The Ocean University of China (OUC), formerly Qingdao Private University, was founded in 1924. It was the first modern higher education institution established by the Chinese in Shandong Province. In its inaugural year, forty students enrolled in engineering and commerce programs, attending classes at the former German Bismarck Barracks—now the university’s picturesque Yushan Campus. In October 2002, the Ministry of Energy officially approved the university’s current name, Ocean University of China.Since then, OUC has been on a continuous journey to establish itself as a top-tier, comprehensive university, with particular strengths in fisheries and marine sciences. As a public university, it offers affordable tuition fees compared to other countries. Today, OUC benefits from substantial national and regional funding to support its ambition of becoming a world-class university by 2050.If you’re interested in studying in China and want to learn more about the Ocean University of China, keep reading this article from Elm Vira.
University Overview
Name: Ocean University of China
Founded: 1924
Type: Public
Language of Instruction: English – Chinese
QS Ranking: 901-950
Introduction to Ocean University of China (OUC)
Established in 1924, Ocean University of China (OUC) is a non-profit, public higher education institution located in the urban metropolis of Qingdao, Shandong, with a population ranging from 1 to 5 million. Officially recognized by the Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China, OUC is a coeducational Chinese university offering a range of undergraduate programs across multiple academic disciplines.With 96 years of academic excellence, OUC follows a selective admission policy based on entrance exams. As a public university, it provides affordable tuition fees, and international applicants are welcome to apply. Additionally, OUC offers a variety of academic and non-academic facilities and services, including a library, student housing, financial aid and scholarships, and administrative support to ensure a well-rounded educational experience.
Ranking and Academic Excellence of Ocean University of China (OUC)
Ocean University of China (OUC) offers an extensive range of academic and research programs, including:
12 postdoctoral research programs
81 doctoral programs across various disciplines
193 master’s programs
69 undergraduate programs
As China’s leading hub for marine science experts, OUC has played a pivotal role in educating specialists in oceanography and fisheries. Notably:
68% of recipients of the National Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars in Oceanography are OUC graduates.
46% of awardees in the National Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars in Fisheries have studied at OUC.
Recognized as one of the top public universities in Qingdao, China, OUC is ranked 901-950 in the QS World University Rankings 2024.
Jiangsu Ocean University Faculties
OUC is committed to nurturing talent and instilling qualities such as resilience, social responsibility, innovation, adaptability, and practicality in its students. Over the past five years, OUC students have achieved significant academic and professional success. More than 3,600 students have won national-level competitions, including:
The National Undergraduate Entrepreneurship Competition
The National College Students’ Mathematical Modeling Competition
The China Robotics Competition
Energy conservation challenges
For over a decade, the employment rate of Jiangsu Ocean University graduates has consistently exceeded 96%. This high employability rate, combined with the university’saffordable tuition fees, makes it an attractive destination for students worldwide.OUC degrees are highly valued by employers, further enhancing graduates’ career prospects.
Faculties and Schools at Ocean University of China
School of Oceanography
School of Environmental Science
School of Science
School of Information Engineering
School of Chemical Science and Engineering
School of Marine Geosciences
School of Fisheries
School of Marine Life Sciences
School of Food Science and Engineering
School of Medicine
School of Pharmacy
School of Engineering
School of Science and Environmental Science
School of Management
School of Economics
School of Foreign Languages
School of Liberal Arts
School of Journalism and Communication
School of Law
School of Political Science
School of Mathematics
School of Materials Science and Engineering
School of International Education
Programs and Facilities at Ocean University of China (OUC)
Distinguished Faculty and Research Excellence
Ocean University of China (OUC) boasts a highly qualified faculty dedicated to both teaching and research. Many of its professors are recognized experts in their fields, serving as faculty members at bothdomestic and international universities. The university has established four leading academic teamsspecifically for engineering disciplines, ensuring top-tier education for its students. With over 100 professors, OUC provides an exceptional learning experience that is both theoretical and practical.
Undergraduate and Postgraduate Programs at OUC
Undergraduate Programs
OUC offers a wide range of bachelor’s degree programs across multiple disciplines, including:
Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)
Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.)
Bachelor of Agriculture (B.Agri.)
