Zhejiang University
A world-leading research university known for academic excellence and innovation. Consistently ranked among the top institutions globally, offering cutting-edge programs across multiple disciplines with strong industry connections.
- Acceptance Rate
- 13.1%
- SAT Range
- 1420–1550
- ACT Range
- N/A
- Avg GPA
- 3.92
- Size
- Large (30,233 students)
- Type
- N/A
- Student:Faculty
- 1:13
- Setting
- urban
- Graduation Rate
- 88.0%
- Retention Rate
- 96.0%
- Tuition (In-State)
- $5,000
- Tuition (Int'l)
- $12,000
Academic Programs
STEM
Business
Social Sciences
Humanities
Health
Arts
English Proficiency Requirements
Student Life & Environment
Student life at Zhejiang University unfolds across several campuses, with the main Yuquan Campus featuring traditional Chinese architecture alongside modern facilities. The Zijingang Campus, built more recently, houses newer academic buildings and student dormitories in a contemporary style. Students travel between campuses by university shuttle buses, bicycles, and public transportation. Dormitory living is standard for most students, with rooms typically shared among several students. International students often reside in designated buildings with somewhat different arrangements than domestic students, including smaller room occupancy and different amenities. Cafeterias on each campus provide affordable meals, while the areas surrounding campuses offer additional dining options. Student organizations cover academic interests, cultural activities, sports, and other areas. International student associations help non-Chinese students navigate life at the university and connect with peers from their home regions. Chinese students often welcome opportunities to practice English or simply to meet people from other countries. The combination of academic pressure and large student population creates a particular atmosphere. Libraries fill with students studying, particularly before examinations. Recreation facilities provide outlets for physical activity. Weekends bring opportunities to explore Hangzhou and surrounding areas.
Location & Surroundings
Hangzhou has been celebrated for its beauty for over a thousand years, since it served as the capital of the Southern Song Dynasty. West Lake, the city's most famous feature, provides a natural centerpiece surrounded by temples, gardens, pagodas, and tea plantations. The lake's willow-lined causeways and misty mornings have inspired Chinese artists and poets for centuries and continue to draw visitors from throughout China and beyond. The city has also become one of China's technology hubs, hosting the headquarters of Alibaba and numerous other technology companies. This economic growth has brought rapid development, modern transportation, and an increasingly international population. The combination of historic beauty and contemporary dynamism gives Hangzhou a character distinct from other Chinese cities. Climate follows a subtropical pattern with hot, humid summers and cool, damp winters. Spring and autumn offer the most pleasant conditions, with comfortable temperatures and the natural beauty that makes Hangzhou famous. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 35 degrees Celsius, while winter occasionally brings light snow. Shanghai lies just 45 minutes away by high-speed rail, providing access to China's largest city for weekends or business. The Hangzhou airport connects to destinations throughout Asia and increasingly to cities worldwide. Within the region, historic towns like Wuzhen and natural areas in the surrounding hills offer day-trip destinations.
Costs & Career Outcomes
Tuition for international students at Zhejiang University ranges from approximately 20,000 to 30,000 RMB per year for undergraduate programs and 25,000 to 50,000 RMB for graduate programs, with higher fees for some professional degrees and English-taught programs. At current exchange rates, these fees fall well below what American or European universities charge. Living costs in Hangzhou have risen with the city's economic growth but remain affordable by international standards. University dormitories cost a few thousand RMB per semester. Food, transportation, and other expenses can be managed on budgets of 2,000 to 3,000 RMB monthly, though international students accustomed to different lifestyles may spend more. Career prospects for international graduates depend heavily on individual circumstances. Those seeking careers in China benefit from Chinese language skills and understanding of the culture, though the job market for foreigners has become more competitive. Students from developing countries often return home with credentials that carry significant weight. Western students may find that China experience differentiates them in certain career paths. Zhejiang University's career services focus primarily on Chinese students but provide some support for international graduates. The alumni network includes graduates who have built careers worldwide, particularly in technical fields. The university's reputation opens doors in China and increasingly carries recognition internationally as Chinese universities have risen in global rankings.
Campus Location
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