Lanzhou University (LZU), commonly referred to as Land a (兰大), is a prestigious national key public comprehensive university located in Lanzhou, Gansu Province, China. Founded in 1909, it holds the distinction of being the first modern institution of higher education in Northwest China.
As a university directly under the Ministry of Education of China, Lanzhou University is a member of the elite national “Double First-Class”, “985 Project”, and “211 Project” initiatives. It is also a central government-administered university.
Why Choose Lanzhou University?
| Reason | Details |
|---|---|
| Prestigious National Status | Double First-Class, Project 985, Project 211 university |
| Top Global Rankings | CWUR #296 (Top 1.4% globally); US News #425 |
| Research Excellence | 17 ESI Top 1% disciplines; 2 in Top 1‰ |
| Comprehensive Programs | 96 undergraduate programs across 13 disciplines |
| 2026 Innovations | New AI School, Aerospace School, 8 new majors, 11 innovation classes |
| Affordable Education | Tuition from 5,000 RMB/year; accommodation 1,200 RMB/year |
| Strong Research Output | #160 in US News Publications ranking |
| International Environment | 1,200+ international students |
| Strategic Location | Gateway to Northwest China; hub for Belt and Road initiatives |
| Flexible Major System | Unlimited opportunities to change majors |
Lanzhou University 2026 Highlights at a Glance
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Established | 1909 |
| Type | Public (Ministry of Education) |
| Location | Lanzhou, Gansu Province, China |
| Campuses | Chengguan Campus & Yuzhong Campus |
| National Designation | Double First-Class, Project 985, Project 211 |
| CWUR World Rank (2026) | #296 (Top 1.4% globally) |
| US News World Rank (2026) | #425 |
| ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) 2026 | 201-300 |
| CWUR National Rank | #46 |
| Alumni Association China Rank (2026) | #30 |
| Total Students | 30,000+ (including 9,700+ postgraduates) |
| International Students | 1,200+ |
| Official Website | www.lzu.edu.cn |
Lanzhou University History & Evolution
Lanzhou University’s history spans over a century:
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1909 | Founded as Gansu Law and Politics School, the first modern higher education institution in Northwest China |
| 1946 | Renamed National Lanzhou University |
| 1950s | Became a key national university |
| 1996 | Joined the “211 Project” |
| 2001 | Joined the “985 Project” |
| 2004 | Yuzhong Campus was established, marking a major expansion |
| 2017 | Selected as a national “Double First-Class” construction university |
| 2026 | Established two new schools: School of Artificial Intelligence and School of Aerospace Science and Engineering |
Lanzhou University Rankings & Reputation 2026
Lanzhou University has achieved strong rankings in both national and global arenas in 2026:
Global Rankings
| Ranking Body | Rank | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| CWUR World Ranking | #296 | Top 1.4% globally; #70 in Asia; #46 in China |
| US News Best Global Universities | #425 | |
| ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) | 201-300 | |
| SAA Best University Rankings | #2091 (World); #604 (Asia); #151 (China) |
National Rankings
| Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|
| Alumni Association China University Ranking | #30 |
| US News China Ranking | #69-72 |
| CWUR China Ranking | #46 |
ESI (Essential Science Indicators) Performance
Lanzhou University has demonstrated exceptional research strength:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| ESI Top 1% Disciplines | 17 disciplines |
| ESI Top 1‰ Disciplines | 2 disciplines (Chemistry & Ecology) |
The 17 ESI Top 1% disciplines include chemistry, physics, materials science, earth science, plant zoology, mathematics, engineering, biology and biochemistry, environment and ecology, clinical medicine, medicine and toxicology, agricultural science, and social science.
