Double First Class Mathematics
Mathematics selected for national Double First Class construction in both the 2017 and 2022 rounds.
Beijing, China
Capital Normal University
Beijing’s teaching university — training China’s educators since 1954
Founded in 1954 as Beijing Normal College, Capital Normal University (CNU) is the leading comprehensive university directly administered by the Beijing Municipal Government and a Double First Class institution for Mathematics, a discipline confirmed in both the 2017 and 2022 national construction rounds. Its School of Mathematical Sciences hosts the Beijing branch of the National Center for Applied Mathematics, with recognised research in geometry, topology and number theory. CNU is best known internationally for teacher education and for Teaching Chinese to Speakers of Other Languages (TCSOL) — it is one of China’s largest training bases for Chinese-language teachers and a long-standing Confucius Institute partner. For international students, the practical appeal is a Beijing degree at municipal-university tuition levels, structured Chinese-language pathways from beginner to degree entry, and lower admission thresholds than the capital’s 985 universities, delivered across the Beisanhuan main campus and neighbouring Haidian campuses.
Double First-Class
- Location
- Beijing, China
- Founded
- 1954
- International Students
- 1,000+
- Teaching Language
- Chinese / English
- Tuition
- CNY 23,600 - 41,000 / year
- Intake
- September
- Application Deadline
- June 30, 2026
Why Choose
Why Choose Capital Normal University
Key reasons international students choose Capital Normal University for their studies in China.
Leading TCSOL Training Base
One of China’s largest training centres for teachers of Chinese as a foreign language, with Confucius Institute partnerships.
Beijing’s Municipal Normal University
Directly administered by the Beijing Municipal Government, supplying a large share of the capital’s schoolteachers.
National Applied Mathematics Centre
Hosts the Beijing arm of the National Center for Applied Mathematics, rare for a non-985 university.
Accessible Beijing Tuition
Municipal-level fees from CNY 23,600 per year make a capital-city degree affordable for self-funded students.
Structured Chinese Pathways
Long- and short-term language programs progress beginners to HSK 4 and full degree admission.
Rankings & Recognition
Academic Reputation
National designations and world rankings that signal academic strength and prestige.
China National Ranking#100
National Designations
Double First-Class
Programs
Programs for International Students
Explore the degree programs and academic strengths available to international students at Capital Normal University.
Chinese Language Program
LanguageLanguage: Chinese
Duration: 1 - 2 years
Tuition: CNY 19,600 / year
Intake: September & March
Scholarship: Confucius Institute Scholarship eligible
Chinese Language & Literature
BachelorLanguage: Chinese
Duration: 4 years
Tuition: CNY 23,600 / year
Intake: September
Scholarship: Beijing Government Scholarship eligible
Mathematics & Applied Mathematics
BachelorLanguage: Chinese
Duration: 4 years
Tuition: CNY 27,600 / year
Intake: September
Scholarship: Beijing Government Scholarship eligible
English Language & Literature
BachelorLanguage: English
Duration: 4 years
Tuition: CNY 29,000 / year
Intake: September
Scholarship: Beijing Government Scholarship eligible
Teaching Chinese to Speakers of Other Languages
MasterLanguage: Chinese
Duration: 3 years
Tuition: CNY 27,600 / year
Intake: September
Scholarship: International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarship eligible
Mathematics
DoctorLanguage: Chinese
Duration: 3 - 4 years
Tuition: CNY 31,600 / year
Intake: September
Scholarship: CSC full scholarship eligible
Admission
Admission Requirements
What you need to apply to Capital Normal University as an international student.
- Academic RequirementsHigh school diploma with transcripts for bachelor’s programs; a relevant bachelor’s degree for master’s and a master’s degree for doctoral study.
- Language RequirementsChinese-taught degrees require HSK Level 4 or above, with HSK 5 for Chinese language, literature and some humanities majors. English-taught programs require IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL 80.
- Age & HealthApplicants must be non-Chinese citizens in good health, generally aged 18–25 for bachelor’s, under 35 for master’s and under 40 for doctoral programs.
- Required DocumentsPassport, transcripts, graduation certificate, HSK or English certificate, study plan, two recommendation letters for graduate applicants and a non-criminal record certificate.
- Application DeadlineJune 30, 2026 for the September intake; scholarship applicants should submit earlier.
- Application FeeCNY 450 for language and bachelor’s applicants, CNY 800 for master’s and doctoral applicants, non-refundable.
- Medical ExaminationA Foreigner Physical Examination Form is required, with a re-check at a Beijing designated hospital after arrival.
- Visa DocumentsCNU issues the JW202 form and Admission Notice for your X1 student visa application at a Chinese embassy or consulate.
Tuition & Scholarships
Costs & Funding
Transparent tuition, living costs and scholarship options for international students.
Cost Breakdown
- Annual Tuition
- CNY 23,600 - 41,000 / year
- Accommodation
- CNY 1,200 – 2,400 / monthOn-campus international student dormitory
- Application Fee
- CNY 450 – 800 (one-time)Higher fee applies to graduate applicants
- Medical Insurance
- CNY 800 / yearCompulsory comprehensive insurance for international students
- Estimated Living Cost
- CNY 2,200 – 3,500 / monthMeals, transport & personal expenses
Estimated First-Year CostCNY 55,000 – 85,000
Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC)
Coverage: Full tuition, on-campus accommodation, monthly stipend and comprehensive insurance.
