Xiamen University
Xiamen, China • Founded 1921 • World Rank #118
Updated May 2026
Overview
Established in 1921, the Xiamen University is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the metropolis of Xiamen (population range of 1,000,000-5,000,000 inhabitants), Fujian.
Officially recognized by the Ministry of Education of The People's Republic of China, Xiamen University (XMU) is a very large-sized coeducational Chinese higher education institution. Xiamen University (XMU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees in several areas of study.
This 103-year-old Chinese higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations. International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.
XMU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Where to find Xiamen University, plus its phone, email, website, and social media links. Confirm the published channels here are current before sending application materials.
Academic Details
A snapshot of Xiamen University's academic profile — enrolment, staffing, and the bodies recognising its work. Useful as a benchmark when comparing against peer institutions or national leaders.
Degrees
Also professional Master's degrees; postdoctoral programmes (Chinese Language and Literature,Chinese History, Archaeology, History of the World, Philosophy, Journalism, Foreign Languages and Literature,Statistics, Applied Economics, Theoretical Economics, Business Administration, Management Science and Engineering and in Technological Economics, Public Administration, Political Science, Sociology, Law, Pedagogy, Mathematics, Physics, Electronic Science and Technology, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Technology, Materials Science and Engineering, Biology, Marine sciences, Environmental Science and Engineering, Ecology, Information and communication engineering, Computer Science and Technology, Control Science and Engineering, Instrument Science and Technology)
Bachelor's 34 programs
Bachelor's programmes build foundational expertise, preparing graduates for entry-level professional roles and further postgraduate study.
- Ancient Languages
- Archaeology
- Architecture
- Business Administration
- Chinese
- Comparative Literature
- Dance
- Engineering
- English
- Fine Arts
- French
- German
- Health Sciences
- History
- Information Sciences
- Japanese
- Law
- Linguistics
- Literature
- Mathematics and Computer Science
- Music
- Natural Sciences
- Philosophy
- Regional Planning
- Rural Planning
- Russian
- Social Sciences
- Spanish
- Technology
- Theatre
- Town Planning
- Translation and Interpretation
- Welfare and Protective Services
- Writing
Master's 18 programs
Master's programmes develop advanced specialised expertise, suited to senior industry positions and applied research.
- Architecture and Planning
- Arts and Humanities
- Business Administration
- Dance
- Educational Sciences
- Engineering
- Fine Arts
- Health Sciences
- Information Sciences
- Law
- Mathematics and Computer Science
- Music
- Natural Sciences
- Social Sciences
- Teacher Training
- Technology
- Theatre
- Welfare and Protective Services
Doctoral 23 programs
Doctoral programmes train independent researchers, leading to academic, scientific, and senior advisory careers.
- Ancient Languages
- Archaeology
- Business Administration
- Chinese
- Comparative Literature
- Dance
- Education
- Engineering
- English
- Health Sciences
- History
- Information Sciences
- Japanese
- Law
- Linguistics
- Literature
- Mathematics and Computer Science
- Natural Sciences
- Philosophy
- Social Sciences
- Technology
- Theatre
- Welfare and Protective Services
Faculties & Divisions
All faculties operate under Ministry of Education of The People's Republic of China.
Xiamen University Malaysia Campus (Campus Abroad) 15 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Accountancy
- Advertising and Publicity
- Chemical Engineering
- Chinese
- Computer Science
- Electronic Engineering
- Energy Engineering
- Finance
- International Business
- Journalism
- Literature
- Marine Science and Oceanography
- Mathematics
- Software Engineering
- Traditional Eastern Medicine
Coastal and Ocean Management Institute (Institute) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Marine Science and Oceanography
Common Career Paths
- Operations Manager
- Project Manager
- HR Manager
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Institute for Financial and Accounting Studies (Institute) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Accountancy
- Finance
Common Career Paths
- Accountant
- Auditor
- Financial Controller
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Institute of Education (Institute) 7 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Curriculum
- Educational Administration
- Educational Research
- Educational Testing and Evaluation
- Higher Education
- International and Comparative Education
- Pedagogy
Common Career Paths
- Teacher
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Intellectual Property Research Institute (Institute) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Civil Law
Pen-Tung Sah Institute of Micro-Nano Science and Technology (Institute) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Nanotechnology
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Research School for Southeast Asian Studies (Institute) 5 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Asian Studies
- International Business
- International Studies
- Regional Studies
- Southeast Asian Studies
South China Sea Institute (Institute) 5 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Coastal Studies
- International Law
- International Studies
- Regional Studies
- Southeast Asian Studies
Wang Yanan Institute for Studies in Economics (Institute) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Finance
- Statistics
Common Career Paths
- Economist
- Policy Analyst
- Financial Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Xiamen Academy of International Law (Institute) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- International Law
Common Career Paths
- Lawyer
- Legal Consultant
- Compliance Officer
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Art College (School) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Fine Arts
- Performing Arts
College of 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.
College of Energy (School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Energy Engineering
College of Foreign Languages and Cultures (School) 6 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- 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.
