Hunan University
Changsha, China • World Rank #122
Updated May 2026
Overview
Originating from Yuelu Academy founded in 976 A.D.
It is the oldest institution in chinese history. Transformed into "Hunan Institute of Higher Education" in 1903.
"Hunan Institute of Higher Education" was closed down, became "Hunan Senior Teachers School" in 1912. Replaced by "Hunan Public Poly-Technical College" in 1917.
"Public Poly-Technical College", "Hunan Public College of Law and Politics" and "Hunan Public Business College" merged to shape the modern "Hunan University" in 1926.
Upgraded 1937. Acquired present status 1959 (officially restored).
Incorporated "Hunan University" and "Hunan College of Economics and Finance" in 2000, "Hunan Computer College" in 2002. Part of "211 Project" and "985 Project" universities.
Main administrative body: Ministry of Education
Location & Contact
The geographic and contact details below cover where Hunan University is and how to reach its administrative offices. Campus emergency contact is typically distinct from general inquiries.
Academic Details
Below: the academic-side numbers and recognition that shape Hunan University's reputation. Recognition and accreditation are distinct — recognition is government-level, accreditation programme-specific.
Degrees
Also postdoctoral programs
Bachelor's 9 programs
Bachelor's programmes build foundational expertise, preparing graduates for entry-level professional roles and further postgraduate study.
- Arts and Humanities
- Design
- Economics
- Engineering
- Information Sciences
- Law
- Management
- Mathematics
- Natural Sciences
Master's 56 programs
Master's programmes develop advanced specialised expertise, suited to senior industry positions and applied research.
- Accountancy
- Architecture
- Automotive Engineering
- Biomedical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Chinese
- Civil Engineering
- Communication Arts
- Computer Science
- Design
- Educational Administration
- Electrical Engineering
- Electronic Engineering
- Electronics and Automation
- Energy Engineering
- Engineering Management
- Environmental Engineering
- Environmental Studies
- Finance
- Foreign Languages Education
- Foreigners Education
- Heritage Preservation
- Hydraulic Engineering
- Industrial Design
- Industrial Engineering
- Information Technology
- Insurance
- International Business
- Journalism
- Landscape Architecture
- Law
- Management
- Materials Engineering
- Mathematics
- Mathematics Education
- Mechanical Engineering
- Mechanics
- Modern Languages
- Museum Studies
- Native Language Education
- Pharmacy
- Physical Education
- Physics
- Power Engineering
- Private Administration
- Public Administration
- Rural Planning
- Software Engineering
- Statistics
- Taxation
- Telecommunications Engineering
- Town Planning
- Translation and Interpretation
- Transport Engineering
- Transport Management
Doctoral 29 programs
Doctoral programmes train independent researchers, leading to academic, scientific, and senior advisory careers.
- Architecture
- Biology
- Business Administration
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Science
- Design
- Economics
- Electrical Engineering
- Electronic Engineering
- Electronics and Automation
- Energy Engineering
- Engineering Management
- Environmental Engineering
- History
- Law
- Materials Engineering
- Mathematics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Philosophical Schools
- Philosophy
- Physics
- Power Engineering
- Railway Engineering
- Road Engineering
- Rural Planning
- Statistics
- Town Planning
Faculties & Divisions
Find which faculty at Hunan University covers your subject area. Cross-listed subjects (taught across multiple faculties) require checking which faculty owns the credentialing for your degree.
Yuelu (Academy) Faculty details available
Specialisations & Subjects
No specified subjects listed.
