China Pharmaceutical University (CPU) is renowned for its long history and leading role in Chinese pharmaceutical education. The tuition fees at this university are highly affordable compared to other countries. Located in the historically and culturally rich city of Nanjing, CPU is one of the key universities under China’s “Project 211” and is also part of the prestigious “Double First Class” list of universities.
Founded in 1936, the university was the first independent national four-year pharmaceutical college in China and the first government institution for higher education in pharmacy. Over the past 80 years, it has made significant contributions to the development of national healthcare, truly reflecting its motto: “Dedicated to academic excellence and committed to public health.” To learn more about studying abroad in China, continue reading this article with us.
University Name:
China Pharmaceutical University
Year of Establishment:
1936
Language of Instruction:
English – Chinese
QS Ranking:
73
History of CPU
China Pharmaceutical University (CPU), established in 1936 in Nanjing, was initially known as the National Pharmaceutical College. It was the first independent pharmaceutical school in China, with Professor Meng Moudui serving as its first president. In August 1949, the National Pharmaceutical College came under the supervision of the Ministry of Health of the Nanjing Military and Political Committee, and Guang Guangdi was appointed as its president. In June 1950, the college came under the supervision of the Ministry of Health of the East China Military and Political Committee, and its name was changed to East China Pharmaceutical College, marking a new phase of development for the institution.
In 1952, the Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China decided to reorganize colleges and departments across the country. Following this decision, East China Pharmaceutical College merged with the pharmacy department of Shantung Christian University and the School of Pharmacy of Soochow University, resulting in the establishment of East China Pharmaceutical College. In 1956, due to the requirements of the Ministry of Higher Education and the Ministry of Health of the People’s Republic of China to name medical and pharmaceutical institutions after the cities or provinces they were located in, the school name was changed accordingly.
As a result, Nanjing Pharmaceutical College and the Pharmaceutical Department of East China Pharmaceutical College were renamed Jiangsu Nanjing Pharmaceutical College. In October 1986, following approval from the State Education Commission, China Pharmaceutical University was officially established through the merger of Nanjing Pharmaceutical College and Nanjing Traditional Chinese Medicine Pharmaceutical College. After a prequalification review in May 1996, it was included in the “Project 211.” In February 2000, the university was placed directly under the supervision of the Ministry of Education.
Life in Nanjing
Nanjing, the capital of Jiangsu Province in eastern China, is a major port city located on the Yangtze River (Chang Jiang) and serves as a significant industrial and communication hub. It is the second-largest city in East China, just after Shanghai. Nanjing is recognized as one of China’s four ancient capitals, further adding to its historical significance.
The inner city of Nanjing, which is enclosed by the city wall, is the core of the city. Meanwhile, the Nanjing metropolitan area includes surrounding cities and regions, covering more than 60,000 square kilometers, with a population exceeding 30 million people. Aside from the affordable tuition fees at China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing’s unparalleled amenities make it an attractive location for many students seeking higher education.
About China Pharmaceutical University
As previously mentioned, China Pharmaceutical University (CPU), located in the historically and culturally rich city of Nanjing, is one of the key universities in China’s “Project 211,” a national initiative aimed at cultivating high-level institutions. Established in 1936, CPU is known for its long history and leadership in pharmaceutical education, being the first independent, four-year national pharmaceutical college and the first government institution for higher pharmaceutical education in China.
By the end of 2015, China Pharmaceutical University had more than 15,000 full-time students, including around 12,000 candidates for bachelor’s and associate degrees, and over 3,600 graduate students. The university offers a broad range of disciplines, including science, medicine, engineering, economics, management, arts, and law, with pharmacy recognized as its primary national discipline.
In the 2015 ESI rankings, the university’s programs in pharmacology and toxicology, chemistry, and clinical pharmacy were ranked among the top 1% in the world. Additionally, the university’s pharmacology and toxicology publications ranked highly within China. CPU is committed to a student-centered, win-win educational model, integrating knowledge, ability, and quality while encouraging creativity and nurturing the next generation of pharmaceutical leaders.
Ranking of China Pharmaceutical University
As previously mentioned, China Pharmaceutical University (CPU) was originally established as the National Pharmaceutical College of China in 1936 and has since evolved into the leading pharmaceutical university in China with a wide range of specialized programs. According to the latest official assessment from the Ministry of Education of China, the university’s pharmacy program is ranked first, while its traditional Chinese pharmacy program ranks third in the country. Additionally, China Pharmaceutical University is one of the top public universities in Nanjing, China. In the 2024 QS World University Rankings by Subject, it is ranked 73rd.
Campuses and Academic Programs
China Pharmaceutical University consists of two campuses: Xuanwumen Campus and Jiangning Campus, covering an area of approximately 2,100 meters (140 hectares). The university comprises 16 schools and departments, offering seven disciplines including medicine, science, and engineering. Currently, CPU hosts over 16,781 full-time students, including 11,593 bachelor’s or associate degree candidates, 4,682 graduate students, and 505 international students. The faculty and staff number 1,684, including 1,037 full-time instructors.
Admission Process at CPU
One of the advantages of studying in China and at its universities is the affordability of tuition fees. The reasonable tuition costs at China Pharmaceutical University have attracted many students to apply. The application process for admission to CPU is straightforward. Students simply need to follow a few steps to apply for their desired course. To help international students complete their online applications, it is recommended to follow the provided instructions. International applicants are required to submit the following documents:
- Application form in Chinese or English
- Passport-sized photo (scanned copy)
- Passport
- Transcripts and certificates (must be notarized copies)
- English language proficiency certificate
- CV/Resume
- Study plan or research proposal (for Master’s/PhD applicants)
- Recommendation letters (for Master’s/PhD applicants)
- Published scientific papers or other academic achievements (if available)
- Bank statement
- Police certificate (no criminal record)

