University of Science and Technology of China( 中国科学技术大学, USTC) logo

University of Science and Technology of China( 中国科学技术大学, USTC)

Hefei, CN · Ranking #6

USTC was founded in 1958 in Beijing by the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and moved to Hefei in 1970. It is often called “The Cradle of Scientists” and focuses on frontier science and technology. About 20,000 students; 13 schools (e.g. Physical Sciences, Chemistry and Materials, Computer Science, Engineering, Life Sciences, Management, Gifted Young). Strong in physics, chemistry, materials, engineering, computer science (top 0.1% in ESI). Campus at 96 Jinzhai Road, Baohe District, Hefei. Undergraduate, master’s and doctoral programmes; many doctoral programmes in English. Close ties with CAS; National Synchrotron Radiation Lab and other national labs. CSC, ANSO and USTC scholarships for international students.

University of Science and Technology of China( 中国科学技术大学, USTC) logo

University of Science and Technology of China( 中国科学技术大学, USTC)

About the university

USTC was founded in 1958 in Beijing by the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and moved to Hefei in 1970. It is often called “The Cradle of Scientists” and focuses on frontier science and technology. About 20,000 students; 13 schools (e.g. Physical Sciences, Chemistry and Materials, Computer Science, Engineering, Life Sciences, Management, Gifted Young). Strong in physics, chemistry, materials, engineering, computer science (top 0.1% in ESI). Campus at 96 Jinzhai Road, Baohe District, Hefei. Undergraduate, master’s and doctoral programmes; many doctoral programmes in English. Close ties with CAS; National Synchrotron Radiation Lab and other national labs. CSC, ANSO and USTC scholarships for international students.

Key information

  • Location: Hefei, CN
  • Ranking #6
  • QS #132
  • THE #51
  • US News #82
  • National ranking #8
  • Institution type: public

Popular faculties

  • Physical Sciences
  • Chemistry and Materials Science
  • Computer Science and Technology
  • Engineering Science
  • Information Science and Technology
  • Life Sciences
  • Mathematical Sciences
  • Earth and Space Sciences
  • Software Engineering
  • Management
  • Humanities and Social Science
  • Public Affairs
  • Gifted Young

Programs (11)

  • Physics
  • Mathematics
  • Chemistry
  • Computer Science
  • Engineering
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Data Science
  • Biology
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Environmental Science

Campus life

Main campus at 96 Jinzhai Road, Baohe, Hefei. Over 80 student associations (east: rehearsal, west: daily activities, middle: culture). Garden parties and recruitment events. International College (ic.ustc.edu.cn); Foreign Students Association (culture, life, academics, sports). Dormitories 500–1,000 RMB/month; living 2,000–2,500 RMB/month. Hefei is a fast-growing city. Career and employment information at job.ustc.edu.cn; annual employment quality reports published.

Housing & accommodation

Housing cost: $70 - $400 / per month

Housing options

  • on-campus dormitories (single
  • double; 500–1
  • 000 RMB/month)
  • off-campus

Student clubs and organizations

  • 80+ clubs: Ballroom Dance
  • Chorus
  • Dance Regiment
  • Guitar
  • Symphony
  • Drama
  • Go
  • Chess
  • Bridge
  • Magic
  • Board Games
  • Science Fiction
  • Amateur Astronomers
  • Linux
  • Robotics
  • AI
  • Programming
  • Basketball
  • Football
  • Volleyball
  • Tennis
  • Badminton
  • Cycling
  • Martial Arts
  • Dragon Boat
  • Film
  • Literature
  • Calligraphy
  • Photography
  • English Club
  • Japanese
  • Caring Heart
  • Debate
  • Psychology
  • Career Development; Foreign Students Association

Sports

  • basketball
  • football
  • volleyball
  • tennis
  • badminton
  • cycling
  • martial arts
  • dragon boat; varsity and club teams

Career & internships

Employment rate: 90%

Partner companies

  • R&D
  • CAS
  • tech

Internships: Career and employment support via job.ustc.edu.cn (postings, recruitment fairs, graduate statistics). University publishes annual employment quality reports (毕业生就业质量年度报告). Strong research and CAS links favour academic and R&D careers. Exact employment rate not published in open summaries; check xxgk.ustc.edu.cn for full reports.

Admission requirements

Required tests

  • TOEFL
  • IELTS

Required documents

  • Application form
  • passport copy
  • notarized diploma and transcripts (or pre-graduation certificate)
  • CSCA results (undergrad: Chinese
  • Math
  • Physics or Chemistry)
  • HSK 5+ for Chinese programmes (or exemption)
  • IELTS/TOEFL for English; graduate: study/research proposal (min 1000 words)
  • CV
  • two recommendation letters (professors)
  • Foreigner Physical Examination Form
  • language certificate

Tuition costs

  • $3,600 - $6,900 / per year
  • Acceptance rate: 10.00%
  • Scholarships available: USTC Fellowship: Level A (CAS-ANSO) — up to 7,000 RMB/month, tuition waiver, insurance; Level B (CSC) — 3,500 RMB/month, tuition waiver, accommodation subsidy; Level C (USTC) — tuition waiver only. Master’s: 3,000 RMB/month (CSC). Age: Level A doctoral under 35; Level B/C under 40. Application Oct–Jan. Chinese-taught: HSK 4+; English: IELTS/TOEFL. No other scholarship during the award. Undergrad and non-degree options also available; check ic.ustc.edu.cn.

Quick facts

  • Founded: 1958
  • Teaching languages: chinese, english
  • Study formats: offline

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