical and Vehicle EngineeringEnglish
Business AdministrationSchool of Economics and Business AdministrationEnglish

How you choose your majorApply for a named major and teaching language. Architecture takes five years; other Chinese-taught choices take four. Arts need relevant creative preparation; language degrees and Biomedical Engineering have additional requirements. The listed options are for 2026; 2027 availability is not yet confirmed.

Official admission catalogue

08/ 11Annual budget

What will one year cost?

Estimated annual total · RMB50,600

Tuition

RMB / year18,000Published tuition reference

Accommodation

RMB / year9,000Living-cost estimate

Food

RMB / year16,800Living-cost estimate

Transport

RMB / year1,800Living-cost estimate

Other costs

RMB / year5,000Living-cost estimate
What’s included in the estimate?

Tuition

Published annual tuition for your selected subject group.

Accommodation

Campus-room allowance with room for vacation arrangements.

ChinaStudyGuide estimate; published rooms RMB 5,000–9,000/academic year

Food

Canteen meals, groceries and occasional meals out.

ChinaStudyGuide estimate: RMB 1,400 × 12

Transport

Public transport and occasional taxis.

ChinaStudyGuide estimate: RMB 150 × 12

Other costs

Insurance, books, phone, utilities and routine essentials.

ChinaStudyGuide estimate; includes RMB 800 insurance

A 12-month planning budget using CQU’s current official tuition and insurance rates. Housing and other living allowances are estimates. Excludes the RMB 600 application fee, flights, visa costs and refundable deposits.

09/ 11Scholarships

Big ambitions. Extra support.

National award · Type A

Chinese Government Scholarship

FundingFull / partial funding
Competition*Very high

Coverage

  • Full awards cover tuition, accommodation, insurance and a living stipend
  • Partial awards fund one or more of these items

Funding can cover major study and an approved Chinese foundation year. The country scheme determines eligible degrees, duration and final benefits; simultaneous scholarships are not permitted.

Application
Apply personally for a fee-free CQU pre-admission letter, seek your home-country authority’s nomination and submit a CSC Type A application with CQU as first choice. The country authority sets the deadline; agency-submitted scholarship applications are disqualified.
CSCA
Required for undergraduate applicants before the application deadline, using the papers and language in the CSC programme list.
Selection
High-school diploma, excellent academic record and age under 25. HSK 3 is the scheme’s Chinese baseline; degree entry needs CQU’s higher level or an approved foundation year. CSC makes the final award and placement decision.
Official scholarship details
University award

Chongqing University President Scholarship

FundingFull funding / tuition support
Competition*High

Coverage

  • First class: full tuition, campus housing and RMB 1,500/month for undergraduates
  • First class: RMB 800/year medical insurance; RMB 700/month housing subsidy if campus housing is unavailable
  • Second class: full tuition; third class: 50% tuition

Second- and third-class awards leave living costs self-funded. Funding lasts for the normal degree period and requires a satisfactory annual review.

Application
Select the President Scholarship in CQU’s online application system and use its eligible-major list. The 2026 deadline was 17 May; the next undergraduate call is not yet announced.
CSCA
Required through the undergraduate admission requirements. No separate award-specific numerical threshold is published.
Selection
Academic merit, degree eligibility and university assessment. Submit the general undergraduate documents; meet the applicable language requirement and do not hold another scholarship.
Official scholarship details
Subject-specific award

International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarship

FundingFull funding
Competition*High

Coverage

  • Tuition and accommodation
  • RMB 2,500/month living allowance
  • Comprehensive medical insurance

For the four-year Teaching Chinese to Speakers of Other Languages degree. Degree students undertake an annual scholarship assessment.