Architecture (College) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Architecture
Common Career Paths
- Architect
- Urban Planner
- Interior Designer
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Chinese Language and Literature (College) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Chinese
- Literature
Civil Engineering (College) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Civil Engineering
Common Career Paths
- Civil Engineer
- Construction Project Manager
- Structural Engineer
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Electrical and Information Engineering (College) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Electrical Engineering
- Information Technology
Common Career Paths
- Engineer
- Project Manager
- Technical Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Environmental Science and Engineering (College) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Environmental Engineering
Common Career Paths
- Engineer
- Project Manager
- Technical Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Finance and Statistics (College) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Finance
- Statistics
Common Career Paths
- Financial Analyst
- Investment Banker
- Risk Manager
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Foreign Languages (College) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- English
- Literature
Common Career Paths
- Translator
- Interpreter
- Language Teacher
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Information Science and Engineering (College) 5 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science
- Information Technology
- Software Engineering
- Telecommunications Engineering
Common Career Paths
- Engineer
- Project Manager
- Technical Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Journalism and Communication (College) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Communication Studies
- Film
- Journalism
- Radio and Television Broadcasting
Common Career Paths
- Journalist
- Public Relations Specialist
- Content Strategist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Law (College) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Law
Common Career Paths
- Lawyer
- Legal Consultant
- Compliance Officer
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Marxist Studies (College) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Political Sciences
Material Science and Engineering (College) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Materials Engineering
Common Career Paths
- Engineer
- Project Manager
- Technical Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Mathematics and Econometrics (College) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Applied Mathematics
- Econometrics
Common Career Paths
- Data Analyst
- Statistician
- Actuary
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Mechanical and Automotive Engineering (College) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Automotive Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
Common Career Paths
- Engineer
- Project Manager
- Technical Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Physical Education (College) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Physical Education
Common Career Paths
- Teacher
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Educational Sciences (Institute) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Education
- Educational Sciences
Common Career Paths
- Teacher
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Biology (School) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Biological and Life Sciences
- Biology
Common Career Paths
- Biologist
- Lab Technician
- Research Scientist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Business Administration (School) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Accountancy
- Business Administration
- International Business
Common Career Paths
- Business Analyst
- Operations Manager
- Strategy Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Chemistry and Chemical Engineering (School) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemistry
Common Career Paths
- Process Engineer
- Plant Manager
- Materials Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Design (School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Design
Common Career Paths
- Designer
- Creative Director
- UX Researcher
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Economics and Trade (School) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Business and Commerce
- Economics
Common Career Paths
- Economist
- Policy Analyst
- Financial Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Physics and Microelectronics (School) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Microelectronics
- Physical Therapy
Common Career Paths
- Physicist
- Research Scientist
- Data Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Programs Offered
Hunan University's programme finder filters by name across all degree levels. Departmental admissions criteria sometimes differ from institutional minimums — verify against the programme page before relying on either.
72 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in China
Bachelor's Degree 72 programmes
Showing 10 of 72.
How to apply to Hunan University
Practical steps to apply to Hunan University, suitable as a starting checklist before contacting the admissions team directly.
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1
Find a programme that fits your goals
Hunan University's catalogue includes 72 programmes. Browse by level, identify candidates matching your prior qualifications, and note their entry requirements for the next step.
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2
Confirm you meet the requirements
Entry requirements vary by programme and degree level. Verify academic minimums, language tests (if international), and any additional documents required for Hunan University's admissions process.
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3
Assemble your application package
Typical documents include academic transcripts, identity proof (passport or national ID), language proficiency test scores, a personal statement or motivation letter, and recommendation letters. International applicants should account for translation and notarisation time.
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4
Submit your application
Submit your completed application through Hunan University's official website at www.hnu.edu.cn. Most institutions use an online portal — register an account, complete the application form, and upload your prepared documents. Keep copies of all submissions and confirmation receipts.
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5
Contact admissions and follow up
Follow up to confirm your application was received and is being processed. Admissions teams may request interviews or additional documents — respond promptly to keep your application active.
Frequently Asked Questions about Hunan University
Frequently asked questions about Hunan University, covering the institutional basics most prospective applicants want to confirm first.
Where can I find Hunan University?
The institution is located in Changsha, China.
Is Hunan University public or private?
Hunan University operates as a public institution.
How many students does Hunan University have?
The institution has a student body of 36,000.
What is Hunan University's ranking?
Hunan University holds rank #122 globally and #36 in China.
What qualification levels does Hunan University offer?
Hunan University delivers bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes across its academic units.
Who recognises Hunan University?
Yes, Hunan University is recognised by Ministry of Education.
What is Hunan University's official website?
You can find Hunan University online at www.hnu.edu.cn.
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