China University of Geosciences (Wuhan)
中国地质大学（武汉）
China's leading earth-sciences university, on East Lake in Wuhan, with Geology ranked a national number one discipline.
- Students
- 33,125
- 18,719 undergraduates
- International
- 3%
- of students
- Tuition
- CN¥18,000
- From · 2025-26
- Founded
- 1952
About CUG
China University of Geosciences began in 1952 as the Beijing College of Geology, formed by merging the geology departments of Peking University, Tsinghua University, Tianjin University and the Tangshan Railway Institute. The college moved to Hubei in 1970 and settled in Wuhan in 1974, took its current name in 1987, and since 2005 the Wuhan and Beijing branches have operated as separate universities. CUG (Wuhan) is a national key university under the Ministry of Education and part of the 211 Project and Double First-Class plan.
Earth sciences are its core: Geology and Geological Resources and Geological Engineering are both national key disciplines ranked number one in China, and CUG runs field training centres at Zhoukoudian, Beidaihe, Zigui and Badong, with Zhoukoudian known as the cradle of Chinese geologists. Around that core it teaches about 70 undergraduate majors across engineering, computer science, materials, environmental studies, economics and management, public administration, gemology and more, to 18,719 full-time undergraduates and over 14,000 graduate students.
International undergraduates study four-year programmes taught mainly in Chinese, with some courses taught bilingually or in English. Tuition is modest by international standards, and the university hosts just over 1,000 international students. It suits students interested in geology, mining, petroleum, environmental or geospatial careers who are prepared to reach HSK 4 in Chinese.
艰苦朴素 求真务实
“Hardwork, Simplicity, Seeking Truth and Pragmatism” — university motto
Why students choose CUG
Geology and Geological Resources and Geological Engineering are both ranked national number one disciplines in China.
Field training at four centres, including Zhoukoudian near Beijing, the national demonstration centre for geology fieldwork teaching.
Undergraduate tuition of RMB 18,000 to 22,000 a year, with CUG Presidential Scholarships covering 10% to 100% of first-year tuition for outstanding freshmen.
The Yifu Museum on campus is described by CUG as the only national 4A-level tourist attraction among Chinese universities.
Admissions
September 2027 entry (international undergraduates)
Selectivity
CUG does not publish an admit rate for international undergraduates. Applicants are assessed on academic records, language ability and overall high school performance, and under the 2025 brochure (the latest published) all who pass CUG's preliminary review must also sit the China Scholarship Council's Academic Proficiency Entrance Test for International Undergraduates.
Typical entry requirements
| Nationality | Non-Chinese citizens with a valid foreign passport |
|---|---|
| Academic record | One of: official transcripts of the highest qualification (with notarised Chinese or English copy), national or regional unified high school graduation exam results, or international test scores such as SAT, ACT, A-Level, AP or IB |
| Chinese language | HSK 4 for self-funded students in Chinese-taught programmes (Chinese Government Scholarship applicants: HSK score of 200 or equivalent); otherwise a one-year pre-university Chinese course first |
| Health | Foreigner Physical Examination Form valid for six months |
| English language | Non-native English speakers applying to English-taught programmes must submit TOEFL or IELTS scores; the 2025 brochure does not state minimum scores. HSK, TOEFL or IELTS certificates are listed as documents, with stronger language ability given priority. |
Deadlines
- CUG scholarship and self-funded undergraduate application (2025 intake pattern, past) Non-binding Passed30 June 2025 (past)
For 2025 entry the application window ran from 1 January to 30 June 2025; admission lists were published before 30 June and admission letters and JW202 visa forms sent before 15 July.
CUG had not published an undergraduate admission brochure for 2027 entry (the latest on its site is for 2025) when checked on 29 September 2026. The 2025 cycle ran from 1 January to 30 June; expect a similar window in 2027 and check the International Education College website. Chinese Government Scholarship deadlines are announced separately via the CSC.
How to apply
Self-funded and CUG scholarship applicants register and apply on CUG's international student application system (admission.cug.edu.cn), uploading the application form, high school diploma or pre-graduation certificate, full transcripts, a CV, two teacher recommendation letters (one from your high school), physical examination form, passport page, economic guarantee, HSK or TOEFL/IELTS certificate and a non-criminal record. Chinese Government Scholarship applicants also register on the CSC portal (campuschina.org). CUG does not accept paper applications. The application fee is RMB 400.
What admissions looks for
- Solid academic records from your highest qualification, or strong national exam or SAT, ACT, A-Level, AP or IB results.
- Language ability: HSK 4 or better for Chinese-taught majors, and TOEFL or IELTS for English-taught study.
- Good overall performance in high school, which the admissions team treats as an important indicator.
- Taking the CSC's Academic Proficiency Entrance Test for International Undergraduates, required of everyone who passes CUG's preliminary review (2025 brochure).
Tips for applying to CUG
- 1 Take HSK 4 before you apply: without it, self-funded students must first spend a year in CUG's Chinese foundation programme.
- 2 Ask one of your two recommenders to be a teacher from the high school that issues your diploma, as CUG requires.
- 3 Apply early in the window to be considered for a CUG Presidential Scholarship, which can cover all or part of first-year tuition.
- 4 If you apply for a Chinese Government Scholarship and miss out, CUG says it can admit eligible applicants as self-funded students if they agree.
