China’s National Art Academy
Study within a Double First Class academy founded in 1928 and dedicated exclusively to advanced art education.
Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
China Academy of Art
Chinese artistic traditions, contemporary practice and creative technology in one national academy
Founded in Hangzhou in 1928, China Academy of Art (CAA) was China’s first comprehensive national institution of higher art education. The academy is included in China’s Double First Class initiative and brings Chinese painting, calligraphy, fine arts, design, architecture, film, animation and intermedia practice into one specialist university. Its four Hangzhou campuses—Nanshan, Xiangshan, Liangzhu and Xianghu—connect students with West Lake culture, museums, traditional craft communities and one of China’s most active technology economies, while the Zhangjiang campus extends its presence to Shanghai. For international students, CAA offers direct engagement with Chinese visual culture alongside contemporary studio practice, cross-disciplinary experimentation and a worldwide partnership network. Most degree programs are taught in Chinese, with a limited English-taught doctoral route available in 2026.
Double First-Class
- Location
- Hangzhou, China
- Founded
- 1928
- International Students
- 700+
- Teaching Language
- Chinese / English
- Tuition
- CNY 52,000 - 68,000 / year
- Intake
- September
- Application Deadline
- February 28 - June 20 (program dependent)
Why Choose
Why Choose China Academy of Art
Key reasons international students choose China Academy of Art for their studies in China.
Chinese Art At Source
Learn Chinese painting and calligraphy where modern higher education in these traditions was institutionally established.
Art And Technology Integration
Intermedia, digital art and virtual technology laboratories connect studio practice with fast-changing creative technologies.
International Design Partnerships
Joint programs and more than 100 global partnerships bring cross-cultural critique, exchange and collaborative design opportunities.
Five-Campus Creative Network
Specialist campuses in Hangzhou and Shanghai combine heritage settings, contemporary studios and discipline-focused learning environments.
Hangzhou Culture Ecosystem
Hangzhou’s museums, design firms, technology companies and craft traditions extend learning beyond the academy’s studios.
Rankings & Recognition
Academic Reputation
National designations and world rankings that signal academic strength and prestige.
National Designations
Double First-Class
Programs
Programs for International Students
Explore the degree programs and academic strengths available to international students at China Academy of Art.
Chinese Painting
BachelorLanguage: Chinese
Duration: 4 years
Tuition: CNY 52,000 / year
Intake: September
Scholarship: Zhejiang Provincial Government Scholarship eligible
Calligraphy
BachelorLanguage: Chinese
Duration: 4 years
Tuition: CNY 52,000 / year
Intake: September
Scholarship: CAA International Student Scholarship eligible
Visual Communication Design
BachelorLanguage: Chinese
Duration: 4 years
Tuition: CNY 52,000 / year
Intake: September
Scholarship: Zhejiang Provincial Government Scholarship eligible
Intermedia Art
BachelorLanguage: Chinese
Duration: 4 years
Tuition: CNY 52,000 / year
Intake: September
Scholarship: CAA International Student Scholarship eligible
Fine Arts & Calligraphy
MasterLanguage: Chinese
Duration: 3 years
Tuition: CNY 60,000 / year
Intake: September
Scholarship: CSC and CAA postgraduate scholarships eligible
Art Studies & Design Studies
DoctorLanguage: English
Duration: 3 years
Tuition: CNY 68,000 / year
Intake: September
Scholarship: CSC and CAA postgraduate scholarships eligible
Admission
Admission Requirements
What you need to apply to China Academy of Art as an international student.
- Academic RequirementsA high school diploma for bachelor’s entry, a relevant bachelor’s degree for master’s entry or a relevant master’s degree for doctoral entry.
- Language RequirementsChinese-taught programs require valid HSK 4 with at least 180 overall and 70 in listening. English doctoral applicants need IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 90 unless exempt through prior English-medium education.
- Portfolio & AssessmentApplicants to practice-based disciplines submit a major-relevant portfolio. Shortlisted candidates complete a video interview assessing language, professional preparation and academic potential.
- Required DocumentsPassport, diploma, transcripts, study plan, language certificate, portfolio, physical examination, non-criminal record and program-specific recommendations or research materials.
- Application Deadline2026 deadlines vary: master’s February 28, Chinese-taught bachelor’s April 30, Chinese doctoral May 1 and English doctoral June 20.
- Application FeeCNY 800 per application, non-refundable, with the payment receipt uploaded online.
- Medical ExaminationSubmit the Foreigner Physical Examination Form completed in Chinese or English; results are valid for six months.
- Visa DocumentsAdmitted students download the Admission Letter and JW201/JW202 information through the international student system before applying for an X1 visa.
Tuition & Scholarships
Costs & Funding
Transparent tuition, living costs and scholarship options for international students.
Cost Breakdown
- Annual Tuition
- CNY 52,000 - 68,000 / year
- Accommodation
- Published annually by room allocation2026 arrangements are announced separately; utilities are additional
- Application Fee
- CNY 800 (one-time)
- Medical Insurance
- CNY 1,000 / yearIncluded in the published annual degree tuition
- Estimated Living Cost
- CNY 2,500 – 4,000 / monthMeals, transport, materials and personal expenses
Estimated First-Year CostCNY 90,000 – 135,000
Chinese Government Scholarship — Category B
Coverage: Full tuition, university accommodation, comprehensive insurance and monthly stipend of CNY 3,000 for master’s or CNY 3,500 for doctoral students.
Eligibility: Academically strong non-Chinese applicants to full-time postgraduate programs who are not receiving another scholarship.
