China’s Top Law University
Ranked first among China’s political science and law universities, with the country’s deepest concentration of legal scholarship.
Beijing, China
China University of Political Science and Law
China’s law university — training the nation’s jurists since 1952
Founded in 1952 as Beijing College of Political Science and Law from the law faculties of Peking University, Tsinghua University, Yenching University and Fu Jen Catholic University, China University of Political Science and Law (CUPL) took its present name in 1983 and is directly administered by the Ministry of Education. It is a 211 Project university and a Double First Class institution whose Law discipline is on the national construction list, and it ranks first among China’s political science and law universities in the 2026 national category ranking. CUPL operates the Haidian campus on Xitucheng Road for graduate study and the larger Changping campus for undergraduates, and comprises 18 schools and departments together with 15 university-level research institutes. Its faculty have contributed to major national legislation, including the Civil Code, and the university maintains partnerships with 173 universities and institutions in 44 countries, among them the China-EU School of Law. With more than 1,000 international students, CUPL suits those who want to study Chinese law, international law, political science or China-related governance at the country’s most focused legal institution.
Project 211Double First-Class
- Location
- Beijing, China
- Founded
- 1952
- International Students
- 1,000+
- Teaching Language
- Chinese / English
- Tuition
- CNY 15,000 - 87,000 / year
- Intake
- September
- Application Deadline
- May 15, 2026
Why Choose
Why Choose China University of Political Science and Law
Key reasons international students choose China University of Political Science and Law for their studies in China.
Double First Class Law Discipline
Law is a national Double First Class discipline, giving students access to state-priority funding and faculty.
China-EU School Of Law
A joint institute with a European university consortium delivering comparative Chinese and European legal education.
National Legislative Influence
Faculty advise on major Chinese legislation, including the Civil Code, so teaching tracks live law reform.
English-Taught International Law LLM
A two-year LL.M in International Law taught entirely in English for students without Chinese proficiency.
Beijing Legal Sector Access
Located in the capital beside ministries, courts, arbitration bodies and leading international law firms.
Rankings & Recognition
Academic Reputation
National designations and world rankings that signal academic strength and prestige.
China National Ranking#56
National Designations
Project 211Double First-Class
Programs
Programs for International Students
Explore the degree programs and academic strengths available to international students at China University of Political Science and Law.
Law (LL.B)
BachelorLanguage: Chinese
Duration: 4 years
Tuition: CNY 20,000 / year
Intake: September
Scholarship: Beijing Government Scholarship eligible
Political Science & Public Administration
BachelorLanguage: Chinese
Duration: 4 years
Tuition: CNY 20,000 / year
Intake: September
Scholarship: Beijing Government Scholarship eligible
International Law (English-taught LL.M)
MasterLanguage: English
Duration: 2 years
Tuition: CNY 87,000 / year
Intake: September
Scholarship: CSC full scholarship eligible
Chinese Law (Academic LL.M)
MasterLanguage: Chinese
Duration: 3 years
Tuition: CNY 29,000 / year
Intake: September
Scholarship: CSC full scholarship eligible
Juris Master (Professional Degree)
MasterLanguage: Chinese
Duration: 3 years
Tuition: CNY 15,000 / year
Intake: September
Scholarship: CSC full scholarship eligible
Law (Doctoral Programme)
DoctorLanguage: Chinese
Duration: 4 years
Tuition: CNY 33,000 / year
Intake: September
Scholarship: CSC full scholarship eligible
Admission
Admission Requirements
What you need to apply to China University of Political Science and Law as an international student.
- Academic RequirementsHigh school diploma with solid results in language and social science subjects for bachelor’s programs; a relevant law or social science bachelor’s or master’s degree for graduate programs.
- Language RequirementsChinese-taught: HSK Level 5, or pass the university’s Chinese entrance examination. English-taught LL.M: IELTS or TOEFL, waived for applicants from English-speaking countries or with an English-taught degree.
- Selection ProcessDocument review by the College of International Students followed by an interview, and a written or oral assessment for graduate law applicants.
- Required DocumentsPassport, transcripts, graduation certificate, study plan or research proposal, language certificate, two recommendation letters and a non-criminal record certificate.
- Application DeadlineThe autumn intake application window closes on May 15. Scholarship applicants should apply earlier, following the annual scholarship notice.
