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University of Science and Technology of China (USTC)

#63 QS World Ranking#175 THE RankingChinaPublic
  • QS ranking#63
  • Acceptance rate≈20%
  • Typical GPAGaokao top 0.1% STEM
  • Tuition / year≈$3,500

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)

    merit

    Sinh viên quốc tế bậc Cử nhân, mọi quốc tịch.

    China31 Mar 2026
    Official link

  • Fellowship for Doctoral Programs at University of Science and Technology of China 2026 (Fully Funded)

    meritneed

    Sinh viên quốc tế bậc Tiến sĩ, mọi quốc tịch.

    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.
    Official link

  • Fellowship for Master’s Programs at University of Science and Technology of China 2026 (Full Tuition)

    meritneed

    Sinh viên quốc tế bậc Thạc sĩ, mọi quốc tịch.

    China31 Jan 2026
See all scholarships

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.

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