Archaeology In Xi’an
Study archaeology beside China's imperial capital, with access to exceptional Shaanxi heritage collections and fieldwork.
Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
Northwest University
China's historic university for archaeology, science and Chinese studies
Founded in 1902, Northwest University is one of China's oldest modern institutions of higher education and a Double First Class university based in Xi'an, the former capital at the heart of Chinese civilisation. Its international profile is anchored by nationally recognised archaeology and Chinese language and literature, alongside strong chemistry, economics, geology, biology and information science. International students benefit from a comparatively affordable city, direct access to the museums and heritage sites of Shaanxi, and a research environment that connects China's past with contemporary science.
Project 211Double First-Class
- Location
- Xi'an, China
- Founded
- 1902
- International Students
- 600+
- Teaching Language
- English / Chinese
- Tuition
- CNY 16,000 - 24,000 / year
- Intake
- September
- Application Deadline
- June 30
Why Choose
Why Choose Northwest University
Key reasons international students choose Northwest University for their studies in China.
Chinese Studies Depth
A long-established humanities tradition supports serious Chinese language, literature, history and culture study.
Chemistry Excellence
Nationally recognised chemistry and materials research gives science students strong laboratory and postgraduate pathways.
Affordable Xi’an Base
Enjoy lower living costs than China's coastal megacities while studying in a major international student city.
Northwest China Gateway
Xi’an provides a practical base for exploring Silk Road history, western China and diverse regional cultures.
Broad Academic Choice
A comprehensive university combines economics, science, engineering, medicine, law and humanities under one campus community.
Rankings & Recognition
Academic Reputation
National designations and world rankings that signal academic strength and prestige.
China National Ranking#70
National Designations
Project 211Double First-Class
Programs
Programs for International Students
Explore the degree programs and academic strengths available to international students at Northwest University.
Chinese Language
BachelorLanguage: Chinese
Duration: 4 years
Tuition: CNY 16,000 / year
Intake: September
Scholarship: Chinese Government Scholarship eligible
International Economics and Trade
BachelorLanguage: Chinese
Duration: 4 years
Tuition: CNY 16,000 / year
Intake: September
Scholarship: Shaanxi Government Scholarship eligible
Archaeology
MasterLanguage: Chinese
Duration: 3 years
Tuition: CNY 20,000 / year
Intake: September
Scholarship: CSC scholarship eligible
Chemistry
MasterLanguage: English
Duration: 3 years
Tuition: CNY 24,000 / year
Intake: September
Scholarship: CSC scholarship eligible
Chinese Language and Literature
DoctorLanguage: Chinese
Duration: 4 years
Tuition: CNY 24,000 / year
Intake: September
Scholarship: CSC scholarship eligible
Admission
Admission Requirements
What you need to apply to Northwest University as an international student.
- Academic RequirementsA recognised high school diploma is required for bachelor’s study; graduate applicants need a relevant bachelor’s or master’s degree.
- Language RequirementsChinese-taught degrees generally require HSK certification, while English-taught programs require an accepted English proficiency certificate or equivalent proof.
- Required DocumentsPassport, academic certificates and transcripts, language certificate, study plan, recommendation letters and physical examination form.
- Application DeadlineMost September-intake applications close around June 30; always confirm the current program notice before applying.
- Application FeeThe application fee varies by intake and program; check the current international admissions notice before payment.
- Visa DocumentsSuccessful students receive the Admission Notice and JW201 or JW202 documents for the X1 student visa application.
Tuition & Scholarships
Costs & Funding
Transparent tuition, living costs and scholarship options for international students.
Cost Breakdown
- Annual Tuition
- CNY 16,000 - 24,000 / year
- Accommodation
- CNY 6,000 – 12,000 / yearInternational student dormitory, subject to room type and availability
- Application Fee
- CNY 400 – 800 (one-time)Confirm the amount in the current admissions notice
- Medical Insurance
- About CNY 800 / yearRequired for international students
- Estimated Living Cost
- CNY 1,800 – 3,000 / monthMeals, transport and personal expenses in Xi’an
Estimated First-Year CostCNY 40,000 – 65,000
Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC)
Coverage: May cover tuition, accommodation, insurance and provide a monthly stipend.
Eligibility: Qualified international applicants for eligible master’s and doctoral programs.
