Nankai University brand mark

Nankai University

Tianjin, China Founded 1919 World Rank #137

Overview

English Name: Nankai University
Local Name: 南开大学
Acronyms: NKU
Founded: 1919
Control Type: Public
Entity Type: Non-profit
Religious Affiliation: None
World Rank: #137
Rank in China: #38
Motto: Dedication to Public Interests, Acquisition of All-round Capability, Aspiration for Progress with Ea
Nankai University academic and student spaces
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Established in 1919, the Nankai University is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the metropolis of Tianjin (population range of 1,000,000-5,000,000 inhabitants).

Officially recognized by the Tianjin Municipal Education Commission, Nankai University (NKU) is a very large-sized coeducational Chinese higher education institution. Nankai University (NKU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees in several areas of study.

This 105-year-old Chinese higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations. International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.

NKU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, as well as administrative services.

Location & Contact

Nankai University's on-the-ground location and digital channels to engage with the institution. Library access for prospective students is often arranged separately through the main library team.

Address: Balitai campus 94 Weijin Road, Nankai District
Postal Code: 300071
Other Sites: Also Jinnan, Taida campuses; also 28 postdoctoral mobile stations
Phone: +86 (22) 2350 8229
Fax: +86 (22) 2350 2990

Academic Details

Nankai University at the institutional level: enrolment, staffing, and accreditation summary. Accreditation has expiry and renewal cycles worth checking on the awarding body site for currency.

Academic Year: September to July (September-January; February-July)
Accrediting Agency: Ministry of Education
Admission Requirements: Graduation from high school and National College Entrance Examination (Gaokao) Foreign students: for further information see CUCAS https://school.cucas.edu.cn/Nankai-University-215/program/
Total Students: 26,568
Student Enrollment: 30
Academic Staff Range: 2,500-2,999
Full-Time Academic Staff: 2,046
Academic Staff with Doctorate: 774
Campus Setting: Urban
Memberships & Networks
International Forum of Public Universities (IFPU)

Academic Structures

Nankai University's teaching architecture in the units below. New faculties (formed in the last decade) signal where the institution is investing for the future.

Unit 20 items
  • Business School
  • College of Chemistry
  • College of Chinese Language and Culture
  • College of Environmental Science and Engineering
  • College of Foreign Languages
  • College of History
  • College of Ideological and Cultural Education
  • College of Information Technology and Science
  • College of Life Sciences
  • College of Software
  • Department of Philosophy
  • Law School
  • School of Economics
  • School of Literature
  • School of Mathematical Sciences
  • School of Medicine
  • School of Pharmacy
  • School of Physics
  • TEDA College
  • Zhou Enlai School of Government Administration

Degrees

Also postdoctoral programs; sino-foreign Joint Programs in Economics

Bachelor's 70 programs

Bachelor's programmes build foundational expertise, preparing graduates for entry-level professional roles and further postgraduate study.

  • Accountancy
  • Administration
  • Applied Chemistry
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Applied Physics
  • Architectural and Environmental Design
  • Archiving
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Biochemistry
  • Biological and Life Sciences
  • Biology
  • Biotechnology
  • Business Administration
  • Chemistry
  • Chinese
  • Communication Arts
  • Computer Science
  • Design
  • E-Business/Commerce
  • Economics
  • Electronics and Automation
  • Engineering
  • English
  • Environmental Engineering
  • Environmental Studies
  • Ethnology
  • Finance
  • Foreign Languages Education
  • French
  • German
  • History
  • Human Resources
  • Industrial Engineering
  • Information Management
  • Information Sciences
  • Insurance
  • International Business
  • International Studies
  • Japanese
  • Journalism
  • Law
  • Library Science
  • Logic
  • Marketing
  • Mathematics
  • Mathematics Education
  • Medicine
  • Museum Studies
  • Painting and Drawing
  • Pharmacy
  • Philosophical Schools
  • Philosophy
  • Physics
  • Political Sciences
  • Psychology
  • Public Administration
  • Publishing and Book Trade
  • Radio and Television Broadcasting
  • Russian
  • Social Studies
  • Social Work
  • Sociology
  • Software Engineering
  • Spanish
  • Statistics
  • Stomatology
  • Telecommunications Engineering
  • Tourism
  • Translation and Interpretation
  • Urban Studies
Master's 42 programs

Master's programmes develop advanced specialised expertise, suited to senior industry positions and applied research.

