Beijing Institute of Technology
北京理工大学
An engineering university founded in Yan'an in 1940, now offering eight English-taught bachelor's programmes.
- Students
- 41,144
- 15,769 undergraduates
- Tuition
- CN¥23,000
- From · 2026-27
- Founded
- 1940
- QS World Ranking
- #243
- 2027 edition
About BIT
Beijing Institute of Technology was founded in 1940 in Yan'an as the Academy of Natural Sciences, which BIT describes as the first science and engineering university. It moved to Beijing in 1949, took its current name in 1952, and was among the first 16 national key universities allowed to award graduate degrees in 1959. It was the 10th university admitted to Project 985, is a Project 211 university, and was in the first batch of the Double First-Class initiative in 2017.
BIT is a large science and engineering university with more than 41,000 full-time students (September 2025), at least 4,000 international students from 152 countries and 27 State Key Laboratories. It has 22 schools, from Aerospace Engineering, Mechatronical Engineering and Optics and Photonics to Computer Science and Technology, Cyberspace Science, AI, Economics, Law and Design and Arts. Its main campus is at Zhongguancun in Haidian, with a second Beijing campus at Liangxiang and an international campus in Zhuhai, Guangdong.
International students can study eight bachelor's programmes in English, mostly in engineering, or a wider range in Chinese with HSK 5. All undergraduate applicants must take the new CSCA test and an interview. BIT suits students aiming for aerospace, vehicles, electronics, computing or mechanical engineering who want a large, research-heavy Chinese university at a moderate cost.
德以明理 学以精工
“Seek Truth in Virtue; Pursue Study to Perfect Practice” — university motto
Why students choose BIT
Eight English-taught bachelor's programmes, including Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering, Computer Science and Technology and Artificial Intelligence (Zhuhai).
English-taught tuition is CNY 30,000 a year, and Chinese-taught tuition CNY 23,000.
BIT's research is visible in public life: its rehearsal simulation technology was used in the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics opening ceremony, and its environmentally friendly fireworks lit the 2008 Olympics.
The four-year BIT International Student Scholarship (First Prize) covers tuition, accommodation, a stipend and comprehensive insurance.
Admissions
September 2027 intake (BIT's published admission book is for the past 2026 intake)
Selectivity
BIT does not publish an admission rate for international undergraduates. Applicants pass a preliminary document review, then a comprehensive interview, before pre-admission.
Typical entry requirements
| High school diploma | High school graduate or above, non-Chinese citizen aged 18-25 who meets Ministry of Education regulation JW [2020] No. 12; under-18s need a guardian with Beijing residency |
|---|---|
| CSCA | Mathematics + Physics for most engineering programmes; Mathematics for International Economics and Trade |
| HSK (Chinese-taught programmes) | HSK 5 with 180 or above |
| English language | IELTS 6 · TOEFL iBT 85 English-taught programmes: IELTS 6.0, TOEFL 85, Duolingo 110 or another certificate recognised by BIT. Native English speakers are exempt. |
Deadlines
- BIT International Student Scholarship / Beijing and Guangdong Government Scholarships (2026 intake) - PAST CYCLE, for reference only Non-binding PassedMay 1, 2026 (closed)
Scholarship applications closed a month before the general deadline.
- 2026 intake, undergraduate application - PAST CYCLE, for reference only Non-binding PassedJune 1, 2026 (closed)
Previous cycle: the application system opened October 15, 2025 and closed June 1, 2026. The 2027 schedule had not been published as of September 29, 2026.
- Chinese Government Scholarship Type A (Chinese-taught programmes only) Non-bindingSet by the Chinese embassy or consulate; usually November to April
Apply through the Chinese embassy in your country, choose Type A and list BIT as first choice.
BIT's latest undergraduate admission book is for the 2026 intake (applications October 15, 2025 to June 1, 2026; scholarships by May 1, 2026). A 2027 book had not been published as of September 29, 2026; expect a similar autumn opening, and apply by May if you want a scholarship.
How to apply
Register and apply at apply.isc.bit.edu.cn, uploading your passport, notarised high school transcripts and diploma, language test report, CSCA transcript (or registration proof), personal statement and study plan, physical examination record, bank statement and non-criminal record (design applicants add at least two art works). Pay the CNY 600 application fee after passing the preliminary review, then take a comprehensive interview; admitted students pay a tuition deposit.
What admissions looks for
- A completed high school education with solid transcripts.
- CSCA results in the subjects required for your programme, usually Mathematics and Physics.
- Language proficiency: HSK 5 (180+) for Chinese-taught, or IELTS 6.0, TOEFL 85 or Duolingo 110 for English-taught.
- A strong comprehensive interview and a clear personal statement and study plan.
Tips for applying to BIT
- 1 You can apply before sitting the CSCA with proof of registration, but your score must be uploaded before the interview.
- 2 Apply for BIT scholarships by May 1: the scholarship deadline is a month earlier than the general application deadline.
- 3 The Chinese Government Scholarship at BIT is only for Chinese-taught programmes, so English-programme applicants should target BIT's own scholarships.
- 4 Choose your campus carefully: Artificial Intelligence in English is taught at Zhuhai, and accommodation prices differ by campus.
Costs & financial aid
2026-27 · figures in CNY
The BIT International Student Scholarship has four-year prizes (First Prize: tuition, accommodation, stipend and insurance) and one-year prizes down to 50% or 25% tuition, renewed after annual review. Beijing-campus students can seek the Beijing Government Scholarship (A, B and C classes), Zhuhai students the Guangdong Government Outstanding International Student Scholarship (CNY 10,000 a year), and Chinese-taught applicants the Chinese Government Scholarship Type A through their embassy.