Lanzhou University Academic Structure
Schools & Programs
As of April 2026, Lanzhou University comprises:
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate Programs | 96 |
| National Characteristic Majors | 16 |
| Doctoral Degree Authorization Disciplines (Level 1) | 31 |
| Master’s Degree Authorization Disciplines (Level 1) | 44 |
| Professional Doctoral Authorization Points | 7 |
| Professional Master’s Authorization Points | 29 |
| Postdoctoral Research Stations | 23 |
Disciplinary Coverage
The university covers 13 academic disciplines, making it one of the most comprehensive universities in China. It is also one of the independent degree authorization review institutions.
2026 New Academic Offerings
In 2026, Lanzhou University introduced significant new programs:
8 New Specialized Directions:
- Computer Science and Technology (Brain-Computer Intelligence)
- Artificial Intelligence (Intelligent Perception and Control)
- Nuclear Engineering and Nuclear Technology (Nuclear Fusion Science and Engineering)
- Grassland Science (Digital Intelligence Grassland)
- Chemical Engineering and Technology (Energy Storage and Hydrogen Energy)
- German (Sino-European Exchange German-English Bilingual)
- Russian (Eurasian Affairs Russian-English Bilingual)
- Japanese (Asia-Pacific Affairs Japanese-English Bilingual)
11 New Interdisciplinary Innovation Classes:
- Philosophy (PPE Innovation Class)
- Economics (Digital Economy Innovation Class)
- French (Regional and Country Innovation Class)
- Business Administration (Electricity Trading and Carbon Management)
- Physics (Intelligent Magnetic Materials and Devices)
- Chemical Engineering (Smart Chemical Engineering)
- Resource Exploration Engineering (Intelligent Exploration)
- Biological Sciences (Biomedical Innovation)
- Computer Science and Technology (Cryptography Technology)
- Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety (Nuclear Medicine Physics and Technology)
- Pharmacy (Digital Intelligence Pharmacy)
1 New Sino-Foreign Cooperative Program:
- Biopharmaceuticals (with University of Southern Queensland, Australia)
Lanzhou University Courses & Fee Structure 2026
Undergraduate Tuition Fees (Domestic Students)
| Program Type | Annual Tuition (RMB) |
|---|---|
| Philosophy, History | 5,000 RMB/year |
| Economics, Law, Education, Management, Literature | 5,500 RMB/year |
| Chinese Language and Literature | 5,000 RMB/year |
| Science, Engineering, Agriculture | 5,800 RMB/year |
| Medicine | 6,200 RMB/year |
| Arts | 9,000 RMB/year |
| Theatre, Film and Television Literature | 5,000 RMB/year |
| Visual Communication Design (Sino-foreign) | 65,000 RMB/year |
| Environmental Design (Sino-foreign) | 65,000 RMB/year |
| Biopharmaceuticals (Sino-foreign, pending approval) | 90,000 RMB/year |
Graduate Tuition Fees
| Program Type | Annual Tuition (RMB) |
|---|---|
| Full-time Academic Master’s | 8,000 RMB/year |
| Full-time Professional Master’s | 13,000 – 20,000 RMB/year |
| Part-time Professional Master’s | 23,000 – 52,000 RMB/year |
Accommodation Fees
| Type | Annual Fee (RMB) |
|---|---|
| On-campus Dormitory | 1,200 RMB/year |
Lanzhou University Admission Process 2026
Domestic Students
2026 Undergraduate Enrollment Highlights:
- Enrollment Expansion: New programs and innovation classes plan to admit approximately 670 additional students.
- Direct Admission for Elite Classes: The five “Cuiying Classes” in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Humanities (Literature, History, Philosophy) opened direct Gaokao admission channels for the first time.
