Chongqing University Admission 2026: Fees & CSC

Chongqing University is one of China’s well-known universities, part of the national Double First-Class initiative, and a strong choice for international students who want high-quality technical and science programmes at reasonable cost. Study experience depends on the major, level and application route, so understanding Chongqing University admission, tuition and available programmes is an important step before you decide. This guide covers what international students need to know about studying at Chongqing University in 2026, including scholarships.

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Introduction to Chongqing University: academic strength and international standing

Chongqing University is one of China’s long-established universities, especially strong in engineering, science and technology. It is part of the Double First-Class initiative launched by the Chinese government to raise the quality of higher education.

The university offers a variety of programmes at bachelor’s and master’s level, with a focus on engineering, life sciences, architecture, economics and artificial intelligence, which makes it a popular destination for international students interested in technical and scientific fields.

Studying at Chongqing University is a strategic choice for students who want high-quality academic experience in an international, multicultural environment.

Study programmes at Chongqing University: choosing the right major

Chongqing University offers a wide range of programmes for international students, which vary by academic level (bachelor’s, master’s, PhD), the language of instruction and the programme itself. Engineering and technical majors are the most prominent, but there are options in other fields too.

Civil engineering and architecture: leading majors, with advanced labs and training on real projects.
Computer engineering and artificial intelligence: advanced programmes in algorithm development, data analysis and AI, among the most in-demand majors for international students.
Energy and environmental engineering: a focus on clean energy, electrical power and the environment, with growing attention to sustainability.
Economics and business administration: programmes taught in English, suitable for students who want to enter the international job market.
Medical and biological sciences: programmes in medicine, life sciences and veterinary science, with cooperation with public hospitals.

If you are looking for an engineering or technology major, Chongqing University is one of the strong options in China. For details on specific programmes, see engineering programmes in China and compare the options.

Chongqing University admission requirements for international students

Admission requirements depend on the academic level, the major and the language of instruction, but some basics apply to everyone.

For bachelor’s students

You must have completed upper secondary school (or equivalent) in a recognised education system in your country. Good grades are expected in subjects related to your programme, especially science and maths.

A secondary school certificate with at least good grades. Bachelor applicants must also take the CSCA test.
An HSK certificate when applying for Chinese-taught programmes.
For English-taught programmes, an IELTS or TOEFL score may be requested.
Complete the online form through the university’s official application portal (cqu.17gz.org). The 2026 bachelor’s deadline was 31 May 2026 and the application fee was 600 CNY.
Recommendation letters, a CV and a statement of purpose.

For graduate students (master’s and PhD)

You must hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognised university with a strong academic record (check the minimum GPA for your programme). Some majors, especially in engineering and science, may expect prior experience or research projects.

Your graduation certificate with academic transcripts.
A preliminary research proposal or research plan (especially for PhD).
The ability to communicate in English or Chinese, depending on the programme.
Complete the application through the online system before the deadline.

Apply early, because deadlines differ by major and some programmes close early. For the full application steps, see our guide to the student visa steps in China.

Study costs at Chongqing University 2026

Tuition at Chongqing University depends on the major, level and language of instruction, but it remains relatively low compared with Western universities. The table below shows the official fee standard from autumn 2026 for graduate programmes.

Programme	Language	Annual fees (CNY)	Approx. US$
Master’s (humanities, science and engineering, medicine and arts)	Chinese	22,000 – 28,000 CNY	about US$3,100 – 3,900
Master’s	English	30,000 – 35,000 CNY	about US$4,200 – 4,900
MBA	English	49,000 CNY	about US$6,900
PhD	Chinese	28,000 – 40,000 CNY	about US$3,900 – 5,600
PhD	English	34,000 – 38,000 CNY	about US$4,800 – 5,400

On top of tuition, consider other costs such as accommodation, food, transport and health insurance. For a tier-2 city like Chongqing, StudyFlowX estimates living costs of about 1,200–2,200 CNY per month excluding rent (about US$170–310).

Bachelor’s fees are set separately, and all prices may change by programme and accommodation type. Check the official fee page at study.cqu.edu.cn/lxsq/fybz.htm or contact the admissions office for the latest figures.

