Northwestern Polytechnical University
西北工业大学
Xi'an's aeronautics, astronautics and marine engineering university, known in China as a training ground for chief aircraft designers.
- Students
- 40,000
- International
- 5%
- of students
- Student–faculty
- 13.6:1
- ratio
- Tuition
- CN¥22,000
- From · 2026-27
- Founded
- 1938
About NPU
Northwestern Polytechnical University (NPU, also written NWPU) is a public science and engineering university in Xi'an, affiliated with China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. It grew from three roots, National Northwestern Engineering Institute (founded 1938), the East China Aeronautical Institute and the air force engineering department of the Harbin Military Engineering Institute, and it is part of Project 211, Project 985 and the Double First-Class initiative.
Its identity is the "three aeronautics": aviation, space and marine engineering. The university says more than half of the chief and deputy chief designers of China's major aircraft programmes are NPU alumni, and it has trained China's first doctorates in fields such as flight mechanics, aero-engines and unmanned systems. Aerospace science and technology, materials science and engineering, and mechanical engineering are its Double First-Class disciplines.
NPU has more than 40,000 students and 24 schools on two campuses, the older Youyi campus in the city and the larger Chang'an campus in the southern suburbs. International undergraduates study four-year degrees, taught in English or Chinese depending on the major, in fields like aerospace, mechanical, electrical and computer engineering. It suits applicants with strong maths and physics who want a hands-on engineering education.
公诚勇毅
“Loyalty, Integrity, Courage and Perseverance” — university motto
Why students choose NPU
Aerospace Engineering is taught in English in both the School of Aeronautics and the School of Astronautics.
The university reports that over half of the chief and deputy chief designers of China's major aviation programmes are NPU graduates.
International tuition is modest by global standards: 25,000 yuan a year for English-taught and 22,000 yuan for Chinese-taught undergraduate programmes.
Several scholarships cover full tuition and housing, including the Chinese Government Scholarship, the Xi'an Belt and Road Scholarship and the NPU President's Scholarship.
Admissions
Autumn 2027 entry (the 2027 international undergraduate guide had not been published as of 29 September 2026; details below are from the 2026 guide)
Selectivity
NPU does not publish an admission rate for international undergraduates. Schools review applicants' academic ability, and shortlisted applicants take a second-round assessment (interview or test) before offers. Each major closes once it reaches its admission limit.
Typical entry requirements
| High school diploma | Completed by 1 September of the entry year, with grades of 75% or more; applicants must be 23 or under on 1 September and non-Chinese citizens with a valid passport |
|---|---|
| CSCA | Required; subjects depend on the programme's teaching language and field (see test policy) |
| SAT / A-level / IB | Not required, but NPU refers to these international tests or regional school-leaving exams as evidence of academic ability |
| HSK (Chinese-taught programmes) | HSK level 5 with 180 or more; applicants below this can take NPU's Chinese foundation programme |
| English language | IELTS 6 · TOEFL iBT 80 English-taught programmes: IELTS Academic 6.0 with no band below 5.5, TOEFL 80 (MyBest, Home Edition and Essentials accepted), Duolingo 115, Cambridge International A-level English grade A, or Cambridge FCE 169 / CAE 180 / CPE. Applicants from native English-speaking countries are exempt. |
Deadlines
- Batch 1 (autumn 2026 entry) - PAST CYCLE, for reference Non-binding Passed15 January 2026 (closed)
Window 1 November 2025 to 15 January 2026.
- Batch 2 (autumn 2026 entry) - PAST CYCLE Non-binding Passed15 March 2026 (closed)
Window 16 January to 15 March 2026.
- Batch 3 (autumn 2026 entry) - PAST CYCLE Non-binding Passed15 April 2026 (closed)
Window 16 March to 15 April 2026.
- Batch 4 (autumn 2026 entry) - PAST CYCLE Non-binding Passed20 May 2026 (closed)
Window 20 April to 20 May 2026.
NPU admits undergraduates only for September (autumn) entry. The 2026 guide was published on 29 October 2025 with applications opening 1 November 2025, so the 2027 guide is likely to appear around late October 2026; confirm the dates when it is posted. Applications close early for any major that fills its quota, and scholarships are reviewed in batches in order of application.
How to apply
Apply through NPU's online system (admission.nwpu.edu.cn) and pay the 600 yuan (90 USD) application fee. Upload passport, high school diploma and transcripts, personal statement and CV (a talent video is optional), CSCA scores, language certificate, police clearance, physical examination form, and six months of bank statements showing at least 5,000 USD. Schools review academic ability (about 10 working days), then shortlisted applicants take a second-round assessment; results come about a week later. Admitted self-funded students pay full tuition in advance to confirm the place.
What admissions looks for
- Good academic ability and performance, with previous-stage grades of at least 75%.
- CSCA results in the subjects required for your programme.
- Language proficiency: IELTS 6.0 / TOEFL 80 for English-taught programmes or HSK 5 (180+) for Chinese-taught ones.
- Performance in the school's second-round assessment, plus optional evidence such as awards, research results or a talent video.
Tips for applying to NPU
- 1 Apply in the first batch (from about 1 November): majors close when they fill, and scholarships are awarded in order of application.
- 2 Book the CSCA early; NPU recommended December, January, March or April sittings and accepted a registration screenshot with scores sent later.
- 3 Choose your major and teaching language carefully: scholarship students generally cannot change university, major, teaching language or study length after admission.
- 4 Chinese Government Scholarship (Type A) undergraduate places at NPU are only for Chinese-taught majors, so English-track applicants should look at the NPU President's or Belt and Road scholarships.