- Major Transfer Opportunities: Students have unlimited opportunities to change majors:
- First-year students: School-wide transfer
- Second-year students: Transfer between related schools
- Third-year students: Transfer within their school
- Students can also change majors through base class or Cuiying class selections
International Students
Lanzhou University welcomes international students for graduate programs:
Application Deadlines (2026):
- CSC Scholarship: February 28, 2026
- Regular International Admission: Check the online application system
Eligibility Requirements:
| Parameter | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Non-Chinese citizens in good health |
| Master’s Applicants | Bachelor’s degree; under 35 years of age |
| Doctoral Applicants | Master’s degree; under 40 years of age |
| Chinese-taught Programs | HSK Level 4 (180+) |
| English-taught Programs | IELTS 5.5 / TOEFL 80 |
Application Process:
- Log in to the Lanzhou University International Student Online Application System: https://lzu.at0086.cn/StuApplication/Login.aspx
- Select the intended program
- Upload required documents (passport, transcripts, degree certificates, language proficiency certificates)
- Submit the application
Lanzhou University Scholarships 2026
Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) – “Top-level Graduate” Program
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Tuition | Full waiver |
| Accommodation | Free double room |
| Stipend | Monthly living allowance |
| Medical Insurance | Comprehensive coverage |
Additional Costs:
- Third-party liability insurance: 100 RMB/semester or 200 RMB/year
International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarship
Plans to enroll 180 students in 2026.
Lanzhou University Campus Life & Facilities
Campuses
Lanzhou University operates two main campuses:
| Campus | Features |
|---|---|
| Chengguan Campus | Main campus in central Lanzhou; administrative and academic hub |
| Yuzhong Campus | Modern campus; primary location for undergraduate education |
Facilities
| Facility | Details |
|---|---|
| Libraries | Extensive collections including the historic Jishi Hall and Kunlun Hall |
| Museums | Gansu Imperial Examination Museum, Lanzhou University Museum, University History Museum |
| Student Accommodation | Dormitories with basic amenities |
| Sports Facilities | Available on both campuses |
Student Body
| Parameter | Number |
|---|---|
| Total Students | 30,000+ |
| Postgraduates | 9,700+ |
| International Students | 1,200+ |
Lanzhou University 2026 Key Developments
1. School of Artificial Intelligence Established
On June 28, 2026, Lanzhou University officially established the School of Artificial Intelligence.
Key Features:
- Focuses on three core areas: “Large Models & Intelligent Computing,” “Embodied Intelligence,” and “Intelligent Cross-Convergence”
- Capitalizes on Gansu Province’s “East Data, West Computing” national computing hub
- Leverages LZU’s strengths in mathematics, physics, nuclear science, ecology, and atmospheric science
- Follows a “two-year foundation, five-year breakthrough, ten-year leap” development plan
- Establishes a “Bachelor-Master-Doctor” integrated education system
Industry Partnerships:
- Signed cooperation agreements with Gansu Telecom, Gansu Mobile, and Gansu Tower
- Established research institutes for cloud networks and AI, western computing technology, and smart low-altitude systems
2. School of Aerospace Science and Engineering Established
- On July 5, 2026, Lanzhou University established the School of Aerospace Science and Engineering in collaboration with the Lanzhou Institute of Space Technology Physics (China Aerospace 510 Institute).
Key Features:
- Focuses on aerospace technology and the low-altitude economy
- Offers graduate programs starting in 2026, with undergraduate programs beginning in 2027
- Features innovative specializations including vacuum testing and measurement, space energy and power, space environment materials, low-altitude transport systems, low-altitude safety technology, and low-altitude intelligent sensing
- Employs a new educational model combining “science-engineering integration, science-education fusion, and industry-education collaboration”
3. China-Central Asia Forum on State Governance and Sustainable Development (2026)
- On May 14, 2026, Lanzhou University hosted the China-Central Asia Forum on State Governance and Sustainable Development (2026) at its Chengguan Campus.
4. CEEMAN Membership
- In January 2026, Lanzhou University’s School of Management (LUSM) was accepted as a member of the Central and Eastern European Management Development Association (CEEMAN).
5. 2026 International Summer Program
- LZU hosted the 2026 International Summer Program (LZU-ISP), offering international participants an immersive experience of traditional Chinese culture and a close-up look at the sci-tech vitality of Lanzhou New Area.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information as of July 2026. Admission policies, fees, rankings, and other details are subject to change. Readers are strongly advised to verify all information through official university channels before making any admission decisions.