Top Universities in Hangzhou for International Students

September 8, 2026 · CSCA Gateway Team

Hangzhou isn’t just home to Zhejiang University (a C9 League member) — the city also has several other strong campuses worth considering, especially if you’re interested in a specific field like electronics, applied engineering, or fine arts. Here’s a rundown.

1. Zhejiang University (浙江大学)

A C9 League member and one of China’s largest research universities. We covered it in full in our Campus Deep-Dive: Zhejiang University article — check there for ranking details and flagship programs.

2. Hangzhou Dianzi University (杭州电子科技大学)

Known as the "cradle of electronics engineers" in China, strong in electronics, telecommunications, and computer science, with close industry ties to Hangzhou’s tech/e-commerce sector. Not a 985/211 school, but its disciplines are part of the provincial Double First-Class program. Admits around 1,000 international students per year.

3. Zhejiang University of Technology (浙江工业大学)

Focused on chemical engineering, materials, and mechanical/electrical engineering, with 18 disciplines in the Double First-Class Initiative. Not a 985/211 school, but fairly solid at the provincial level and admits a meaningful number of international students.

4. China Academy of Art (中国美术学院)

One of China’s oldest and most prestigious art academies (founded 1928), with an Art & Design program ranked #94 in the world (QS Subject Rankings). A strong pick if you’re interested in an art/design track rather than general academics.

5. Zhejiang Gongshang University (浙江工商大学)

China’s longest-running business school lineage (roots back to 1911), strong in economics, trade, and finance — relevant given Hangzhou is Alibaba’s home base. Admits nearly 1,000 international students from 100+ countries.

How This Relates to CSCA

For the engineering-focused campuses above (Hangzhou Dianzi, ZJUT), strong CSCA Mathematics and Physics scores remain the main requirement, though generally not as competitive as Zhejiang University’s standard. For China Academy of Art, a strong art portfolio usually matters more than pure academic exam scores.