Costs & financial aid
2026-27 · figures in CNY
New international students can apply for the Chinese Government Scholarship (tuition, insurance, housing and 2,500 yuan a month), the Xi'an Belt and Road Scholarship and the NPU President's Scholarship (first class: full tuition, campus housing and 1,500 yuan a month for 12 months; second class: full tuition; third class: half tuition). Scholarships are reassessed every year.
- 600 yuan (90 USD), non-refundable
- Application fee
- 5,400 yuan per year (triple room) or 7,200 yuan per year (double room)
- Campus housing
- 800 yuan per year
- Insurance
- Bank statements for 6 months with a balance of at least 5,000 USD
- Proof of funds
Academics
Academic calendar: Semesters; autumn intake only, with registration in late August or early September
Aerospace Engineering (English-taught)
Offered by both the School of Aeronautics and the School of Astronautics, in the university's flagship Double First-Class discipline.
Materials Science and Engineering
A Double First-Class discipline, taught in English or Chinese; materials science is in the ESI top 0.1%.
Mechanical Engineering (English-taught)
The third of NPU's Double First-Class disciplines.
Computer Science and Technology (English-taught)
Computer science is one of NPU's subjects in the ESI top 0.1%.
Engineering Mechanics (English-taught)
NPU trained China's first doctorate in flight mechanics and teaches mechanics as part of its aerospace core.
Research
- NPU reports research spending of more than 7 billion yuan in 2025 and 65 top-tier national science and technology awards.
- Drone formations developed by NPU have taken part in several national military parades.
- Spin-off companies such as Bright Laser Technologies (metal 3D printing) and Shaanxi Huaqin Technology (华秦科技) have listed on the stock market.
- NPU runs a branch campus in Kazakhstan and joint engineering schools with Queen Mary University of London and the Moscow Aviation Institute.
Schools & faculties
- School of Aeronautics
- School of Astronautics
- School of Materials Science and Engineering
- School of Mechanical Engineering
- School of Mechanics and Transportation Engineering
- School of Electronics and Information
- School of Automation
- School of Computer Science
- School of Management
- School of Public Policy and Administration
- Queen Mary University of London Engineering School, NPU
- International College
NPU says it has sent more than 360,000 graduates into China's defence and economic sectors, and that over 140 alumni have become generals or academicians of the Chinese Academy of Sciences or Engineering.
Student life
NPU has two campuses in Xi'an: the Youyi campus on Youyi West Road near the old city, and the larger Chang'an campus in the southern suburbs, close to the Qinling Mountains. International students live in campus apartments in triple or double rooms. The International College organises activities such as Mid-Autumn Festival gatherings, cultural workshops, company visits and fireside chats for new students, and the university runs a summer school and winter camps. A school bus connects the two campuses.
- International students celebrate festivals such as Mid-Autumn together through International College events.
- Cultural programmes introduce Chinese intangible heritage, such as tie-dye.
- A shuttle bus links the Youyi and Chang'an campuses.
- Partnerships with more than 300 overseas universities, companies and research institutes create exchange options.
Housing. International students can live in campus apartments at 5,400 yuan a year for a triple room or 7,200 yuan for a double (2026 rates).
Location
Xi'an, the capital of Shaanxi province, was the eastern end of the ancient Silk Road, and the Terracotta Army lies just outside the city. Today it is a large city and one of China's main centres for aerospace and defence industries, which ties in closely with NPU's programmes. Living costs are lower than in Beijing or Shanghai, and the city is known for its food and historic walls.
Nearest airport: Xi'an Xianyang International Airport (XIY)
Notable alumni
- LH Liang HuaChairman of Huawei; NPU graduate
- YW Yang WeiAircraft designer for the FC-1/JF-17 fighter and academician; undergraduate and graduate degrees from NPU
- YW Yang WeiMaterials scientist and former president of Zhejiang University; graduated from NPU's Department of Material and Heat Engineering in 1976
- SC Shi ChangxuMetallurgist and vice president of the Chinese Academy of Engineering; studied at National Northwestern Engineering Institute, a predecessor of NPU
- HP Hao PengFormer Governor of Qinghai and head of SASAC; studied aircraft manufacturing at NPU
- ZQ Zhang QingweiFormer Governor of Hebei and Party Secretary of Heilongjiang; studied aircraft design at NPU
- JW Jasen WangFounder and CEO of the robotics education company Makeblock; master's in aircraft design from NPU
Frequently asked questions
How much is tuition at Northwestern Polytechnical University for international students?
Under the 2026 guide, undergraduate tuition is 25,000 yuan a year for English-taught programmes and 22,000 yuan for Chinese-taught ones. Campus housing costs 5,400 to 7,200 yuan a year.
Does NPU require the CSCA?
Yes. International undergraduate applicants need CSCA scores; English-taught engineering programmes test Mathematics and Physics, and business tests Mathematics only.
What English score does NPU require?
IELTS Academic 6.0 with no band below 5.5, TOEFL 80, or Duolingo 115 for English-taught programmes. Native English speakers are exempt.
When can I apply to NPU for 2027?
The 2027 guide was not yet published at the end of September 2026. For 2026 entry, applications ran in four batches from 1 November 2025 to 20 May 2026, and NPU admits undergraduates only for September.
Can I study aerospace engineering in English at NPU?
Yes. Aerospace Engineering is taught in English in both the School of Aeronautics and the School of Astronautics.
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.
- NPU International College: 2026 International Undergraduate Admission Guide
- NPU International College: 2026 CSCA test subject requirements by major
- NPU International College: Undergraduate programmes
- NPU International College: home and news
- NPU: University profile (学校简介, data as of 5 August 2026)
- NPU English site
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