Exchange guide Nanjing University
Courses, housing, visa, campus life and exchange basics for studying at Nanjing University in Nanjing, China.
Study abroad at Nanjing University: overview
Study abroad at Nanjing University for one of China's oldest and most research-intensive universities: QS ~90, roughly 40,000 students including 1,100+ international students, spread across four campuses. Strongest for sciences, humanities and Chinese studies, with the trade-off that Xianlin (main) and Gulou (historic centre) sit close to an hour apart by metro.
Enrollment
Approximately 40,000 students across all campuses
International Mix
More than 1,100 international students, including degree-seeking and exchange students
Why students choose it
Best for students who want a genuinely research-focused Chinese university outside the Beijing/Shanghai bubble, especially in sciences, humanities or Chinese studies. The trade-off is a four-campus structure — confirm whether your programme sits at Xianlin (main, modern) or Gulou (historic, central) before arranging housing.
Language of instruction: Mandarin Chinese (primary); English-taught programmes available, particularly for international and exchange students
Exchange & application at Nanjing University
Exchange starts with partner nomination through NJU's Institute for International Students, then moves to departmental review; non-Chinese students should treat the visa process as part of the timeline, not an afterthought.
✅Requirements
Partner nomination, online application, transcript, language proof, and a Chinese student visa for the exchange period.
📨Nomination Process
Your home international office nominates you directly to NJU's Institute for International Students, which coordinates with the relevant department for academic approval.
🛂Visa Support
Non-Chinese students need an X1 (long-term) or X2 (short-term) student visa depending on programme length. NJU issues the JW202 form required for the visa application at your local Chinese consulate.
👥Buddy System
NJU International Students Association runs a buddy programme pairing new arrivals with local student volunteers, plus welcome events each semester.
🧭Orientation Week
The Institute for International Students runs a dedicated orientation covering registration, insurance and residence permit procedures for new international students.
🗓️Deadlines by intake
| Intake | Nomination deadline | Application deadline |
|---|---|---|
| 1st semester | April 30 | May 31 |
| 2nd semester | October 30 | November 30 |
Arrival Checklist
- Confirm whether your programme is based at Xianlin or Gulou campus before booking housing.
- Apply for campus housing as soon as your nomination or acceptance is confirmed.
- Buy a VPN subscription before arrival — most Western apps and services are blocked in mainland China.
- Register your address with the local police within 24 hours of arrival if not living in a university dorm.
Academics & courses at Nanjing University
Teaching is mostly in Mandarin with a growing set of English-taught courses; sciences and Chinese studies are the traditional strengths.
📝Course Registration
Course registration is coordinated through the Institute for International Students together with the relevant department; confirm your host campus (Xianlin or Gulou) before selecting courses.
🎓Credit System
Chinese credit-hour system; NJU's international office provides guidance on ECTS conversion for most European partner universities.
💯Grading System
Percentage-based scale (0-100) mapped to letter grades; conversion tables available through the Institute for International Students.
✍️Exam Culture
Mix of written exams, coursework and presentations; science courses lean heavily on problem-set exams, humanities on essays and oral presentations.
📚Library Access
NJU library system includes major collections at both Xianlin and Gulou, with 24-hour study areas at Xianlin during exam periods.
Tuition & fees at Nanjing University
Most exchange students pay no NJU tuition under their bilateral agreement beyond mandatory insurance; full-degree tuition varies by discipline and level.
| Student Type | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| EXCHANGE | RMB 0 for most bilateral-agreement exchange students (pay home institution fees only) | Fees are set per exchange agreement; most bilateral-partner exchange students do not pay NJU tuition, though insurance and a small administrative fee usually… |
| Full degree – undergraduate international student | RMB 21,000-42,000/year depending on programme | Undergraduate tuition varies by discipline; Chinese-language training programmes cost about RMB 10,500/semester or RMB 21,000/year separately. |
RMB 0 for most bilateral-agreement exchange students (pay home institution fees only)
Fees are set per exchange agreement; most bilateral-partner exchange students do not pay NJU tuition, though insurance and a small administrative fee usually…
RMB 21,000-42,000/year depending on programme
Undergraduate tuition varies by discipline; Chinese-language training programmes cost about RMB 10,500/semester or RMB 21,000/year separately.
Fees change annually — verify current rates on the official exchange office page
Student housing at Nanjing University
Xianlin campus housing is the cheapest and simplest option and handles police registration for you; Gulou puts you in the historic city centre but at a higher cost.
Full housing guide
Find housing in Nanjing
Official contacts, student residences, private platforms, tips & red flags.
Insurance & campus support at Nanjing University
The Institute for International Students and the International Students Association cover most day-to-day needs — use both in week one.
🛡️Mandatory Insurance
Yes — arranged through the university, typically several hundred RMB per year.
🏥Campus Clinic
NJU campus clinics at both Xianlin and Gulou provide basic care; nearby Nanjing hospitals handle more serious cases.
🧠Mental Health
Counselling services are available through the university's student affairs office; the International Students Association can help direct English-speaking students to appropriate support.
Comprehensive Insurance for International Students Studying in China
Several hundred RMB/year
Mandatory for all international students, arranged directly through NJU during enrollment.
Campus services
Institute for International Students
Central office handling exchange nominations, visa documents, orientation and day-to-day international student support.
NJU International Students Association
Student-run association organising buddy pairing, welcome events and cultural trips.
Campus housing offices (Xianlin and Gulou)
Each main campus manages its own dormitory allocation for international and exchange students.
Student life at Nanjing University
Campus life splits between modern Xianlin and historic Gulou; build your routine around whichever one hosts your department rather than commuting daily between both.
Student Clubs
- NJU International Students Association
- Department student associations
Buddy Program
NJU International Students Association buddy programme pairs new exchange students with local student volunteers.
Sports & Recreation
- Xianlin campus sports centre and running tracks
- Cycling routes around Xianlin and along the Ming city wall
Your First 2 Weeks
- Attend Institute for International Students orientation for registration, insurance and residence permit guidance.
- Set up a Ningdong transport card and a local SIM/e-wallet (Alipay or WeChat Pay).
- Register your address with local police within 24 hours if not in a university dorm.
- Join the International Students Association welcome event to meet other exchange students early.
Key exchange dates at Nanjing University
Nomination and application windows differ by semester; confirm exact dates with your host department since some vary from the university-wide calendar.
-
1
Nomination and application
April / October
Home university nominates; student completes NJU's online application and uploads documents.
-
2
Arrival and orientation
Late August / late February
Institute for International Students orientation, campus card, insurance sign-up and police registration.
-
3
Exam period
January / June
Written exams and coursework deadlines vary by department; confirm before booking return travel.