Top Universities in Qingdao for International Students

September 16, 2026 · CSCA Gateway Team

Qingdao, a port city in Shandong province, is led by Ocean University of China — a world-class oceanography specialist — alongside a solid comprehensive campus and a strong petroleum engineering school.

1. Ocean University of China (中国海洋大学)

Founded in 1924, a Project 985 and 211 member. QS 2026: #801-850 band; EduRank 2026: #892 globally, #57 in China. What makes it stand out: according to ARWU’s Global Ranking of Academic Subjects, its Oceanography discipline ranks #2 in the world — roughly 70% of China’s oceanography and fisheries PhD holders graduated from here. Admits 1,300+ international students from 50+ countries.

2. Qingdao University (青岛大学)

A provincial comprehensive university, not a 985/211 member. Formed through a 1993 merger of several institutions including a medical college. Strong in Medicine (a legacy of the merged medical college) and Textile Engineering. Admits around 1,600 international students from 90+ countries.

3. China University of Petroleum (East China) (中国石油大学（华东）)

A Project 211 member (not 985) — an important distinction from OUC. China’s leading petroleum specialist, with 4 fields (engineering, chemistry, materials science, earth sciences) in the top 1% ESI globally. Admits around 1,100+ international students.

How This Relates to CSCA

Ocean University of China is especially relevant for applicants interested in oceanography/marine studies, with strong CSCA Chemistry and Physics scores as the baseline. China University of Petroleum weighs CSCA Chemistry and Physics scores strictly for its petroleum/chemical engineering majors.