Nanjing Normal University (NNU) is a distinguished national key university located in Nanjing, the historic capital of six dynasties in Chinese history. Recognized under Project 211 and as a Double First‑Class Discipline University, NNU is jointly administered by the Ministry of Education of China and the Jiangsu Provincial Government.
NNU traces its academic heritage back to 1902 with the establishment of Sanjiang Normal College, making it one of the earliest and most influential normal (teacher‑training) institutions in China. Today, it is a comprehensive university offering a broad range of disciplines across the humanities, sciences, engineering, education, arts, law, management, agriculture, and medicine.

Campus & Institutional
NNU has three main campuses:
- Xianlin Campus
- Suiyuan Campus (often regarded as “the most beautiful campus in the Orient”)
- Zijin Campus
Enrollment & Faculty
| Category | Numbers |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate Students | 16,763 |
| Graduate Students | 9,584 |
| Doctoral Candidates | 1,246 |
| Total Faculty & Staff | 3,213 |
| International Students | 1,600+ from 133+ countries |
The NNU Library holds approximately 3.49 million volumes and access to 106+ electronic databases.
Academics, Disciplines & Research
Strengths & Rankings
NNU has developed a comprehensive academic structure that includes:
- 6 National Key Disciplines
- 3 National Key Cultivated Disciplines
- 10 Provincial Priority Disciplines
- 23 Provincial First‑Level Key Disciplines
- 7 Programs Ranked Among Top 10 in China
- 5 Programs Ranked in the Top 1% Globally by ESI
Programs Offered
NNU offers:
- 77 Undergraduate Programs
- 37 Master’s Degree Programs (First‑Level Disciplines)
- 10 Master’s Degree Programs (Second‑Level)
- 23 Doctoral Degree Programs (First‑Level)
- 3 Doctoral Degree Programs (Second‑Level)
- 18 Professional Master’s Programs
- 22 Post‑Doctoral Research Centers
Subject areas include:
- Philosophy
- Economics
- Law
- Education
- Humanities & History
- Science
- Engineering
- Agriculture
- Medicine
- Management
- Arts

Research & Academic Impact
NNU has demonstrated strong research performance across disciplines:
Major Research Achievements
- 15 Major Projects funded by the National Social Science Foundation
- 2 National Science & Technology Support Projects
- 4 Major National Natural Science Fund Projects
- Multiple awards including:
- National Natural Science Award (Second Prize)
- First Prizes in Humanities & Social Sciences and Natural Sciences
- Monographs selected into National Social Sciences Fund Achievement Library
NNU maintains active platforms for production‑study‑research cooperation, promoting technology transfer and cultural innovation.
International Exchange & Cooperation
NNU is among the first Chinese universities to internationalize, with extensive global partnerships:
Global Engagement
- Cooperation agreements with 192 universities in 33+ countries
- Joint programs with 13 overseas universities
- Study‑abroad partnerships with 49 universities
- 3 Confucius Institutes abroad (North Carolina State University, Pace University, Alsace Region in France)
- International research centers including:
- UNESCO International Rural Education Research & Training Center (INRULED)
- French Culture Research Center
- Italian Culture Research Center
NNU annually welcomes ~1,600 foreign students from more than 130 countries.

Programs & Tuition Fees (2027)
Non‑Degree Program
| Program | Tuition Fee (CNY/year) |
|---|---|
| Chinese Language Program | 16,600 CNY |
Detailed Bachelor, Master, and PhD program fees vary by discipline and language; contact for the specific program fee schedule.
Accommodation & Living Costs
| Expense | Approx. Monthly Cost (CNY) |
|---|---|
| On‑Campus Dorm | 800 – 1,800 |
| Food & Meals | 1,200 – 2,000 |
| Transportation | 150 – 300 |
| Daily Expenses | 300 – 700 |
| Total Estimated | ~2,500 – 4,000 |
Nanjing offers a relatively student‑friendly cost of living compared to China’s major tier‑1 cities.
Scholarships for International Students
International students at NNU are eligible for multiple scholarship options, including:
Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC)
- Covers full tuition
- On‑campus accommodation
- Monthly stipend
- Medical insurance
Jiangsu Provincial Government Scholarship
- Partial or full tuition coverage
- Living allowances
NNU University Scholarship
- Merit‑based tuition waiver
- Can include monthly living allowance or one‑time grant
Confucius Institute Scholarship
- Available for Chinese language and culture learners
FAQs
NNU is particularly strong in education, teacher training, humanities, sciences, and social sciences, with multiple programs ranked at national and global levels.
Yes. NNU is a national key university under Project 211 and a Double First‑Class Discipline University, making it one of China’s respected institutions.
NNU offers language support and some courses in English.
Yes. Nanjing is a bustling university city with rich history, affordable living costs, and extensive academic resources.