Eligibility: Outstanding international applicants for master’s or doctoral degrees at CNU.
Deadline: Varies by embassy or agency channel, generally April
International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarship
Coverage: Tuition, accommodation, monthly stipend and insurance for Chinese language and TCSOL study.
Eligibility: Applicants for Chinese language or TCSOL programs, usually recommended by a Confucius Institute or HSK test centre.
Deadline: May 20
Beijing Government Scholarship
Coverage: Partial tuition award for degree-seeking international students in Beijing.
Eligibility: Admitted or enrolled degree students with strong academic records at CNU.
Deadline: June 30
CNU International Student Scholarship
Coverage: Partial tuition and merit awards renewed annually on academic performance.
Eligibility: Self-funded degree students maintaining excellent grades, attendance and conduct.
Deadline: June 30
Campus Life
Life on Campus
What daily student life looks like at Capital Normal University.
Beisanhuan Main Campus
The main campus on Beisanhuan West Road sits in Haidian District, close to subway lines and student districts.
International Dormitories
On-campus residences for international students with single and double rooms and shared kitchens.
Language Partner Culture
Large TCSOL student body creates constant Chinese-Mandarin exchange and tandem language practice.
Arts And Music Faculties
Schools of music, fine arts and dance run public performances and exhibitions open to all students.
Campus Sports Facilities
Gymnasium, stadium, indoor courts and student sports clubs across the main and Haidian campuses.
Haidian Student District
Surrounded by Beijing’s university belt with affordable food, bookshops and fast subway access downtown.
Gallery
Campus Gallery
A visual tour of Capital Normal University.
Research & Innovation
Research Strengths
Research capacity and innovation ecosystem at Capital Normal University.
Applied Mathematics Centre
Beijing branch of the National Center for Applied Mathematics, linking pure theory to industry problems.
Geometry, Topology & Number Theory
Established research groups in geometry, topology and number theory with international publication records.
Chinese Language Acquisition Research
Research on second-language Chinese acquisition, teaching methodology and international curriculum design.
Chinese History And Classics
Strong research in ancient Chinese history, palaeography, unearthed documents and classical literature.
Education Policy Studies
Basic-education and teacher-development research informing Beijing municipal schooling policy and practice.
Information Engineering Labs
Work in remote sensing, geographic information systems, electronics and educational technology applications.
Career Outcomes
Graduate Outcomes
Where a degree from Capital Normal University can take you after graduation.
Teaching And Education Careers
Graduates enter schools, international schools, language centres and education companies across Asia.
Chinese Teaching Abroad
TCSOL graduates teach Mandarin at Confucius Institutes, universities and schools in their home countries.
Translation And Culture Work
Chinese-language graduates work in translation, media, publishing, tourism and cultural exchange roles.
Mathematics And Data Roles
Mathematics graduates move into data analysis, actuarial work, finance and technology positions.
Doctoral Study Pathways
Master’s graduates progress to doctoral programs at CNU or other Chinese and overseas universities.
Education Alumni Network
Alumni lead schools and education bureaus across Beijing, giving graduates practical hiring contacts.
Student Support
International Student Support
How Capital Normal University helps international students settle in and succeed.
Accommodation Assistance
Help reserving an on-campus international dormitory room or nearby housing before you arrive in Beijing.
Residence Permit
Guided assistance converting your X1 visa into a residence permit within 30 days of arrival.
Orientation
Orientation covers registration, course systems, banking, safety and settling into life in Beijing.
Academic Advising
College of International Education advisors support course selection, credits and graduation planning.
Chinese Language Support
Preparatory and supplementary Mandarin courses plus HSK preparation for degree-track entry.
Health Services
Campus clinic access, mandatory insurance enrolment and referrals to Beijing hospitals.
Emergency Assistance
Campus security and international office contacts available for urgent situations.
Visa Guidance
Support with JW202 forms, visa renewals, exit-entry procedures and travel documentation.
Student Community
International student associations, cultural festivals and language exchange events on campus.
Timeline
Application Timeline
Key dates and milestones for applying to Capital Normal University.
- January – February
Applications Open
The CNU College of International Education online application system opens for the September intake.
- February – April
Prepare Documents & HSK
Gather transcripts and certificates and sit the HSK test needed for your chosen degree program.
- April – May
Scholarship Applications
Submit CSC, International Chinese Language Teachers and Beijing Government Scholarship applications.
- By June 30
Application Deadline
Final date to complete your application, upload documents and pay the application fee.
- June – July
Review & Interview
Departments review applications and may hold an online interview for degree-program applicants.
- July
Admission & JW202 Issued
Successful applicants receive the Admission Notice and JW202 form for their visa application.
- July – August
Apply For X1 Visa
Apply for your X1 student visa at the Chinese embassy or consulate in your home country.
- Early September
Arrival & Registration
Arrive in Beijing, move into the dormitory, register, complete the medical check—then classes begin.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions international students ask most about Capital Normal University.
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