Xi’an Jiaotong University (XJTU) is one of China’s oldest and most respected engineering schools. It’s also a C9 member — which means top-tier education — but the tuition is surprisingly affordable.
XJTU is in Xi’an, one of China’s oldest cities and a growing tech and manufacturing hub. The cost of living here is significantly lower than Beijing or Shanghai, making it one of the more budget-friendly C9 options.
Undergraduate Tuition
| Program Type | Tuition (CNY/year) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering & Science | 20,000-28,000 | Most standard programs |
| Business & Management | 25,000-35,000 | School of Management programs |
| Chinese Language | 5,500-25,800 | Non-degree language programs |
Standard engineering and science programs at XJTU range from 20,000 to 28,000 CNY per year. That’s about ,800 to ,900 USD. For a C9 university ranked #56 globally in engineering, this is excellent value.
Graduate Tuition
- Master’s programs: 30,000 to 50,000 CNY per year (,100 to ,900). Most standard engineering and science master’s programs are at the lower end.
- Doctoral programs: 34,000 to 50,000 CNY per year (,700 to ,900). PhD students often receive funding through scholarships or teaching assistantships.
Living Costs in Xi’an
Xi’an is one of the most affordable major cities in China for international students. Here’s what you can expect:
| Expense | Cost (CNY/month) |
|---|---|
| On-campus dormitory | 800-1,200 |
| Food | 700-1,200 |
| Transport & Personal | 300-600 |
| Monthly Total | ~1,800-3,000 |
That’s roughly 50 to 15 USD per month for living expenses. Add tuition, and you’re looking at a total annual cost of roughly 45,000 to 65,000 CNY (,200 to ,000 USD) — one of the lowest among C9 universities.
Scholarships
XJTU participates in the Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) program and offers its own university scholarships for international students. Many students at XJTU study on full or partial scholarships.
The Xi’an Government also offers the Shaanxi Provincial Scholarship for outstanding international students. Applications typically open in November for the following academic year.
FAQ
Q: Is Xi’an a good city for international students?
Yes. Xi’an has over 3,000 years of history (home of the Terracotta Warriors), and it’s also a growing tech hub. The cost of living is much lower than Beijing or Shanghai, and the city has a large international student community.
Q: Are programs taught in English at XJTU?
XJTU offers some English-taught programs at the graduate level. Undergraduate programs are primarily in Chinese. You’ll need HSK 4 or higher for Chinese-taught programs.
Q: How does XJTU compare to other C9 schools for engineering?
XJTU is particularly strong in energy engineering, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering. It’s ranked #56 globally for engineering and offers some of the best value among C9 schools in terms of cost vs. quality.
XJTU Fee Details
XJTU offers affordable tuition for international students. Standard undergraduate programs in engineering and science cost 20,000 to 28,000 CNY per year. Business and management programs are 25,000 to 35,000 CNY per year. Chinese language programs range from 5,500 to 25,800 CNY per year depending on the intensity and duration. Master programs cost 30,000 to 50,000 CNY per year. Doctoral programs cost 34,000 to 50,000 CNY per year. The application fee is approximately $57 to $113 USD. Health insurance is about 600 to 800 CNY per year. On-campus housing costs 800 to 1,200 CNY per month. Food costs 700 to 1,200 CNY per month. The total annual cost for an undergraduate student at XJTU is approximately 45,000 to 65,000 CNY ($6,200 to $9,000 USD). This makes XJTU one of the most affordable C9 universities. Scholarships are available through the CSC program, the XJTU University Scholarship, and the Shaanxi Provincial Government Scholarship. Many international students at XJTU receive some form of financial assistance.
XJTU Cost Comparison
When comparing XJTU to other Chinese universities, the value is clear. XJTU tuition of 20,000 to 28,000 CNY per year is among the lowest in the C9 League. Living costs in Xi’an are about 30 percent lower than in Beijing or Shanghai. The total annual cost of 45,000 to 65,000 CNY ($6,200 to $9,000 USD) makes XJTU one of the most affordable top-tier options. For comparison, studying at a similarly ranked US university would cost $40,000 to $60,000 USD per year. Over four years, studying at XJTU saves you over $150,000 USD. This cost advantage, combined with XJTU strong engineering programs and location in one of China most historic cities, makes it an excellent choice for international students seeking high-quality education at an affordable price.
XJTU Campus and Location
XJTU main campus is located in the southern part of Xi’an, near the scenic Qujiang area. The campus is modern and well-equipped with excellent facilities. The library has extensive collections in engineering, management, and science. The sports facilities include basketball courts, a football field, tennis courts, and a fitness center. The campus has multiple dining halls serving Chinese cuisine at affordable prices. The international student dormitory provides comfortable accommodation with basic furniture, air conditioning, heating, and internet access. The campus is well-connected to the rest of Xi’an by public transportation. The Xi’an metro system has several lines covering most parts of the city. Xi’an is one of China most popular tourist destinations, attracting millions of visitors each year to see the Terracotta Warriors and other historical sites.
XJTU Student Life and Activities
Life at XJTU is enriched by a range of student activities and organizations. The university has over 100 student clubs covering academic interests, sports, arts, and culture. The International Student Association organizes events throughout the year including orientation activities, cultural festivals, and social gatherings. Sports facilities at XJTU include basketball and volleyball courts, a football field, tennis courts, table tennis rooms, and a fitness center. The campus also has a stadium for major events and competitions. The arts center hosts performances, exhibitions, and cultural events. XJTU students also organize events such as the annual campus music festival and cultural performances. The university is located in Xi’an, which offers a rich cultural scene with museums, theaters, and historical sites. Weekend trips to explore the city and surrounding areas are popular among students. The combination of campus activities and city attractions provides a well-rounded student experience.