Application
Obtain an approved recommending institution’s endorsement and apply in both the CLEC and CQU systems. The September 2026 degree deadline was 11 May; the 31 October deadline concerns a March 2027 non-degree programme.
CSCA
Required for degree admission under CQU’s general undergraduate guide. The Chinese-teaching catalogue exempts Humanities Chinese with valid HSK 4 · 210+; Mathematics remains listed.
Selection
High-school diploma, normally under 25, HSK 4 · 210+ and HSKK intermediate · 60+. CLEC selects after institution and university review; a post-study teaching contract receives priority.
Official scholarship details

Competition labels are ChinaStudyGuide estimates; acceptance rates are unpublished. These are the confirmed 2026 undergraduate schemes, with 2027 degree calls pending. CQU’s 2026 Mayor and MOE–Chongqing Joint Scholarship calls cover postgraduate study.

Explore the scholarship guide

10/ 11Accommodation

Find your Chongqing base.

On campus

International student dormitories

Campus rooms at Shapingba and Kexuecheng.

Room allocation requiredLocations & practical details
Locations
Lanyuan No. 6 at Kexuecheng: twin RMB 5,000 or single RMB 8,000/year. Songlinpo at Shapingba: twin/triple RMB 5,000 or single RMB 9,000/year. Ganyuancun at Shapingba: twin RMB 6,000–7,000/year.
Best for
Students who want campus routines close to their assigned teaching site. Choose housing around your programme’s actual campus rather than the university name alone.
Plan for
Rates are per person per academic year; utilities, Wi-Fi and bedding are generally extra. Check room allocation and vacation dates before arrival. The budget allows RMB 9,000 over 12 months.
Off campus

Private rental in Chongqing

Independent living near your teaching campus.

Arrange independentlyLocations & practical details
Locations
Look around the assigned Shapingba campus or University Town near Kexuecheng / Huxi. They are separate parts of the city; compare the actual door-to-door journey before choosing a flat.
Best for
Students who need more space or privacy, want to share with friends or cannot obtain a campus room. Hilly streets can make a short map distance a longer walk.
Plan for
Budget separately for rent, deposits, utilities and furnishing. A private studio may exceed the campus-room allowance; follow CQU’s off-campus registration instructions.

Have a housing backup. Confirm your assigned campus, room and vacation arrangements before travelling. Keep a private-housing alternative until accommodation is allocated.

11/ 11Student life

A campus to call home. A city to discover.

Painted interpretation of lake reflections and modern academic buildings inspired by Chongqing University’s Huxi / Kexuecheng campus
A Huxi-inspired lakeside afternoon
Painted interpretation inspired by Chongqing’s illuminated riverside terraces, red bridge and hilly skyline
Beyond the campus gates

Chongqing after class

Chongqing is a city of steep streets, bridges and river views. Try small noodle shops and hotpot, explore old neighbourhoods and watch the evening lights along the Jialing and Yangtze rivers.

Campus routine

Study life differs between the established Shapingba campuses and the larger Kexuecheng / Huxi campus. Libraries, canteens, sports and international student activities provide a routine around your teaching site.

Around your neighbourhood

Shapingba offers busy local shopping and food streets; University Town has a more spacious campus atmosphere. Learn your regular canteen, grocery and metro routes early, and expect slopes and steps.

Weekends in Chongqing

Explore Ciqikou’s old lanes, riverside promenades and the illuminated Hongya Cave area. Hot, humid summers and rainy spells make shaded walks, museums and relaxed hotpot meals useful weekend options.

Keep exploring

More universities. More possibilities.

Official sources & latest updates

Checked 21 October 2026. The published undergraduate cycle is 2026; its deadlines have passed. Intake-specific 2027 undergraduate dates are not confirmed. QS uses the 2027 overall ranking.

Chinese wording takes precedence where versions differ: the general age limits are inclusive, and one year of study in an English-speaking country is accepted. The current detailed dormitory schedule gives RMB 5,000–9,000 per academic year; the Chinese summary’s RMB 2,500 floor is a semester rate. Academic targets, competition labels and living allowances are ChinaStudyGuide estimates.