Teacher Education Leader
One of China's national normal universities, offering a clear academic pathway into education and teaching research.
Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
Shaanxi Normal University
A leading teacher-training university in China's historic heartland
Founded in 1944, Shaanxi Normal University is a national 211 and Double First Class university with campuses in Xi'an. As one of China's key normal universities, it is especially suited to international students interested in education, Chinese language and literature, history, psychology, public administration and the social sciences. Its location in the ancient capital of China adds exceptional context for students studying Chinese culture, while its teacher-education heritage provides a focused academic community and comparatively accessible study costs.
Project 211Double First-Class
- Location
- Xi'an, China
- Founded
- 1944
- International Students
- 600+
- Teaching Language
- English / Chinese
- Tuition
- CNY 18,000 - 30,000 / year
- Intake
- September
- Application Deadline
- June 30
Why Choose
Why Choose Shaanxi Normal University
Key reasons international students choose Shaanxi Normal University for their studies in China.
Chinese Studies Depth
Study Chinese language, literature and history in Xi'an, a living centre of Chinese civilisation and culture.
Ancient Capital Setting
Gain daily access to museums, heritage sites and cultural resources that enrich China-focused academic work.
Research University Status
Its 211 and Double First Class status supports research-led postgraduate study across humanities and sciences.
Education Research Strength
Specialist schools and research centres connect classroom practice with educational policy, psychology and technology.
Accessible Xi'an Base
Lower living costs and a large student population make Xi'an a practical base for international study.
Rankings & Recognition
Academic Reputation
National designations and world rankings that signal academic strength and prestige.
China National Ranking#63
National Designations
Project 211Double First-Class
Programs
Programs for International Students
Explore the degree programs and academic strengths available to international students at Shaanxi Normal University.
Chinese Language
BachelorLanguage: Chinese
Duration: 4 years
Tuition: CNY 18,000 / year
Intake: September
Scholarship: Chinese Government Scholarship eligible
Education
BachelorLanguage: Chinese
Duration: 4 years
Tuition: CNY 18,000 / year
Intake: September
Scholarship: University scholarship eligible
Teaching Chinese to Speakers of Other Languages
MasterLanguage: Chinese
Duration: 3 years
Tuition: CNY 24,000 / year
Intake: September
Scholarship: CSC scholarship eligible
Chinese Language and Literature
MasterLanguage: Chinese
Duration: 3 years
Tuition: CNY 24,000 / year
Intake: September
Scholarship: CSC scholarship eligible
Education
DoctorLanguage: Chinese
Duration: 4 years
Tuition: CNY 30,000 / year
Intake: September
Scholarship: CSC scholarship eligible
Admission
Admission Requirements
What you need to apply to Shaanxi Normal 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 programs generally require the HSK level specified by the program. English-taught programs require accepted English proficiency evidence.
- 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; 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 18,000 - 30,000 / 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 42,000 – 70,000
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: Check the annual scholarship call
International Chinese Language Teacher Scholarship
Coverage: Support for eligible Chinese language and teacher-training study.
Eligibility: Applicants meeting the annual language and academic requirements.
Deadline: Varies by scholarship route
Shaanxi Normal University Scholarships
Coverage: University-funded awards may provide tuition support or other study assistance.
Eligibility: Strong applicants and enrolled students meeting university criteria.
Deadline: Varies by program
Campus Life
Life on Campus
What daily student life looks like at Shaanxi Normal University.
Historic Xi’an Setting
Study near the city wall, museums, the Bell Tower and the archaeological landscape of Shaanxi.
Teaching-Focused Community
A normal-university campus brings together future teachers, education researchers and students from many disciplines.
International Community
Student associations, language exchange and cultural events help international students build campus connections.
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 Shaanxi Normal University.
Research & Innovation
Research Strengths
Research capacity and innovation ecosystem at Shaanxi Normal University.
Education Sciences
Research spans teacher education, curriculum, educational policy, learning sciences and education technology.
Chinese Language Research
Scholars investigate Chinese language, literature, linguistics and methods for teaching Chinese internationally.
History And Heritage
Xi’an provides an exceptional setting for research into ancient China, regional history and cultural heritage.
Psychology And Learning
Research connects psychology, learning development and student wellbeing with educational practice.
International Education
International collaboration supports comparative education and cross-cultural teacher-training research.
Interdisciplinary Scholarship
Normal-university research extends into mathematics, chemistry, biology, geography and information science.
Career Outcomes
Graduate Outcomes
Where a degree from Shaanxi Normal University can take you after graduation.
Education Careers
Graduates can pursue schools, universities, education agencies, curriculum design and teaching research.
Chinese Language Pathways
Chinese studies support careers in teaching, translation, cultural exchange and international organisations.
Culture And Heritage
History and heritage graduates can work with museums, cultural institutions, tourism and conservation.
Public Sector Roles
Social science training supports careers in administration, policy, community services and non-government organisations.
Further Study
Research-led programs prepare graduates for doctoral study and academic careers in China and overseas.
Alumni Network
A national teacher-education network creates connections across schools, universities and education organisations.
Student Support
International Student Support
How Shaanxi Normal 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 Shaanxi Normal University.
- December – January
Applications Open
Review the 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 Shaanxi Normal 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
Aeronautics, Marine Engineering, Materials Science
English / Chinese
Competitive
CNY 25,000 - 38,000 / year
QS #851
Xidian University
Project 211Double First-Class
Electronic Information Engineering, Computer Science, Cybersecurity
English / Chinese
Competitive
CNY 20,000 - 30,000 / year
Take the First Step
Ready to Apply to Shaanxi Normal University?
Get a free academic assessment and our admissions team will confirm your eligibility, shortlist the best programs for your profile and guide you through every step of your application to Shaanxi Normal University.