Hangzhou, China
Zhejiang University
浙江大学 · ZJU
One of China’s leading C9 universities, known for its broad subject choice and strong research environment.
Everything you need to know before applying to Zhejiang University — from entry requirements and language requirements to CSCA, scholarships, costs, available programmes, and student life.
✓ Verified against official ZJU admissions sourcesLast updated 10 July 2026
About Zhejiang University
Overview
Zhejiang University is one of China's leading comprehensive research universities, offering undergraduate programmes across science, engineering, medicine, agriculture, humanities, social sciences, economics, management, and interdisciplinary fields.
Based in Hangzhou, Zhejiang University operates across several campuses. Programme details vary by campus, teaching language, tuition, and admission requirements, so always check the official programme page before applying.
Why choose ZJU
A leading C9 university with a broad choice of subjects, excellent research strengths, and close links to China's technology sector.
What to watch
Most undergraduate programmes are taught in Chinese. Teaching language, tuition, campus, and entry requirements can vary considerably between programmes.
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 wide choice of English-taught undergraduate programmes or haven't yet decided which programme and teaching language are right for you.
Study language
Language requirements
HSK Level 5 or Level 6
Chinese-taught programmes normally require HSK Level 5 or Level 6, depending on the programme. Check the official programme page for the exact level before choosing your route.
IELTS, TOEFL, or accepted equivalent
English-taught programmes normally require English-language evidence, but the accepted tests and score line vary by programme. Native English speakers or students educated in English may be exempt, subject to ZJU's requirements.
Choose a programme whose teaching language matches your current ability, not just the degree you want to study.
Academic fit
Entry requirements
| Qualification | Official ZJU requirement | ChinaStudyGuide estimate |
|---|---|---|
| A-Level | No general minimum score published | AAA to A*AA in relevant subjects |
| IB | No general minimum score published | 36-39+ overall, with strong Higher Level subjects |
| SAT / AP | No general minimum score published | SAT 1400-1450+ plus strong AP or subject evidence |
| UEC | No general minimum score published | Strong results in relevant subjects |
| Other | No general minimum score published for every national curriculum | Strong national-curriculum results with subject fit |
ZJU does not publish general minimum scores for these qualifications. The competitive targets above are ChinaStudyGuide recommendations for planning only.
Admissions assessment
CSCA
CSCA is required for most international undergraduate applicants to Zhejiang University. Always check the programme page for the required subject combination.
Do I need CSCA?
- Engineering: commonly Mathematics and Physics
- Medicine and life sciences: may require Mathematics and Chemistry
- Other programmes: follow the exact combination in the official programme notice
Always check the programme notice before deciding which CSCA subjects to take.
Choose your route
Admission routes
Main undergraduate application
Covers programmes listed in ZJU's main international undergraduate catalogue.
- Application window
- Normally until 28 February 2026
- Suitable if
- You are choosing from the main undergraduate catalogue
- Prepare
- Academic results, language qualification, CSCA results, documents, and programme-specific requirements
Alternative admission routes
Selected English-taught, joint, MBBS, and specialist programmes may publish separate admissions notices and deadlines.
- Application window
- Some routes used 31 May 2026
- Suitable if
- You are applying to MBBS, a joint institute, or another programme with its own admissions notice
- Prepare
- Programme page checks for tuition, campus, test scores, interviews, and document format
From application to arrival
Application process
- 1Choose your ZJU route
Start with the ZJU programme notice. Confirm whether you are applying through the main undergraduate catalogue, MBBS, a joint institute, or another route with its own deadline.
- 2Check the programme page
Confirm teaching language, campus, tuition, duration, language score, CSCA subjects, health requirements, and any portfolio or interview notes.
- 3Complete the required tests
Arrange HSK, IELTS, TOEFL, CSCA, or other required tests early enough for valid scores to reach you before the ZJU deadline.
- 4Apply online
Complete ZJU's online application, upload the required materials, and prepare the RMB 800 application fee payment record.
- 5ZJU review or interview
ZJU reviews your grades, language level, documents, programme fit, and CSCA results. Some programmes may invite shortlisted applicants to an interview or extra assessment.
- 6Admission documents and visa
Successful applicants use the admission notice and visa documents to prepare insurance, registration, and arrival steps.
- 7Campus and housing plan
Check which campus your programme uses, then confirm whether you have university accommodation or need a private housing backup in Hangzhou.
Documents to prepare Academic record, test results, identity documents, recommendation letters, and programme materials
Start early
Start early with the documents that show your academic direction, subject fit, and readiness for Zhejiang University.
Connect your chosen programme, academic interests, and reasons for choosing ZJU. The strongest statements feel specific to the subject and to Hangzhou, not interchangeable between universities.
Ask teachers who can write with detail about your academic level, classroom habits, subject preparation, and potential for your chosen ZJU programme.
