Chang’an University, China: Known for Civil Engineering and Architecture programs

Chang’an University, China: Renowned for Civil Engineering and Architecture

Chang’an University, located in the city of Xi’an, is one of China’s leading higher education institutions specializing in civil engineering and architecture. Founded in 1951, this university has become a major scientific hub in fields such as transportation engineering, highway and bridge engineering, and architecture. With over 70 years of educational experience, Chang’an University has earned an outstanding position in global rankings. The tuition fees for international students at Chang’an are considerably more affordable compared to similar universities in Western countries.

An important point for international students interested in studying here is the availability of various scholarships offered by Chang’an University. These scholarships may cover full tuition, dormitory fees, medical insurance, and even provide monthly living allowances. With a strong focus on civil engineering and architecture, the university provides practical and hands-on training alongside theoretical knowledge and maintains close ties with industry to facilitate employment opportunities for its graduates.

These features, along with the unique cultural and historical setting of Xi’an, make studying at Chang’an University a valuable experience for international students. In the following article, the Elm Vira Migration Group will further introduce and review Chang’an University.

Introduction to Chang’an University

Chang’an University is a prestigious institution under the supervision of China’s Ministry of Education, located in the historic city of Xi’an, the capital of Shaanxi Province. Established in 1951, the university was formed in 2000 through the merger of three older institutions: Northwest Institute of Roads and Transportation, Xi’an Engineering University, and Xi’an Institute of Building Technology. With over 70 years of teaching experience, Chang’an University is recognized as a key center in transportation engineering, highway engineering, bridge and hydraulic engineering, and civil engineering.

Educational migration to China has grown significantly in recent years, and Chang’an University is one of the preferred destinations for international students. The university has approximately 37,000 students, 2,600 faculty members, and 23 colleges, making it one of the most comprehensive centers for civil engineering and architecture education in Asia. In 2024, Professor Wang Shu, president of Chang’an University, announced plans to expand international cooperation and increase enrollment of foreign students, aligning with China’s Belt and Road Initiative.

Ranking of Chang’an University, China

Chang’an University holds a notable position in global rankings. According to the latest QS World University Rankings, the university is placed between 1251 and 1300 in the Global Sustainability Rankings. Additionally, in the East Asia University Rankings, Chang’an University ranks 268th. Notably, in the subject rankings, the university is ranked among the top 150 universities worldwide in Civil and Structural Engineering and the top 100 in Transportation Engineering.

According to the Times Higher Education report, Chang’an University has shown significant growth in Research Impact and is among the top universities in China in this metric. Furthermore, in China’s national rankings, the university consistently ranks among the top three universities in Highway and Transportation Engineering. Gaining admission to a Chinese university with such academic prestige can pave the way for a bright career future for international students.

Geographical Location and University Facilities

Chang’an University is located in Xi’an, one of China’s oldest cities and the ancient capital of 13 dynasties. This unique geographic location offers students a blend of rich historical culture and modern development. The university has three main campuses: Weicheng Campus, South Campus, and North Campus, covering a total area of approximately 2.5 million square meters. The facilities at Chang’an University include six libraries with over 3.8 million volumes, 16 national and provincial laboratories, eight advanced research centers, a Smart Transportation Technology Innovation Center, and various sports facilities.

Student dormitories are equipped with high-speed internet, international food courts, and healthcare centers, providing a pleasant student life experience. The tuition fees at Chang’an University are much more affordable compared to similar universities in Western countries, and the annual dormitory fees vary depending on the type of room and its amenities.

Faculties and Academic Programs

Chang’an University in China, with its 23 faculties, offers a wide range of academic programs at the undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral levels. Among these faculties, the School of Highway and Bridge Engineering, the School of Transportation Engineering, the School of Architecture and Urban Planning, and the School of Civil Engineering are particularly renowned. The university provides 89 undergraduate programs, 170 master’s programs, and 97 doctoral programs.

Some of the prominent fields of study include Transportation Engineering, Highway and Railway Engineering, Bridge and Tunnel Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Structural Engineering, Architecture, Urban Planning, Environmental Engineering, Water Resources Engineering, Surveying and Geospatial Information Engineering, and Automotive Engineering. For international students, Chang’an University offers over 30 degree programs taught in English.

Additionally, Chinese language preparatory courses are available for those international students who intend to study in Chinese. The Chang’an University scholarships, along with the university’s affordable tuition fees, make it an attractive option for international students. These scholarships include various types such as the Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC), Shaanxi Provincial Scholarship, University-specific Scholarships, and Student Conference Scholarships. These scholarships may cover up to 100% of tuition fees, dormitory costs, medical insurance, and even provide monthly living allowances.

Admission Requirements at Chang’an University

Chang’an University has flexible admission policies for international students. For undergraduate programs, applicants must hold a high school diploma or equivalent with a good GPA. For graduate programs, a relevant bachelor’s degree with a GPA above 75% is required. Doctoral applicants must hold a related master’s degree with a GPA above 80%, preferably with research experience and published papers.

Language proficiency is another critical requirement for studying in China and for admission to Chang’an University. For Chinese-taught programs, HSK level 4 is required for undergraduate studies, and HSK level 5 for graduate studies. For English-taught programs, an IELTS score of 6.0 or a TOEFL score of 80 is needed for undergraduate courses and IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 90 for graduate courses. Students without language certificates can first enroll in the university’s Chinese language courses and proceed to the main program after acquiring the necessary proficiency.

