China’s No.1 In Agriculture
Ranked first nationally in agricultural science, with Double First Class status across its core agricultural disciplines.
Beijing, ChinaQS #477
China Agricultural University
China’s agricultural university — feeding a nation through science since 1905
China Agricultural University (CAU) traces its origins to the College of Agriculture of the Imperial University of Peking, founded in 1905, and took its present form in 1995 through the merger of Beijing Agricultural University and Beijing Agricultural Engineering University. Directly administered by the Ministry of Education, it is a 985, 211 and Double First Class university and is consistently ranked first in China for agricultural science, with agriculture, plant and animal science, food science and biotechnology among its globally ranked subjects. CAU hosts the State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, the State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and the State Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, and operates the East Campus on Qinghua East Road and the West Campus near Yuanmingyuan in Haidian District, alongside experimental stations across China. For international students targeting agricultural engineering, veterinary medicine, food safety, agribusiness, environmental science or plant and animal genetics, CAU combines the highest disciplinary standing in its field with undergraduate tuition of about CNY 20,000 per year and a community of more than 1,500 international students.
Project 985Project 211Double First-Class
- QS World Ranking
- #477
- Location
- Beijing, China
- Founded
- 1905
- International Students
- 1,500+
- Teaching Language
- English / Chinese
- Tuition
- CNY 20,000 - 30,000 / year
- Intake
- September
- Application Deadline
- May 31
Why Choose
Why Choose China Agricultural University
Key reasons international students choose China Agricultural University for their studies in China.
Three National Key Laboratories
State key labs in agrobiotechnology, animal nutrition and plant physiology drive its research at national level.
Leading Veterinary Medicine School
China’s strongest veterinary program, with a teaching hospital and national animal-disease research centres.
Food Science And Safety Focus
Globally ranked food science and nutrition research addressing food safety, processing and supply-chain technology.
Global Agri-Food Partnerships
Joint programs and field research with Wageningen, UC Davis, Cornell and international agricultural organisations.
Affordable 985 Tuition
Undergraduate tuition near CNY 20,000 per year makes CAU one of Beijing’s most affordable 985 universities.
Rankings & Recognition
Academic Reputation
National designations and world rankings that signal academic strength and prestige.
QS World University Ranking#477
China National Ranking#24
National Designations
Project 985Project 211Double First-Class
Programs
Programs for International Students
Explore the degree programs and academic strengths available to international students at China Agricultural University.
Agricultural Engineering
BachelorLanguage: English
Duration: 4 years
Tuition: CNY 20,000 / year
Intake: September
Scholarship: CAU International Student Scholarship eligible
Food Science & Engineering
BachelorLanguage: English
Duration: 4 years
Tuition: CNY 20,000 / year
Intake: September
Scholarship: Beijing Government Scholarship eligible
Economics & Trade (Agribusiness)
BachelorLanguage: English
Duration: 4 years
Tuition: CNY 20,000 / year
Intake: September
Scholarship: CAU International Student Scholarship eligible
Agricultural Science & Technology
MasterLanguage: English
Duration: 3 years
Tuition: CNY 26,000 / year
Intake: September
Scholarship: CSC full scholarship eligible
Veterinary Medicine
MasterLanguage: English
Duration: 3 years
Tuition: CNY 26,000 / year
Intake: September
Scholarship: CSC full scholarship eligible
Agrobiotechnology
DoctorLanguage: English
Duration: 4 years
Tuition: CNY 30,000 / year
Intake: September
Scholarship: CSC full scholarship eligible
Admission
Admission Requirements
What you need to apply to China Agricultural University as an international student.
- Academic RequirementsHigh school diploma with solid results in mathematics, biology or chemistry for bachelor’s; a relevant bachelor’s or master’s degree for graduate programs.
- Language RequirementsEnglish-taught: IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL 90, or a previous degree taught in English. Chinese-taught: HSK Level 4–5 depending on the program.
- Assessment & InterviewApplications are reviewed by the receiving college; shortlisted graduate applicants attend an online academic interview and undergraduates may sit a written test.
- Required DocumentsPassport, transcripts, graduation certificate, study plan or research proposal, language certificate, two recommendation letters and a non-criminal record certificate.
- Application DeadlineCSC scholarship applicants: February 28. Self-funded and other scholarship applicants: May 31.
- Application FeeCNY 400, non-refundable, paid through the online application system.
- Medical ExaminationA Foreigner Physical Examination Form is required after admission and re-checked in Beijing after arrival.
- Visa DocumentsCAU issues the JW201 or JW202 form with the Admission Notice so you can apply for an X1 student visa at a Chinese embassy.
Tuition & Scholarships
Costs & Funding
Transparent tuition, living costs and scholarship options for international students.