Prepare transcripts, certificates, language scores, CSCA results, and any national or international exam results that support your subject choice.
- 04Passport and identity documents
- 05Language qualification and CSCA score report for your route
- 06Application form, fee payment record, and signed commitment if required
- 07Portfolio, interview materials, or extra programme documents if listed
Documents not issued in Chinese or English generally need a notarised translation.
Before you submit
Your readiness checklist
Academic choice
Subjects
Browse undergraduate subjects from ZJU's official admissions catalogue.
Search by subject, school, or teaching language.
| Major / option | Admissions category / programme | School / college | Teaching language |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science and Technology | Engineering / Information | College of Computer Science and Technology | Chinese |
| Electronic Information Engineering | Information | College of Information Science and Electronic Engineering | Chinese |
| Automation | Engineering | College of Control Science and Engineering | Chinese |
| Mechanical Engineering | Engineering | College of Mechanical Engineering | Chinese |
| Civil Engineering | Engineering | College of Civil Engineering and Architecture | Chinese |
| Materials Science and Engineering | Engineering | School of Materials Science and Engineering | Chinese |
| Chemical Engineering and Technology | Engineering | College of Chemical and Biological Engineering | Chinese |
| Environmental Science and Engineering | Science / Engineering | College of Environmental and Resource Sciences | Chinese |
| Mathematics and Applied Mathematics | Science | School of Mathematical Sciences | Chinese |
| Physics | Science | School of Physics | Chinese |
| Chemistry | Science | Department of Chemistry | Chinese |
| Biological Sciences | Science | College of Life Sciences | Chinese |
| Clinical Medicine | Medicine | School of Medicine | Chinese |
| MBBS | Medicine | School of Medicine | English |
| Biomedical Engineering | ZJU-UoE Institute | International Campus | English |
| Biomedical Sciences | ZJU-UoE Institute | International Campus | English |
| Business Administration | Management | School of Management | Chinese |
| Economics | Economics | School of Economics | Chinese |
| Global Communication and Management | International Programme | College of Media and International Culture | English |
| Law | Social Sciences | Guanghua Law School | Chinese |
| Public Administration | Social Sciences | School of Public Affairs | Chinese |
| Journalism and Communication | Social Sciences | College of Media and International Culture | Chinese |
| Chinese Language and Literature | Humanities | School of Humanities | Chinese |
| History | Humanities | School of Humanities | Chinese |
| Philosophy | Humanities | School of Humanities | Chinese |
| International Politics | Social Sciences | School of International Studies | Chinese |
| Agriculture and Life Sciences | Agriculture | College of Agriculture and Biotechnology | Chinese |
| Engineering Science | ZJU-UIUC Institute | International Campus | English |
No matching subject area found.
View ZJU programme notices ↗Budget planning
Fees & funding
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; CSCA is required. |
| Zhejiang Government Scholarship | Support level varies by scholarship type and applicant category | High | No | Provincial scholarship support for strong international students studying in Zhejiang. |
| Zhejiang University Scholarship | Full or partial support where confirmed by the scholarship notice | High | No | ZJU or specific institutes may offer support depending on programme, intake, and applicant strength. |
Where you may live
Accommodation
Treat university housing as your first option if offered, but prepare a private housing backup before arrival.
Life in Hangzhou
Student life
Student life at Zhejiang University varies by campus, but most international students spend their time balancing academics, campus activities, and life in Hangzhou. Hangzhou offers a more relaxed lifestyle than Beijing or Shanghai while remaining one of China's leading technology hubs.
Campus
ZJU has multiple campuses, so check where your programme is based before comparing housing or commute options.
City
Hangzhou combines a historic city centre with one of China's fastest-growing technology hubs, offering students a balance between campus life and career opportunities.
Language
Even on English-taught routes, Chinese ability will make daily life, internships, friendships, and university administration easier.
Career opportunities
Hangzhou is particularly attractive for students interested in technology, e-commerce, entrepreneurship, digital media, and research.
Compare choices
Compare other universities
Not sure whether ZJU is the right fit? Compare it with other leading Chinese universities by city, subject strengths, teaching language, admissions, costs and student life.
A highly selective university with a stronger Chinese-taught undergraduate profile and a capital-city academic setting.
- Stronger humanities and social sciences
- Beijing location
- More intensive Chinese-taught profile
A top choice for engineering, technology, architecture, design, sciences, and management in Beijing.
- Stronger engineering focus
- Similar C9 prestige
- Beijing campus environment
A C9 university with a Shanghai setting and strengths across humanities, social sciences, business, science, and medicine.
- Shanghai city setting
- Strong business and humanities
- Different international city feel
This page should be checked against ZJU's current admissions notices before any application is submitted. Programme pages are especially important for tuition, campus, teaching language, and deadline details.
Recheck deadlines, tuition, test requirements, scholarships, and accommodation before applying. Details can change by programme and application cycle.