Xiamen University
厦门大学
About the university
Xiamen University Xiamen University (厦门大学, XMU) is one of China's leading universities, located in Xiamen, Fujian Province, on the southeast coast of China. Founded in 1921 by the renowned Chinese entrepreneur and philanthropist Tan Kah Kee (陈嘉庚), Xiamen University was the first university in China founded by an overseas Chinese entrepreneur. Today, Xiamen University is part of China's national 211 Project, 985 Project and Double First-Class initiative. The university operates across four campuses: Siming, Xiang'an, Zhangzhou and XMU Malaysia. XMU comprises a graduate school, six academic divisions, 35 schools and faculties, and 17 research institutes. The university has more than 47,000 students, including over 21,000 undergraduate students, approximately 20,000 master's students and more than 6,000 doctoral students. The university's academic community includes around 3,000 faculty members, including members of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Chinese Academy of Engineering. Academic Strengths Xiamen University has strong academic positions in a wide range of fields, including: - natural sciences; - engineering; - economics and finance; - business and management; - international relations; - law and social sciences; - marine sciences; - environmental sciences; - medicine; - humanities and languages. According to the university, 19 disciplines are ranked among the global top 1% of ESI, while Chemistry, Materials Science and Engineering are among the global top 1‰. Six disciplines — Chemistry, Marine Sciences, Biology, Ecology, Statistics and Education — are included among the disciplines supported under China's Double First-Class initiative. International Cooperation Xiamen University has an extensive international network and maintains academic partnerships with universities and educational institutions around the world. The university has established inter-university cooperation agreements with 277 overseas universities, providing opportunities for international academic exchange and cooperation. Why Consider Xiamen University? Xiamen University is particularly attractive to students who want to study at a leading Chinese university while living in a modern coastal city with a strong international environment. Key advantages include: - membership in China's 211, 985 and Double First-Class university system; - strong academic positions in science, engineering, economics, international relations and marine sciences; - a wide selection of bachelor's degree programs; - more than 80 Chinese-taught undergraduate fields; - English-taught Clinical Medicine (MBBS); - English-taught programs in environmental design, visual communication design and digital media art; - access to several scholarship opportunities for international students; - well-developed international student infrastructure; - multiple campuses with modern academic and residential facilities; the opportunity to study in Xiamen, one of the major coastal cities of southeastern China. Important Admission to Xiamen University should not be viewed as a purely formal procedure. The university conducts an academic selection process and evaluates applicants based on their academic record, language proficiency, CSCA results, program requirements and, where applicable, additional academic achievements. Meeting the minimum eligibility requirements does not automatically guarantee admission.
Admission
Main Requirements To apply for a bachelor's degree program, applicants must: - be a foreign citizen with a valid international passport; - be 18–30 years old as of September 1, 2026; - hold a high school diploma or be in the final stage of secondary education; - have good academic performance; - meet the language requirements of the selected program. Applicants under 18 are subject to additional requirements, including documents confirming the appointment of a legal representative in China. Chinese-Taught Programs Humanities, Economics, Management, Law and Arts: HSK 5 with a score of at least 210 points. Natural Sciences, Engineering, Medicine and Physical Education: HSK 4 with a score of at least 210 points. Graduates of schools where the language of instruction was Chinese may provide official confirmation of the language of instruction instead of an HSK certificate. English Language Requirements For English-taught programs: TOEFL iBT — minimum 80; or IELTS Academic — minimum 6.0. In certain cases, the university may accept proof that English was the language of instruction at school or other documents recognized by the university. CSCA International applicants to bachelor's degree programs are required to submit CSCA (China Scholastic Competency Assessment) results. For Chinese-taught programs, Professional Chinese and Mathematics are required. For programs in Natural Sciences, Engineering and Medicine, applicants must additionally choose between Physics and Chemistry, in accordance with the requirements of the selected program. The test language must correspond to the language