Deadline: February 28, 2026
Chinese Government Scholarship — Category A
Coverage: Coverage follows the bilateral scholarship agreement and may include tuition, accommodation, stipend and insurance.
Eligibility: Applicants nominated through the scholarship authority or Chinese embassy in their home country.
Deadline: Varies by nominating authority
Zhejiang Provincial Government Scholarship
Coverage: CNY 20,000 per year for undergraduates or CNY 30,000 per year for postgraduates.
Eligibility: Eligible self-funded international students with strong academic results and good conduct.
Deadline: Annual university notice
CAA New International Student Scholarship
Coverage: Postgraduate award level and duration follow the annual China Academy of Art evaluation notice.
Eligibility: New self-funded international postgraduate students selected through academic review and interview.
Deadline: Program application deadline
Campus Life
Life on Campus
What daily student life looks like at China Academy of Art.
Xiangshan Campus Architecture
Pritzker Prize-winning architect Wang Shu designed a landscape of courtyards, tiled roofs and studios against Xiangshan hill.
Nanshan Beside West Lake
The historic Nanshan campus places studios and exhibitions beside West Lake and Hangzhou’s central cultural institutions.
Liangzhu Design Campus
A purpose-built campus supports innovative design, craft, industry collaboration and cross-disciplinary project development.
International Accommodation
Dormitory arrangements are coordinated through the International College and confirmed before September registration.
Exhibitions And Critiques
Degree shows, museum exhibitions, open studios and visiting-artist critiques make public presentation part of everyday learning.
Studio Community
Painting, calligraphy, film, animation, architecture and design students share workshops, lectures and interdisciplinary creative events.
Gallery
Campus Gallery
A visual tour of China Academy of Art.
Research & Innovation
Research Strengths
Research capacity and innovation ecosystem at China Academy of Art.
Chinese Painting & Calligraphy
Research joins classical materials, connoisseurship and visual philosophy with contemporary practice in China’s signature art traditions.
Intermedia Art
The School of Intermedia Art combines installation, moving image, sound, computation and social inquiry across experimental practices.
Digital Art & Virtual Technology
A joint laboratory with Zhejiang Television and Tencent explores virtual production, digital art and emerging media workflows.
Architecture & Urbanism
Research addresses Chinese spatial traditions, urban design, landscape, construction and the conservation of historic buildings.
Design Innovation
International and industry partnerships connect product, visual, fashion and service design with changing social needs.
Art History & Theory
Scholars study Chinese visual culture, global modernism, curatorial practice and the intellectual foundations of contemporary art.
Career Outcomes
Graduate Outcomes
Where a degree from China Academy of Art can take you after graduation.
Independent Studio Practice
Graduates develop professional portfolios for careers as artists, calligraphers, illustrators, photographers and interdisciplinary creators.
Museums & Cultural Institutions
Art history, theory and studio training support roles in museums, galleries, archives, biennials and public cultural programs.
Creative Industry Roles
Design graduates enter branding, product, fashion, interaction, animation, film and digital-content teams across creative industries.
Architecture & Urban Design
Architecture pathways lead toward professional practice in buildings, landscapes, urban environments and heritage conservation.
Academic Progression
Research-led training prepares graduates for advanced degrees, arts education and specialist scholarship in China or abroad.
Yangtze Delta Network
Hangzhou and Shanghai campuses connect students with studios, technology companies, museums and design organizations across the region.
Student Support
International Student Support
How China Academy of Art helps international students settle in and succeed.
Accommodation Coordination
The International College publishes room arrangements and registration instructions before the September arrival period.
Residence Permit
Staff guide students from X1 visa entry through local registration and residence-permit procedures.
Arrival Orientation
New students receive guidance on registration, studios, campus services, insurance and daily life in Hangzhou.
Academic Advising
Program tutors support course planning, studio expectations, research direction and degree-progress requirements.
Chinese Language Programs
Dedicated Chinese courses help students prepare for degree study and strengthen communication in critiques and daily life.
Insurance & Health Guidance
Annual comprehensive insurance is included in degree tuition, with guidance on examinations and local medical services.
Student Safety Support
Campus security and International College contacts help international students respond to urgent situations.
Visa Guidance
Support covers admission documents, X1 visa preparation, residence procedures and required status updates.
International Community
Cross-cultural exhibitions, workshops and campus events connect overseas students with classmates across creative disciplines.
Timeline
Application Timeline
Key dates and milestones for applying to China Academy of Art.
- December – January
Prepare Your Application
Confirm the annual program catalog and assemble transcripts, language evidence, study plan and portfolio materials.
- By February 28, 2026
Master’s & CSC Deadline
Submit Chinese-taught master’s and Chinese Government Scholarship Category B applications through the international student system.
- March – April
Complete Portfolio Review
Bachelor’s applicants finalize professional materials and monitor the application system for review or interview notices.
- By April 30, 2026
Bachelor’s Deadline
Complete the online application for a 2026 Chinese-taught undergraduate program and upload the fee receipt.
- By May 1, 2026
Chinese Doctoral Deadline
Chinese-taught doctoral applicants submit research materials, recommendations, portfolio and language evidence.
- By June 20, 2026
English Doctoral Deadline
Final date for the 2026 English-taught doctoral route in Art Studies, Design Studies and professional disciplines.
- June – July
Interviews & Results
CAA conducts online assessments and issues admission outcomes; documents become available in mid-to-late July.
- September
Arrival & Registration
Apply for the X1 visa, travel to Hangzhou, verify original documents and complete university registration.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions international students ask most about China Academy of Art.
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