Renmin University of China
中国人民大学
Beijing's flagship for humanities and social sciences, from economics and law to journalism, founded by the Communist Party in 1937.
- Students
- 28,633
- 11,935 undergraduates
- Tuition
- CN¥24,000
- From · 2026-27
- Founded
- 1937
- QS World Ranking
- #521
- 2027 edition
About RUC
Renmin University of China traces its origins to Shanbei Public School, set up by the Chinese Communist Party in 1937, and took its present form in 1950 when several institutions merged in Beijing. It describes itself as the first new-style regular university founded by the Party, and has been on every list of China's national key universities since 1950, including the 985, 211 and Double First-Class programmes.
RUC is China's leading university for the humanities and social sciences. Economics, finance, law, journalism and communication, sociology, philosophy, public administration, international relations and statistics are its core strengths, and in November 2025 it had 28,633 students (11,935 undergraduates) and 2,004 full-time faculty. It teaches at its main Zhongguancun campus in Haidian, a newer campus in Tongzhou and a campus in Suzhou.
RUC has admitted international students since 1952, one of the first Chinese universities to do so. International undergraduates can choose among about 30 Chinese-taught programmes, which require HSK 5 or 6, or the English-taught Global BBA at Renmin Business School, which includes a year abroad. From 2026, all international undergraduate applicants must also take China's new CSCA academic test.
实事求是
“Seeking truth from facts” — university motto
Why students choose RUC
RUC is China's top-tier university for economics, law, journalism, sociology and public administration, with 14 disciplines in the national Double First-Class list.
The English-taught Global BBA at Renmin Business School includes a year overseas at no extra tuition.
Tuition for Chinese-taught undergraduate programmes is CNY 24,000-30,000 a year, low for a top Beijing university.
Students can study at the main Zhongguancun campus in Haidian, Beijing's university and technology district, or the newer Tongzhou campus.
Admissions
2027 entry (international undergraduate admission; latest published guide is for 2026 entry)
Selectivity
RUC does not publish an admit rate for international applicants. Its Chinese-taught humanities and social sciences programmes are among the most competitive in China for domestic students.
Typical entry requirements
| High school diploma | Full-time high school graduation, with a notarised or verified diploma and a complete transcript; non-Chinese citizenship with an ordinary foreign passport |
|---|---|
| CSCA | CSCA scores in the subjects each programme lists, usually Chinese (humanities or science version) and Mathematics |
| HSK (Chinese-taught programmes) | HSK 6 with 180+ for humanities and social sciences; HSK 5 with 210+ for science and engineering; HSK 4 with 180+ for the Chinese Language major |
| English (Global BBA) | IELTS Academic 6.0 or TOEFL iBT 90, or equivalent / native speaker / three years of English-medium schooling |
| English language | IELTS 6 · TOEFL iBT 90 Applies only to the English-taught Global BBA. Chinese-taught programmes require HSK instead. |
Deadlines
- Chinese-taught undergraduate programmes (2026 entry, past) Non-binding Passed31 March 2026 (past)
Online application 1 January to 31 March 2026; qualification review to 10 April; subject assessments April-May; admission May-June 2026.
- Global BBA (English-taught, 2026 entry, past) Non-binding Passed31 May 2026 (past)
Online application 1 January to 31 May 2026; school review and interviews March-June; admission April-July 2026.
RUC had not yet published its 2027 international undergraduate guides when checked (the 2026 guides appeared in late November 2025). If the pattern repeats, applications for September 2027 entry should open on 1 January 2027, closing around 31 March (Chinese-taught) and 31 May (Global BBA).
How to apply
Apply through RUC's International Student Application System, uploading passport, notarised diploma, transcript, CSCA score report, HSK or English certificate, a personal statement (at least 1,000 characters in Chinese for Chinese-taught programmes), a recommendation letter, a financial guarantee with proof of at least CNY 30,000, a police record and a foreigner physical examination form; HSK scores must be sent by the test centre. The application fee is CNY 800. Shortlisted applicants take a subject assessment or, for the Global BBA, an interview.
What admissions looks for
- Strong CSCA results in the required subjects.
- Chinese proficiency at the HSK level the programme demands, or IELTS 6.0 / TOEFL 90 for the Global BBA.
- A complete high school record and a substantial personal statement about your background, experiences and university plans.
- Performance in the programme's subject assessment or interview.
Tips for applying to RUC
- 1 Book the CSCA early: it is new, required for all international undergraduate applicants from 2026, and its dates are set nationally.
- 2 Ask the HSK centre to send your score report directly to RUC; the university does not accept copies submitted by applicants.
- 3 For CSC Silk Road (Type B) scholarships, apply through RUC using institution code 10002; for bilateral (Type A) scholarships, apply through your home country's dispatching authority and list RUC first.
- 4 Apply only through RUC's own system: the university says it has no partner agencies and charges no agency fees.
Costs & financial aid
2026-27 · figures in CNY
International applicants can apply for the Chinese Government Scholarship through their home country (Type A, bilateral) or through RUC (Type B, Silk Road programme), and for the Beijing Government Scholarship for International Students through the university. RUC also runs its own RUC Award for International Students.