of instruction. Required Documents The main application package includes: - passport; - birth certificate; - parents' documents; - high school diploma and academic transcript; - language certificate; - CSCA results; - recommendation letter; - personal statement / statement of purpose; - medical examination certificate; - certificate of no criminal record; - proof of financial support; - additional awards, achievements and certificates, if available. Applicants to arts-related programs must also submit a portfolio. The personal statement must contain at least 800 words and include information about the applicant's educational background, study objectives, study plan and professional plans. Application Deadlines Chinese Government Scholarship, Type B — by February 15, 2027; Fujian Provincial Scholarship and Xiamen University Scholarship — by April 10, 2027; Self-funded applicants — by May 10, 2027. The academic year begins in autumn, usually in September. After reviewing the submitted documents, the university conducts an academic selection process. Depending on the program, the relevant faculty may require an additional online written or oral interview. Admission results for the 2026 intake were expected in June–July. Tuition Fees for International Students Chinese-Taught Programs Humanities: RMB 24,000 per year. Natural Sciences, Engineering, Medicine, Economics, Management, Law, Arts and Sports: RMB 26,000 per year. English-Taught Programs Clinical Medicine (MBBS): RMB 38,000 per year. Visual Communication Design: RMB 90,000 per year. Environmental Design: RMB 90,000 per year. Digital Media Art: RMB 90,000 per year. Tuition fees are stated per academic year and do not include study materials. The university separately notes that final fees may be adjusted in accordance with decisions by the relevant regulatory authorities. Additional Expenses Approximate additional costs include: application fee — RMB 400; study materials — approximately RMB 400–700 per year; medical insurance — RMB 800 per year.
Programmes
Bachelor's Degree Programs Xiamen University offers international students a wide range of bachelor's degree programs taught in Chinese, as well as a limited number of programs taught in English. International undergraduate programs cover more than 80 fields of study in Chinese and four programs in English. Chinese-Taught Programs The main areas of study include: Economics & Business Economics International Economics and Trade Finance Financial Engineering Taxation Accounting Financial Management Marketing Business Administration Human Resource Management E-Commerce Management Tourism and Hospitality Management Auditing International Relations & Social Sciences International Relations International Politics Law Public Administration Political Science Sociology Anthropology IT & Engineering Computer Science and Technology Artificial Intelligence Software Engineering Telecommunication Engineering Electronic Information Engineering Electronic Information Technology Microelectronics Integrated Circuit Design Automation Mechanical Engineering Aerospace Engineering Instrumentation and Measurement Technology Energy Technology New Energy Technology Chemical Engineering Natural Sciences Chemistry Chemical Biology Energy Chemistry Mathematics and Applied Mathematics Statistics Physics Astronomy Biology Biotechnology Ecology Environmental Science Marine Science Marine Technology Medicine & Related Fields Preventive Medicine Medical Laboratory Technology Pharmacy Architecture & Urban Development Architecture Urban and Rural Planning Civil Engineering Languages & Humanities Chinese Language Chinese Language and Literature English French Russian Spanish Japanese History Archaeology Philosophy Journalism Communication International Journalism and Communication Arts & Media Fine Arts Music Performance Music Education Theatre, Film and Television Arts Advertising English-Taught Programs For international students, Xiamen University officially offers the following bachelor's degree programs taught in English: 1. Clinical Medicine (MBBS) Duration: 6 years Campus: Xiang’an Campus 2. Environmental Design Duration: 4 years Campus: Zhangzhou Campus 3. Visual Communication Design Duration: 4 years Campus: Zhangzhou Campus 4. Digital Media Art Duration: 4 years Campus: Zhangzhou Campus English Language Requirements Applicants to English-taught programs must provide proof of English proficiency: TOEFL iBT: 80 or above, or IELTS Academic: 6.0 or above. Applicants who completed their entire secondary education in English may provide an official certificate from their school confirming English as the language of instruction instead of submitting a standardized English-language test score. Important Information The exact list of available bachelor's programs may vary from year to year, including by campus, college, program language and study duration. Applicants should always refer to the official Xiamen University undergraduate admissions catalogue for the relevant academic year before submitting an application.