- Tuition, accommodation, stipend and comprehensive insurance
- BIT International Student Scholarship, First Prize (4 years)
- CNY 600
- Application fee
- Insurance CNY 800-1,800 a year; visa fee CNY 400 a year
- Insurance and visa
Academics
Academic calendar: Two semesters
Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering (English-taught)
BIT's aerospace strength; alumnus Huang Chunping directed the rocket system for the Shenzhou 5 spacecraft.
Computer Science and Technology (English-taught)
Taught in English on the Beijing campus, with CSCA Mathematics + Physics required.
Mechanical Engineering and Mechatronics Engineering (English-taught)
Two English-taught options in BIT's core field, run by the School of Mechanical Engineering and related schools.
Artificial Intelligence (English-taught, Zhuhai)
BIT's English-taught programme at its Zhuhai campus in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
International Economics and Trade (English-taught)
The one English-taught programme outside engineering, requiring only CSCA Mathematics.
Research
- BIT has 27 State Key Laboratories and reported CNY 7.7 billion in research funding in 2024.
- Its rehearsal simulation technology was used in the Beijing 8-minute show at the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics closing ceremony, the 70th anniversary National Day parade and the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics opening ceremony.
- BIT developed environmentally friendly fireworks used at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, the 2010 World Expo, APEC 2014 and the 2022 Winter Olympics.
Schools & faculties
- School of Aerospace Engineering
- School of Mechatronical Engineering
- School of Mechanical Engineering
- School of Optics and Photonics
- School of Information and Electronics
- School of Integrated Circuits and Electronics
- School of Automation
- School of Computer Science and Technology
- School of Cyberspace Science and Technology
- School of AI
- School of Materials Science & Engineering
- School of Economics
BIT reports ranking 9th among universities in the Chinese mainland in the QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022.
Student life
BIT students live on one of three campuses: Zhongguancun, the main campus in Beijing's Haidian tech district; Liangxiang, a second Beijing campus with its own lake; and Zhuhai, an international campus in Guangdong's Greater Bay Area near Hong Kong and Macao. International students live in on-campus shared rooms with air-conditioning, internet and hot water, priced from CNY 500 to 1,350 a month depending on campus and room size. With at least 4,000 international students from 152 countries, BIT has a sizeable international community.
- Three campuses: Zhongguancun and Liangxiang in Beijing, plus Zhuhai in Guangdong.
- Over 4,000 international students from 152 countries.
- On-campus rooms from CNY 500 a month (4-person shared).
- Free HSK training in BIT's long-term Chinese programmes.
Housing. International students choose 2-, 3- or 4-person shared rooms on campus, from CNY 500 a month at Liangxiang or Zhuhai to CNY 1,350 a month for a 2-person room at Zhongguancun.
Location
BIT's main campus is at 5 Zhongguancun South Street in Haidian District, Beijing's technology and university hub. Beijing is China's capital and a political, cultural and scientific centre, with major museums and historic sites. The Zhuhai campus sits in Guangdong's Greater Bay Area; BIT notes that Zhuhai is the only mainland city with both a bridge to Hong Kong and road links to Macao, about 55 minutes from Guangzhou by high-speed rail.
Nearest airport: Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK); Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX)
Notable alumni
- LP Li PengFormer Premier of China; studied from 1941 at the Yan'an Institute of Natural Sciences, BIT's predecessor
- ZQ Zeng QinghongFormer Vice-President of China; graduated from BIT's Automatic Control Department
- YX Ye XuanpingFormer Governor of Guangdong; studied mechanics at the Yan'an Institute of Natural Sciences, 1941-1945
- PS Peng ShiluNuclear engineer known as the father of China's nuclear submarine; early training at the Yan'an Institute of Natural Sciences
- WX Wang XiaomoRadar engineer, father of China's airborne early warning and control system, winner of the State Preeminent Science and Technology Award
- HC Huang ChunpingDirector of the rocket system for Shenzhou 5; graduated from BIT in 1964
Frequently asked questions
Does Beijing Institute of Technology offer bachelor's degrees in English?
Yes. Eight programmes are taught in English: Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering, Automation, Computer Science and Technology, Mechatronics Engineering, Electronics Science and Technology, Mechanical Engineering and International Economics and Trade in Beijing, and Artificial Intelligence in Zhuhai.
Do I need the CSCA to apply to BIT?
Yes. All undergraduate applicants need a CSCA transcript, usually in Mathematics and Physics (Mathematics only for International Economics and Trade), uploaded before the interview.
How much is BIT tuition for international students?
For the 2026 intake, CNY 23,000 a year for Chinese-taught programmes and CNY 30,000 for English-taught programmes. On-campus rooms cost CNY 500 to 1,350 a month.
What English score does BIT require?
IELTS 6.0, TOEFL 85 or Duolingo 110 for English-taught programmes. Native English speakers are exempt.
When is the BIT application deadline?
For the 2026 intake, applications ran from October 15, 2025 to June 1, 2026, with scholarship applications due May 1, 2026. The 2027 dates had not been published as of September 2026.
Sources & methodology
Figures on this page were checked against official university publications, national application services and ranking publishers in September 2026. Each number is shown with the year or admissions cycle it describes. Always confirm deadlines and fees on the university's own website before applying.
- QS World University Rankings 2027 (topuniversities.com)
- THE World University Rankings 2026
- ShanghaiRanking ARWU 2026
- BIT Office of International Students: Admission Book 2026 (PDF)
- BIT Office of International Students: How to apply for 2026 BIT Undergraduate Program (archived copy)
- BIT Office of International Students
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