- Application FeeCNY 600, 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 DocumentsCUPL issues the JW202 form and 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 15,000 - 87,000 / year
- Accommodation
- CNY 900 – 1,800 / monthOn-campus international dormitory
- Application Fee
- CNY 600 (one-time)
- Medical Insurance
- CNY 800 / yearCompulsory comprehensive insurance for international students
- Estimated Living Cost
- CNY 2,500 – 4,000 / monthMeals, transport & personal expenses
Estimated First-Year CostCNY 55,000 – 95,000
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 programs at CUPL.
Deadline: Spring, per the annual CSC notice
Beijing Government Scholarship
Coverage: Tiered awards covering full or partial tuition for international degree students studying in Beijing.
Eligibility: Admitted or enrolled international degree students with strong academic records.
Deadline: Spring, per the annual Beijing municipal notice
CUPL International Student Scholarship
Coverage: Partial tuition award for excellent incoming and continuing degree students.
Eligibility: Self-funded degree students maintaining excellent academic results and conduct.
Deadline: May 15
International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarship
Coverage: Tuition, accommodation and stipend for Chinese language and teaching-related study.
Eligibility: Applicants to Chinese language programs or Teaching Chinese to Speakers of Other Languages.
Deadline: Per the annual scholarship notice
Campus Life
Life on Campus
What daily student life looks like at China University of Political Science and Law.
Moot Court Competitions
Students argue cases in campus moot courtrooms and represent the university in national and international moot contests.
International Dormitories
On-campus residences for international students with single and double rooms and shared study lounges.
Specialised Law Library
One of China’s richest legal collections, with Chinese case law, statutes and major international legal databases.
Two Campus Structure
Undergraduates study on the green Changping campus, while graduate study centres on Haidian in inner Beijing.
Sports And Debate Culture
Running tracks, courts and gyms sit alongside a strong tradition of debating, mock trial and public speaking clubs.
Beijing City Access
Subway and campus shuttle links connect students to Haidian universities, museums and central Beijing.
Gallery
Campus Gallery
A visual tour of China University of Political Science and Law.
Research & Innovation
Research Strengths
Research capacity and innovation ecosystem at China University of Political Science and Law.
Chinese Civil And Criminal Law
Leading research centres in civil, criminal and procedural law that inform national legislation and judicial practice.
International And Comparative Law
Institutes on international law, comparative law and foreign-related legal affairs supporting China’s global engagement.
Constitutional And Administrative Law
Research on constitutional theory, administrative litigation and rule-of-law governance in the Chinese system.
Data, AI And Legal Technology
Emerging work on data protection, platform regulation, artificial intelligence governance and digital evidence.
Commercial And Arbitration Studies
Research in company, finance and competition law, and in international commercial arbitration practice.
Forensic And Evidence Science
Evidence science and forensic research institutes applying scientific methods to Chinese judicial proceedings.
Career Outcomes
Graduate Outcomes
Where a degree from China University of Political Science and Law can take you after graduation.
Legal Practice Careers
Graduates join Chinese and international law firms handling cross-border commercial, corporate and dispute work.
Government And Judiciary
Alumni serve in courts, procuratorates, ministries and regulators across China’s legal and public sector.
International Organisations
Graduates work in diplomacy, trade bodies and international organisations requiring China legal expertise.
Corporate Legal And Compliance
Strong placement in in-house legal, compliance and risk roles at multinationals operating in China.
Doctoral And Academic Paths
A clear pathway into CUPL doctoral study or law faculties in China and abroad for research careers.
200,000 Strong Alumni Network
More than 200,000 graduates hold influential positions throughout China’s legal profession and government.
Student Support
International Student Support
How China University of Political Science and Law 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 on the Changping campus.
Academic Advising
The College of International Students and law faculty advisors support course choice and credit planning.
Chinese Language Support
Mandarin and legal Chinese courses, plus preparatory Chinese programs for entry to degree study.
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 JW202 forms, visa renewals, exit-entry procedures and travel documentation.
Student Community
International student associations, moot court teams and cultural festivals across dozens of countries.
Timeline
Application Timeline
Key dates and milestones for applying to China University of Political Science and Law.
- December – February
Applications Open
The CUPL international student online application system opens for the September intake.
- February – April
Scholarship Applications
Submit CSC and Beijing Government Scholarship materials in line with the annual scholarship notices.
- March – May
Interviews & Assessment
Document review by the College of International Students, followed by interviews or Chinese language testing.
- By May 15
Application Deadline
Final date to complete your application and upload all supporting documents for autumn entry.
- June – July
Admission Results
Successful candidates receive Admission Notices and scholarship decisions from the university.
- July
JW202 & Visa Documents Issued
CUPL sends your Admission Notice and 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 University of Political Science and Law.
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