Campus
Campus & Student Life Xiamen University is particularly well known for its distinctive campus environment. The university's campuses are located in Xiamen, a coastal city in southern China, combining a strong academic environment with extensive green spaces and a close connection to the sea. Siming Campus The historic Siming Campus combines traditional and modern university architecture, landscaped green areas and a location close to the coast. The campus covers approximately 167 hectares and is one of Xiamen University's main centers for education and research in the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences and engineering. Xiang'an Campus Xiang'an Campus is one of Xiamen University's modern campuses and hosts a significant part of the university's science, engineering and medical facilities. International students studying medicine and a number of science and technology programs are among the students based at Xiang'an Campus. The campus provides modern teaching facilities, laboratories, student accommodation, sports facilities and other services supporting academic and student life. Zhangzhou Campus Zhangzhou Campus is located in the Zhangzhou Economic and Technological Development Zone and covers approximately 171 hectares. The campus is home to a number of university units, including the Institute of Creativity and Innovation and the International College. Student Infrastructure Students have access to a wide range of facilities and services across the university's campuses, including: - university libraries; - Learning Commons and study spaces; - classrooms and academic facilities; - sports grounds and fitness facilities; - swimming pools and sports complexes; - football and basketball courts; - student centers; - cafeterias and cafés; - medical facilities; - psychological counseling and support services; - student organizations and clubs; - cultural and extracurricular activities. Libraries & Learning Spaces Xiamen University's libraries and Learning Commons provide dedicated spaces for individual study, group work and academic activities. Study facilities are available across the Siming, Xiang'an and Zhangzhou campuses, allowing students to choose between quiet individual workspaces and collaborative learning environments. Sports & Recreation The university provides numerous sports facilities for students, including: - sports grounds; - swimming pools; - football fields; - basketball courts; - fitness and sports complexes; - other recreational facilities. These facilities support both organized university sports and students' individual recreational activities. Dining Several university cafeterias operate across the campuses, offering Chinese, regional and international-style food options. For example, Xiang'an Campus has several major dining facilities, including: Jingfeng Canteen; Fengting Canteen; Siyuan Canteen; Furong Canteen. International Student Life Xiamen University provides international students with opportunities for cultural exchange, adaptation and integration into campus life. Students can participate in: - international festivals; - student organizations and clubs; - cultural exchange activities; - university events; - extracurricular programs. These activities provide opportunities for international and Chinese students to interact outside the classroom and become part of the wider university community. Medical & Psychological Support Medical services are available on campus for students. Xiamen University also provides psychological counseling and student support services, giving students access to professional assistance during their studies. Overall, Xiamen University's campus environment combines academic infrastructure, student services, sports and recreation, dining, cultural activities and international student support, creating a comprehensive environment for both study and everyday life.
Accommodation
Accommodation Xiamen University provides on-campus accommodation for international students. However, the number of available rooms is limited. Priority is given to students whose scholarships include accommodation support. If places remain available, accommodation may also be offered to other scholarship recipients and self-funded students. Siming Campus International students are accommodated in twin rooms. Accommodation fee: RMB 35–65 per person per day. Xiang’an Campus Accommodation is arranged in an apartment-style format, with each unit consisting of four twin bedrooms. Accommodation fee: RMB 1,600–4,000 per person per academic year. The apartment-style accommodation at Xiang’an Campus is particularly convenient for students. Four bedrooms are grouped into a single unit with balconies and a shared living area. The residential buildings are equipped with 24-hour security. Zhangzhou Campus International students are accommodated in four-person rooms. Accommodation fee: RMB 1,100–1,200 per person per academic year. Room Facilities Accommodation generally includes: - beds; - desks and chairs; - wardrobes; - air conditioning; - water heaters; - private bathroom facilities; - internet access; - shared washing machines and dryers. Important: Water and electricity are not included in the accommodation fee. Internet access is charged separately. Important Accommodation Information Xiamen University does not guarantee on-campus accommodation for every student. Accommodation is subject to availability and university allocation. If a student is not allocated a place in a university residence, they are responsible for arranging off-campus accommodation before arriving in China.