Shihezi University (SHZU) is a prestigious public comprehensive university located in Shihezi, Xinjiang, China. Founded in 1949, it is one of the key institutions in western China, known for its strong programs in agriculture, medicine, and engineering. The university is affiliated with the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps (XPCC) and co-funded by the Ministry of Education. It is a national “211 Project” key university and a “Double First-Class” construction university.
Shihezi University’s roots trace back to the founding of the People’s Republic of China:
Year
Milestone
1949
Founded as the First Army Medical School by the People’s Liberation Army
1959
Shihezi Agricultural College established
1959
XPCC Vocational College of Economics established
1960
XPCC Vocational College of Education established
1996
Four institutions merged to form Shihezi University
2017
Selected for national “Double First-Class” initiative
2018
Became “Ministry–Province Co-construction” university
2022
Re-selected for the new round of “Double First-Class” program
Shihezi University Rankings & Reputation 2026
Shihezi University has achieved recognition in both national and global rankings:
Global Rankings
Ranking Body
Rank
Notes
CWUR World Ranking
#1100 out of 21,291 (Top 5.2% globally)
US News Best Global Universities
#1778
QS Asian University Rankings
#1001-1100
ShanghaiRanking (ARWU) China
#138 in China, #2 in Xinjiang
ESI (Essential Science Indicators) Performance
Eight disciplines are ranked in the ESI Global Top 1%:
Discipline
ESI Status
Clinical Medicine
Global Top 1%
Agricultural Sciences
Global Top 1%
Chemistry
Global Top 1%
Plant & Animal Science
Global Top 1%
Engineering
Global Top 1%
Materials Science
Global Top 1%
Environment/Ecology
Global Top 1%
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Global Top 1%
Shihezi University Academic Structure
Schools & Programs
Shihezi University comprises 23 colleges and offers programs across 12 major disciplinary areas:
Discipline
Examples
Economics
Economics, Trade
Law
Law
Education
Education
Literature
Literature and Arts
History
History
Science
Sciences
Engineering
Engineering
Agriculture
Agriculture
Medicine
Medicine
Management
Management
Arts
Arts
Interdisciplinary Studies
Cross-disciplinary programs
Degree Programs (2026)
Level
Details
Bachelor’s Programs
101 majors (28 national first-class, 20 provincial first-class)
Doctoral Programs
13 first-tier doctoral disciplines, 2 professional doctoral degrees
Master’s Programs
32 first-tier master’s disciplines, 36 professional master’s degrees
Postdoctoral Stations
8 mobile stations, 2 workstations
Key Disciplines
Category
Count
Examples
National First-Class Discipline
1
—
National Key Discipline
1
—
Ministry–Province Co-constructed Disciplines
2
—
Provincial Key Disciplines
15
—
Research Platforms
Platform Type
Details
Key Laboratories
Ministry of Education, Ministry of Science and Technology, XPCC
Research Centers
24 graduate schools and research centers
Collaborations
Joint graduate education bases with Peking University and Tianjin University
Clinical Network
Parameter
Details
Directly Affiliated Hospitals
4
First Affiliated Hospital Beds
1,500
Shihezi University Courses & Fee Structure 2026
Tuition Fees for International Students
Program
Duration
Language
Annual Tuition (RMB)
MBBS (Clinical Medicine)
6 Years
English
30,000 RMB
Clinical Medicine
5 Years
Chinese
30,000 RMB
International Bachelor’s (General)
Various
Varies
30,000 RMB
Chinese Language Program
1 Semester
Chinese
6,500 – 8,800 RMB
Additional Fees
Fee Type
Amount (RMB)
Accommodation (Double Room)
5,000 RMB/year
Application Fee
400 RMB
Fee Structure for MBBS (6-Year Program)
Year
Tuition (RMB)
Hostel (RMB)
Total (RMB)
Year 1
30,000
5,000
35,000
Years 2-6
30,000/year
5,000/year
35,000/year
Total (6 Years)
180,000
30,000
210,000 RMB
Note: Fees are approximate and subject to change. Living expenses in Shihezi are relatively affordable compared to major Chinese cities.
Shihezi University Admission Process 2026
Application Timeline
Event
Date
Application Period (MBBS)
Opens early 2026
Application Deadline (MBBS)
June 30, 2026
Semester Start
September 1, 2026
International Students (MBBS in English)
Parameter
Requirement
Nationality
Non-Chinese citizens
Health
Good mental and physical health
Academic Qualification
High school graduate with Science stream (Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
Language
English proficiency for English-instructed programs
Age
Generally 18–30 years
Application Process
Apply Online: Submit through the university’s international student application system
Document Upload: Provide transcripts, language certificates, passport, and other required documents
Review & Evaluation: Comprehensive evaluation by the International Education College
Admission Notification: Successful applicants receive admission letter and JW202 form
Visa Application: Apply for a student (X1) visa at the Chinese Embassy
Registration: Classes start in September 2026
Scholarships
Shihezi University offers several scholarship opportunities for international students:
Scholarship
Details
XPCC Government Scholarship
For full-time master’s, doctoral, and undergraduate students
Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC)
For master’s and doctoral candidates
Shihezi University Campus Life & Facilities
Campus
Shihezi University’s campus covers 180.2 hectares (445 acres) in the “Garden City” of Shihezi, located at the northern foot of the Tianshan Mountains. The campus is known for its beautiful environment and modern facilities.
Facilities
Facility
Details
Campus Location
280 Beisi Rd, Shihezi, Xinjiang, China, 832000
Libraries
Extensive collections
Laboratories
Advanced research facilities
Hostels
International student dormitories available
Affiliated Hospitals
4 directly affiliated hospitals for clinical training
First Affiliated Hospital
1,500 beds
Research Centers
24 graduate schools and research centers
Student Body (US News Data)
Parameter
Number
Total Students
43,904
Academic Staff
2,333
International Students (MBBS)
400+ (including 250+ from Pakistan)
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.