Costs & financial aid
2025-26 · figures in CNY
The CUG Presidential Scholarship, applied for through the university's own application system, gives outstanding international freshmen a first-year award of a full tuition waiver, half tuition, 20% or 10% of tuition. Chinese Government Scholarships, including the Silk Road Scholarship and bilateral programmes, are applied for through the CSC or Chinese embassies, and CUG also lists enterprise scholarships.
- 100%, 50%, 20% or 10% of tuition
- CUG Presidential Scholarship (first year)
- RMB 8,400 per year (double room) or RMB 12,000 (single room)
- International student housing
- RMB 400
- Application fee
- RMB 800 per year
- Insurance
Academics
Academic calendar: Two semesters (autumn and spring)
Geology and Geochemistry
Offered by the School of Earth Sciences; Geology is one of CUG's two national number one disciplines.
Exploration Engineering of Mineral Resources and Petroleum Engineering
School of Earth Resources majors tied to the national key discipline of Geological Resources and Geological Engineering.
Gemology and Material Crafts
Taught by CUG's Gemological Institute, alongside a Product Design (Jewelry) major.
Communication Engineering (Chinese or English-taught)
One of the majors CUG lists for international students with an English-taught option.
Business Administration (Bilingual)
A bilingual management major in the School of Economics and Management.
Remote Sensing Science and Technology
Part of the School of Geography and Information Engineering's geospatial programmes.
Research
- CUG has 3 state key laboratories and 86 affiliated institutions, laboratories and research centres.
- Its faculty includes 13 members of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and one member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering.
- The university publishes Earth Science and the English-language Journal of Earth Science.
Schools & faculties
- School of Earth Sciences
- School of Earth Resources
- School of Materials Science and Chemistry
- School of Environmental Studies
- School of Engineering
- School of Geophysics and Geomatics
- School of Computer Science
- School of Economics and Management
- School of Geography and Information Engineering
- School of Marine Science and Technology
- Gemological Institute
- School of Public Administration
Student life
CUG has two campuses in Wuhan's East Lake high-tech zone: the older Nanwang Mountain campus and the newer Future City campus, together covering about 148 hectares with teaching buildings, libraries, student apartments and sports grounds. The Yifu Museum of earth sciences is a public attraction on campus. International students live in university housing at RMB 8,400 a year for a double room or RMB 12,000 for a single, with utilities charged separately. CUG students also have a strong mountaineering tradition: alumni Wang Yongfeng and Li Zhixin met on the university mountaineering team and became the first Chinese pair to climb the Seven Summits.
- The Yifu Museum, which CUG describes as the only national 4A-level tourist attraction among Chinese universities.
- Field trips to training centres at Zhoukoudian, Beidaihe, Zigui and Badong.
- A mountaineering team whose alumni include China's first Seven Summits pair.
- About 1,035 international students, and alumni associations for graduates in Africa and Pakistan.
Housing. International students can live in university housing at RMB 8,400 per year in a double room or RMB 12,000 per year in a single room, paid at least six months at a time, with water, electricity and internet billed separately.
Location
CUG sits beside East Lake in Wuhan, the capital of Hubei province in central China, with its international office at 388 Lumo Road. Both campuses, Nanwang Mountain and Future City, are in the Wuhan East Lake National Innovation Demonstration Zone.
Nearest airport: Wuhan Tianhe International Airport (WUH)
Notable alumni
- WJ Wen JiabaoPremier of China (2003-2013); studied geological surveying at the Beijing Institute of Geology, CUG's predecessor
- OZ Ouyang ZiyuanChief scientist of China's Lunar Exploration Program; geology degree from the Beijing College of Geology
- WA Wang AnshunMayor of Beijing (2012-2016); attended the Wuhan College of Geology
- WY Wang YongfengMountaineer, with Li Zhixin the first Chinese pair to climb the Seven Summits; entered the Wuhan College of Geology in 1980
- LZ Li ZhixinMountaineer and Seven Summits climber; graduated from the Wuhan College of Geology in 1985
- HZ Hua-Wei ZhouGeophysicist and professor at the University of Houston; BS in mathematics from the Wuhan College of Geology (1980)
Frequently asked questions
Do I need HSK to study at China University of Geosciences?
For Chinese-taught undergraduate programmes, self-funded students need HSK 4; those who do not have it take a one-year Chinese foundation course at CUG first. English-taught applicants submit TOEFL or IELTS instead.
How much is tuition at China University of Geosciences (Wuhan)?
International undergraduates pay RMB 18,000 a year for arts majors and RMB 22,000 a year for science and engineering majors. A double room in university housing costs RMB 8,400 a year.
When is the application deadline for international students?
The 2027 brochure was not yet published in late September 2026. For 2025 entry, self-funded and CUG scholarship applications ran from 1 January to 30 June 2025.
Is there an entrance exam for international undergraduates?
Yes. Under the 2025 brochure, applicants who pass CUG's preliminary review, scholarship and self-funded alike, must take the Academic Proficiency Entrance Test for International Undergraduates organised by the China Scholarship Council. Check the 2027 brochure when it is published.
Is CUG Wuhan the same as China University of Geosciences (Beijing)?
No. They share a history going back to the Beijing College of Geology in 1952, but have operated as separate universities since 2005.
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.
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