Ocean University of China (OUC)

The Ocean University of China is located in the historic seaside town of Qingdao. As the premier location for the study of fishery sciences and marine sciences in China, the university has attracted a lot of international students. The university is well-known for its commitment to practical experience and research that goes beyond the lab. In recent decades, Ocean University of China has undergone rapid growth, becoming an excellent place to pursue a degree in China.

Ocean University of China was established in 1924 as the Private Qingdao University. The university has changed its name no less than six times, with the current name being approved by the Ministry of Education in 2002. From its founding, the university was a pioneer in comprehensive education in China. It was one of the first universities in China which mandated that students achieve a balanced education in both the liberal arts and hard sciences. Mr. Yang Zhensheng became president of the university in 1930, and it was at his suggestion that the school develop outstanding programs in the fields of coastal biology, oceanography, and meteorology. Since then, the university has been China’s central location for marine-related sciences. In fact, almost all research on marine sciences in China today is published by the Ocean University’s faculty.

One of the most unique features of the Ocean University of China is that the university owns a 3500-ton marine vessel, the Dongfanghong 2. The ship is 96 meters long and 15 meters wide and is often called the most advanced research vessel in China. Students at the Ocean University have opportunities to conduct fieldwork at sea aboard the vessel, and the ship contains facilities for the study of hydrology, meteorology, physics, chemistry, biology, geology, and geophysics, among others. The Ocean University also offers amazing research landside. The campus is dotted with dozens of laboratories including an audio-visual education center and a computer center.

The Ocean University of China has a broad impact both within China and beyond. Aside from its preeminence in marine research, the university has been involved in a number of practical endeavors—assisting with the construction of port sites in the cities of Rizhao and Dongying. The university also helped establish the UNESCO Chinese Center of Marine Biotechnology. The university has strong international connections. Currently there are about 900 foreign students studying at the Ocean University. The university has connections with more than 240 universities in 37 countries. Joint undergraduate programs and joint graduate programs have been set up between the Ocean University of China and 21 other universities, mostly in the UK the USA and Australia.

The surrounding city of Qingdao is a beautiful seaside town full of German colonial architecture. The city is known as one of the cleanest in China. The town is most famous as the home of China’s best-selling brand of beer, Qingdao Beer. Students can take a tour of the Qingdao brewery and attend beer tastings and the annual Qingdao Beer Festival. If beer isn’t your thing, Qingdao is also known for its fresh seafood, rocky beaches, and hiking trails. The city has a laid-back and friendly atmosphere—more reminiscent of a small European town than a Chinese city.

The Ocean University of China is China’s preeminent location for the study of marine sciences. The university offers students a wide-range of opportunities with its outstanding research facilities, international cooperation, and involvement in practical development of Chinese coastal industries.