Quick Summary
Northwest University is a public founded in 1902, located in Xi'an, China. Ranked #801-850 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 28000 students including 4% from outside China. Known for strengths in Archaeology, Geology, Chemistry, it maintains an acceptance rate of 25%.
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Institutional Profile
Who they are
Historical prestige as one of the oldest universities in China and a global leader in Silk Road archaeological research
Subject Strengths
ArchaeologyGeologyChemistryEconomicsTheoretical Physics
Founded1902
TypePublic
Total Students28000
Intl Students4%
Faculty Ratio15
CampusUrban
Campus Size388 acres
Affiliated HospitalsNorthwest University Affiliated Hospital (Xi'an No. 3 Hospital), Xi'an International Medical Center Hospital
AccreditationMinistry of Education of the People's Republic of China (Double First-Class University)
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Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#801-850
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#1001-1200
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#401-500
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
88 undergraduate programs, 189 master's programs, 107 doctoral programs
Programs
107
PhD Programs
Not Available
Online Programs
State Key Laboratory of Continental Dynamics, National Engineering Research Center for Miniaturized Detection Systems
Research Centers
High
Research Output
Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China (Double First-Class University)
Accreditation
04
Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate25%
IELTS6
TOEFL80
Min GPA3
GRENot Available
GMATNot Available
SATNot Available
ACTNot Available
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · June 30
SPRINGApplication Deadline · December 30
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Apply early for the Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC); focus on HSK level 4-6 proficiency for Chinese-taught programs.
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Cost Ledger
Amounts in Renminbi
UG Tuition
¥18,000/yr
per year · CNY
Living Cost
¥32,000/yr
per year · CNY
PG Tuition
¥25,000/yr
per year · CNY
Application Fee
$75
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
¥50,500/yr
tuition + living + essentials · CNY
Scholarships AvailableChinese Government Scholarship (CSC), Shaanxi Provincial Government Scholarship, NWU President Scholarship
Avg Scholarship$3,000
Financial AidAvailable through multiple government and institutional grants for international students
Work-StudyAvailable
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from 88 undergraduate programs, 189 master's programs, 107 doctoral programs programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Archaeology | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Geological Sciences | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Chemical Engineering | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Software Engineering | MBA | 12-24 MO |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$12,000
Average Salary After Graduation
90%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementStrong connections with tech firms in Xi'an High-tech Zone and national archaeological projects
Industry Connections
China National Petroleum CorporationShaanxi Cultural Industry InvestmentHuawei
Notable Alumni
Zhang Weiwei (Scholar), Hou Xun (Physicist), Luo Jianbin (Engineer)
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Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
On-campus available
Sports Facilities
Olympic-standard swimming pool, indoor sports arena, football fields
Student Clubs
International Student Union, Traditional Music Society, Tech Innovation Club
Library Resources
Over 4 million print volumes and extensive digital database access
Exchange Programs
Partnerships with universities in the UK, USA, Japan, and South Korea
Summer Programs
Chinese Language and Culture Immersive Summer Camp