  • Applied Linguistics
  • Applied Physics
  • Art Criticism
  • Biological and Life Sciences
  • Business Administration
  • Chemistry
  • Communication Arts
  • Comparative Literature
  • Design
  • Ecology
  • Economics
  • Electronic Engineering
  • Environmental Management
  • Ethnology
  • Finance
  • Fine Arts
  • Foreign Languages Education
  • Hotel Management
  • Industrial and Production Economics
  • Information Sciences
  • Journalism
  • Linguistics
  • Literature
  • Mathematics
  • Media Studies
  • Medicine
  • Modern Languages
  • Optical Technology
  • Optics
  • Pharmacy
  • Philosophical Schools
  • Philosophy
  • Physics
  • Political Sciences
  • Psychology
  • Public Administration
  • Publishing and Book Trade
  • Radio and Television Broadcasting
  • Safety Engineering
  • Sociology
  • Solid State Physics
  • Tourism
Doctoral 47 programs

Doctoral programmes train independent researchers, leading to academic, scientific, and senior advisory careers.

  • Ancient Civilizations
  • Ancient Languages
  • Applied Linguistics
  • Applied Physics
  • Biochemistry
  • Botany
  • Business Administration
  • Cell Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Comparative Literature
  • Computer Science
  • Ecology
  • Economics
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering
  • Electronic Engineering
  • Electronics and Automation
  • English
  • Environmental Engineering
  • Environmental Management
  • Finance
  • Information Sciences
  • Inorganic Chemistry
  • Japanese
  • Law
  • Linguistics
  • Literature
  • Mathematics
  • Medicine
  • Microbiology
  • Optical Technology
  • Optics
  • Organic Chemistry
  • Philology
  • Philosophical Schools
  • Philosophy
  • Physics
  • Physiology
  • Political Sciences
  • Psychology
  • Public Administration
  • Russian
  • Safety Engineering
  • Sociology
  • Software Engineering
  • Solid State Physics
  • Statistics
  • Zoology

Faculties & Divisions

All faculties operate under Tianjin Municipal Education Commission.

Chemistry (College) 6 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Applied Chemistry
  • Biochemistry
  • Chemistry
  • Organic Chemistry
  • Physical Chemistry
  • Polymer and Plastics Technology

Common Career Paths

  • Chemist
  • Lab Researcher
  • Quality Control Specialist

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Chinese Language and Culture (College) 5 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Applied Linguistics
  • Chinese
  • Cultural Studies
  • Foreign Languages Education
  • Linguistics
Computer and Control Engineering (College) 3 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Computer Science
  • Electronics and Automation
  • Information Technology

Common Career Paths

  • Software Engineer
  • Data Scientist
  • Systems Analyst

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Electronic Information and Optical Engineering (College) 4 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Electronic Engineering
  • Information Sciences
  • Optical Technology
  • Optics

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) 4 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Ecology
  • Environmental Engineering
  • Environmental Management
  • Safety Engineering

Common Career Paths

  • Engineer
  • Project Manager
  • Technical Consultant

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Foreign Languages (College) 7 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • English
  • French
  • German
  • Japanese
  • Russian
  • Spanish
  • Translation and Interpretation

Common Career Paths

  • Translator
  • Interpreter
  • Language Teacher

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

History (College) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • History
Life Sciences (College) 9 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Biochemistry
  • Biological and Life Sciences
  • Biology
  • Cell Biology
  • Entomology
  • Genetics
  • Microbiology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Zoology

Common Career Paths

  • Research Scientist
  • Lab Technician
  • Analyst

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Pharmacy (College) 2 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Microbiology
  • Pharmacy

Common Career Paths

  • Pharmacist
  • Clinical Pharmacist
  • Pharmaceutical Researcher

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

TEDA (College) 2 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Biology
  • Biotechnology
Tourism and Service Management (College) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Tourism

Common Career Paths

  • Operations Manager
  • Project Manager
  • HR Manager

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Philosophy (Faculty) 6 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Aesthetics
  • Ethics
  • Logic
  • Philosophical Schools
  • Philosophy
  • Religious Studies
Economic and Social Development (Institute) 2 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Economics
  • Industrial and Production Economics
Finance and Development (Institute) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Finance

