Shandong University (SDU)

Shandong University is one of the largest universities in China. It is an excellent place for individuals looking to search for institutions that offer prestigious degrees in China that also have strong international partnerships. It is a public university and is influenced largely by the national government. The University has eight different campuses and has a unique history in terms of its culture and educational philosophy. Learning bega in Shandong in Jinan in 1733 when the Yongzheng Emperor of the Qing Dynasty made an edict to establish a center that taught Chinese classics. In 1881, American missionaries tried to purchase the academy to build a chapel, which created a great deal of tension and an attack on the property. The property was rebuilt in 1896 and was converted to a larger educational institution in the region, which was then converted to a formal College in 1901. At this time, the University was grown substantially by Yuan Shikai who wanted to see a leading university in Shandong with a center of Western learning. In 1901, Dr. Watson McMillan Hayes was brought on to be the first dean of the university. The university has grown substantially since and has evolved into one of the leading universities within Mainland China.

Notable Campus & Programs in China

The eight campuses that Shandong University has are called: Central Campus, Hongjialou Campus, Baotuquan Campus, Qianfoshan Campus, Xinglongshan Campus, Ruanjianyuan Campus, Weihai Campus, and Qingdao Campus. The 11 main academic disciplines that are offered by the university are: Philosophy, Economics, Law, Business Management, Engineering, Clinical Medicine, Public Health, Dentistry, and Public Administration. Currently, there are 104 different Undergraduate programs, 209 distinct Master’s degree programs, and 127 doctoral degree programs. As of 2009, the student population was 57,500 full time students that include 14,500 postgraduate students and over 1,000 foreign students.

Shandong University has established exchange agreements with over 70 universities from 50 different countries. Each year, Shandong University invites 1,500 international students from roughly 40 different countries to study at their campus. Many of these students come from Europe, the United States, and Africa. Shandong University has also established a research center in partnership with the University of Cincinnati. Additionally, Shandong University has established a partnership with the University of Manchester in the UK, which is funded by the UK Department for Business, Innovation, and Skills.

Closing Remarks

Shandong University is a very famous and well-respected university within China. What makes Shandong University truly special and unique is the distinct history that it possesses. The fact that the essence of the university evolved both before and during the Cultural Revolution makes Shandong University an incredible place to study for those that want to see a glimpse of Chinese culture and history while abroad. Furthermore, the eight distinct campuses offer a wide range of academic disciplines and different campus life experience for both foreign and Chinese students to take advantage of. When considering prospective programs to study within China that are located in a smaller city with more language learning potential, it is absolutely recommended to include Shandong University in your search.