Xi'an, China

Xi'an Jiaotong University

西安交通大学 · XJTU

A C9 university known for engineering, energy, technology and medicine

Everything you need to know before applying to Xi'an Jiaotong University — from entry requirements and language requirements to CSCA, programmes, costs, scholarships and student life.

Check language fit Compare admission routes

✓ Verified against official XJTU admissions sourcesLast updated 14 July 2026

QS ranking#305World University Rankings

LocationXi'anShaanxi province

Main languageChinese and EnglishConfirm by programme

Degree length4–6 yearsVaries by programme

Tuition guideRMB 20k–180kDepends on programme

Application status2026 closedAll published deadlines passed

Applicant fit

Is Xi'an Jiaotong University a realistic choice?

✓Good fitYou have strong grades, relevant subject preparation and the language skills needed for your chosen programme.
!CompetitiveAdmission is competitive, and shortlisted applicants must also complete a comprehensive interview.
×Probably not suitableYou want a simple application process, a wide choice of English-taught programmes or less academically intensive study.

Application status2026 applications closedLast checked: 14 July 2026

Build my checklist Official sources View official admissions page

About Xi'an Jiaotong University

Overview

Xi'an Jiaotong University is a public C9 research university with particular strengths in engineering, energy, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, materials science and medicine. International undergraduates can choose from a broad Chinese-taught catalogue and selected English-taught programmes in engineering and medicine.

Xi'an offers a lower-cost alternative to Beijing or Shanghai, with a large student population, extensive public transport and frequent opportunities to use Chinese outside the classroom.

Why choose Xi'an Jiaotong University

A leading C9 university with major strengths in engineering and applied sciences, selected English-taught programmes and more manageable living costs than Beijing or Shanghai.

What to watch

Tuition and language requirements vary by programme. CSCA and a comprehensive interview are required for undergraduate admission.

Best-fit student

You have strong grades, relevant subject preparation and the language skills needed for your chosen programme.

Not ideal for

You want a simple application process, a wide choice of low-cost English-taught programmes or a degree without additional assessment.

Study language

Language requirements

Chinese language

HSK 4 or above

Chinese-taught programmes require HSK Level 4 or above, or another qualification accepted by XJTU. Applicants who do not yet meet the requirement may be advised to complete a pre-university foundation programme. Native Chinese speakers may be exempt, subject to university approval. Meeting the minimum makes you eligible, but it does not necessarily mean you are ready for full-time Chinese-medium study.

English language

IELTS 6.0, TOEFL 80 or Duolingo 110

English-taught programmes normally require IELTS 6.0, TOEFL iBT 80 or another qualification accepted by XJTU. The English-taught engineering brochure also accepts Duolingo 110. Native English speakers may be exempt, subject to university approval.

Important for planning Choose your programme before booking a language test. Requirements vary between Chinese-taught, English-taught engineering and medical programmes.

Academic fit

Entry requirements

Qualification	Official XJTU guidance	ChinaStudyGuide estimate
A-Level	No general minimum score published	*AAB-AAA; aim AAA-AAA for medicine and the most selective engineering programmes**
IB	No general minimum score published	34-37+; aim 36-38+ for the most selective routes
SAT / AP	No general minimum score published	SAT 1350+; aim 1400-1450+ for selective English routes
UEC	No general minimum score published	Strong results in five or more relevant subjects
Other	High-school or senior-secondary qualification required	Strong results in your national curriculum

XJTU does not publish general minimum scores for these qualifications. The competitive targets above are ChinaStudyGuide planning guidance only and are not official admission requirements.

Admissions assessment

CSCA

CSCA is required for all international undergraduate applicants. The required papers vary by programme.

Do I need CSCA?

General undergraduate admissionYes

Chinese Government ScholarshipYes

Required subjects

CSCA papers vary by programme. Check the exact requirements in XJTU’s official programme catalogue before registering.

Choose your route

Admission routes

AClosed for 2026

Chinese-taught degrees

Suitable if you meet the HSK requirement and want access to XJTU's full Chinese-taught undergraduate catalogue.

