China’s Leading Architecture School
SEU founded modern Chinese architectural education in 1927 and remains the discipline’s national benchmark and heritage authority.
Nanjing, Jiangsu, ChinaQS #335
Southeast University
Rooted in 1902 — China’s home of architecture and information engineering
Southeast University (SEU) traces its origins to Sanjiang Normal College, founded in Nanjing in 1902, and grew through National Central University into one of China’s foremost engineering institutions. It is a 985, 211 and Double First Class university, and a member of the Ministry of Education’s Excellence League of technology universities. SEU operates the historic Sipailou campus in central Nanjing — home of the former National Central University — alongside the large Jiulonghu campus in Jiangning and the Wuxi campus. SEU is best known for its “Old Four Schools” of architecture, civil engineering, electronics and radio, and it hosts one of only a handful of Chinese architecture programs with international recognition. More than 2,800 international students from over 130 countries study here, drawn by English-taught engineering degrees, national laboratories in mobile communications and a location inside the Yangtze River Delta manufacturing and technology corridor.
Project 985Project 211Double First-Class
- QS World Ranking
- #335
- Location
- Nanjing, China
- Founded
- 1902
- International Students
- 2,800+
- Teaching Language
- English / Chinese
- Tuition
- CNY 22,000 - 32,000 / year
- Intake
- September
- Application Deadline
- April 30
Why Choose
Why Choose Southeast University
Key reasons international students choose Southeast University for their studies in China.
Mobile Communications National Lab
The National Mobile Communications Research Laboratory placed SEU at the centre of China’s 4G, 5G and 6G development.
Top-Ranked Civil Engineering
Consistently ranked among the world’s top civil engineering departments, with bridge, tunnel and structural research at national scale.
Biomedical Engineering Pioneer
China’s first biomedical engineering department, combining brain-imaging, biosensing and medical device research with hospital partners.
Full English Engineering Degrees
English-taught bachelor’s tracks in civil, electronic, computer and biomedical engineering — no Chinese needed to enrol.
Yangtze Delta Industry Access
Nanjing’s position links students to Jiangsu construction, semiconductor, telecom and smart-manufacturing employers across the delta.
Rankings & Recognition
Academic Reputation
National designations and world rankings that signal academic strength and prestige.
QS World University Ranking#335
China National Ranking#15
National Designations
Project 985Project 211Double First-Class
Programs
Programs for International Students
Explore the degree programs and academic strengths available to international students at Southeast University.
Civil Engineering
BachelorLanguage: English
Duration: 4 years
Tuition: CNY 26,000 / year
Intake: September
Scholarship: SEU Freshman Scholarship eligible
Electronic Science & Engineering
BachelorLanguage: English
Duration: 4 years
Tuition: CNY 26,000 / year
Intake: September
Scholarship: Jiangsu Government Scholarship eligible
Computer Science & Technology
BachelorLanguage: English
Duration: 4 years
Tuition: CNY 26,000 / year
Intake: September
Scholarship: SEU Freshman Scholarship eligible
Architecture
BachelorLanguage: Chinese
Duration: 5 years
Tuition: CNY 22,000 / year
Intake: September
Scholarship: Confucius Institute & HSK-based awards eligible
Information & Communication Engineering
MasterLanguage: English
Duration: 3 years
Tuition: CNY 28,000 / year
Intake: September
Scholarship: CSC full scholarship eligible
Biomedical Engineering
DoctorLanguage: English
Duration: 4 years
Tuition: CNY 32,000 / year
Intake: September
Scholarship: CSC full scholarship eligible
Admission
Admission Requirements
What you need to apply to Southeast University as an international student.
- Academic RequirementsHigh school diploma with strong mathematics and physics grades for bachelor’s programs; a relevant bachelor’s or master’s degree for graduate study.
- Language RequirementsEnglish-taught: IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL 80, or previous education in English. Chinese-taught: HSK Level 4–5 depending on the school and degree level.
- Entrance AssessmentUndergraduate applicants sit a written test or online interview in mathematics, physics and the program language; architecture adds a portfolio review.
- Required DocumentsPassport, transcripts, graduation certificate, study plan or research proposal, language certificate, two recommendation letters and a non-criminal record certificate.
- Application DeadlineScholarship applicants: March 31. Self-funded applicants: April 30.
- Application FeeCNY 600, non-refundable, paid through the SEU online application system.
- Medical ExaminationA Foreigner Physical Examination Form is required and is re-verified at the Nanjing health inspection centre after arrival.
- Visa DocumentsSEU issues the Admission Notice and JW202 form so you can apply for an X1 student visa at a Chinese embassy or consulate.
Tuition & Scholarships
Costs & Funding
Transparent tuition, living costs and scholarship options for international students.
Cost Breakdown
- Annual Tuition
- CNY 22,000 - 32,000 / year
- Accommodation
- CNY 750 – 1,600 / monthOn-campus international dormitory, Jiulonghu or Sipailou
- Application Fee
- CNY 600 (one-time)
- Medical Insurance
- CNY 800 / yearCompulsory comprehensive insurance for international students
- Estimated Living Cost
- CNY 2,000 – 3,500 / monthMeals, transport & personal expenses in Nanjing
Estimated First-Year CostCNY 55,000 – 90,000
Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC)
Coverage: Full tuition, on-campus accommodation, monthly stipend and comprehensive medical insurance.
Eligibility: Outstanding non-Chinese applicants for master’s or doctoral degrees, applying through the Type B university channel at SEU.
