HAINAN UNIVERSITY

Hainan University is a university participating in China's "Double First-Class" Initiative and a university co-constructed by the Ministry of Education and Hainan Province. On April 13, 2018, General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out in his important speech at the Grand Meeting Celebrating the 30th Anniversary of Hainan becoming a Province and establishing a Special Economic Zone that "efforts should be made to support Hainan University in building world-class disciplines", which has provided fundamental guidance for the development of the university.

In the "2025 ShanghaiRanking's Best Chinese Universities", the university ranked 93rd nationwide. It had 27 disciplines listed in ShanghaiRanking's Best Chinese Subjects, and the number of listed disciplines ranked 60th among universities across the country. In the 2025 "ShanghaiRanking's Global Ranking of Academic Subjects", Hainan University had 22 disciplines on the list, ranking 53rd nationwide in terms of the total number of listed disciplines. Three of its disciplines, namely Agronomy, Food Science and Engineering, and Tourism and Leisure Management, successfully made it into the world's top 50, while Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering also entered the world's top 100. All undertakings of the university have achieved high-quality and leapfrog development.

Exceptional educational facilities are available across four campuses (Haidian, Danzhou, Mission Hills – including the Chengxi Teaching Site – and Yazhou), strategically located in Haikou, Danzhou, Sanya and other cities. Covering a total area of 400.73 hectares (6,011 mu), the campuses boast an elegant, warm and sunny environment, characterized by a profound humanistic atmosphere and rich tropical charm.

HNU has 30 secondary schools, 16 residential colleges, 16 first-level discipline doctorate programs, 2 professional doctorate programs, 37 first-level discipline master’s programs, 28 professional master’s degree programs, 76 undergraduate programs, 10 centers for post-doctoral studies, 45 state-level first-class undergraduate programs.

The university boasts a strong faculty. Currently, the university has 3,809 faculty and staff members, including 3,053 full-time teachers, 1,914 of whom hold senior professional titles, and 262 postdoctoral researchers in residence. There are 86 national-level talents such as academicians of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS).

The disciplines offered by the University cover major fields such as philosophy, economics, law, humanities, science, medicine, agriculture, engineering, management, and art. Crop Science has been selected as a world-class discipline for two consecutive rounds, and 9 disciplines, Plant and Animal Science, Chemistry, Materials Science and Engineering, Agricultural Sciences, Engineering Science, Environmental Science and Ecology, Biology and biochemistry, General Social Science, as well as Computer Science are ranked among the top 1% worldwide according to ESI (Essential Science Indicators).

HNU is the first institution in Hainan Province to be qualified to enroll international students who receive Chinese Government Scholarships. It has established a sound “Bachelor-Master-Doctoral” education system for international students. The School of International Education, responsible for international student affairs, has been recognized as the National Demonstration Base for International Students in China by the Ministry of Education, and the Chinese Language Education Base by the Overseas Chinese Affairs Office of the State Council. It has also been honored with the title of “Advanced Collective in International Students Education”by the Ministry of Education in 2014.

APPLICATION INFORMATION FOR NON-DEGREE PROGRAM

Hainan University offers six different levels (A-F) for Chinese Language and Culture courses, conducted in small class sizes. To enhance students’ understanding of Chinese language and culture and improve their Chinese language skills, the university provides a rich variety of language and cultural activities outside of class hours. International students who complete their prescribed class hours and pass the examination will be awarded with a certificate of completion.

1. Application Requirements

Applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 60, in good physical and mental health, well-behaved, and capable of living independently. Applicants must also fulfil all the requirements of the Chinese entry and exit bureau, abide by all Chinese laws and university’s regulations, and respect Chinese culture and customs.

2. Application Documents

(1) Valid Passport Copy (with a validity period of more than one year).

(2) Highest academic diploma and transcript（in Chinese or English).

(3) Foreigner Physical Examination Form (valid within 6 months).

(4) Certificate of Non-Criminal Record (valid within 6 months).

(5) Proof of financial means: a bank statement demonstrating 30,000 yuan/RMB (or equivalent in foreign currency) for students applying for one semester and 50,000 yuan/RMB (or equivalent in foreign currency) for students applying for one academic year.

(6) International students currently studying in China who wish to transfer to Hainan University must provide a valid visa or study residence permit issued by their current institution, alongside a “Certificate of End of Study” or “Transfer Certificate.” Applicants who are currently employed must submit proof of employment.

3. Application Deadlines

Prior to June 30th for the Autumn Semester.

Prior to December 31st for the Spring Semester.

APPLICATION INFORMATION FOR DEGREE PROGRAMS

Hainan University offers full-time degree programs including 54 Undergraduate programs, Postgraduate programs and 12 PhD programs for international students, spanning 11 academic disciplines: Philosophy, Economics, Law, Literature, Science, Engineering, Agriculture, Medicine, Management, Art and Interdisciplinary Studies.