Application window: 1 Nov 2025-30 Jun 2026
CSCA: Check the exact papers in the programme catalogue
Language: HSK 4+
Assessment: Academic review and comprehensive interview

Official route details ↗

BClosed for 2026

English-taught degrees

Suitable if you are applying to one of XJTU's selected English-taught engineering programmes or MBBS.

Final deadline: 30 Jun 2026
CSCA: Check the exact papers in the programme catalogue
English: IELTS 6.0 / TOEFL 80, with Duolingo 110 accepted for the engineering programmes
Assessment: Comprehensive interview

Official route details ↗

Important: All published 2026 deadlines have passed. For the next intake, choose your programme first, then confirm its CSCA papers, language requirement, tuition, deadline and assessment process.

From application to arrival

Application process

1
Choose the exact programme
Confirm the teaching language, duration, tuition and CSCA requirements in the latest programme catalogue.
2
Complete CSCA and the language test
Take the required CSCA papers and obtain the relevant HSK or English-language result before applying.
3
Apply online
Complete the XJTU application and upload the required documents before the programme deadline.
4
Complete the initial review and pay
If your application passes the initial review, XJTU will issue a payment notice. The fee is RMB 500 for self-funded applications and RMB 800 for scholarship applications.
5
Complete the comprehensive interview
Prepare to discuss your academic background, subject choice, language ability, study plan and reasons for applying to XJTU.
6
Receive the admission decision
Successful applicants receive admission and visa documents after university review.
7
Prepare for registration
Arrange visa, insurance and accommodation, then bring original documents for verification in September.

Documents to prepareAcademic records, study plan, CSCA result, recommendation letter, language certificate and identity documents

Start early

Required documents vary by programme and nationality background. Prepare them early so you have time to check translations and programme-specific requirements.

01Study plan

Write at least 600 words or Chinese characters explaining your academic background, intended programme and future study plans.

02CSCA score report

Register for the exact papers required by your major and allow enough time for the score report to reach the application.

03Recommendation letter

Ask a head teacher or subject teacher who knows your academic performance well and can give specific examples of your strengths and potential.

04Passport identification page
05High-school diploma or expected-graduation certificate
06Academic transcripts and scoring-system explanation
07Language certificate for the chosen route
08Physical Examination Record and non-criminal record
09Guardian authorisation letter for applicants under 18, plus any additional documents requested by XJTU

Documents not issued in Chinese or English may need a notarised translation.

Before you submit

Your readiness checklist

Application readiness0 / 6 completed

Confirm the programme variantChinese-taught, English-taught engineering or MBBS Check the current deadlineAll 2026 routes are now closed Register for the correct CSCA papersCheck the exact papers listed for your programme Secure language evidenceHSK 4+ or the relevant English certificate Budget for the full routeTuition ranges from RMB 20,000 to 180,000/year Prepare for assessmentPrepare for XJTU's comprehensive interview

Academic choice

Subjects

33 undergraduate major entries from XJTU's official admission catalogue.

