China University of Petroleum

Beijing, China
64.2%
Acceptance Rate
1150
Avg SAT
24
Avg ACT
3.4
Avg GPA

A well-established university providing quality higher education. Offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs with dedicated faculty and supportive learning environment.

Admissions
Acceptance Rate
64.2%
SAT Range
1050–1250
ACT Range
N/A
Avg GPA
3.4
Campus & Students
Size
Large (26,423 students)
Type
N/A
Student:Faculty
1:17
Setting
rural
Outcomes & Cost
Graduation Rate
77.0%
Retention Rate
72.0%
Tuition (In-State)
$5,000
Tuition (Int'l)
$8,000

Academic Programs

22 programs

STEM

Biology · bachelorsChemistry · bachelorsComputer Science · bachelorsComputer Science · mastersEngineering · mastersEngineering · bachelorsMathematics · bachelorsPhysics · bachelors

Business

Business Administration · mastersBusiness Administration · bachelorsEconomics · bachelorsFinance · masters

Social Sciences

International Relations · mastersLaw · professionalPolitical Science · bachelorsPsychology · bachelors

Humanities

English Literature · bachelorsHistory · bachelorsPhilosophy · bachelors

Health

Medicine · professionalNursing · bachelors

Arts

Fine Arts · bachelors

English Proficiency Requirements

IELTS Minimum
6+
TOEFL Minimum
80+

Student Life & Environment

The CUP campus creates a focused community united by shared interests in energy and engineering fields. Dormitory living brings together students from across China and international students from petroleum-producing regions worldwide. Student organizations reflect the university's specialized mission, with groups focused on petroleum engineering competitions, energy policy debates, and environmental sustainability. The university hosts academic conferences and industry events that expose students to current challenges and career opportunities in the energy sector. Athletic facilities include standard sports venues where intramural competitions and recreational activities provide breaks from intensive technical studies. Dining halls serve meals representing China's regional cuisines, with additional cafes and convenience stores meeting various preferences. The rural campus location means students create their own entertainment, with student-organized events, cultural activities, and academic competitions filling the social calendar. Beijing's attractions remain accessible via public transportation, offering museums, entertainment, and cultural experiences on weekends. International students find community through dedicated student services and opportunities to share their home countries' perspectives on energy development. Career fairs and industry presentations bring professionals to campus, helping students understand where their studies lead.

Location & Surroundings

The Beijing campus occupies a rural setting in Changping District, north of the city center where space allowed development of specialized facilities impossible in more congested areas. The campus functions as a self-contained community with academic buildings, dormitories, dining facilities, and recreational amenities all within walking or biking distance. Drilling simulation laboratories contain full-scale equipment for training students on techniques they will encounter in field operations. Geological collections include core samples and rock formations representative of petroleum-bearing regions worldwide. Research facilities house computing resources for reservoir modeling, seismic data processing, and production optimization studies. Green spaces throughout campus provide outdoor areas for study and recreation, with landscaping reflecting environmental awareness appropriate to an institution addressing sustainability challenges. The rural location means calmer, cleaner air than Beijing's city center, though the urban energy and cultural attractions remain accessible via public transportation. A second campus in Qingdao, Shandong Province, offers a coastal setting with additional laboratory and research facilities. Campus facilities continue expanding as the university adds programs and research capabilities.

Costs & Career Outcomes

Graduates from China University of Petroleum enter careers in an industry critical to global economic function and facing significant transformation pressures. Major state-owned enterprises including China National Petroleum Corporation, Sinopec, and CNOOC recruit CUP graduates as their primary talent pipeline. Private and international energy companies operating in China also seek CUP graduates, recognizing the quality of training. Career paths lead to positions in exploration, drilling, production, refining, and corporate management across the petroleum value chain. Engineers find positions in oilfields, refineries, research centers, and corporate headquarters throughout China and in international operations. Geoscientists work in exploration teams using the latest technology to locate new reserves and optimize extraction from existing fields. Environmental specialists increasingly find positions addressing industry sustainability challenges, from emissions reduction to ecosystem restoration. Salaries for CUP graduates typically exceed averages for technical professionals, reflecting the specialized nature of their training. Graduate school admissions are strong, with many students continuing to advanced degrees at CUP, other Chinese universities, or institutions in the United States, Europe, and petroleum-producing regions. Alumni networks extend throughout the global energy industry, providing mentorship and opportunities for current students.

Campus Location

Rankings
#621
QS World

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