Deadline: March 31
Jiangsu Government Jasmine Scholarship
Coverage: Full or partial tuition award funded by the Jiangsu provincial government.
Eligibility: Degree-seeking international students enrolling at universities in Jiangsu with strong academic records.
Deadline: March 31
SEU Freshman Scholarship
Coverage: Partial tuition award for high-achieving incoming undergraduate students.
Eligibility: First-year international applicants with excellent secondary school results and entrance assessment scores.
Deadline: March 31
SEU Academic Excellence Scholarship
Coverage: Annual tuition reduction renewed on academic performance.
Eligibility: Enrolled self-funded international students maintaining excellent grades, attendance and conduct.
Deadline: Reviewed each academic year
Campus Life
Life on Campus
What daily student life looks like at Southeast University.
Historic Sipailou Campus
The former National Central University campus offers heritage halls, the Great Auditorium and a landmark plane tree avenue.
International Dormitories
Dedicated residences on the Jiulonghu and Sipailou campuses with single and shared rooms and study lounges.
Engineering Library Network
Multi-campus libraries with deep architecture, civil engineering and electronics collections plus major international databases.
Jiulonghu Sports Complex
Stadium, indoor arena, swimming pool and lakeside running routes on the modern Jiangning campus.
Design & Robotics Studios
Architecture design studios, maker spaces and student robotics teams that compete in national engineering contests.
Nanjing Metro Connections
Both campuses sit on Nanjing metro lines, linking students to the city centre, Xuanwu Lake and high-speed rail.
Gallery
Campus Gallery
A visual tour of Southeast University.
Research & Innovation
Research Strengths
Research capacity and innovation ecosystem at Southeast University.
Mobile Communications Research
The National Mobile Communications Research Laboratory develops core 5G and 6G wireless technologies and standards.
Bridge & Structural Engineering
National laboratories in prestressed concrete and bridge health monitoring support China’s largest infrastructure projects.
Bioelectronics & Brain Science
The State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics advances biosensing, neural imaging and medical instrumentation research.
Architectural Heritage Conservation
Leading research on Chinese architectural history, urban design and the conservation of heritage building traditions.
Millimetre Wave & Metamaterials
Internationally cited work on electromagnetic metamaterials, millimetre wave devices and information metasurfaces.
International Joint Institutes
Joint research centres and dual-degree partnerships with universities in Europe, Australia and Southeast Asia.
Career Outcomes
Graduate Outcomes
Where a degree from Southeast University can take you after graduation.
Construction & Design Firms
Graduates join major Chinese design institutes, contractors and international architecture and engineering consultancies.
Telecom & Semiconductor Employers
Strong recruitment by communications, chip design and electronics companies across Jiangsu and the Yangtze Delta.
Infrastructure & Transport Careers
Roles in bridge, rail, tunnel and smart-city projects delivered by state-owned infrastructure groups.
Graduate Study Pathways
Many graduates progress to master’s and doctoral study at SEU or leading universities in Asia, Europe and North America.
Recognised Engineering Degree
SEU engineering qualifications carry strong reputation with employers throughout China’s technical industries.
National Central Alumni Legacy
A century-old alumni network spanning academies, design institutes, construction groups and technology companies.
Student Support
International Student Support
How Southeast University helps international students settle in and succeed.
Accommodation Assistance
Help reserving an on-campus international dormitory room or approved off-campus housing before you arrive in Nanjing.
Residence Permit
Guided assistance converting your X1 visa into a residence permit within 30 days of entering China.
Orientation
Orientation programme covering registration, campus systems, safety, banking and settling into Nanjing.
Academic Advising
School-level tutors support course selection, credit planning, studio work and laboratory placement.
Chinese Language Support
Mandarin courses for English-track students and preparatory Chinese programs for Chinese-taught degree entry.
Health Services
Campus clinic access, compulsory insurance enrolment and referrals to Nanjing hospitals when needed.
Emergency Assistance
Round-the-clock campus security with international office emergency contacts for urgent situations.
Visa Guidance
Support with JW202 forms, visa renewals, exit-entry procedures and travel documentation.
Student Community
International student association, country societies and cultural festivals representing 130+ nationalities.
Timeline
Application Timeline
Key dates and milestones for applying to Southeast University.
- December – January
Applications Open
The SEU international student online application system opens for the September intake.
- January – March
Prepare Documents & Portfolio
Collect transcripts, language certificates and recommendation letters; architecture applicants prepare a design portfolio.
- By March 31
Scholarship Deadline
Submit your application to be considered for CSC, Jiangsu Jasmine and SEU freshman awards.
- By April 30
Self-Funded Deadline
Final date for self-funded applicants to complete the application and upload all documents.
- May – June
Assessment & Admission Results
Schools hold entrance tests or interviews, then issue Admission Notices and scholarship decisions.
- June – July
JW202 & Visa Documents Issued
SEU sends your Admission Notice and JW202 form so you can begin the visa application.
- July – August
Apply For X1 Visa
Apply for your X1 student visa at the Chinese embassy or consulate in your home country.
- Early September
Arrival & Registration
Arrive in Nanjing, move into your dormitory, register, complete the medical check—then classes begin.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions international students ask most about Southeast University.
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QS #90
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C9 LeagueProject 985Project 211
Physics, Astronomy, Chemistry
English / Chinese
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CNY 20,000 - 34,000 / year
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