China's universities are global leaders across multiple disciplines. This guide highlights the Top 10 most competitive majors, with leading universities and links to application guides so you can plan your path.
The Rise of Chinese Higher Education
Chinese universities have accelerated in global subject rankings through strategic investment, talent scale, and research output. In the 2025 QS Subject Rankings, mainland China is among the most represented globally, with most ranked subjects improving yearâonâyear. Growth is strongest across STEM where China leads in both research quantity and quality.
Top 10 majors and leading universities
Based on global subject rankings (ShanghaiRanking GRAS 2024; QS 2025), these disciplines show Chinaâs strongest global competitiveness:
| Rank | Major | Leading Universities |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Civil Engineering | Tongji University, Tsinghua University, Southeast University |
| 2 | Computer Science & Engineering | Tsinghua University, Zhejiang University |
| 3 | Materials Science & Engineering | Tsinghua University, ZJU, USTC |
| 4 | Mathematics | Tsinghua University, Peking University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University |
| 5 | Environmental Sciences | Tsinghua University |
| 6 | Electrical & Electronic Engineering | Tsinghua, ZJU, SJTU (multiple top programs) |
| 7 | Chemical Engineering | ZJU, SJTU (multiple top programs) |
| 8 | Mechanical Engineering | ZJU, SJTU, HIT (multiple top programs) |
| 9 | Geology / Earth Sciences | China University of Geosciences |
| 10 | Linguistics & Classics | Peking University |
1) Civil Engineering
Chinese institutions dominate global civil engineering. ShanghaiRanking shows a dense concentration at the top, with Tongji #1 worldwide and Tsinghua, Southeast, Chongqing, and ZJU close behind. The momentum reflects decades of nationâscale infrastructure and urban development.
2) Computer Science & Engineering
Tsinghua sits among the worldâs very top CS programs, with ZJU also leading. Heavy R&D investment in AI, machine learning, and systems fuels rapid advances and tight industryâacademia collaboration.
3) Materials Science & Engineering
As a global manufacturing hub, China drives breakthroughs in nanomaterials, composites, and highâperformance alloys. Tsinghua, ZJU, and USTC rank in the global top tier and support electronics and aerospace supply chains. Specifically, ShanghaiRanking GRAS 2024 lists Tsinghua #4, ZJU #11, USTC #12, and PKU #16 (source).
4) Mathematics
Tsinghua and PKU have surged in global math rankings, providing the theoretical foundation that underpins Chinaâs excellence in engineering and computer science.
5) Environmental Sciences
Addressing pollution, climate, and resource constraints has spurred worldâclass research. Tsinghua is consistently recognized among the global top programs for environmental science and engineering; QS 2025 places it in the top three worldwide (overview).
6) Electrical & Electronic Engineering
Telecoms, microelectronics, and power systems remain core strengths. Top programs integrate with national champions and emerging hardware ecosystems for rapid translation from lab to market.
7) Chemical Engineering
Close integration with the chemical industry advances catalysis, polymer science, and process optimization, ensuring immediate industrial relevance.
8) Mechanical Engineering
Chinaâs move up the value chain brings strong output in advanced manufacturing, robotics, and automation, supported by extensive applied research platforms.
9) Geology / Earth Sciences
Vast geography makes China a natural laboratory for geosciences. The China University of Geosciences was ranked #1 globally for academic reputation in Geology by QS (report), reflecting excellence in mineral exploration and geological hazard assessment.
10) Linguistics & Classics
Beyond STEM, the humanities shine at PKU, which appears in the global top three for both Linguistics and Classics & Ancient History (QS). Programs leverage deep cultural and philological traditions.
How to use this list
- Compare programs using our universities explorer.
- Check scholarship routes in the CSC Scholarship Guide and Type B Guide.
- New to China? Start with the General Guide, then read the Student Visa Guide.
- Career planning: see Finding Your Dream Job in China.
Notes on rankings and subject strengths
Methodologies differ across rankings. Crossâcheck curriculum, labs, supervisor fit, and city opportunities. For cuttingâedge engineering (AI, semiconductors, advanced manufacturing), Shenzhenâs ecosystem is a practical advantage.
Conclusion
Chinaâs rise is reshaping global academia. With focused investment and scale, subject leaders across engineering, science, and the humanities offer worldâclass training. Use our universities explorer, the C9 guide, and universityâspecific guides to map your target programs and timelines.