Common Career Paths

  • Financial Analyst
  • Investment Banker
  • Risk Manager

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Japan Studies (Institute) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Japanese
State Economy (Institute) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Economics
TEDA Applied Physics (Institute) 3 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Applied Physics
  • Nanotechnology
  • Optical Technology

Common Career Paths

  • Physicist
  • Research Scientist
  • Data Analyst

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

TEDA Institute of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology (Institute) 2 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Nanotechnology
  • Optics

Common Career Paths

  • Research Scientist
  • Lab Technician
  • Analyst

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Business (School) 9 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Accountancy
  • Archiving
  • Business Administration
  • Finance
  • Human Resources
  • Information Management
  • Library Science
  • Management
  • Marketing

Common Career Paths

  • Business Analyst
  • Operations Manager
  • Strategy Consultant

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Economics (School) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Economics

Common Career Paths

  • Economist
  • Policy Analyst
  • Financial Consultant

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Finance (School) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Finance

Common Career Paths

  • Financial Analyst
  • Investment Banker
  • Risk Manager

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Government (School) 11 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Administration
  • Ethnology
  • Higher Education
  • International Relations and Diplomacy
  • Political Sciences
  • Psychology
  • Public Administration
  • Social Policy
  • Social Psychology
  • Social Work
  • Sociology
Law (School) 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.

Literature (School) 13 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Applied Linguistics
  • Chinese
  • Communication Arts
  • Comparative Literature
  • Design
  • Fine Arts
  • Journalism
  • Linguistics
  • Literature
  • Modern Languages
  • Philology
  • Publishing and Book Trade
  • Radio and Television Broadcasting
Marxism Education (School) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Philosophical Schools

Common Career Paths

  • Teacher
  • Educational Administrator
  • Curriculum Specialist

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Materials Science and Engineering (School) 2 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Inorganic Chemistry
  • Solid State Physics

Common Career Paths

  • Engineer
  • Project Manager
  • Technical Consultant

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Mathematical Sciences (School) 3 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Applied Mathematics
  • Mathematics
  • Statistics

Common Career Paths

  • Research Scientist
  • Lab Technician
  • Analyst

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Medicine (School) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Medicine

Common Career Paths

  • Physician
  • Medical Researcher
  • Clinical Specialist

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Physics (School) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Physics

Common Career Paths

  • Physicist
  • Research Scientist
  • Data Analyst

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Programs Offered

Nankai University's programme catalogue is grouped by level below — use the filter to narrow your shortlist. Programme entry windows and admissions criteria typically appear on each programme's dedicated page.

Bachelor's Degree

66 programmes

These 66 programmes make up Nankai University's undergraduate catalogue. A bachelor's degree is the baseline credential for most graduate careers and advanced study.

World History 世界历史 History
Journalism 新闻学 Media Studies & Mass Media
Law 法学 Law
Library Science 图书馆学 Natural Sciences
Logistics Management 物流管理 Supply Chain & Logistics
Marketing 市场营销 Marketing
Materials Science and Engineering 材料科学与工程 Materials Science
Mathematics and Applied Mathematics 数学与应用数学 Mathematics
Microbiology 微生物学 Microbiology
Network and New Media 网络与新媒体 Media Studies & Mass Media
Ophthalmology and Optometry 眼视光学 Optometry
Painting 绘画 Visual Arts
Pharmacy 药学 Pharmacy
Philosophy 哲学 Philosophy & Ethics
Political Science and Administration 政治学与行政学 Politics & International Relations
Translation 翻译 Translation & Interpreting
Tourism Management 旅游管理 Tourism & Leisure
Statistics 统计学 Applied Mathematics & Statistics
Spanish 西班牙语
Software Engineering 软件工程 Software Engineering
Sociology 社会学 Social & Cultural Studies
Social Work 社会工作 Social Work
Russian 俄语 Linguistics & Language Studies
Public Finance 公共财政 Finance, Banking & Insurance
Portuguese 葡萄牙语 Linguistics & Language Studies
Physics 物理学 Physics & Astronomy
Information Management and Information Systems 信息管理与信息系统 Information Systems & Technology
Japanese 日语
Italian 意大利语 Linguistics & Language Studies
International Economics and Trade 国际经济与贸易 Economics
Intelligent Medical Engineering 智能医学工程 Medicine
Insurance 保险学 Finance, Banking & Insurance
Information Security 信息安全 Cyber Security
Business Administration 工商管理 Business Administration
Dentistry 口腔医学 Dentistry
Data Science and Big Data Technology 数据科学与大数据技术 Data Science & Analytics
Cybersecurity and Cryptography 密码学与网络空间安全 Cyber Security
Computer Science and Technology 计算机科学与技术 Computer Sciences
Communication Engineering 通信工程 Communication Studies
Clinical Medicine 临床医学 Medicine
Chinese Language and Literature 中国语言文学 Linguistics & Language Studies
Chemistry 化学 Chemistry
E-commerce 电子商务 Business & Management
Biology 生物科学 Biological Sciences
Automation 自动化 Robotics & Automation
Artificial Intelligence 人工智能 AI & Machine Learning
Art Design 艺术设计学 Applied Design
Archival Science 档案学 Library Science
Arabic 阿拉伯语 Linguistics & Language Studies
Actuarial Science 精算学 Natural Sciences
Accounting 会计学 Accounting
Economics 经济学 Economics
Electronic Information Science and Technology 电子信息科学与技术 Robotics & Automation
English 英语 English Language Studies
Environmental Engineering 环境工程 Environmental Engineering
Environmental Science 环境科学 Environmental Sciences
Finance 金融学 Finance, Banking & Insurance
Financial Engineering 金融工程 Finance, Banking & Insurance
Financial Management 财务管理 Finance, Banking & Insurance
Foreign Languages and Literature 外国语言文学类 Literature
French 法语 Linguistics & Language Studies
Genetics 遗传学 Biological Sciences
German 德语 Linguistics & Language Studies
History 历史学 History
Human Resources Management 人力资源管理 Human Resource Management
Industrial Engineering 工业工程 Industrial & Systems Engineering