The application process is conducted online through Chang’an University’s international admission system. Required documents include a valid passport, academic transcripts and diplomas, language proficiency certificates, two recommendation letters from professors, a study plan and statement of purpose, and a health certificate. Application deadlines for the fall semester are from January to June, and for the spring semester from September to December.

Tuition Fees at Chang’an University, China

The tuition fees at Chang’an University are quite affordable compared to universities of similar rank in Western countries. According to the latest available information on studying in China, the tuition fees for various programs are as follows:

For Chinese Language Programs:

• One-year program: 14,000 RMB (approximately 2,100 USD)
• One-semester program: 8,000 RMB (approximately 1,200 USD)
• One-month intensive program: 2,500 RMB (approximately 375 USD)

For Degree Programs:

• Bachelor’s degree: 16,000 RMB per year (approximately 2,400 USD)
• Master’s degree: 21,000 RMB per year (approximately 3,150 USD)
• Doctoral degree: 30,000 RMB per year (approximately 4,500 USD)

In addition to tuition, students should also consider some additional costs, including a registration fee of 400 RMB (around 60 USD), mandatory annual medical insurance of 800 RMB (about 120 USD), and approximately 1,000 to 2,000 RMB per year (150 to 300 USD) for books and study materials. For certain fields such as Arts, Architecture, and some Engineering programs that require special equipment or laboratories, additional fees may apply. Doctoral students typically incur extra costs for research projects, some of which are covered by their supervisors’ research funding.

Chang’an University Scholarships

One of the most attractive aspects of studying at Chang’an University is its scholarship opportunities. There are several types of scholarships available for international students that help reduce the financial burden of tuition fees.

The Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) is the most prestigious and comprehensive in China, provided by the China Scholarship Council. This scholarship covers a full tuition waiver, accommodation, medical insurance, and a monthly living allowance (3,000 RMB for bachelor’s students, 3,500 RMB for master’s students, and 4,000 RMB for doctoral students).

The selection process is competitive and is conducted through Chinese embassies or directly via the university. The Shaanxi Provincial Government Scholarship is also available for outstanding international students, covering tuition fees and providing a monthly stipend of 2,000 RMB.

Additionally, Chang’an University offers its scholarships divided into three levels:

• Level A: Full tuition waiver and a monthly allowance of 1,500 RMB
• Level B: 50% tuition waiver and a monthly allowance of 1,000 RMB
• Level C: 30% tuition waiver

Performance-based scholarships are also available for international students who demonstrate excellent academic performance after enrollment, with financial awards ranging from 2,000 to 10,000 RMB.

Chang’an University cooperates with industrial and construction companies to offer special scholarships for students in Civil Engineering, Transportation, and Architecture fields. To apply for scholarships, students must submit scholarship application forms along with their admission applications. The main selection criteria include academic performance, language proficiency, research achievements, and an online interview. The application deadline for the CSC scholarship is usually by the end of February, while deadlines for other scholarships are typically in early April for the fall semester.

Student Living Costs in China (Xi’an)

The cost of living in Xi’an, where Chang’an University is located, is notably lower compared to major Chinese cities such as Beijing and Shanghai, making it a more economical choice for students.

One of the main living expenses alongside tuition at Chang’an University is accommodation. The university provides well-equipped dormitories for international students. These dorms include shared kitchens, laundry facilities, bathrooms, showers, air conditioning, single beds, study desks, wardrobes, and internet access.

• Dormitory fee: Approximately 600 RMB per month (about 90 USD).

• Off-campus housing: Renting a one-bedroom apartment in downtown Xi’an typically costs between 1,500 and 2,500 RMB per month (225 to 375 USD), while apartments in suburban areas range from 1,000 to 1,800 RMB (150 to 270 USD) per month.

Estimated annual living expenses for a single student living in Xi’an (excluding tuition and accommodation) are around 12,000 to 15,000 RMB (approximately 1,800 to 2,250 USD).

Students can reduce daily expenses by using university facilities such as the student cafeteria, where meals cost roughly 10 to 20 RMB each, affordable public transportation, and shopping at campus stores.

Importantly, international students in China are allowed to work part-time for up to 20 hours per week, helping offset living costs. Typical hourly wages for student part-time jobs range between 50 and 100 RMB (7.5 to 15 USD), depending on the type of work and the student’s skills.

Summary

With over 70 years of educational and research experience, Chang’an University is one of Asia’s leading institutions in civil engineering and architecture. Located in the historic and culturally rich city of Xi’an, the university comprises 23 faculties offering more than 350 programs across various academic levels. This diversity provides excellent educational opportunities for both domestic and international students.

Tuition fees at Chang’an University are significantly more affordable than at comparable universities in Western countries and even some Asian countries.

A key advantage of studying at Chang’an University is access to various scholarships, including the prestigious Chang’an University Scholarship and several Chinese government scholarships. These scholarships cover partial to full tuition and living expenses, offering talented students worldwide the chance to study without financial worries at one of Asia’s premier specialized universities.

About Elm Vira Migration Group

Elm Vira Migration Group, with over a decade of experience in international educational consultancy, offers comprehensive services for applicants wishing to study in China and other countries. With deep knowledge of China’s educational migration process and university admission procedures—including those at Chang’an University—we provide expert and practical guidance tailored to students’ needs.

For detailed information about studying in China and to receive personalized consultation, please visit our free consultation section.