How Should International Students Choose a 985 University? Rankings, Tuition, and Application Difficulty
Universities in the 985 Project represent the pinnacle of higher education in China and are the top choice for many international students. But with 39 985 universities to choose from, how do you decide? This article analyzes the latest 2025 ranking data from the perspective of international students to help you make an informed decision.
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Article Navigation
- [Ranking Data Overview](#Ranking Data Overview) - Complete data for the top 20 universities
- [International Ranking Comparison](#International Ranking Comparison) - QS/THE ranking references
- [Interpretation from an International Student’s Perspective](#Significance of Data for International Students) - Which metrics matter most to you
- [CSCA Score Requirements](#CSCA Score Reference and Application Difficulty) - Score thresholds for universities in different tiers
- [Tuition and Cost of Living](#Tuition and Cost of Living Estimates) - Study Abroad Budget Guide
- [Scholarship Opportunities](#Scholarship Opportunities Analysis) - How to Secure Financial Support
- [Application Timeline](#Application Timeline) - Key Deadlines
- [Advice on Choosing Universities](#Guide to Selecting Universities by Tier) - Choose Based on Your Circumstances
Overview of Ranking Data
Below is the 2025 ranking of the top 20 985 universities based on multiple objective metrics:
---International Ranking Comparison
For international students, understanding where these universities stand in global rankings is equally important, as this affects the international recognition of their degrees:
- Tsinghua University and Peking University remain firmly in the global top 20, with their degrees receiving the highest international recognition
- Fudan University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and Zhejiang University have made it into the global top 50, offering outstanding value for money
- Domestic Rankings ≠ International Rankings: The University of Science and Technology of China ranks 5th domestically but only 137th in the QS World University Rankings (due to its small size and focus on science and engineering)
- International rankings have limited value for domestic job hunting but are crucial for further studies or employment abroad
From an International Student’s Perspective: What Do These Numbers Mean?
Metrics That Really Matter to International Students
Application Difficulty for International Students and CSCA Score Guidelines
Estimated Tuition and Living Expenses
Your study budget is crucial when choosing a university. The following are reference costs for 985 universities:
Analysis of Scholarship Opportunities
For international students, 985 universities generally offer a greater number of scholarships with more generous amounts. Below is an overview of scholarship opportunities at universities of various tiers:
The top five universities in terms of annual funding (Tsinghua University, Zhejiang University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Peking University, and Harbin Institute of Technology) typically have more generous scholarship budgets. It is recommended to focus on the scholarship programs at these institutions. View the complete list of scholarships
for more details.
Application Timeline
Applying to 985 universities requires advance planning. Key dates for fall 2026 admission are as follows:
- Research target universities and majors
- Prepare for the CSCA exam (start practicing)
- Prepare for the HSK exam (if required)
- Applications for the China Scholarship Council (CSC) Scholarship open (submitted through the Chinese Embassy)
- Prepare application materials (transcripts, letters of recommendation, study plan)
- Take the Hanban exam (usually in December of the current year or March of the following year)
- CSC Scholarship Application Deadline (usually at the end of March)
- Direct application deadlines for universities (April to May; dates vary by institution)
- Application deadlines for top universities such as Tsinghua University and Peking University are earlier
- Receive admission notification and JW-202 form
- Apply for an X1 student visa
- Book flights and accommodations
- Arrive in China and complete enrollment procedures
- Medical Examination and Residence Permit Application
- The new semester begins!
- Application deadlines for top universities (Tsinghua University, Peking University) are early; please begin preparations 2–3 months in advance
- Competition for China Scholarship Council (CSC) scholarships is intense; outstanding CSCA scores and complete application materials are required
- Some universities offer spring admission (February–March), with application deadlines in October–November of the previous year
Tiered University Selection Recommendations
Tier 1: Top 985 Universities (Ranked 1–5)
- Top CSCA scores (85%+)
- Aspiring to pursue academic research
- Seeking a prestigious academic lineage
- Highest international recognition
- Wide range of English-taught programs
- Abundant Scholarship Opportunities from the China Scholarship Council
- Excellent CSCA scores (80–85%)
- Clear academic focus
- Applicants seeking value for money
- Distinctive academic programs (engineering-focused institutions)
- Relatively low application competition
- Excellent professional networking opportunities
Third Tier: Distinctive 985 Universities (Ranked 13–20)
- Students with outstanding performance in computer science (75–80%)
- Prioritize cost of living
- Preference for specific cities/regions
- Lower cost of living (non-tier-one cities)
- Less competition for scholarships
- International students receive more attention
City Factors: Considerations Beyond University Rankings
When choosing a university, city factors have a profound impact on the quality of life for international students:
, Beijing University of Technology Shanghai: Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Fudan University, Tongji University
| Wuhan: Wuhan University, Huazhong University of Science and Technology | Xi’an: Xi’an Jiaotong University, Northwestern Polytechnical University
Popular Majors and Recommended Universities
Recommended Universities: Tsinghua University, Peking University, Zhejiang University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Harbin Institute of Technology
Recommended Institutions: Peking University Health Science Center, Fudan University
School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology
Recommended Institutions: Guanghua School of Management, Peking University; School of Economics and Management, Tsinghua University; School of Management, Fudan University
; Antai College of Economics and Management, Shanghai Jiao Tong University
Recommended Institutions: China Agricultural University, College of Agriculture at Zhejiang University, Nanjing University
Next Steps
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Do international students need Gaokao scores to apply to 985 universities?
No. International students apply through the CSCA (China Scholastic Assessment for International Students) exam and are not required to take the Gaokao.The Gaokao admission score data mentioned here is provided solely as a reference for the quality of applicants to these universities and has no direct bearing on international student applications.
Q2: What are the CSCA score requirements for international students at 985 universities?
The following are empirical estimates based on past admission data and are provided for reference only:
- Top universities such as Tsinghua and Peking University: Recommended score of 90% or higher
- Other C9 League universities: Recommended score of 85–90%
- General 985 universities: Recommended score of 75–85%
- English-taught programs typically have lower requirements
⚠️ Actual admission standards may vary by year and major; please refer to each university’s official admissions brochure. Visit the university details page for the latest information.
Q3: Are lower-ranked 985 universities worth applying to?
Absolutely!Universities ranked 13–20 (such as Wuhan University and Sun Yat-sen University):
- Still rank among China’s top academic institutions
- Fewer applicants competing for scholarships
- Lower cost of living
- Stand out in specific academic fields
When choosing a university, consider academic strength, the city’s environment, and your personal budget holistically, rather than focusing solely on rankings.
Q4: How can I obtain a scholarship from a 985 university?
The main avenues include:
- Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC): Apply through Chinese embassies or consulates abroad; 985 universities have a large number of available spots
- University Scholarships: Apply directly to your target university; selection is typically based on CSCA scores
- Provincial Scholarships: Offered by some provinces for international students at local universities
An outstanding CSCA score is key to scholarship applications, so please start preparing as early as possible.
Q5: When choosing a 985 university, should you prioritize ranking or location?
Both are important. Please consider your personal goals comprehensively:
- Academic Pursuits: Prioritize universities with high rankings and strong disciplinary strengths
- Career Planning: Prioritize universities in first-tier cities (Beijing, Shanghai)
- Budget Management: 985 universities in second-tier cities offer better value for money
Want to learn more about Chinese universities? Visit our University Database to access CSCA application guidelines, scholarship opportunities, and program information.
Preparing for the CSCA exam? Check out our Preparation Guide and Past Exam Questions.