Xiamen University (XMU)

Xiamen University is often called “China’s most beautiful university.” Nestled between lush hills and a white sand beach, the campus certainly lives up to its reputation. Aside from being a beautiful campus located in an idyllic seaside town, XMU boasts a fascinating history, global partnerships, and high-ranking academics. For a student seeking a degree in China, Xiamen University offers a genuinely unique experience.

XMU was founded in 1921 by prominent Singaporean businessman and philanthropist Tan Kah Kee. Xiamen University was the first university in China to be established by a member of the overseas Chinese community. From its inception, the university attracted many international students—especially Malaysian students of Chinese ethnicity. In 1926, Xiamen University was one of only five Chinese universities invited to the Sesquicentennial International Exhibition in Philadelphia. In 1937, Tan Kah Kee transferred the administration of the university to the Chinese government and it has been a national university since. During the Second World War, XMU was forced to relocate its operations to the city of Chanting, but the university was able to move back home to Xiamen in 1946. XMU was reclassified as a comprehensive university in 1952, and in 1963 it became one of China’s national key universities. In 2015, Xiamen University was one of 42 universities selected for development under China’s Double First Class University Plan.

The school has built on its historical connection to the overseas Chinese community by developing collaboration projects around the world. In 2014, XMU established a branch campus in Malaysia, which maintains close ties to the main campus in China. This is the first overseas branch campus to be established by a prominent Chinese university. Xiamen University and Cardiff University established a “strategic partnership” in 2016, allowing for co-supervision of doctoral students. The Xiamen-Cardiff partnership also includes £1.2 in funding for collaborative research projects conducted in Wales. In addition, Xiamen University has recently sent a delegation to the Tokyo Institute of Technology in Japan to establish closer research ties and partnerships with that university. In total, XMU has more than 300 ongoing partnerships with universities in other countries. XMU has also established 16 Confucius Institutes in 13 countries to promote the study of Chinese as a foreign language.

XMU currently has nearly 40,000 full-time students, including 1,700 international students. The university has over 2,500 faculty members, many of whom have achieved great distinction. 59 faculty members are on China’s list of experts known as the “1000 Talents Plan.” 22 faculty members are on either the Chinese Academy of Sciences or of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, and 34 of XMU’s professors are Distinguished or Chair Professors on the Changjiang Scholars Program. The university offers a wide range of disciplines boasting 76 undergraduate departments and 14 research institutes.

XMU consistently ranks high amongst Chinese universities. Xiamen University is ranked as the 11th best university in China by both the University Undergraduates Teaching Assessment and the Chinese University Evaluation Standings. Nature Index has also ranked Xiamen University as one of the top 10 universities in China and one of the top 100 in the world. Six of XMU’s subjects are ranked as A+++ level programs by the Chinese university ranking system. These six subjects are economics and management, fine art, law, chemistry, journalism, communication and mathematics. Xiamen University’s School of Management is accredited by EQUIS and the Association of MBAs.

XMU has three campuses located in and around the city of Xiamen. They are known for stunning Chinese architecture, spacious athletic grounds, and dazzling parks and lakes. The city of Xiamen itself is a beautiful subtropical town with a laidback pace and clean air. Some local highlights include the botanical gardens, Hulishan fort, and Gulangyu Island.

Xiamen University is a strong choice for a student seeking education in China. XMU has a beautiful location and strong academics. With nearly 100 years of commitment to international collaboration, Xiamen University is sure to make any foreign student feel at home in China.