Southeast University (SEU) — commonly referred to as Dongda — is one of China’s oldest and most prestigious public research universities. Founded in 1902 as Sanjiang Normal College, it is located in Nanjing, the capital of Jiangsu Province. As a national key university under the direct administration of the Ministry of Education, SEU is a member of the elite “Double First-Class”, Project 211, and Project 985 initiatives. Known for its rigorous academic standards and beautiful campuses, it is widely considered one of the best universities in China for engineering, architecture, and medical sciences.
Southeast University boasts a rich history spanning over 120 years:
Year
Milestone
1902
Founded as Sanjiang Normal College
1921
Renamed National Southeast University
1928
Became part of National Central University
1952
Re-established as Nanjing Institute of Technology after a major reorganization
1988
Officially renamed Southeast University
2000
Merged with Nanjing College of Communications, Nanjing Geological School, and Nanjing Railway Medical College
In June 2026, SEU celebrated its 124th founding anniversary alongside the 20th anniversary of its Jiulonghu Campus.
Southeast University Rankings & Reputation 2026
Southeast University consistently ranks among the top universities in China and the world, demonstrating its academic excellence across multiple disciplines.
Global & National Rankings (2026)
Ranking Body
Category
Rank
QS World University Rankings
Global
#365 (up from #392 in 2025)
Times Higher Education (THE)
Global
#251-300
SAA Best University Rankings
World
#611
SAA Best University Rankings
Asia
#90
SAA Best University Rankings
China
#28
ShanghaiRanking (ARWU)
Global
#101-150
Subject Rankings (QS 2026)
Subject
Global Rank
Architecture
#42
Civil Engineering
#51-100
Statistics & Operations Research
#101-150
Electrical & Electronic Engineering
#139
Subject Strengths (THE)
SEU is particularly renowned for its programs in art theory, architecture, communication and transport engineering, and biomedical engineering.
Southeast University Academic Structure
Schools & Programs
Southeast University offers a comprehensive range of academic programs across multiple disciplines:
Medicine (Following the 2000 merger with Nanjing Railway Medical College)
Information Science & Technology
Computer Science
Notable Collaborations
SEU maintains a Joint Graduate School with Monash University in Suzhou, offering joint master’s and doctoral programs. In July 2026, the university also hosted a delegation from Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies to expand academic exchange and research collaboration.
Southeast University Courses & Fee Structure 2026
Tuition Fees for International Students
Student Type
Annual Tuition (RMB)
International Bachelor’s (Chinese-taught)
16,000 – 19,000
International Bachelor’s (English-taught)
Varies by program
International Master’s (Liberal Arts)
18,000
International Master’s (Engineering)
23,000
International Master’s (Medicine)
30,000
International Master’s (English-taught)
30,000 – 40,000
PhD (Liberal Arts)
28,000
PhD (Engineering)
33,000
PhD (Medicine)
50,000
Additional Fees
Fee Type
Amount (RMB)
Application Fee
800 (non-refundable)
Insurance Fee
800/year
Accommodation (Double Room)
9,000/year
Sample Program Fees:
Chinese Language Program: 14,900 – 19,000 RMB/year
Biological Engineering (English): 20,000 RMB/year
Computer Science: 23,000 RMB/year
Sociology: 18,000 RMB/year
Southeast University Admission Process 2026
Application Timeline for International Students
Event
Date
Application Period
November 22, 2025 – May 15, 2026
CSC “High-Level Postgraduate” Deadline
February 28, 2026
“YES-CHINA” Scholarship Deadline
March 31, 2026
Registration
Late August – Early September
Application Requirements
Requirement
Details
Passport
Valid for more than one year
Academic Documents
Notarized copies of degrees and transcripts from high school onward
Language Proficiency
HSK 4 (200+) for Chinese-taught; IELTS 6.0 / TOEFL 80 / Duolingo 100 for English-taught
Recommendation Letters
Two letters required
Research Proposal
Minimum 800 words (for postgraduate programs)
Supervisor Acceptance Letter
Required for PhD and several master’s programs
Certificate of Non-Criminal Record
Required
Physical Examination Record
Within 6 months
Financial Support Guarantee
Required
Application Process
Apply Online: Submit through the SEU online application system at http://fs.seu.edu.cn/
Document Submission: Upload all required materials
Review: Comprehensive evaluation by academic colleges
Admission Notification: Successful applicants receive the admission notice and JW201/JW202 form for visa application
Visa Application: Apply for a student (X1) visa at the Chinese Embassy or Consulate
Southeast University Scholarships 2026
SEU offers several scholarship opportunities for international students:
Scholarship
Details
Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) – High-Level Postgraduate Program
Full tuition + accommodation + living allowance; deadline: Feb 28, 2026
“YES-CHINA” Scholarship Program
Available for select programs; deadline: March 31, 2026
SEU School Scholarship
Apply through the SEU online application system
Southeast University Campus Life & Facilities
Campuses
SEU operates three campuses in Nanjing, covering over 970 acres:
Campus
Features
Jiulonghu Campus (Main)
Modern facilities, gymnasium, large lawn; located in Jiangning District
Sipailou Campus
Historic city-center campus; 5km south of the main railway station
Dingjiaqiao Campus
Specialized facilities
Facilities
Facility
Availability
Libraries
Extensive collections with digital resources
Laboratories
Advanced research facilities
Hostels
International student dormitories (double rooms with WiFi, AC)
Cafeterias
Multiple dining options
Sports Facilities
Gymnasium, sports fields
Location Advantage
Nanjing is a major cultural and educational hub, well-connected by high-speed rail to Beijing and Shanghai
Student Life
Student Gender Ratio: 35% Female, 65% Male
International Community: Approximately 4% international students
Commencement 2026: The Undergraduate Class of 2026 commencement was held on July 1 at the Jiulonghu Campus Gymnasium
Events: SEU hosts regular cultural and academic events, including freshers’ receptions and orientation programmes
Why Choose Southeast University?
Reason
Details
Prestigious & Historic
Over 120 years of academic excellence (founded 1902)
National Recognition
Double First-Class, Project 211, Project 985
Global Rankings
QS #365, THE #251-300, Top 30 in China
Subject Excellence
World-class in Architecture (#42), Civil Engineering (#51-100), and Engineering
Affordable Tuition
Bachelor’s from 16,000 RMB/year; Master’s from 18,000 RMB/year
Strategic Location
Nanjing – a historic, cultural, and educational hub in China
International Environment
Welcomes international students; English-taught programs available
Research & Innovation
Extensive research output and global collaborations
Strong Clinical Network
Medicine programs benefit from affiliated hospitals
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.
