Nanjing is one of those cities that sneaks up on you. Most international students head straight for Beijing or Shanghai when they think about studying Chinese. But Nanjing University (NJU) ? It’s been quietly running one of the better Chinese language programs in the country for decades. And honestly, the city itself is a big part of why it works so well.
I’ve talked to students who’ve done the program, looked into the costs, and checked what you actually get for your money. Here’s what I found.
Two Paths: Degree vs Non-Degree
NJU offers two main ways to study Chinese, and which one you pick depends entirely on what you’re after.
The Long-term Chinese Language Program is what most people do. It’s a non-degree program that runs for one year (or one semester if you’re testing the waters). Classes start twice a year — early March for the spring semester and early September for the fall. If you’re aiming for the fall 2026 intake, the application deadline is June 25, so you’ve still got time.
Then there’s the Bachelor’s in Chinese Language, a four-year degree program. This one requires HSK 5 with a score of 180 or above, plus you’ll need to submit high school transcripts, two recommendation letters, and a personal statement. It’s more demanding, but if you want a formal qualification at the end, this is the route.
Most students I spoke with went for the one-year program. It’s flexible, less stressful on the paperwork side, and you can always extend if you want to go deeper.
What It Actually Costs
Let’s talk money, because this is where NJU becomes a pretty solid deal.
For the long-term Chinese language program, tuition is 21,000 RMB per year (roughly $2,900 USD). If you only want one semester, it’s 9,500 RMB. Compare that to similar programs in Beijing or Shanghai, and you’re saving a decent chunk.
The application fee is about $71 to $85 USD, depending on how you apply. If you go through CUCAS (a common application platform), there’s an additional service fee of around $200.
For housing, you’ve got options. Building 21, the main international dorm, charges 3,000 RMB per month for a double room. The Xiyuan Hotel on campus has doubles at 52 RMB per day and singles at 67 RMB per day. Most students I talked to went with the Building 21 double and said it was fine — basic but clean, with decent WiFi.
Living expenses run about 2,050 to 2,550 RMB per month. That covers meals, transport, phone, and the occasional weekend outing. Nanjing’s not cheap the way a smaller city is, but it’s noticeably less expensive than Shanghai for rent and dining out.
| Expense | Cost (RMB) |
|---|---|
| Tuition (1 year) | 21,000 |
| Tuition (1 semester) | 9,500 |
| Dorm (double, Building 21) | 3,000/month |
| Living expenses | 2,050–2,550/month |
| Application fee | $71–$85 USD |
What You Actually Learn
Here’s where the program stands out. The non-degree curriculum has six core courses: Comprehensive Chinese, Chinese Speaking, Chinese Reading, Chinese Listening, Chinese Writing, and Chinese Culture. It’s a balanced mix — you’re not just memorizing characters, you’re actually using the language from week one.
Beyond the core, there are ten elective courses you can pick from. Some of the more interesting ones include Calligraphy, Chinese Painting, Tai Chi, Ancient Chinese History, and Chinese Philosophy. A few students mentioned the electives were their favorite part of the week because they broke up the classroom routine and gave them something tangible to talk about in Chinese.
The program also organizes cultural activities — trips to historical sites around Nanjing, language practice sessions with Chinese buddies, and events like Chinese poetry recitals. Nanjing itself is practically a living history museum (it was the capital of six ancient dynasties), so the field trips are genuinely worth doing.
Class sizes run about 15 to 20 students per group for language classes. That’s small enough that you get individual attention but big enough that you’re not put on the spot every single minute.
Living in Nanjing
Nanjing is a city of about 9.5 million people, which puts it in the same league as New York City or London population-wise. But it doesn’t feel overwhelming the way Shanghai can. The city is sprawled out, green, and walkable in certain areas — especially around Xuanwu Lake and the Purple Mountain area.
The metro system covers most of the city well. You can get from NJU’s main campus to the city center in about 20 minutes. A metro ride costs around 3 to 5 RMB depending on distance. Taxis start at 11 RMB.
Food is where Nanjing really shines. The city is famous for its duck dishes — Nanjing salted duck and duck blood vermicelli soup are local staples. A decent meal at a casual restaurant runs 20 to 40 RMB. If you’re cooking at home, a weekly grocery trip will set you back about 150 to 200 RMB.
The climate is four-season, which catches some students off guard. Summers are hot and humid (think 35°C with high humidity in July and August). Winters are cold and damp, around 0 to 8°C, and buildings don’t always have central heating. Bring a good coat.
How to Apply
For the long-term program, the application process is pretty straightforward. You’ll need: a copy of your highest diploma (translated if not in Chinese or English), transcripts, a personal statement, a valid passport copy, and a passport photo. If you’re already in China, you might need additional documents like a transfer letter or proof of visa status.
You can apply directly through NJU’s international student portal or through platforms like CUCAS. The CUCAS route usually gets you a decision within two weeks, and they handle the courier delivery of your admission documents.
No HSK is required for the non-degree program. That’s a big plus — you can start from absolute zero if you want. The degree program does require HSK 5 (180+), but that’s typically after you’ve spent some time studying Chinese elsewhere.
FAQs
Can I work part-time while studying Chinese at NJU?
Officially, international students on a language program visa (X1) can take part-time jobs on campus, but approvals vary. Most students I talked to didn’t bother — the program schedule is demanding enough, and your visa is tied to full-time study.
Is NJU’s Chinese program better than BLCU’s?
Different focus. BLCU is specialized in language teaching and has more international students, which can actually be a drawback if you end up speaking English all day. NJU has fewer international students overall, which forces you to use Chinese more in daily life. Some people prefer that.
Can I switch from the non-degree program to the degree program later?
Technically yes, but you’d need to pass HSK 5 and go through the normal admissions process. Your courses from the non-degree program won’t automatically transfer as credits toward the bachelor’s.
What’s the acceptance rate for the long-term program?
It’s not super competitive. As long as you meet the basic requirements (18+, high school completed, valid passport), you’ll likely get in. The bachelor’s program has a reported acceptance rate around 45%, which is more selective.
Is Nanjing safe for international students?
Yes — Nanjing is one of the safer major cities in China. Violent crime is rare. The usual precautions apply (watch your phone in crowded areas, don’t walk alone drunk at 2 AM), but overall students feel very safe walking around campus and the city at night.