Deadline: Usually before the university self-funded deadline
Shaanxi Provincial Government Scholarship
Coverage: Tuition support according to the annual scholarship scheme.
Eligibility: International students admitted to participating degree programs.
Deadline: Check the annual call for applications
Northwest University Scholarships
Coverage: University-funded awards may provide partial tuition or other study support.
Eligibility: Strong applicants and enrolled students meeting the university criteria.
Deadline: Varies by program
Campus Life
Life on Campus
What daily student life looks like at Northwest University.
Heritage City Campus
Study in Xi’an, close to the city wall, museums, the Bell Tower and the archaeological landscape of Shaanxi.
Humanities Collections
Libraries and specialist collections support research in archaeology, history, literature and regional studies.
International Community
Student associations, language exchange and cultural events help international students build friendships across campus.
Accessible Daily Life
Campus dining, public transport and neighbourhood services make Xi’an a practical student city.
Sports Facilities
Sports grounds, courts and student clubs provide regular options for fitness and recreation.
Shaanxi Exploration
Weekend travel can include the Qinling Mountains, ancient towns and major Silk Road heritage sites.
Gallery
Campus Gallery
A visual tour of Northwest University.
Research & Innovation
Research Strengths
Research capacity and innovation ecosystem at Northwest University.
Archaeology And Heritage
Northwest University is nationally recognised for archaeology, cultural heritage and the study of ancient China.
Chemistry Research
Chemistry teams work across molecular science, materials, catalysis and related laboratory disciplines.
Geology And Resources
Research addresses geology, energy resources and environmental questions important to western China.
Life Sciences
Biology and ecology research reflects the distinctive environments and biodiversity of northwest China.
Economics And Policy
Economics scholars study regional development, trade and the transformation of western China.
Silk Road Collaboration
International research networks connect the university with scholars and institutions across Eurasia.
Career Outcomes
Graduate Outcomes
Where a degree from Northwest University can take you after graduation.
Heritage Careers
Archaeology and heritage graduates can pursue museums, cultural institutions, research and conservation.
Science And Industry
Chemistry, biology and materials graduates enter laboratories, manufacturing and research organisations.
Business Pathways
Economics and trade graduates develop careers in companies, finance, public policy and international commerce.
Further Study
Research-led programs provide preparation for doctoral study in China and overseas.
China Expertise
Chinese language and culture graduates support education, translation, tourism and cross-border organisations.
Alumni Network
A comprehensive university community creates connections across academia, government, industry and cultural sectors.
Student Support
International Student Support
How Northwest University helps international students settle in and succeed.
Accommodation Assistance
International offices help students understand dormitory applications and arrival procedures.
Orientation
New students receive guidance on registration, campus systems, safety and life in Xi’an.
Academic Advising
Program staff support course planning, academic progress and research supervision.
Chinese Language Support
Language programs help degree students build practical Mandarin for study and daily life.
Visa Guidance
The international office provides support with residence permits, renewals and official documents.
Health Services
Students receive assistance with insurance enrolment, medical checks and local healthcare access.
Student Associations
Clubs and cultural activities create opportunities to meet Chinese and international classmates.
Timeline
Application Timeline
Key dates and milestones for applying to Northwest University.
- December – January
Applications Open
Review the new September-intake program catalogue and prepare your documents.
- January – May
Prepare Documents
Arrange certified academic records, language evidence, recommendations and your study plan.
- By June 30
Submit Application
Complete the online application and scholarship materials before the relevant deadline.
- June – July
Admissions Review
The university reviews academic documents and issues admission and scholarship decisions.
- July – August
Visa Preparation
Use the Admission Notice and JW documents to apply for your X1 visa.
- Early September
Arrival And Registration
Arrive in Xi’an, complete registration and settle into campus accommodation.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions international students ask most about Northwest University.
Explore More
Other Universities in Xi'an
Compare Xi'an's leading universities to find your best match.
QS #296
Xi'an Jiaotong University
C9 LeagueProject 985Project 211
Mechanical Engineering, Energy & Power Engineering, Electrical Engineering
English / Chinese
Most Competitive
CNY 23,000 - 33,000 / year
QS #425
Northwestern Polytechnical University
Project 985Project 211Double First-Class
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Competitive
CNY 25,000 - 38,000 / year
QS #851
Xidian University
Project 211Double First-Class
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English / Chinese
Competitive
CNY 20,000 - 30,000 / year
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