Xidian University
西安电子科技大学
Xi'an's electronics and information university, which grew out of a 1931 Red Army radio school.
- Students
- 39,440
- 22,750 undergraduates
- International
- 2%
- of students
- Tuition
- CN¥25,000
- 2026-27
- Founded
- 1931
About XDU
Xidian University traces its history to a radio training school set up by the Red Army in Jiangxi in 1931, which became the Central Revolutionary Military Commission's radio school in Ruijin and moved with the army on the Long March and to Yan'an. The school moved to Xi'an in 1958, became the PLA Military Telecommunications Engineering Institute in 1960, passed to civilian control in 1966 and took its present name in 1988. It is a Ministry of Education university in Project 211 and the Double First-Class programme.
XDU describes itself as a pioneer of China's electronics and information field: it was among the first Chinese universities to teach radar, information theory, microwave antennas and electronic countermeasures, and its two Double First-Class disciplines are Information and Communication Engineering and Computer Science and Technology. It has about 39,400 full-time students (22,750 undergraduates and 16,690 postgraduates), more than 2,800 full-time teachers and over 800 international students, on two campuses in southern Xi'an: the older North Campus on South Taibai Road and the larger South Campus in Chang'an District.
International undergraduates can study computer science, applied physics or information and computational science in English, or a wider range of engineering, business and Chinese-language majors in Chinese. It suits students who want electronics, computing, communications or cybersecurity at a specialist university with close ties to China's technology and space industries.
Why students choose XDU
Information and Communication Engineering and Computer Science and Technology are Double First-Class disciplines, and XDU was among the first Chinese universities to teach radar and cybersecurity.
The Yunfan Global Navigators Program is an honours track for international undergraduates, with a general first year, then specialisation in communications, electronic information or computer science, and an option to continue to master's and doctoral study.
English-taught bachelor's degrees in Computer Science and Technology, Information and Computational Science and Applied Physics cost CNY 25,000 a year.
XDU reports employment rates above 95% for undergraduates and above 98% for postgraduates, and research contributions to national projects including BeiDou and Chang'e.
Admissions
September 2027 intake (previous cycle's rules and dates shown; the 2027 guide was not yet published)
Selectivity
XDU does not publish an admission rate. Chinese students enter through the gaokao. International applicants are reviewed on documents, language certificates and CSCA scores and are interviewed; the CSCA cut-off score is set each year from the scores of that year's applicants.
Typical entry requirements
| High school diploma | Notarised secondary graduation certificate (or a pre-graduation certificate for final-year students) with transcripts |
|---|---|
| Age and nationality | Non-Chinese citizen, at least 18 years old, meeting the Ministry of Education rules for applicants of Chinese origin |
| Chinese (Chinese-taught programmes) | HSK 5 with 180 or above; HSK 4 with 210 or above for International Chinese Language Education |
| CSCA | Required, in the subjects set for the chosen major |
| English language | IELTS 6 · TOEFL iBT 80 English-taught programmes: IELTS Academic 6.0 with no band below 5.5, TOEFL 80 (MyBest scores and Home Edition accepted), Duolingo 110, Cambridge International A Level English grade A, or Cambridge English FCE 169, CAE 180 or CPE. |
Deadlines
- First round (only round for Chinese Government Scholarship applicants) - PAST CYCLE, for reference Non-binding PassedMarch 1, 2026 (closed)
Interviews March 2-7, offers March 14, 2026.
- Second round - PAST CYCLE, for reference Non-binding PassedMay 17, 2026 (closed)
Interviews May 18-22, offers May 29, 2026.
- Third round - PAST CYCLE, for reference Non-binding PassedJuly 1, 2026 (closed)
Interviews July 6-10, offers July 17, 2026.
Dates in the rounds above are from XDU's 2026 International Undergraduate Admissions Guide (three rounds; previous cycle); the 2027 guide had not been published as of September 30, 2026. XDU's separate 2026 International Students Admission Guide and Scholarships (PDF dated November 28, 2025) gives a different schedule: applications November 1, 2025 to May 15, 2026 in two batches (first batch November 1, 2025 to March 1, 2026, results in late March; second batch March 2 to May 15, 2026, results in early June), with CSCA scores due by May 15. Check the 2027 guides when they appear.
How to apply
Apply yourself on XDU's online international student application system (the university says it does not work with agents) and pay the CNY 800 application fee. Upload a notarised diploma, passport (valid at least two more years), language certificate, CSCA scores, a personal statement of at least 800 words, a 3-5 minute self-introduction video, a physical examination form, a no-criminal-record certificate and a bank statement showing at least CNY 30,000. Shortlisted applicants are interviewed.
What admissions looks for
- A completed secondary education with grades at or above average.
- Competitive CSCA scores in the subjects your major requires; the cut-off depends on that year's applicant pool.
- Proof you can study in the teaching language: HSK 5 (180+) for Chinese-taught majors, IELTS 6.0 or equivalent for English-taught ones.
- A clear study plan and some understanding of China, shown in your personal statement, video and interview.
Tips for applying to XDU
- 1 Apply in the first round if you want a Chinese Government Scholarship through XDU: scholarship applicants cannot apply in later rounds.
- 2 Book the CSCA early and retake it if needed; XDU takes your highest score.
- 3 Your 3-5 minute video must cover three things: who you are, your understanding of China and your study plan in China.
- 4 Apply directly: XDU states that it does not work with any third-party agents.
