Aeronautics, Astronautics And Marine
The only Chinese university developing all three vehicle domains together, giving unusual breadth across air, space and sea.
Xi'an, Shaanxi, ChinaQS #425
Northwestern Polytechnical University
Aeronautics, astronautics and marine engineering — China’s three-domain technology university since 1938
Northwestern Polytechnical University (NPU) traces its origins to 1938 and took its present form in 1957, when the aeronautical strengths of several northwestern institutions were combined in Xi’an. It is the only university in China that simultaneously develops education and research in aeronautical, astronautical and marine engineering — the “three domains” that define its identity — and one of the seven universities administered by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology for national defence science and technology. NPU is a 985, 211 and Double First Class university operating the historic Youyi campus in central Xi’an, the large Chang’an campus in the city’s south and a newer campus in Taicang, Suzhou. It suits international students aiming at aircraft and spacecraft design, unmanned systems, underwater vehicles, advanced materials and mechanical engineering, and hosts more than 3,000 international students from over 100 countries.
Project 985Project 211Double First-Class
- QS World Ranking
- #425
- Location
- Xi'an, China
- Founded
- 1938
- International Students
- 3,000+
- Teaching Language
- English / Chinese
- Tuition
- CNY 25,000 - 38,000 / year
- Intake
- September
- Application Deadline
- May 20
Why Choose
Why Choose Northwestern Polytechnical University
Key reasons international students choose Northwestern Polytechnical University for their studies in China.
Birthplace Of Chinese UAVs
NPU built China’s first unmanned aerial vehicle and still runs the country’s largest university-based drone research programme.
National Defence Technology University
One of seven universities under the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology leading China’s defence engineering research.
Solidification Technology State Laboratory
A national laboratory in solidification science behind China’s single-crystal superalloys and high-temperature aerospace materials.
Queen Mary London Dual Degrees
The QMES joint school awards British and Chinese degrees in materials science, taught fully in English.
Three Campuses, Two Regions
Study in Xi’an at the Youyi or Chang’an campus, or at the Taicang campus beside the Shanghai region.
Rankings & Recognition
Academic Reputation
National designations and world rankings that signal academic strength and prestige.
QS World University Ranking#425
China National Ranking#23
National Designations
Project 985Project 211Double First-Class
Programs
Programs for International Students
Explore the degree programs and academic strengths available to international students at Northwestern Polytechnical University.
Aerospace Engineering
BachelorLanguage: English
Duration: 4 years
Tuition: CNY 25,000 / year
Intake: September
Scholarship: NPU President Scholarship eligible
Mechanical Engineering
BachelorLanguage: English
Duration: 4 years
Tuition: CNY 25,000 / year
Intake: September
Scholarship: NPU President Scholarship eligible
Computer Science & Technology
BachelorLanguage: English
Duration: 4 years
Tuition: CNY 25,000 / year
Intake: September
Scholarship: NPU President Scholarship eligible
Business Administration
BachelorLanguage: English
Duration: 4 years
Tuition: CNY 25,000 / year
Intake: September
Scholarship: NPU President Scholarship eligible
Aeronautical & Astronautical Science
MasterLanguage: English
Duration: 3 years
Tuition: CNY 30,000 / year
Intake: September
Scholarship: CSC full scholarship eligible
Naval Architecture & Ocean Engineering
DoctorLanguage: English
Duration: 4 years
Tuition: CNY 38,000 / year
Intake: September
Scholarship: CSC full scholarship eligible
Admission
Admission Requirements
What you need to apply to Northwestern Polytechnical University as an international student.
- Academic RequirementsHigh school graduation with solid mathematics and physics grades for bachelor’s study; a relevant bachelor’s degree for master’s and a master’s degree for doctoral programs.
- Language RequirementsEnglish-taught: IELTS Academic 6.0 with no band below 5.5, or TOEFL iBT 80, or previous education in English. Chinese-taught: HSK Level 4 or above, with HSK 5 expected for most graduate majors.
- Research Proposal & SupervisorMaster’s and doctoral applicants submit a research plan and are encouraged to contact a supervisor in the relevant school before applying.
- Required DocumentsPassport, transcripts, graduation certificate, study or research plan, language certificate, two recommendation letters and a non-criminal record certificate.
- Application DeadlineChinese Government Scholarship applicants: late February. Self-funded and university scholarship applicants: May 20.
- Application FeeCNY 600, non-refundable, paid through the NPU online application system.
- Medical ExaminationA Foreigner Physical Examination Form is required for admission and is re-verified in Xi’an after arrival.
- Visa DocumentsNPU issues the JW202 form and Admission Notice, which you use to 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 25,000 - 38,000 / year
- Accommodation
- CNY 450 – 900 / monthOn-campus rooms: CNY 5,400 triple to 10,800 single per year
- Application Fee
- CNY 600 (one-time)
- Medical Insurance
- CNY 800 / yearCompulsory insurance for all international students
- Estimated Living Cost
- CNY 1,800 – 3,000 / monthXi’an is notably cheaper than Beijing or Shanghai
Estimated First-Year CostCNY 55,000 – 85,000
Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC)
Coverage: Full tuition, on-campus accommodation, monthly stipend and comprehensive medical insurance.
Eligibility: Outstanding international applicants for master’s or doctoral degrees at NPU.
Deadline: Late February
NPU President Scholarship
Coverage: Full or partial tuition award, with stipend support for selected graduate candidates.
Eligibility: High-achieving degree applicants at bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral level.
