Hefei, China

University of Science and Technology of China

中国科学技术大学 · USTC

A science-focused C9 university for students ready for Chinese-taught study, required CSCA tests and a demanding research environment.

Everything you need to know before applying to USTC — from language and entry requirements to CSCA, programmes, costs, scholarships and student life.

Check language fit See how to apply

✓ Verified against official USTC undergraduate sourcesLast updated 14 July 2026

QS ranking=134QS World University Rankings 2027

LocationHefeiAnhui province

Main languageChineseAll listed undergraduate degrees

Degree length4 yearsFull-time study

Tuition guideRMB 26,000Per year

2026 deadline31 March 2026Applications closed

About USTC

Overview

The University of Science and Technology of China is a public C9 research university in Hefei with close links to the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Its undergraduate programmes focus mainly on mathematics, physics, chemistry, computing, engineering, earth and space sciences, life sciences and selected management subjects.

USTC’s international undergraduate programmes are full-time, four-year degrees taught in Chinese. International students study alongside Chinese students in a demanding academic environment focused heavily on science and research.

Why choose USTC

Exceptional strengths in science, computing and engineering, a strong research culture and more manageable living costs than Beijing or Shanghai.

What to watch

All listed programmes are taught in Chinese, CSCA is required, and shortlisted applicants may face further tests or an interview.

≈

Best-fit student

You have excellent STEM results, strong Chinese, and a genuine interest in your chosen scientific or technical subject.

−

Not ideal for

You want an English-taught degree or a wide choice of humanities and social-science subjects.

Study language

Language requirements

Chinese language

HSK Level 5 or above

Applicants need HSK Level 5 or above, with more than 60 in each component. Native Chinese speakers and applicants who completed high school in Chinese may apply for an exemption, subject to USTC’s review.

English language

No formal English-test minimum

USTC does not publish a minimum IELTS or TOEFL score. However, applicants whose native language is not English must provide supporting evidence of English ability, such as IELTS, TOEFL or proof of English-medium secondary education.

Important for planningMeeting the minimum HSK requirement makes you eligible to apply, but it does not necessarily mean you are ready to complete a demanding STEM degree entirely in Chinese.

Academic fit

Entry requirements

Qualification	Official USTC requirement	ChinaStudyGuide estimate
A-Level	No general minimum score published	AAA–A*AA in relevant subjects
IB	No general minimum score published	37–40+ with strong Higher Level mathematics and sciences
SAT / AP	No general minimum score published	SAT 1450+ plus strong AP or subject results
UEC / regional qualifications	No qualification-specific minimum published	Top results in relevant mathematics and science subjects
Other	High-school diploma and transcript required; no general minimum score published	Top national-curriculum results with strong subject fit

USTC accepts SAT, IB, GCE A-Level, ACT and AST results as supporting academic evidence but does not publish general minimum scores. The competitive targets above are ChinaStudyGuide planning guidance only.

Admissions assessment

CSCA

CSCA is required for all international undergraduate applicants. Valid results must be submitted with the online application.

Do I need CSCA?

Undergraduate applicationYes

Undergraduate CSC scholarshipYes

Required subjects

Professional Chinese (STEM) — compulsory for all applicants
Mathematics — compulsory for all applicants
Physics or Chemistry — choose one elective science paper

Check the official CSCA website for test dates, registration deadlines, syllabi and score validity before applying.

How to apply

Admission route

01Closed for 2026

International undergraduate application

One application covers USTC's Chinese-taught international undergraduate programmes.

Application window: 14 November 2025–31 March 2026
Language: HSK Level 5 or approved exemption
Assessment: Document and CSCA review; shortlisted applicants may be invited to further tests or an interview
Scholarships: Choose self-funded study or USTC Fellowship in the application system. Chinese Government Scholarship applications follow separate home-country procedures.

Official undergraduate application guide ↗

Complete CSCA before applying. Valid results must be submitted with your online application, whether you are applying for self-funded study or a scholarship.