College of humanities (School) 8 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Archaeology
- Classical Languages
- History
- Linguistics
- Literature
- Modern Languages
- Philosophy
- Writing
Common Career Paths
- Researcher
- Editor
- Cultural Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
College of Materials (School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Materials Engineering
College of Ocean and Earth Sciences (School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Marine Science and Oceanography
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
College of Physical Science and Technology (School) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Astronomy and Space Science
- Physics
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
College of the Environment & Ecology (School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Botany
International College (School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- English
Overseas Education College (School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Chinese
Common Career Paths
- Teacher
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Physical Education Department (School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Sports
Common Career Paths
- Teacher
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
School Of Aerospace Engineering (School) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering
- Electronics and Automation
Common Career Paths
- Aerospace Engineer
- Avionics Specialist
- Systems Engineer
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
School of Architecture and Civil Engineering (School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Architecture and Planning
Common Career Paths
- Civil Engineer
- Construction Project Manager
- Structural Engineer
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
School of Economics (School) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Economics
- Finance
- Statistics
Common Career Paths
- Economist
- Policy Analyst
- Financial Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
School of Information Science and Engineering (School) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Common Career Paths
- Engineer
- Project Manager
- Technical Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
School of International Relations (School) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- International Studies
- Regional Studies
School of Journalism and Communication (School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Mass Communication
Common Career Paths
- Journalist
- Public Relations Specialist
- Content Strategist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
School of 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.
School of Life Sciences (School) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Biological and Life Sciences
- Biomedicine
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
School of Management (School) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Accountancy
- Business and Commerce
- Management
- Marketing
Common Career Paths
- Operations Manager
- Project Manager
- HR Manager
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
School of Marxism (School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Philosophy
School of Mathematical Sciences (School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Mathematics
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
School of Medicine (School) 10 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Biomedicine
- Dentistry
- Medical Technology
- Medicine
- Midwifery
- Nursing
- Optometry
- Surgery
- Traditional and Complementary Medicine and Therapy
- Treatment Techniques
Common Career Paths
- Physician
- Medical Researcher
- Clinical Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Pharmacy
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
School of Public Affairs (School) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Development Studies
- Political Sciences
- Social Work
- Sociology
School of Public Health (School) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Biomedicine
- Health Administration
- Public Health
Common Career Paths
- Public Health Officer
- Epidemiologist
- Health Policy Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
School of Sociology and Anthropology (School) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Anthropology
- Sociology
Common Career Paths
- Sociologist
- Researcher
- Community Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Schoolof Continuing Education (School) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Distance Education
- Staff Development
Common Career Paths
- Teacher
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Programs Offered
Every programme Xiamen University offers, searchable by name and grouped by level. Pathway programmes leading from foundation to bachelor entry are sometimes listed separately from full degree programmes.
86 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in China
Bachelor's Degree 86 programmes
Showing 10 of 86.
How to apply to Xiamen University
Application guidance for Xiamen University, structured as five practical steps with attention to documents and admissions communication.
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1
Find a programme that fits your goals
Begin by reviewing the programmes section above. Xiamen University offers 86 programmes grouped by qualification level. Decide on a target tier (bachelor's, master's, or doctoral) before narrowing by subject.
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2
Confirm you meet the requirements
Each programme at Xiamen University has its own entry requirements — academic minimums, language proficiency, supporting documents, and sometimes interviews or portfolios. Check the programme-specific page or contact admissions to confirm eligibility.
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3
Assemble your application package
Most applications require certified academic records, identification documents, language test certificates (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent for English-medium programmes), CV/résumé, and a statement of purpose. Allow extra time for document authentication.
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4
Submit your application
Apply directly via Xiamen University's online portal at www.xmu.edu.cn. Complete the application form, upload supporting documents, and pay any application fee. Confirmation emails typically arrive within a few business days.
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5
Contact admissions and follow up
After submitting, confirm receipt with the admissions office and track your application status through the portal. Reach the institution by phone at +86 (592) 218 6237. Set reminders for any interview requests, additional document submissions, or admission decision deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about Xiamen University
Below are the key facts most prospective students ask about Xiamen University, drawn directly from institutional records.
When did Xiamen University open?
Xiamen University traces its founding to 1921 (approximately 105 years ago).
What city is Xiamen University in?
Xiamen University operates from Xiamen, China.
What is Xiamen University's control type?
It is a public higher-education institution.
How big is Xiamen University's student body?
Xiamen University serves approximately 40,000-44,999 students.
What is Xiamen University's ranking?
Xiamen University holds rank #118 globally and #34 in China.
What degrees does Xiamen University offer?
Programmes at Xiamen University cover bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes.
Is Xiamen University accredited?
Yes, Xiamen University is recognised by Ministry of Education.
Where can I learn more about Xiamen University?
Xiamen University's official website is www.xmu.edu.cn.
Top-Ranked Universities in China
Below are the highest-ranked universities in China — natural comparison points for Xiamen University. Top institutions in China typically have the strongest international recognition and graduate-school placement.
Members of Global U8 Consortium (GU8)
Fellow Global U8 Consortium (GU8) members alongside Xiamen University are gathered below — useful if institutional networks matter to your decision. Networks shape exchange opportunities, joint degrees, and credential recognition across borders.
Faculties at nearby universities
Nearby institutions to Xiamen University often share sports, residence, and student-life facilities through regional consortia. The shared infrastructure can shape your day-to-day experience meaningfully.
Where Else to Study Linguistics & Language Studies
Other universities in China that teach Linguistics & Language Studies appear below — useful for comparing programme depth against Xiamen University. Programme structures differ even within the same country, so detailed comparison is worth the effort.
Universities Compared with Xiamen University
Universities at a similar tier to Xiamen University appear below, useful for cross-comparison on academic credentials. Comparable institutions often share faculty mobility patterns and external recognition signals.
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