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Scholarships available to international students at the university

Chongqing University offers scholarships to some international students, but it does not run large-scale scholarship programmes like the CSC. Opportunities exist, especially for graduate students.

CSC Chinese Government Scholarship

One of the most important sources of financial support for international students is the CSC Chinese Government Scholarship. A full CSC award covers tuition, accommodation (or an allowance) and medical insurance, plus a monthly stipend of 2,500 CNY (bachelor), 3,000 CNY (master) or 3,500 CNY (PhD). Airfare is not covered.

Apply either through the Chinese embassy or the education authority in your home country (Type A), or through the university (Type B), depending on the CSC channel you use.
CSC is one of the best opportunities for students who want to study in China with full funding.
Check Chongqing University’s international admissions page for the current agency code, deadlines and eligible programmes. The International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarship is also available for Chinese-language study.

Besides CSC, check the university’s international admissions page for university-level scholarships. Their amount and eligibility vary.

Tips to improve your scholarship chances

Achieve a high GPA in your previous studies.
Build a strong research project in advance (especially for master’s and PhD).
Write a strong statement of purpose that shows your motivation and academic goals.
Get a strong language certificate (IELTS 6.5 or higher, or HSK 5+).

Life and study at Chongqing for international students

Chongqing is one of China’s largest cities, with a culturally diverse environment and a large number of restaurants offering many cuisines.

The local food, including Chongqing hotpot and spicy noodles, is a favourite with many international students. Halal restaurants and mosques can also be found in the city; ask current students or the international office for locations near campus.

The university offers a supportive environment for international students. Ask the international office about student groups and cultural or religious events during the year.

If you want to know what studying in China is like as a Muslim student, Is China right for Muslims? offers a detailed look at the challenges and opportunities.

The student visa: application steps and procedures

After you are admitted to Chongqing University, you will need a student visa to enter China: X1 for study of more than 180 days or X2 for shorter study. You apply with official documents from the university, including the JW201 or JW202 form.

Receive your official admission notice from the university.
Fill in the online visa application form.
Pay the visa fee (it varies by nationality).
Book an appointment at the Chinese embassy or consulate in your country.
Submit your documents: passport, photo, admission notice, JW201/JW202 and any financial documents requested.

Apply for your visa at least 3 months before your travel date, and make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months after that date. After arriving in China, register with the police within 24 hours and apply for your residence permit within 30 days.

Chongqing University admission: official 2026 details

Bachelor’s 2026: the deadline was 31 May 2026, the application fee is 600 CNY, the CSCA test is required and you apply at cqu.17gz.org. source
Contact: admissions@cqu.edu.cn, +86-23-65111001, study.cqu.edu.cn. source
Chinese language programme: 15,000 CNY per year (8,000 CNY per semester). source

Youth of Excellence Scheme for the English MBA

The Youth of Excellence Scheme supports applicants to the English MBA who are under 45 and hold a bachelor’s degree plus at least 3 years of work experience. The agency code for Type A applications is 1563. source

Frequently asked questions

Can I study at Chongqing University without speaking Chinese?

Yes, some programmes can be studied without Chinese, especially English-taught programmes such as computer engineering, artificial intelligence and economics. Chinese-taught programmes, such as civil engineering or medicine, require Chinese proficiency (usually HSK 4 or above).

Which majors are the most in demand among international students at Chongqing University?

Engineering (civil, computer, energy), artificial intelligence and business administration are among the most popular majors with international students, thanks to teaching quality, job prospects and relatively low fees.

Is there help for new students in Chongqing?

Contact the international office about orientation and arrival support, such as airport pickup, introductory workshops, Chinese courses and help with registering for accommodation. Current international students can also help newcomers settle in.

Can I work while studying in China?

Regular employment is forbidden for international students. Only university-organised “work-study” is allowed, with the university’s approval recorded on the residence permit: up to 8 hours a week and 40 hours a month during term, and 16 hours a week and 80 hours a month during holidays.

What is the average cost of living in Chongqing?

StudyFlowX estimates about 1,200–2,200 CNY per month excluding rent (about US$170–310) for a tier-2 city, covering food, transport and leisure. Check the university’s official accommodation page for dorm prices.