1. Application Requirements

(1) Applicants should be non-Chinese citizens, between 18 and 45 years old, in good physical and mental health, well-behaved, and capable of living independently. Applicants must also fulfil all the requirements of the Chinese Entry and Exit Bureau, abide by all Chinese laws and Hainan University’s regulations, and respect Chinese culture and customs.

(2) Academic Requirements:

·Applicants for undergraduate programs must provide a high school diploma or equivalent.

·Applicants for postgraduate programs must have completed their undergraduate studies and obtained a bachelor’s degree or equivalent.

·Applicants for PhD programs must have completed their graduate studies and obtained a master’s degree or equivalent.

(3) Language Requirements:

Applicants for Chinese-taught programs should be capable of studying courses in Chinese and have obtained an HSK level 4 (applicants for master’s programs in the School of Humanities shall provide HSK level 6) certificate when applying. Undergraduate students majoring in Chinese language are required to pass HSK level 6 before graduation. Applicants from non-English speaking countries for English taught programs should be capable of studying courses in English and have obtained an IELTS score of 6.0, TOEFL score of 560, or TOEFL iBT score of 78 or above.

2. Application Documents

Bachelor Degree programs

(1) Passport: A colour copy of the passport’s information page (with a validity of more than one year).

(2) Graduation Diploma: Original and notarized certificate of senior high school diploma in Chinese or English (if the applicant is a high school student, a pre-graduation certificate is required, showing student status and expected graduation date, with the original certificate required after admission.

(3) Transcript: Official transcript of all courses taken during high school and its notarized copy. If the transcript is in a language other than Chinese or English, a notarized Chinese or English translation must also be provided.

(4) Letters of Recommendation: Two recommendation letters written in Chinese or English (at least one from a senior high school teacher).

(5) Language Proficiency Certificate: Valid HSK certificate (Applicants for Chinese-taught programs), or valid IELTS or TOEFL certificate (Applicants for English-taught programs).

(6) Foreigner Physical Examination Form: Original to be kept by the applicant; this form is standardized by the Chinese health and quarantine departments and must be filled out in English. Applicants must undergo a physical examination as specified in the Foreigner Physical Examination Form. Incomplete forms, those without a photograph, signature of the attending physician, and official stamp of the hospital are invalid. Examination results are only valid for 6 months.

(7) Non-criminal Record Report: Issued by the police authority of the applicant’s place of residence within six months prior to the submission date.

(8) Proof of Financial Means: Bank Statement showing 50,000 yuan/RMB (or equivalent amount in foreign currency) for one academic year.

(9) International students currently studying in China who plan to transfer to Hainan University must provide a valid visa or study residence permit issued by their current institution, alongside a “Certificate of End of Study” or “Transfer Certificate.” Applicants who are currently employed must submit proof of employment.

(10) Applicants born with foreign nationality who have one or both parents as Chinese citizens, or former Chinese citizens who acquired foreign nationality and have resided abroad for at least four consecutive years, must provide proof of overseas residence for the past four years and passport pages with Chinese entry and exit stamps.

4. China Scholarship Council (CSCA):Applicants applying for undergraduate education at Hainan University must take the CSCA test before submitting their application, and the test results should be one of the necessary materials for the university's admission review.

Master & Doctoral Degree programs

(1) Passport: A colour copy of the passport’s information page (with a validity of more than one year).

(2) Educational Credentials: Applicants must submit their highest academic degree and diploma, if the original is in a language other than Chinese or English, a notarized translation is required. Master’s degree applicants need to provide their bachelor’s degree certificate; PhD applicants must submit their master’s degree certificate. Current students expected to graduate should provide a prospective graduation certificate at the time of application and must submit the original degree certificate and notarized copy upon admission.

(3) Transcripts: All transcripts and their notarized translations in Chinese or English are required. Master’s degree applicants must include transcripts from their undergraduate studies; PhD applicants need to submit transcripts from both their undergraduate and master’s.

(4) Letters of Recommendation: Two letters of recommendation (signed by professors or associate professors).

(5) Language Proficiency Certificate: Valid HSK certificate (Applicants for Chinese-taught programs), or valid IELTS or TOEFL certificate (Applicants for English-taught programs).

(6) Study Plan /Proposal: A study plan written in Chinese or English of no less than 1,000 characters or words; the proposal of a doctoral student must be signed by the applicant’s supervisor.

(7) Foreigner Physical Examination Form: Original to be kept by the applicant; this form is standardized by the Chinese health and quarantine departments and must be filled out in English. Applicants must undergo a physical examination as specified in the Foreigner Physical Examination Form. Incomplete forms, those without a photograph, signature of the attending physician, and official stamp of the hospital are invalid. Examination results are only valid for 6 months.

(8) Non-criminal Record Report: Issued by the police authority of the applicant’s place of residence within 6 months prior to submission date.

(9) Proof of financial means: Bank Statement showing 50,000 yuan/RMB (or equivalent amount in foreign currency) for one academic year.