How to apply to Nankai University

Practical steps to apply to Nankai University, suitable as a starting checklist before contacting the admissions team directly.

  1. 1
    Browse the programme catalogue

    Nankai University's catalogue includes 66 programmes. Browse by level, identify candidates matching your prior qualifications, and note their entry requirements for the next step.

  2. 2
    Check eligibility for your chosen programme

    Entry requirements vary by programme and degree level. Verify academic minimums, language tests (if international), and any additional documents required for Nankai University's admissions process.

  3. 3
    Get your documents ready

    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.

  4. 4
    Apply through the official channel

    Submit your completed application through Nankai University's official website at www.nankai.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.

  5. 5
    Reach out and track your application

    Follow up to confirm your application was received and is being processed. Reach the institution by phone at +86 (22) 2350 8229. Admissions teams may request interviews or additional documents — respond promptly to keep your application active.

Frequently Asked Questions about Nankai University

Concise answers to the most-searched questions about Nankai University, useful as a quick orientation before exploring the rest of the profile.

How old is Nankai University?

The institution opened in 1919 (approximately 107 years ago).

Where is Nankai University located?

Nankai University is located in Tianjin, China.

Is Nankai University a public or private institution?

It is a public higher-education institution.

What is the student enrolment at Nankai University?

Student enrolment at Nankai University is around 30,000-34,999.

What is Nankai University's ranking?

Nankai University holds rank #137 globally and #38 in China.

What qualification levels does Nankai University offer?

Nankai University delivers bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes across its academic units.

How is Nankai University organised academically?

Nankai University has 20 academic units.

Who recognises Nankai University?

Nankai University is accredited by Ministry of Education.

Where can I learn more about Nankai University?

You can find Nankai University online at www.nankai.edu.cn.

Top-Ranked Universities in China

Top China universities often run international branch campuses. Nankai University's international footprint compared to this benchmark signals global engagement scale.

Members of International Forum of Public Universities (IFPU)

Network reputation can differ from individual institutional reputation. International Forum of Public Universities (IFPU) membership may enhance or moderate the perceived standing of Nankai University depending on how the network is regarded.

Faculties at Nearby Universities

Regional admissions cycle quirks (early-deadline schemes, regional aid programmes) apply consistently across the universities near Nankai University. Worth knowing during shortlisting.

Where Else to Study Linguistics & Language Studies

Looking for Linguistics & Language Studies programmes beyond Nankai University? Other universities in China cover the same discipline. Cross-comparing modules, assessment styles, and faculty profiles is the fastest way to find the right fit.

Universities Often Compared with Nankai University

Mid-career outcome data (5–10 year post-graduation) is harder to source but more revealing than starting-salary data. Where available for peer institutions, it is worth comparing.

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