First Defence Technology University
Founded 1940 as China’s first university of national defence science and technology, with unmatched institutional heritage.

China’s first university of defence science and technology — founded 1940
Founded in 1940 in Yan’an as the Natural Science Institute of North China, Beijing Institute of Technology (BIT) was the first university established by the Communist Party of China and became the country’s first university of national defence science and technology. A 985, 211 and Double First Class institution, BIT ranks 14th in China on the 2026 ShanghaiRanking and 243rd in the QS World University Rankings 2027, placing it among the highest-ranked technological universities in the country. It operates the Zhongguancun campus in Haidian District, the Liangxiang campus in Fangshan and the Xishan campus, and is a national leader in mechatronics, explosion science, intelligent unmanned vehicles, optoelectronics and control engineering. BIT hosts more than 2,000 international students and offers English-taught degrees in mechanical engineering and computer science with direct access to state key laboratories and Beijing’s technology industry.
Key reasons international students choose Beijing Institute of Technology for their studies in China.
Founded 1940 as China’s first university of national defence science and technology, with unmatched institutional heritage.
14th on the 2026 ShanghaiRanking and 243rd in QS 2027 — among China’s highest-ranked technological universities.
Hosts the world’s only State Key Laboratory of Explosion Science and Technology, a discipline unique to BIT.
National pioneer in unmanned ground vehicles and electric vehicle powertrains, winning repeated autonomous driving championships.
Double First Class disciplines in mechatronic engineering, optical engineering and control science rated A nationally.
Main campus sits inside Beijing’s technology district beside the National Library and Zhongguancun subway links.
National designations and world rankings that signal academic strength and prestige.
Explore the degree programs and academic strengths available to international students at Beijing Institute of Technology.
What you need to apply to Beijing Institute of Technology as an international student.
Transparent tuition, living costs and scholarship options for international students.
What daily student life looks like at Beijing Institute of Technology.
Study across the Zhongguancun, Liangxiang and Xishan campuses, each with distinct laboratories and residential facilities.
On-campus residences with single and double rooms from CNY 500 to 1,350 per month depending on campus.
The BIT football team has won twelve national university championships, anchoring a strong campus sports culture.
Libraries specialising in mechanical, information and defence-related science literature with major international databases.
Unmanned vehicle, robotics, satellite and Huawei ICT competition teams give students hands-on national contest experience.
Zhongguancun South Street sits beside the National Library with subway access across Beijing.
A visual tour of Beijing Institute of Technology.






Research capacity and innovation ecosystem at Beijing Institute of Technology.
The State Key Laboratory of Explosion Science and Technology is the only laboratory of its kind worldwide.
Key Laboratory of Intelligent Control and Decision of Complex Systems leads national work on autonomous decision-making.
Long-running programs in autonomous ground vehicles and electric vehicle powertrains with repeated national championships.
Breakthroughs in sensor-computing integrated visual devices and advanced optical imaging instrumentation.
National Engineering Research Center of Flame Retardant Materials develops safety-critical polymers and composites.
Publishes the Journal of Deep Space Exploration and contributes to China’s lunar and planetary mission research.
Where a degree from Beijing Institute of Technology can take you after graduation.
Graduates join precision equipment, robotics, automotive and high-end machinery manufacturers across China and Asia.
Strong recruitment by electric vehicle, autonomous driving and intelligent transportation companies in Beijing and beyond.
Computer science graduates are hired by major internet, semiconductor and AI companies across the Zhongguancun cluster.
Many graduates continue to doctoral study at BIT or leading engineering universities in China and overseas.
A top-14 Chinese engineering degree carries strong weight with technical employers throughout the region.
Alumni hold senior positions across China’s national laboratories, industrial groups and technology companies.
How Beijing Institute of Technology helps international students settle in and succeed.
Help reserving an on-campus dormitory room on your assigned campus or nearby housing before arrival.
Guided assistance converting your X1 visa into a residence permit within 30 days of arrival.
Orientation week covers registration, campus systems, safety, banking and daily life in Beijing.
School-level advisors support course selection, credit planning and research laboratory placement.
Mandarin courses for English-track students, plus preparatory Chinese programs for degree entry.
Campus hospital access, mandatory insurance enrolment and help with referrals to Beijing hospitals.
Round-the-clock campus security and Office of International Students contacts for urgent situations.
Support with JW202 forms, visa renewals, exit-entry procedures and travel documentation.
International student associations, national societies and cultural festivals spanning more than 130 countries.
Key dates and milestones for applying to Beijing Institute of Technology.
The BIT international student online application system opens for the September intake.
Undergraduate applicants register for and complete the CSCA in Mathematics and Physics.
Submit your application and CSCA results to be considered for CSC, Beijing Government and BIT awards.
Final date for self-funded undergraduate applicants to complete their application and upload documents.
Schools review applications and successful candidates receive Admission Notices and scholarship decisions.
BIT sends your Admission Notice and JW202 form so you can begin your visa application.
Apply for your X1 student visa at the Chinese embassy or consulate in your home country.
Arrive in Beijing, move into your dormitory, register, complete the medical check—then classes begin.
Answers to the questions international students ask most about Beijing Institute of Technology.
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