Cost Breakdown
- Annual Tuition
- CNY 20,000 - 30,000 / year
- Accommodation
- CNY 900 – 1,800 / monthOn-campus international dormitory
- Application Fee
- CNY 400 (one-time)
- Medical Insurance
- CNY 800 / yearCompulsory comprehensive insurance for international students
- Estimated Living Cost
- CNY 2,200 – 3,800 / monthMeals, transport & personal expenses
Estimated First-Year CostCNY 55,000 – 90,000
Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC)
Coverage: Full tuition, on-campus accommodation, monthly stipend and comprehensive insurance.
Eligibility: Outstanding non-Chinese applicants for master’s or doctoral degrees at CAU.
Deadline: February 28
CAU International Student Scholarship
Coverage: Full or partial tuition award for high-achieving degree-seeking students.
Eligibility: Admitted undergraduate and graduate applicants with strong academic records.
Deadline: May 31
Beijing Government Scholarship
Coverage: Partial tuition award for degree-seeking international students studying in Beijing.
Eligibility: Admitted or enrolled international students with strong academic performance.
Deadline: May 31
CAU Excellent Student Award
Coverage: Annual merit award recognising academic results and campus contribution.
Eligibility: Enrolled self-funded international students after their first year of study.
Deadline: Announced annually
Campus Life
Life on Campus
What daily student life looks like at China Agricultural University.
International Dormitories
On-campus residences on the East and West campuses with single and double rooms for international students.
Affordable Campus Canteens
Multiple dining halls known for low prices and regional Chinese menus, plus halal dining options.
Working Farms And Greenhouses
Teaching farms, greenhouses and experimental plots on campus let students work with real crops and livestock.
Agricultural Science Library
One of China’s deepest agricultural literature collections alongside major international research databases.
Green Campus And Sports
Tree-lined campuses with stadium, gymnasium, courts and one of Beijing’s greenest student environments.
Haidian University District
Located beside Tsinghua and Peking universities, with subway links to central Beijing and Zhongguancun.
Gallery
Campus Gallery
A visual tour of China Agricultural University.
Research & Innovation
Research Strengths
Research capacity and innovation ecosystem at China Agricultural University.
Agrobiotechnology State Key Lab
National laboratory advancing crop genetics, molecular breeding and gene-editing for food security.
Animal Nutrition Research
The State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition leads China’s work on feed science and livestock productivity.
Animal Disease Control
Veterinary research centres on epidemiology, vaccines and zoonotic disease surveillance across China.
Food Safety And Processing
Research in food processing, nutrition and detection technology supporting national food safety standards.
Smart Agriculture Engineering
Precision farming, agricultural robotics, remote sensing and irrigation engineering for modern agriculture.
International Field Research
Joint field projects with partner universities and FAO-linked programs in Asia, Africa and Europe.
Career Outcomes
Graduate Outcomes
Where a degree from China Agricultural University can take you after graduation.
Agri-Food Industry Employers
Graduates join seed, feed, food processing and agricultural technology companies across China and Asia.
Veterinary And Animal Health
Careers in veterinary clinics, animal health companies, biosecurity agencies and livestock enterprises.
Food Safety And Regulation
Roles in food safety testing, quality assurance, certification bodies and public regulatory agencies.
International Development Roles
Alumni work with agricultural ministries, development agencies and international food organisations.
Research & Doctoral Pathways
Strong progression to doctoral study at CAU, the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences and abroad.
Agricultural Alumni Network
Alumni hold senior positions across China’s agricultural institutes, agencies and agribusiness groups.
Student Support
International Student Support
How China Agricultural 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, campus systems, safety, banking and daily life in Beijing.
Academic Advising
College-level advisors and supervisors support course selection, credit planning and lab placement.
Chinese Language Support
Mandarin courses for English-track students, plus preparatory Chinese programs for degree entry.
Health Services
Campus clinic access, compulsory insurance enrolment and help with referrals to Beijing hospitals.
Emergency Assistance
Round-the-clock campus security and international office contacts for urgent situations.
Visa Guidance
Support with JW forms, visa renewals, exit-entry procedures and travel documentation.
Student Community
International student associations, national societies and cultural festivals across the campuses.
Timeline
Application Timeline
Key dates and milestones for applying to China Agricultural University.
- November – December
Applications Open
The CAU international student online application system opens for the September intake.
- By February 28
CSC Scholarship Deadline
Submit your application and supporting documents to be considered for Chinese Government Scholarship nomination.
- March – May
College Review & Interview
Receiving colleges assess academic fit; shortlisted applicants attend an online interview or written test.
- By May 31
Self-Funded Deadline
Final date for self-funded and university scholarship applicants to complete their application.
- June – July
Admission Results
Successful candidates receive Admission Notices together with scholarship decisions.
- July
JW Form & Visa Documents Issued
CAU sends your Admission Notice and JW201 or JW202 form so you can begin your 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 your dormitory, register, complete the medical check—then classes begin.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions international students ask most about China Agricultural University.
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