University of Science and Technology of China (USTC)
#63 QS World Ranking#175 THE RankingChinaPublic
QS World Rank#63
Acceptance rate20%
Typical GPAGaokao top 0.1% STEM
Tuition / year$25,000
Overview
About University of Science and Technology of China (USTC)
China's quantum computing capital; affiliated with Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS); highest research intensity per student in China; physics and mathematics extraordinary; Pan Jianwei (quantum pioneer) based here
International environmentLimited intl; ~8% intl; CAS Institute partnerships for graduate researchers
Teaching styleHighly research-intensive; small class sizes; STEM-only; lab culture
Academics
Subjects and fit
Strongest subjects
Physics
Chemistry
Mathematics
CS
Quantum Computing
Life Sciences
Engineering
Best for
Physics
quantum computing
chemistry
mathematics researchers and PhD candidates
Getting in
Admission requirements
GPA: Gaokao top 0.1% STEM (domestic); intl: research-focused
TOEFL 80+ / HSK 5 for Chinese programs
Gaokao domestic; intl: direct application; CAS PhD: research statement
Difficulty: Extremely Competitive (domestic)
Acceptance rate: ~20% overall (small intake)
Deadline: Domestic: June | Intl: Feb–Apr | CAS PhD: rolling
On campus
Campus and location
On-campus housing; Hefei (Anhui) is very affordable
Money
Costs and scholarships
Tuition (USD)25,000 CNY/yr ≈ $3,500
Living cost (USD)7,000–12,000 USD
ScholarshipsCSC; CAS Fellowship; USTC Scholarship
USTC Fellowship for Undergraduate Programs at University of Science and Technology of China 2026 (Fully Funded)
Fellowship for Doctoral Programs at University of Science and Technology of China 2026 (Fully Funded)
After graduation
Careers and outcomes
Industry connectionsHuawei, QuantumCTek, ZTE; CAS research institutes; international labs
InternshipsCAS institute internships; quantum computing research access
EmployabilityTop for quantum computing, physics, fundamental sciences research in China; CAS connection
The honest view
Why students choose University of Science and Technology of China (USTC)
CSC; CAS Fellowship; USTC Scholarship
Employability: Top for quantum computing, physics, fundamental sciences research in China; CAS connection
Worth knowing
Hefei is a smaller city; limited social/commercial options; career paths mainly academic or China industry
GlowBal's insider note
VERIFIED: USTC hosted China's first quantum satellite (Micius) experiment. INSIGHT: China's quantum computing research is at USTC working with researchers here is unparalleled for that field.
Ask a human
Talk to someone who studied here
Book a 1-1 session with a current student or alumnus for honest advice about your application and life on campus.
ChinaThe great news is that there is no specific deadline to apply for
Fellowship for Doctoral Programs!
While there is no fixed deadline to apply, you do need to apply for Ph.D. admissions at University of Science and Technology of China .
Ph.D. admissions timelines can differ by department or project—please check your department’s page for specifics.
