All About Lanzhou University, China
Lanzhou is the capital and largest city of Gansu Province in Northwest China. Located on the banks of the Yellow River, it is a key regional transportation hub, connecting areas further west by rail to the eastern half of the country. Historically, it has been a major link on the Northern Silk Road and it stands to become a major hub on the New Eurasian Land Bridge.
The city is also a center for heavy industry and scientific research. Lanzhou is ranked among the top 100 science cities in the world according to the Nature Index 2020. The city is home to several research institutions, notably Lanzhou University, one of China’s prestigious universities and a member of Project 985.
Lanzhou University Ranking 2026
In 2020, the Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) ranked Lanzhou University between 401–500 globally.
University Rankings:
- ARWU World Ranking: 401–500 (2020)
- USNWR Global Ranking: 595 (2021)
- USNWR Asia Ranking: 114 (2021)
- USNWR China National Ranking: 48 (2021)
In subject rankings, Chemistry and Atmospheric Science were ranked among the global top 100.
The U.S. News & World Report Best Global Universities Ranking 2021 placed Lanzhou University:
- Agricultural Science: 188
- Chemical Engineering: 123
- Chemistry: 150
- Energy and Fuels: 157
- Engineering: 403
- Environment/Ecology: 304
- Geosciences: 167
- Materials Science: 150
- Mathematics: 164
- Nanoscience and Nanotechnology: 131
- Physics: 404
- Plant and Animal Science: 244
In 2020, the QS World University Rankings placed Lanzhou University in the 751–800 band globally.
Lanzhou University Admission
Admission Process
- Preliminary review by the School of International Cultural Exchange, followed by college review and interview, university pre-admission, China Scholarship Council final review, and final admission. Selection is merit-based. Final results are usually announced around July 15.
- Enrollment generally begins in early September. Admitted students must follow China’s epidemic prevention policies and complete registration on time. Failure to register within the specified period may result in cancellation of admission.
Lanzhou University Scholarship Details
- Full tuition fee waiver
- Free accommodation (double room)
- Monthly stipend:
- Master’s students: RMB 3,000 per month
- Doctoral students: RMB 3,500 per month
- Comprehensive medical insurance worth RMB 800
Note: Students must purchase third-party liability insurance at RMB 100 per semester or RMB 200 per year.
Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
- Applicant must be a non-Chinese citizen and in good health
- Master’s applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree and be under 35 years of age
- Doctoral applicants must hold a master’s degree and be under 40 years of age
- Good academic performance and strong research ability
- Applicants must not be receiving any other scholarship
- For Chinese-taught programs: HSK Level 4 with a minimum score of 180 (valid for 2 years)
- For English-taught programs: IELTS 5.5 or TOEFL 80, or equivalent English proficiency proof (native speakers exempt)
Available Majors
Details of available majors can be found in the official program list. Programs offered are subject to approval by the China Scholarship Council. Both general and advanced visitor applications are accepted for eligible programs.