From testing to arrival

Application process

1
Choose your programme
Review USTC's programme list and confirm that your academic background matches your intended subject.
2
Complete HSK and CSCA
Obtain HSK 5 or approved exemption evidence and take Professional Chinese (STEM), Mathematics and Physics or Chemistry.
3
Prepare your documents
Prepare your passport, academic records, language result, recommendation letter, physical examination form and any required nationality documents.
4
Apply online
Create an account, complete the USTC form, upload all evidence and submit valid CSCA results. USTC charges no application fee.
5
Complete university assessment
USTC reviews your CSCA results and supporting documents. Shortlisted applicants may then be invited to further tests or an interview.
6
Receive the decision
For 2026 entry, assessments took place in April or May, with admission decisions issued in June or July.
7
Visa and registration
Use your Admission Notice and JW202 for the X1 visa, then bring original documents for verification in Hefei.

Documents to prepareAcademic records, language and CSCA results, recommendation and identity documents

Start early

Documents not issued in Chinese or English require notarised translations. USTC checks original documents at registration and may request additional materials.

01Academic record

Prepare notarised copies of your high-school diploma and transcript, or a pre-graduation certificate if you are still studying.

02HSK or exemption evidence

Provide HSK Level 5 results or approved evidence that you are a native Chinese speaker or completed high school in Chinese.

03CSCA score report

Submit valid results for Professional Chinese (STEM), Mathematics and your chosen Physics or Chemistry paper.

04Application form for international undergraduate students
05Passport identification page and China visa pages, if applicable
06Foreigner Physical Examination Form
07One original recommendation letter from your high school, written in Chinese or English
08Guardian statement if under 18 on 1 September 2026
09Nationality documents, optional exam results and notarised translations where required

Before you submit

Your readiness checklist

Application readiness0 / 6 completed

Choose your USTC programmeConfirm that your previous study aligns with the intended STEM major.Obtain HSK 5 or exemption evidenceEach HSK component should be above 60.Complete CSCAProfessional Chinese (STEM), Mathematics, and either Physics or Chemistry.Prepare academic and identity documentsDiploma or pre-graduation certificate, transcript and passport.Request your recommendation letterOne original high-school letter in Chinese or English.Review translations and special formsAdd physical-exam, guardian and nationality documents where required.

Academic choice

Subjects

Search USTC's published international undergraduate programme list. All listed degrees are taught in Chinese.

Popular searches

Search by subject, school or teaching language.

Major / option	Subject area	School / grouping	Teaching language
Mathematics	Mathematics	School of Mathematical Sciences	Chinese
Pure and Applied Mathematics	Mathematics	School of Mathematical Sciences	Chinese
Information and Computing Sciences	Mathematics / Computing	School of Mathematical Sciences	Chinese
Physics	Physics	School of Physical Sciences	Chinese
Applied Physics	Physics	School of Physical Sciences	Chinese
Photoelectric Information Science and Engineering	Physics / Engineering	School of Physical Sciences	Chinese
Astronomy	Physics / Space	School of Physical Sciences	Chinese
Quantum Information Science	Physics / Computing	School of Physical Sciences	Chinese
Materials Physics	Materials	School of Chemistry and Materials Science	Chinese
Materials Chemistry	Materials / Chemistry	School of Chemistry and Materials Science	Chinese
Polymer Materials and Engineering	Materials / Engineering	School of Chemistry and Materials Science	Chinese
Chemistry	Chemistry	School of Chemistry and Materials Science	Chinese
Bioscience	Life Sciences	Life Sciences and Medicine	Chinese
Biotechnology	Life Sciences	Life Sciences and Medicine	Chinese
Theory and Applied Mechanics	Engineering	School of Engineering Science	Chinese
Mechanical Design, Manufacture and Automation	Engineering	School of Engineering Science	Chinese
Energy and Power Engineering	Energy / Engineering	School of Engineering Science	Chinese
Safety Engineering	Engineering	School of Engineering Science	Chinese
Electronic Information Engineering	Electronics	Information, Computing and Electronics	Chinese
Automation	Engineering	Information, Computing and Electronics	Chinese
Artificial Intelligence	Computing	Information, Computing and Electronics	Chinese
Computer Science and Technology	Computing	Information, Computing and Electronics	Chinese
Electronic Science and Technology	Electronics	Information, Computing and Electronics	Chinese
Information Security / Cybersecurity	Computing	Information, Computing and Electronics	Chinese
Geophysics	Earth Sciences	Earth, Environment, Atmosphere and Space	Chinese
Space Science and Technology	Space Sciences	Earth, Environment, Atmosphere and Space	Chinese
Geochemistry	Earth Sciences	Earth, Environment, Atmosphere and Space	Chinese
Planetary Science	Space Sciences	Earth, Environment, Atmosphere and Space	Chinese
Atmospheric Science	Atmospheric Sciences	Earth, Environment, Atmosphere and Space	Chinese
Environmental Science and Engineering	Environment / Engineering	Earth, Environment, Atmosphere and Space	Chinese
Management Science	Management	Management and Nuclear Fields	Chinese
Statistics	Mathematics / Management	Management and Nuclear Fields	Chinese
Finance	Business	Management and Nuclear Fields	Chinese
Business Administration	Business	Management and Nuclear Fields	Chinese
Engineering Physics	Physics / Engineering	Management and Nuclear Fields	Chinese
Nuclear Engineering and Nuclear Technology	Nuclear Engineering	Management and Nuclear Fields	Chinese