(10) International students currently studying in China who plan to transfer to Hainan University must provide a valid visa or study residence permit issued by their current institution, alongside a “Certificate of End of Study” or “Transfer Certificate.” Applicants who are currently employed, must submit proof of employment.

(11) Applicants born with foreign nationality who have one or both parents as Chinese citizens, or former Chinese citizens who acquired foreign nationality and have resided abroad for at least four consecutive years, must provide proof of overseas residence for the past four years and passport pages with Chinese entry and exit stamps.

Notes：

● Applicants must ensure that all the information and materials provided are accurate and truthful. Discovery of any falsifications will result in the cancellation of admission.

● Please use a scanner to upload documents in colour. Documents captured by mobile phone or camera will not be accepted.

● All uploaded documents, such as certifications and diplomas, must be in either Chinese or in English and include both the original and notarized copies.

● Incomplete application materials will delay the processing time of your application.  

3. Programs Offered

Bachelor Degree Programs

Master Degree Programs

Doctoral Degree Programs

APPLICATION PROCESS

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SEMESTER INFORMATION

Fall Semester

The end of August or the beginning of September – Mid-January (Winter vacation is from mid-January to the end of February).

Spring Semester

The end of February or the beginning of March – Mid-July (Summer vacation is from mid-July to the end of August).

EXPENSES (CNY)

I. Tuition and Fee Schedule

1. Application fee: 400 Yuan/RMB

Application fee should be paid when application materials are submitted; it is non-refundable.

2. Tuition fees to be determined

3. Accommodation fee

4. Insurance: 800RMB/year; 400RMB/semester. (All international students shall purchase the Comprehensive Insurance Plan of Foreign Students on the day of registration. Students who do not have valid medical insurance will not be allowed to register.)

5. Health Check: Around 400 Yuan.

6. Cost of meals on campus: About 1500 Yuan/month.

7. To encourage overseas Chinese descendants originating from Hainan to pursue studies in their ancestral homeland, Hainan University offers the following tuition incentives: students admitted to regular academic programs will be charged according to the tuition standards for Chinese students; students enrolled in non-degree programs will pay 50% of the international student tuition fees.

II. Payment

Please make the payment to the following account:

Bank: Haida Sub-branch, Hainan Provincial Branch,The Industrial and Commercial Bank of China,

Account Number: 2 201 029 429 200 051 678

Note: Please indicate your full name and passport number when making the remittance. Please keep the remittance receipt for verification.

SCHOLARSHIPS

For detailed information about the scholarships, please visit our website at

https://hd.hainanu.edu.cn/gjjyen/Scholarships.htm.

CAMPUS LIFE

Hainan University is an ideal place for study and research. The library is stocked with a wealth of documents and resources, classrooms are equipped with state-of-the-art multimedia facilities, and the international student apartments offer a clean and elegant environment. The campus features multiple dining options, enhancing convenience for daily life. Sports facilities are comprehensive, including football fields, basketball and volleyball courts, tennis courts, an athletic track, a swimming pool, a gymnasium, and a fitness center. Additionally, the area surrounding the university is well-connected by public transport, facilitating easy travel.

CHARM OF HAIKOU CITY

Known as the “Coconut City”, Haikou, the capital of Hainan Province, is the political, economic, cultural, commercial, and transportation hub of the region.

Haikou enjoys long summers, and mild winters, boasting a pleasant climate with top rankings in China for air and water quality and ecological standards. The city’s green coverage reaches 43.09%, earning recognition as China’s first pilot “World Health City” by the World Health Organization. It is also among the first batch of China’s Outstanding Tourist Cities and distinguished as a national historical and cultural city.

In Haikou, tourism resources are abundant offering lots of options for travelers. The city’s rich tourism offerings include distinctive natural wonders like mangroves and volcanic craters, alongside tropical wildlife parks and prominent green spaces such as Haikou People’s Park and Evergreen Park. Significant historical and cultural landmarks such as Wugong Temple, Qilou Old Street and Xiuying Fort enrich the cultural tapestry. The city’s 131-kilometer Golden Coast nestles among iconic coconut groves, parks, and beaches. In addition, Haikou provides a diverse range of leisure and entertainment activities, catering to all tourism and vacation needs.

Currently, Hainan offers a visa-free entry policy to citizens of 59 countries globally. The province’s immigration policies are becoming increasingly convenient, allowing international students to apply for private affairs residence permit upon graduation providing they engage in innovation and entrepreneurship in Hainan.

CONTACTS

Add: International Student Office,

School of International Education, Hainan University,

No.58 Renmin Avenue, Haikou, Hainan Province, 570228, P. R. China

Contact Staff: Mr. Cui, Miss Li

Tel: 0086-898-66291348/ 0086-898-66291354/ 0086-898-66286672

E-mail: admission@hainanu.edu.cn

Website: https://sie.hainanu.edu.cn

Online application service system: hainanu.at0086.cn/student