Exchange guide Zhejiang University
Courses, housing, visa, campus life and exchange basics for studying at Zhejiang University in Hangzhou, China.
Study abroad at Zhejiang University: overview
Study abroad at Zhejiang University for one of China's top-5 universities: QS ~44, based on Zijingang Campus, mainland China's largest single university site. Strongest for engineering, computer science and business, closely tied to Hangzhou's tech-hub economy, with the trade-off that the campus itself is large enough that cycling between buildings is normal.
Enrollment
Tens of thousands of students across all campuses; one of China's largest comprehensive universities
International Mix
A significant international student body including both degree-seeking and exchange students from partner universities worldwide
Why students choose it
Best for students who want a top-5 Chinese university with real strength in engineering, computer science and business, based on China's largest single campus. The trade-off is scale — Zijingang alone is large enough that cycling between departments is standard, and some specialised programmes sit on other ZJU campuses across Hangzhou.
Language of instruction: Mandarin Chinese (primary, HSK 5 typically required for Chinese-taught tracks); English-taught programmes available (IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL iBT 88 typically required)
Exchange & application at Zhejiang University
Exchange runs through ZJU's well-established Student Exchange Program: your home institution nominates you, you apply online, and you pay tuition to your home institution rather than to ZJU.
✅Requirements
Home institution nomination, online application, official transcript, language proficiency certificate, and a Chinese student visa for the exchange period.
📨Nomination Process
Your home international office nominates you directly through ZJU's exchange system; admission result timelines can differ between exchange programmes.
🛂Visa Support
Non-Chinese students need a Chinese student visa for the exchange period; ZJU's Office of Global Engagement provides the documentation needed for the visa application.
👥Buddy System
ZJU International Students Association and the Office of Global Engagement run buddy pairing and welcome events for incoming exchange students each semester.
🧭Orientation Week
The Office of Global Engagement runs a dedicated orientation for exchange students covering registration, housing check-in, insurance and campus navigation.
🗓️Deadlines by intake
| Intake | Nomination deadline | Application deadline |
|---|---|---|
| 1st semester | April 6 | Rolling after April 6, per the official Fall/Winter Term fact sheet |
| 2nd semester | Approximately October (confirm with the Office of Global Engagement) | Per the official Spring/Summer Term fact sheet |
Arrival Checklist
- Confirm your host department and whether it sits on Zijingang or another ZJU campus.
- Bring an RMB 800 refundable deposit for dormitory check-in, due within 3 days before registration.
- Buy a VPN subscription before arrival — most Western apps and services are blocked in mainland China.
- Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay immediately — Hangzhou runs almost entirely on mobile payment.
Academics & courses at Zhejiang University
Teaching mixes Mandarin and English tracks, with engineering, computer science and business the strongest English-accessible options for exchange students.
📝Course Registration
Course registration is coordinated through the Office of Global Engagement together with the host department; exchange students should confirm course language (Chinese or English) before registering.
🎓Credit System
Chinese credit-hour system; ZJU's international office provides guidance on ECTS conversion for European partner universities.
💯Grading System
Percentage-based scale (0-100) mapped to letter grades; conversion tables available through the Office of Global Engagement.
✍️Exam Culture
Mix of written exams, coursework and project-based assessment, especially heavy in engineering and computer science programmes.
📚Library Access
ZJU library system includes a major library on Zijingang Campus with extensive digital and physical collections and 24-hour study areas during exam periods.
Tuition & fees at Zhejiang University
Exchange students pay no ZJU tuition, only their home institution's fees plus mandatory insurance; full-degree tuition varies by programme and level.
| Student Type | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| EXCHANGE | RMB 0 to Zhejiang University (pay tuition to home institution instead) | Exchange students under the university-wide Student Exchange Program pay tuition fees to their home institution, not to Zhejiang University. |
| Full degree – international student | RMB 20,000-48,800/year (undergraduate); RMB 25,000-50,000/year (postgraduate) | Full-degree international tuition varies by programme and level; engineering and business programmes tend toward the higher end of the range. |
RMB 0 to Zhejiang University (pay tuition to home institution instead)
Exchange students under the university-wide Student Exchange Program pay tuition fees to their home institution, not to Zhejiang University.
RMB 20,000-48,800/year (undergraduate); RMB 25,000-50,000/year (postgraduate)
Full-degree international tuition varies by programme and level; engineering and business programmes tend toward the higher end of the range.
Fees change annually — verify current rates on the official exchange office page
Student housing at Zhejiang University
ZJU automatically reserves shared dormitory accommodation for exchange students — apply early and bring the RMB 800 deposit, since check-in is time-limited before registration.
Full housing guide
Find housing in Hangzhou
Official contacts, student residences, private platforms, tips & red flags.
Insurance & campus support at Zhejiang University
The Office of Global Engagement and the International Students Association cover most day-to-day needs — use both in week one.
🛡️Mandatory Insurance
Yes — arranged through the university at enrollment.
🏥Campus Clinic
ZJU campus clinic on Zijingang Campus provides basic care; Hangzhou hospitals handle more serious cases.
🧠Mental Health
Counselling services are available through the university's student affairs office; the International Students Association can direct English-speaking students to appropriate support.
Comprehensive Insurance for International Students Studying in China
Arranged through the university
Mandatory for all international students, arranged directly through ZJU during enrollment.
Campus services
Office of Global Engagement
Central office handling exchange nominations, applications, housing reservation and orientation for incoming exchange students.
ZJU International Students Association
Student-run association organising buddy pairing, welcome events and cultural trips.
Zijingang Campus housing office
Manages dormitory allocation and check-in for international and exchange students on the main campus.
Student life at Zhejiang University
Campus life centres on the huge Zijingang site, with West Lake and Hangzhou's tech districts a short metro ride away for weekends.
Student Clubs
- ZJU International Students Association
- Department student associations
Buddy Program
ZJU International Students Association and Office of Global Engagement buddy programme pairs new exchange students with local student volunteers.
Sports & Recreation
- Zijingang Campus sports centre, tracks and pools
- Cycling around the huge Zijingang campus and nearby West Lake
Your First 2 Weeks
- Attend Office of Global Engagement orientation for registration, housing check-in and insurance sign-up.
- Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay and a local SIM immediately.
- 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 Zhejiang University
Nomination and application windows differ by semester; confirm exact current-cycle dates with the Office of Global Engagement rather than relying on prior-year fact sheets.
-
1
Nomination and application
From April 6 (Fall/Winter) / around October (Spring/Summer)
Home university nominates; student applies via intlstudent.zju.edu.cn.
-
2
Arrival and orientation
Late August / late February
Office of Global Engagement orientation, dormitory check-in and insurance sign-up.
-
3
Exam period
January / June
Written exams and project deadlines vary by department; confirm before booking return travel.