Top Universities in Dalian for International Students

September 13, 2026 · CSCA Gateway Team

Dalian, a port city in Liaoning province, is led by Dalian University of Technology as its main 985 campus, alongside a few well-regarded specialist schools.

1. Dalian University of Technology (大连理工大学)

Founded in 1949, a Project 985 and 211 member. QS 2026: #482 globally; ARWU: #151-200 band; EduRank 2026: #495 globally, #29 in China. Strong in Marine Engineering, Structural Engineering, and Geotechnical Engineering, plus Economics & Management and Chemical Engineering. Admits around 4,217 international students from 20+ countries.

2. Dalian Maritime University (大连海事大学)

One of China’s oldest maritime/shipping-focused institutions. Not a 985/211 member (holds Double First-Class status at the Transportation Engineering discipline level). Specializes in navigation, marine engineering, and transportation engineering — one of China’s strongest maritime schools alongside Shanghai Maritime University. Partnerships across 51 countries give it a meaningful international presence, especially from maritime-industry nations.

3. Dongbei University of Finance and Economics (东北财经大学)

A finance/economics specialist institute, not a 985/211 member. Ranked #1 in Northeast China and #6 nationwide among finance/business specialist schools. Strong in Finance, Accounting, and International Business — a solid pick for applicants specifically interested in economics/business, though not a comprehensive research university.

How This Relates to CSCA

Dalian University of Technology weighs CSCA Mathematics and Physics scores strictly for its engineering majors. Dalian Maritime University is more relevant for applicants with a specific interest in navigation/maritime studies. Dongbei University of Finance and Economics places more weight on CSCA Mathematics for quantitative economics/business tracks.