Deadline: May 20
Shaanxi Provincial Government Scholarship
Coverage: Partial tuition award funded by the Shaanxi provincial government.
Eligibility: Enrolled international degree students in Shaanxi with strong academic results.
Deadline: Announced annually on campus
NPU Outstanding International Student Award
Coverage: Annual merit award recognising academic performance and campus contribution.
Eligibility: Self-funded international degree students after their first year of study.
Deadline: Announced annually on campus
Campus Life
Life on Campus
What daily student life looks like at Northwestern Polytechnical University.
Spacious Chang’an Campus
Most degree students study on the large Chang’an campus in south Xi’an, with modern teaching blocks and open green space.
International Dormitories
Single, double and triple rooms in dedicated international residences on both the Youyi and Chang’an campuses.
Low-Cost Campus Dining
Multiple canteens serving Shaanxi noodles, halal options and international dishes at some of China’s lowest student prices.
Drone And Rocket Teams
Student model aircraft, UAV, rocketry and underwater robot teams compete nationally using university workshops and test fields.
Extensive Sports Facilities
Stadiums, indoor gymnasiums, swimming pools and outdoor courts spread across the Youyi and Chang’an campuses.
Ancient Capital Setting
Xi’an offers the Terracotta Army, city walls and Muslim Quarter, plus metro access from the Chang’an campus area.
Gallery
Campus Gallery
A visual tour of Northwestern Polytechnical University.
Research & Innovation
Research Strengths
Research capacity and innovation ecosystem at Northwestern Polytechnical University.
Unmanned Aerial Systems
Decades of UAV design, flight control and testing research, including China’s first domestically developed unmanned aircraft.
Solidification And Superalloys
The State Key Laboratory of Solidification Technology develops single-crystal blades and high-temperature aerospace materials.
Aerodynamic Design Research
National laboratory work in aerodynamic design, wind tunnels and aeroelasticity supporting Chinese aircraft programmes.
Underwater Vehicle Technology
Leading research in autonomous underwater vehicles, sonar, underwater information and marine acoustic control systems.
Embodied AI And Robotics
Research in intelligent control, computer vision and autonomous systems applied to aerial, ground and marine platforms.
Aircraft Programme Contributions
NPU researchers and alumni have contributed to major Chinese aircraft, engine and spacecraft development programmes.
Career Outcomes
Graduate Outcomes
Where a degree from Northwestern Polytechnical University can take you after graduation.
Aviation And Space Employers
Graduates are recruited by aircraft, engine, satellite and launch vehicle institutes across China’s aerospace sector.
Unmanned Systems Industry
Strong hiring into drone manufacturing, autonomous vehicle and intelligent robotics companies that grew from NPU research.
Advanced Manufacturing Roles
Careers in materials, precision machining, shipbuilding, energy equipment and high-end industrial engineering.
Doctoral And Research Pathways
Many graduates continue to doctoral study at NPU or partner universities in Europe, Asia and North America.
Chief Designer Alumni Network
NPU alumni lead design teams behind Chinese aircraft, engines and spacecraft, opening doors across the industry.
Xi’an Aerospace Economy
Xi’an hosts major aviation, space and defence industry bases, creating local internships and graduate positions.
Student Support
International Student Support
How Northwestern Polytechnical University helps international students settle in and succeed.
Accommodation Assistance
Help reserving an on-campus international dormitory room before you arrive, or finding housing near campus.
Residence Permit
Guided support converting your X1 visa into a residence permit within 30 days of arriving in Xi’an.
Orientation
Orientation covers registration, campus systems, banking, mobile plans, safety and living in Xi’an.
Academic Advising
School-level tutors and research supervisors support course selection, credit planning and laboratory placement.
Chinese Language Support
Mandarin courses for English-track students plus a one-year Chinese language programme for degree preparation.
Health Services
Campus clinic access, compulsory insurance enrolment and help with referrals to major Xi’an hospitals.
Emergency Assistance
Round-the-clock campus security and international office contacts for urgent medical or personal situations.
Visa Guidance
Support with JW202 documents, visa renewals, exit-entry formalities and travel documentation.
Student Community
International student associations, national societies and cultural festivals representing more than 100 countries.
Timeline
Application Timeline
Key dates and milestones for applying to Northwestern Polytechnical University.
- November – December
Applications Open
The NPU international student online application system opens for the following September intake.
- By Late February
CSC Scholarship Deadline
Master’s and doctoral applicants seeking the Chinese Government Scholarship must complete their application.
- February – April
Contact A Supervisor
Graduate applicants refine their research plan and secure a supervisor’s acceptance in the relevant school.
- By May 20
General Application Deadline
Final date for self-funded and university scholarship applicants to submit documents and pay the application fee.
- May – June
Review And Interviews
Schools assess applications and may hold an online interview for competitive engineering and research programs.
- June – July
Admission And JW202 Issued
Successful applicants receive the Admission Notice, scholarship decision and JW202 visa form.
- 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 And Registration
Arrive in Xi’an, 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 Northwestern Polytechnical University.
Explore More
Other Universities in Xi'an
Compare Xi'an's leading universities to find your best match.
QS #296
Xi'an Jiaotong University
C9 LeagueProject 985Project 211
Mechanical Engineering, Energy & Power Engineering, Electrical Engineering
English / Chinese
Most Competitive
CNY 23,000 - 33,000 / year
Take the First Step
Ready to Apply to Northwestern Polytechnical University?
Get a free academic assessment and our admissions team will confirm your eligibility, shortlist the best programs for your profile and guide you through every step of your application to Northwestern Polytechnical University.