- Type A via home-country dispatching authority; Type B (Silk Road) via RUC
- Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC)
- CNY 800 (non-refundable)
- Application fee
- Guarantor's proof of funds of at least CNY 30,000
- Financial guarantee required
Academics
Academic calendar: Two semesters; academic year starts in September
Global BBA (Renmin Business School)
RUC's English-taught bachelor's degree, CNY 36,000 a year, with a year overseas at no extra tuition.
Law
RUC produced New China's first law doctorate, and its scholars have helped draft China's constitution, civil code and criminal law.
Journalism and Communication
RUC awarded the first journalism doctorate in the People's Republic and teaches journalism, broadcasting, advertising and international communication.
Finance and Economics
Taught by the Schools of Finance, Economics and Applied Economics, whose alumni include central bankers and major bank chairmen.
International Politics and Diplomacy
Offered by the School of International Studies, with international politics and diplomacy majors taught in Chinese at CNY 26,000 a year for international students.
Chinese Language
Run by the School of International Cultural Exchange for international students, with a lower HSK 4 entry requirement.
Research
- RUC scholars have taken part in drafting all of China's major laws, including the constitution, civil code and criminal law, and in national fiscal and tax reforms.
- Two landmark reform-era articles, including 'Practice is the Sole Criterion for Testing Truth', were written by RUC people.
- An RUC-led team produced an international standard framework for smart city data use (2026).
Schools & faculties
- School of Economics
- School of Finance
- School of Applied Economics
- Law School
- School of Journalism
- School of International Studies
- School of Sociology
- Business School
- School of Public Administration
- School of Philosophy
- School of Information Resource Management
- School of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development
Student life
Many undergraduates study on the Zhongguancun campus in Haidian, a leafy campus of teaching buildings, a large library and landmarks such as the Yishao Pool and the 'Seeking Truth from Facts' stone; RUC also welcomes new students at its newer Tongzhou campus in eastern Beijing. International students can book single or double rooms on campus before arrival, and the International Students Office organises activities, an international culture festival, and internship and employment support.
- More than 3,000 new undergraduates enrolled at the Zhongguancun and Tongzhou campuses in August 2026, including 189 international students from 36 countries.
- An international culture festival brings together students from different countries.
- The 'Seeking Truth from Facts' motto is carved on a landmark stone on campus.
- RUC runs a Chinese Language degree and language programmes for international students through its School of International Cultural Exchange.
Housing. RUC offers on-campus single and double rooms for new international students, booked in advance through a room reservation form sent before enrolment.
Location
RUC's main campus is at 59 Zhongguancun Street in Haidian District, north-west Beijing, the city's university and technology quarter. The Tongzhou campus is in eastern Beijing, and RUC also has a campus in Suzhou. Studying in the capital puts students close to government, media and finance internships as well as Beijing's museums and historic sites.
Nearest airport: Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK); Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX)
Notable alumni
- LQ Liu Qiangdong (Richard Liu)Founder of JD.com; sociology graduate (1996)
- HS Hu ShuliJournalist, founding editor of Caijing and founder of Caixin Media; entered RUC in 1978
- WX Wang XiaoboWriter, widely read among Chinese youth; entered RUC in 1978
- LH Liu HeFormer Vice Premier of China and Politburo member; studied industrial economics at RUC
- ZL Zhang LeiFounder of Hillhouse Capital Group; RUC economics graduate
- DY Duan YongpingEntrepreneur and investor, founder of Subor and BBK Electronics; studied econometrics at RUC after a Zhejiang University degree
- XF Xie FengDiplomat, Chinese ambassador to the United States; Master of Public Administration from RUC (2008)
Frequently asked questions
Does Renmin University have undergraduate programmes taught in English?
Yes, one: the Global BBA at Renmin Business School, which requires IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL iBT 90 and costs CNY 36,000 a year. All other undergraduate programmes are taught in Chinese.
What HSK level do I need for Renmin University?
HSK 6 with at least 180 for humanities and social sciences, HSK 5 with 210 for science and engineering, and HSK 4 with 180 for the Chinese Language major.
Do international students need the CSCA for Renmin University?
Yes. From 2026, all international undergraduate applicants must submit China Scholastic Competency Assessment scores, usually in Chinese and Mathematics (Mathematics in English for the Global BBA).
When is the application deadline for Renmin University?
For 2026 entry, Chinese-taught programmes closed on 31 March 2026 and the Global BBA on 31 May 2026. The 2027 guides had not been published when checked; applications have opened on 1 January.
Can I get a CSC scholarship at Renmin University?
Yes. You can apply for the Chinese Government Scholarship Type A through your home country or Type B (Silk Road) through RUC, and there is also a Beijing Government Scholarship for international students.
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
- Renmin University of China: School profile (学校简介)
- Renmin University of China: Undergraduate admissions (international)
- RUC News: RUC welcomes more than 3,000 new undergraduate students (August 2026)
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