Costs & financial aid
2026-27 · figures in CNY
Chinese Government Scholarships (bilateral programme, applied for through your home country's authorities or the Chinese embassy, with a conditional admission letter from XDU) cover tuition, campus housing, medical insurance and a stipend. XDU's own Huashan Scholarship ranges from 50% of tuition (third class) to free tuition and housing plus CNY 30,000 a year for undergraduates (top class), and must be reapplied for each year.
- CNY 800 (non-refundable)
- Application fee
- CNY 1,000 per year
- Medical insurance
- CNY 3,600 per year (rooms allocated first come, first served)
- Campus accommodation
- Tuition and housing waived for one year plus CNY 30,000 living allowance
- Huashan Scholarship, top class (undergraduate)
- Tuition and housing waived for one year plus CNY 15,000 living allowance
- Huashan Scholarship, first class (undergraduate)
Academics
Academic calendar: Two semesters; international bachelor's students start in September
Yunfan Global Navigators Program
XDU's flagship honours track for international undergraduates, with a general first year and specialisation in Information and Communication Engineering, Electronic Information Engineering or Computer Science.
Computer Science and Technology (English-taught)
A Double First-Class discipline; international applicants take CSCA Mathematics and Physics.
Information and Communication Engineering
XDU's other Double First-Class discipline, rated A+ in China's national assessment according to the university.
Applied Physics (English-taught)
Offered in XDU's international honours class alongside computer science and computational science.
International Chinese Language Education (Chinese-taught)
Named by XDU as one of its programmes most popular with international students; needs HSK 4 with 210 or above.
Research
- State key laboratories for radar signal processing, integrated services networks, antennas and microwave technology, and wide-bandgap semiconductor technology.
- XDU was among the first nine Chinese universities with a national pilot School of Microelectronics.
- The university reports contributions to national projects such as BeiDou and Chang'e, and joint laboratories with partners including Huawei.
Schools & faculties
- School of Telecommunications Engineering
- School of Electronic Engineering
- School of Computer Science and Technology
- School of Cyber Engineering
- School of Artificial Intelligence
- School of Integrated Circuits
- School of Optoelectronic Engineering
- School of Mechano-electronic Engineering
- School of Physics
- School of Mathematics and Statistics
- School of Economics and Management
- School of Humanities and Arts
XDU's 2026 international undergraduate guide reports that over 95% of undergraduates and over 98% of postgraduates find jobs, many at major technology firms.
Student life
Most undergraduates live and study on the large South Campus in Chang'an District, a newer campus of broad squares and teaching blocks, while graduate students are based mainly on the North Campus closer to the city. International students have their own dormitories with single, double and four-person rooms, and the School of International Education runs a student lounge on the North Campus. XDU's Red Army origins are part of campus identity: a sculpture inscribed 'Serve the people wholeheartedly' stands on the South Campus.
- International students come from more than 55 countries, according to the university.
- An alumni network of more than 360,000 people.
- A library collection of about 18 million items (XDU Facts & Figures, updated October 2022).
- Dedicated international student dormitories with single, double and quadruple rooms.
Housing. Campus rooms for international students cost CNY 3,600 a year and are allocated first come, first served; students who don't get a room must find housing off campus.
Location
Xi'an, the capital of Shaanxi province in north-west China, was the capital of many Chinese dynasties and is home to the Terracotta Army. XDU describes it as a city of rich history, diverse cultures and innovation. The North Campus is on South Taibai Road inside the city, while the South Campus, where most undergraduates study, is in Chang'an District in the southern suburbs.
Nearest airport: Xi'an Xianyang International Airport (XIY)
Notable alumni
- LC Liu ChuanzhiFounder of Lenovo; studied at the PLA Institute of Telecommunication Engineering, now Xidian University
- ZR Zhang RongqiaoChief designer of Tianwen-1, China's first Mars mission; bachelor's degree (1988)
- ZL Zhong Lin WangNanotechnology physicist and materials scientist; bachelor's in applied physics (1982)
- GZ Gou ZhongwenFormer director of the State General Administration of Sports (2016-2022); electrical engineering degree
- RQ Robert QiuIEEE Fellow known for ultra-wideband wireless communications; electrical engineering degree (1987)
- LL Ling LiNovelist and historian; graduated from the PLA Xi'an Institute of Telecommunication Engineering, now Xidian University
Frequently asked questions
How much does Xidian University cost for international students?
Bachelor's tuition was CNY 25,000 a year in the 2026 guide, plus CNY 1,000 a year for medical insurance, CNY 3,600 a year for a campus room and a one-off CNY 800 application fee.
Does Xidian University teach bachelor's degrees in English?
Yes. In 2026 the English-taught majors were Computer Science and Technology, Information and Computational Science and Applied Physics, which need IELTS 6.0 (no band below 5.5), TOEFL 80 or Duolingo 110.
Do I need the CSCA to apply to Xidian University?
Yes. International bachelor's applicants submit CSCA scores; the English-taught programmes need Mathematics and Physics, and you can submit your best score from several sittings.
When is the Xidian University application deadline?
For 2026 entry there were three rounds closing March 1, May 17 and July 1, 2026, and Chinese Government Scholarship applicants could only use the first round. The 2027 dates had not been published by September 30, 2026.
What scholarships does Xidian University offer?
Chinese Government Scholarships through your home country, and XDU's own Huashan Scholarship, which ranges from half tuition to free tuition and housing plus CNY 30,000 a year for undergraduates.
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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