Tuition Fees at China Pharmaceutical University
As mentioned earlier, tuition fees at China Pharmaceutical University, and generally in China, are relatively affordable compared to other countries. Applicants wishing to study at China Pharmaceutical University should expect to pay an annual tuition fee ranging from 7,000 to 14,000 RMB. Below is a breakdown of the tuition fees for each academic level:
- Bachelor’s Degree: 19,000 to 25,000 RMB/year
- Master’s Degree: 25,000 to 32,000 RMB/year
- Doctoral Degree: 36,000 RMB/year
In addition to tuition fees, students should also consider other expenses, as outlined below:
- Service Fee: 50 USD
- Insurance Fee: 600 RMB
- Physical Examination Fee: 340 RMB (Jiangsu Health Center)
- Double Room: 5,400 RMB/year
- Single Room: 10,800 RMB/year
Students are required to pay their fees in Chinese Yuan (CNY) through a bank transfer after arrival in China and university registration. This payment is made to the university’s bank account, which is denominated in CNY, and any discrepancies in exchange rates or bank service fees must be covered by the students during registration.
Schools and Departments at China Pharmaceutical University
If you are considering studying abroad in China and pursuing a degree in pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University is highly recommended. CPU comprises six schools: the School of Pharmacy, the School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, the School of Life Science and Technology, the School of International Pharmaceutical Business, the School of Continuing Education, and the School of Professional Higher Education. Additionally, the university includes four independent departments (Basic Sciences, Foreign Languages, Social Sciences, and Physical Education), along with five key laboratories and centers at the state or provincial levels.

Academic Programs at China Pharmaceutical University (CPU)
China Pharmaceutical University (CPU) offers a wide range of academic programs at various levels, including undergraduate, master’s, doctoral, and professional postgraduate studies. Below are some of the programs available at CPU:
- Advanced Mathematics
- Linear Algebra
- Probability and Statistics
- Chinese Culture
- Chinese Language
- Introduction to Law
- Introduction to Computer Science
- Inorganic Chemistry
- Analytical Chemistry
- Organic Chemistry
- Physical Chemistry
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- Microbiology
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry
- Pharmaceutical Industry
- Pharmacology
- Pharmaceutical Analysis
- Clinical Pharmacology
- Pharmacy Metabolic Kinetics
- Modern Medical Review
- Pharmaceutical Spectral Analysis
- Pharmaceutical Chromatographic Analysis
- Pharmacy Law
- Marketing
- Programming Languages
These programs cover various branches of pharmaceutical sciences and related disciplines, ensuring that students receive comprehensive education and training for their future careers in the pharmaceutical industry, research, and beyond.

Jasmine Jiangsu Government Scholarship at China Pharmaceutical University
In addition to its affordable tuition, China Pharmaceutical University (CPU) offers several scholarships for international students. One of the key scholarships is the Jasmine Jiangsu Government Scholarship.
This scholarship is provided by the Jiangsu Provincial Government to promote the development of international education in the province. It aims to increase the global profile of Jiangsu’s higher education institutions and highlight the region’s educational offerings.
Eligibility and Required Documents for the Jasmine Jiangsu Government Scholarship:
- Eligibility:
- Applicants must be non-Chinese citizens.
- For undergraduate applicants:
- High school diploma.
- Applicants must be under 25 years old.
- A notarized copy of high school transcripts.
- For master’s degree applicants:
- A bachelor’s degree.
- Applicants must be under 35 years old.
- For Ph.D. applicants:
- A master’s degree.
- Applicants must be under 40 years old.
- Required Documents:
- Application form for the scholarship.
- A scanned copy of the passport photo page.
- High school or bachelor’s degree transcripts (for undergraduates and master’s applicants).
- Proof of prior education (for master’s and Ph.D. applicants).
This scholarship is an excellent opportunity for outstanding international students to study at CPU and gain recognition for their academic achievements while studying in China.

Achievements of China Pharmaceutical University (CPU)
China Pharmaceutical University (CPU) has garnered notable recognition for its achievements in education and research. Here are some of the university’s key accomplishments:
- National Recognition in Education:
- CPU is the only university that has won the first-place award for National Educational Achievements three consecutive times.
- In 2014, CPU recommended three projects for the National Educational Achievement Award, and all of them received the second prize.
- The employment rate of graduates from CPU has consistently ranked first among universities and colleges affiliated with the Ministry of Education (MOE) in Jiangsu Province. In 2014, CPU’s undergraduate employment rate also ranked first among universities directly under the Ministry of Education.
- Research Innovation and Development:
- CPU actively promotes innovation in pharmaceutical research and is committed to developing new medicines for public health.
- The university has established 18 key laboratories, including the State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and several provincial and ministerial key laboratories. It also has technical engineering centers and innovative platforms.
- CPU has established scientific cooperation with universities and institutions in over 40 countries and regions.
- Research and Scientific Achievements (2011-2015):
- Between 2011 and 2015, CPU conducted 26 major projects in innovative pharmaceutical research with a budget of 178 million RMB, ranking first among all universities in China.
- The university’s researchers won two national awards for advancements in science and technology, developed two new drugs certified by the national authority, and six new drugs approved for clinical research.
- CPU researchers have filed 410 patents and published 3,919 papers indexed by SCI.
Conclusion:
China Pharmaceutical University (CPU), originally known as the National College of Pharmacy, was established in 1936 and has since evolved into a key institution for pharmaceutical education and research in China. With affordable tuition fees, a history of research excellence, and strong international collaboration, CPU is a top choice for those wishing to pursue pharmaceutical studies in China.
If you’re considering studying at CPU, feel free to reach out for a free consultation from our immigration consultants at Elm Vera Migration Services.ر
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