View the official schools and programmes list ↗

How subject choice works:The table above follows USTC's current published programme information. Check the next admissions catalogue for final programme names and availability before applying.

Budget planning

Fees & funding

TuitionOfficial annual undergraduate tuition

Degree lengthFull-time undergraduate study

⌂ AccommodationRMB 12,000Based on the upper official dormitory rate of RMB 1,000 per month

食 MealsRMB 18,000Estimated at around RMB 1,500 per month

地 TransportRMB 2,400Estimated annual local transport cost

书 MiscellaneousRMB 6,800Insurance, books, visa costs and initial setup allowance

Estimated Year 1 BudgetBefore flights and personal travel

RMB 65,200

Indicative full-degree budget4 years, before inflation or tuition changes

RMB 260,800

Funding your degree

Scholarships

Scholarship	Typical cover	Difficulty	CSCA?	Key note
Chinese Government Scholarship	Tuition, accommodation, insurance, and living allowance	Very high	Yes	Usually through the home-country dispatching authority; after receiving an award letter, request USTC pre-acceptance. CSCA is required.
USTC Fellowship Level A	Tuition waiver, insurance, RMB 2,500 monthly stipend and accommodation subsidy	Very high	Yes	Apply through USTC's undergraduate application system. Awards are decided through a comprehensive review of the application.
USTC Fellowship Level B	Tuition waiver	High	Yes	Select the fellowship option in the same USTC application. This is a funding category, not a separate admissions route.

Check scholarship deadlines separatelyFunding rules and deadlines may differ from the academic application. Confirm the next USTC Fellowship and CSC notices before applying.

Where you may live

Accommodation

On-campus option

International student dormitories

USTC’s published dormitory rates range from RMB 500 to RMB 1,000 per month, depending on room type and size.

Best for: Students who want a simpler arrival and easier access to campus facilities
Plan for: Room type, booking instructions, deposits, utilities and availability attached to your offer

Off-campus option

Private rental in Hefei

Private rental can offer more space and independence, but cost, location and quality vary. Check the commute before signing a contract.

Best for: Students who do not secure a dormitory or prefer more independence
Plan for: Deposit, contract, utilities, commute and local temporary-residence registration

Housing availability can change each intake. Keep an off-campus backup until USTC confirms your dormitory place. Applicants under 18 on 1 September 2026 must have a guardian living in Hefei during their studies.

Life in Hefei

Student life

USTC offers a focused, research-intensive campus environment in a city with more manageable living costs than Beijing or Shanghai.

园

Campus

Laboratories, research projects, competitions and independent problem-solving play a central role in USTC’s academic culture.

城

City

Hefei offers parks, museums, local food and fast rail connections, with a quieter and generally more affordable lifestyle than China’s largest cities.

语

Language

International undergraduates study alongside Chinese students, so Chinese is used in lectures, group work, university administration and everyday life.

研

Career opportunities

USTC is particularly well suited to students interested in scientific research, computing, engineering, quantum technology, earth and space sciences or postgraduate study.

Compare choices

Compare other universities

Not sure whether USTC is the right fit? Compare it with other leading Chinese universities by city, subject strengths, teaching language, admissions, costs and student life.