Major / option	Admissions category / programme	School / college	Teaching language
Electrical Engineering and Automation	Engineering	School of Electrical Engineering	Chinese / English
Energy Internet Engineering	Engineering	School of Electrical Engineering	Chinese
Electronic Science and Technology	Electronic Information	School of Electronic and Information Engineering	Chinese
Computer Science and Technology	Electronic Information	School of Computer Science and Technology	Chinese
Software Engineering	Electronic Information	School of Software Engineering	Chinese
Intelligent Manufacturing Engineering	Engineering	School of Mechanical Engineering	English
Mechanical Engineering	Engineering	School of Mechanical Engineering	Chinese
Energy and Power Engineering	Energy & Power	School of Energy and Power Engineering	Chinese / English
New Energy Science and Engineering	Energy & Power	School of Energy and Power Engineering	Chinese
Nuclear Engineering and Technology	Energy & Power	School of Energy and Power Engineering	Chinese
Energy Storage Science and Engineering	Energy & Power	School of Energy and Power Engineering	Chinese
Environmental Engineering	Energy & Environment	School of Energy and Power Engineering	Chinese
Materials Science and Engineering	Materials	School of Materials Science and Engineering	Chinese / English
Chemistry	Sciences	School of Chemistry	Chinese
Applied Chemistry	Sciences	School of Chemistry	Chinese
Chemical Engineering and Technology	Engineering	School of Chemical Engineering and Technology	Chinese
Civil Engineering	Human Settlements	Faculty of Human Settlements	Chinese
Architecture and Human Settlements	Human Settlements	Faculty of Human Settlements	Chinese
Biomedical Engineering	Life Sciences	School of Life Science and Technology	Chinese
Biotechnology	Life Sciences	School of Life Science and Technology	Chinese
MBBS / Clinical Medicine	Medicine	Health Science Center	English
Trade Economics	Economics	School of Finance and Economics	Chinese
Public Finance	Economics	School of Finance and Economics	Chinese
Environmental Design	Arts & Design	School of Humanities and Social Sciences	Chinese
Calligraphy	Arts	School of Humanities and Social Sciences	Chinese
Economics	Economics	School of Finance and Economics	Chinese
Finance	Economics	School of Finance and Economics	Chinese
International Economics and Trade	Economics	School of Finance and Economics	Chinese
Business Administration	Management	School of Management	Chinese
Big Data Management and Application	Management	School of Management	Chinese
Law	Social Sciences	School of Law	Chinese
Public Administration	Social Sciences	School of Public Policy and Administration	Chinese
Chinese Language	Language & Humanities	School of International Education	Chinese

Fees & funding

TuitionAnnual tuition reference

Degree lengthChoose a planning period

AccommodationRMB 19,000Based on the upper end of XJTU's published annual accommodation range

MealsRMB 30,000Estimated at around RMB 2,500 per month

TransportRMB 3,000Annual local transport estimate

MiscellaneousRMB 7,000Insurance, residence permit, books, medical checks and initial setup costs

Estimated Year 1 BudgetExcludes flights, visa application costs and private-rental deposits

RMB 0

Indicative full-degree budgetBefore inflation or tuition changes

RMB 0

Funding your degree

Scholarships

Scholarship	Typical cover	Difficulty	CSCA?	Key note
Chinese Government Scholarship	Tuition, accommodation, insurance and living allowance may be covered	Very high	Yes	Apply through the relevant dispatching authority and confirm XJTU nomination rules.
XJTU Freshman Scholarship	10%-100% first-year tuition waiver for eligible non-medical undergraduate programmes	High	Yes	The award covers the first year. Continued support is reviewed based on academic performance.
Xi'an City Government and Shaanxi scholarships	Municipal or provincial support varies by the current award	High	Yes	Check nationality, programme, coverage and separate deadline rules each year.

Check funding separatelyScholarship deadlines and eligibility can differ from the academic application, and an award is not a separate admission route.

Where you may live

Accommodation

On-campus option

International student dormitories

XJTU has international accommodation across Xingqing, Yanta and iHarbour. The 2026 guide gives a broad RMB 8,000-19,000 annual range, depending on campus and room type. Living on campus can make classes, dining and student services easier to reach.

Best for: Students who want a simpler campus routine
Plan for: Online booking, campus assignment, room type and annual availability

Off-campus option

Private rental in Xi'an

Private rental may cost less than in Beijing or Shanghai, but you should still plan for commuting, deposits, contract checks, utilities and local address registration. Check where your degree is taught before choosing an area.

Best for: Students who want independence or do not secure a dormitory
Plan for: Campus location, commute, deposit, utilities and police registration

Campus and room availability are not guaranteed until XJTU confirms the current accommodation policy. Keep an off-campus backup plan.

Life in Xi'an

Student life

Student life at XJTU combines a research-focused university environment with the culture and lower living costs of Xi'an. Your daily experience will vary depending on whether your programme is based at Xingqing, Yanta or iHarbour.

校

Campus

Xingqing, Yanta and iHarbour offer different academic, residential and commuting experiences. Check your programme location before choosing accommodation.

史

Student life

Xi'an has a large student population, extensive public transport and easy access to museums, historic sites, parks and local food areas.

语

Language

Even on an English-taught programme, some Chinese will make everyday life, university administration, student activities and internships easier.

业

Career exposure

XJTU is particularly well suited to students interested in engineering, energy, advanced manufacturing, materials science and applied research.

Compare choices

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