11 Reasons to Study at Shandong University!

International students who study at Shandong University (SDU) know the benefits of the university’s world-class education, international faculty, and excellent learning environment first-hand.

The welcoming international community at SDU, its long and storied history which dates back to 1901, and its great location for exploring the rest of China make it the perfect place to live while you learn.

Here are our top 11 reasons to choose Shandong University as your study-abroad destination!

Application Deadline

Admissions to Shandong University opens on December 18. The application period for self-supporting (non-CSC Scholarship) students is from January 01 to May 31. For CSC students, the deadline is March 31. The Chinese language program in the fall semester is open from March 1st till June 30th, and spring semester deadlines are from October 15th till January 10th. Applications for one-semester preparatory programs are open from October 15th till December 30th, and for two semesters it is open March 1st till June 30th.

See all programs and deadlines on China Admissions here:

11 Reasons Shandong University is One of the Best Universities in China

#11 Located in the most historic city in China

Jinan is the capital city of Shandong Province. It boasts a history of more than 2,600 years and is popularly known as “the city of springs.” The Longshan Culture, one of the major cradles of Chinese civilization, was discovered to the east of Jinan. Renowned Chinese writer Laoshe wrote the famous Winter in Jinan depicting the winter in Jinan, which is mild and sunny.

Jinan city in Shandong Province

#10 Home to well-known figures

Numerous leading academics and national figures have taught or studied at SDU. In 2012, Professor Mo Yan, one of the university’s graduate supervisors and well-known as one of the best modern Chinese writers, won the Nobel Prize in Literature. The late Professor Peter Grünberg, a German physicist and winner of the 2007 Nobel Prize in Physics, also taught at Shandong University.

Mo Yan, one of China’s most famous modern writers, was born in Shandong province and is the first Chinese national to win a Nobel literature award.

#9 Graduate prospects

SDU consistently ranks in the top 300 worldwide for graduate employability according to QS rankings. With its excellent reputation in academics, Shandong University graduates are sought after by companies all over the world, valued for their knowledge, communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.

Job seekers attend a job fair aimed at university and college graduates
in Jinan, east China’s Shandong Province in 2019.

There are growing opportunities in Jinan, Qingdao, and Weihai. After graduation and obtaining a work visa, alumni can work anywhere in China!

#8 Strong alumni network at home and abroad

Established in 1988, the Shandong University Alumni Association manages university alumni affairs and aims to strengthen the communication between SDU and its alumni. There were 138 alumni associations set up worldwide at the end of 2020. The vast alumni network provides support and community to students long after they leave one of SDU’s campuses.

Association of Shandong University MBBS Alumni in South Africa

#7 Scholarship Opportunities

Whether you are a Chinese or international student, Shandong University has scholarship opportunities for all. You can apply for CSC Scholarships Type A and B, Shandong University Scholarship for International Students, Jinan Sister Scholarship, and China Studies Program Scholarship. You may find detailed application information on Shandong University’s website and information about applying to Chinese scholarships on China Admissions here and on Campus China here.

International student study at Shandong University

International students at SDU can apply for numerous
scholarships for different programs.

#6 Affordable education

Shandong University proves that quality education doesn’t have to be expensive. For a whole year, the estimated cost of studying at SDU is capped at 66,000 RMB. Here’s a breakdown of the expenses:

  • Tuition fees = about 32,000 RMB
  • Dormitory = 40 RMB per day
  • Living cost = about 50 RMB per day
  • Miscellaneous = about 1,600 RMB per year

Jinan has an extremely low cost of living, estimated to be 43% cheaper than living in Shanghai and 25% cheaper than in Beijing!

Live and study at Shandong University

You can enjoy walking in the small alleyways of the city and find yourself in
the big shopping malls on the opposite side.

#5 Eight scenic and modern campuses

Shandong University is one of a few universities in China with several campuses spread around three different cities in Shandong Province. SDU has a total of eight beautiful campuses that allow students to experience the diverse cities and natural beauty of Shandong Province. Weihai Campus borders the Yellow Sea, allowing students to stroll by the sea and study in the fresh ocean air. The Central Campus is in the heart of Jinan City, bordering shops, restaurants, and scenic parks.

The campuses all have plenty of amenities for students to feel at home: gymnasiums and public squares for student activities, libraries and computer rooms for studying, and banks and supermarkets for convenient student living.

Shandong University, Jinan Central Campus

#4 Diverse international student population

Shandong University has one of the highest student populations among universities in China. There are currently 1,700 international students enrolled in the university across a wide range of disciplines.

international students study at shandong university

Shandong University International Students Participate in
the “Experiencing China·Beijing” Activity

#3 Prestigious faculty

Those who study at Shandong University can learn from China’s best and brightest. SDU has an excellent faculty team of 1,246 professors, including 897 doctoral supervisors. There are 21 academicians who are members of the Chinese Academy of Sciences or the Chinese Academy of Engineering, as well as 55 awardees of the National Natural Science Funds for Distinguished Young Scholars

#2 Largest range of academic disciplines in the country

Shandong University provides one of the largest range of academic disciplines in the country, with around 16 of those ranking in the top 1% in the Essential Science Indicators.

Moreover, inter-school partnerships have been forged with more than 200 schools in over 30 countries and regions. The growth of the university over the years has seen SDU rise to the forefront of many fields in China.

Shandong University Joins the Ranks of Prestigious
Universities in China to Acquire Gale Scholar in 2020.

#1 Shandong University is one of China’s Top Ranked Universities

Shandong University is the second oldest and one of the most prestigious universities in Shandong Province and in China. Check out SDU rankings in different publications for 2020 to 2021:

  • US News Ranking – 29th in China, 64th in Asia, and 412th in the world
  • QS World University Ranking – 86th in Asia, 470th in the world
  • Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) – 16th in China

Shandong University is currently a Chinese Ministry of Education Class A Double First Class University. In the past, it was part of other major higher education initiatives such as Project 211 and Project 985. Since the 1930s to the 1950s, SDU has been highly distinguished for its liberal arts program. The university is also consistently rising in the rankings each year.


About Shandong University

Located in the economic powerhouse and cultural heartland of China, Shandong University (SDU) is one of China’s top universities and is well-reputed for world-acclaimed researchers, dedicated teaching staff, and superior campus facilities and services.

Shandong University is one of the initiative universities of modern Chinese higher education. Its medical school, established in 1864, signified the beginning of modern Chinese higher education. Its main body, Shandong Imperial College (Shandong Da Xue Tang) established in 1901, was the second national university in China, only after the Imperial University of Peking.

As one of the first universities finding its name on the list of Project 211 and Project 985, and a current Class A Double First Class University, Shandong University has been developing by leaps and bounds in recent years, and each of its undertakings has reached unprecedented levels.

Learn more about the programs and apply to Shantou University Medical College through the links below. Or book a free call with us here.

Savannah Billman has a master's degree in Chinese Law and Society at the Yenching Academy of Peking University. She holds a B.A. from NYU Shanghai and has also written for The World of Chinese, TechNode, SupChina, and Sixth Tone.
Savannah Billman

Join 180,000+ international students and get monthly updates

Receive Admissions, Scholarships & Deadlines Updates from Chinese Universities.
Unsubscribe anytime.