Bachelor of Economics (B.Econ.)
Bachelor of Management (B.Mgmt.)
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
Bachelor of Law (LL.B.)
Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.)
Doctoral Programs
For postgraduate studies, OUC provides Ph.D. programs in various fields, including:
Doctor of Science (Ph.D. in Science)
Doctor of Agriculture (Ph.D. in Agriculture)
Doctor of Engineering (Ph.D. in Engineering)
Doctor of Medicine (Ph.D. in Medicine)
Doctor of Management (Ph.D. in Management)
Doctor of Law (Ph.D. in Law)
Doctor of Economics (Ph.D. in Economics)
Campuses of Ocean University of China
OUC is one of the first universities in China authorized to award bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees by the Academic Degree Evaluation Committee. The university operates across three main campuses:
Yushan Campus
Fushan Campus
Laoshan Campus
Each campus is equipped withmodern educational facilities and offers state-of-the-art research environments to support students’ academic pursuits.
Facilities and Student Services at OUC
Choosing the right university is not just about academics—it also depends on student facilities, living conditions, and overall support services. This is especially important for international students who will spend years studying in a foreign country.
These facilities ensure that students have seamless access to the resources they need for their studies and research.
Library and Academic Resources
The OUC Library is one of the most comprehensive in China, containing nearly two million books, ensuring that students have access to extensive academic materials.
Student Accommodation
OUC provides on-campus dormitories to international students, offering bothsingle and shared rooms. Living in a university dormitory is significantly more affordable than renting a private apartment, making it a cost-effective and convenient option for students.With world-class academic programs, top-tier research facilities, and excellent student services, Ocean University of China stands out as a premier institution for higher education in China.
Admission Requirements and Tuition Fees at Ocean University of China (OUC)
General Admission Requirements
To apply for Ocean University of China (OUC), applicants must meet specific academic and language proficiency requirements. While the most up-to-date and detailed information is available on the university’s official website, here are the general required documents for admission:
Medical certificate (proving the applicant’s physical health)
Language proficiency certificate:
IELTS or TOEFL (for English-taught programs)
HSK (for Chinese-taught programs)
Official certificate of no criminal record
Certified translation of the latest academic degree (in Chinese or English)
Certified translation of academic transcripts
Academic and research records (such as published papers, training courses, etc.)
Recommendation letter and research proposal (for graduate applicants)
Additional documents may be required depending on the program and degree level.
Tuition Fees at Ocean University of China
China is known for offering affordable educationcompared to many other countries, and OUC is no exception. However, tuition fees vary based on program and degree level. In general,higher degrees and specialized programs (such as medicine and pharmacy) tend to have higher tuition costs.Below are the approximate tuition fees for different study levels:
Undergraduate Tuition Fees
Domestic students: 18,000 RMB – 23,000 RMB per year
International students: 18,000 RMB – 23,000 RMB per year
Master’s Degree Tuition Fees
Domestic students: 20,500 RMB – 25,000 RMB per year
International students: 20,500 RMB – 25,000 RMB per year
Since tuition fees may vary depending on the chosen program, applicants should refer to OUC’s official website for precise and up-to-date details.
International Collaborations of Jiangsu Ocean University
Jiangsu Ocean University (also known as Ocean University of China) is committed to expanding its international partnerships. The university actively fosters economic and social development as well as cultural exchange. One of its key strategies is to enroll international students, providing them with high-quality education and research opportunities.Currently, Jiangsu Ocean University has signed numerous research and educational agreements with many international institutions. It maintains collaborative relationships with universities in:
The United States
Japan
Germany
The United Kingdom
Canada
Australia
New Zealand
South Korea
These partnerships offer students valuable opportunities to engage in global research projects. Over the years, the number of international students enrolling at Jiangsu Ocean University has steadily increased.
Scholarships at Ocean University of China
Scholarships at OUC are available for all degree levels, including:
Undergraduate (Bachelor’s degree)
Graduate (Master’s degree)
Doctoral (PhD degree)
The scholarship covers: ✔ Tuition fees ✔ On-campus accommodation ✔ Medical insurance for eligible students
Eligibility Criteria
Must be a non-Chinese citizen
Must meet the university’s academic and language requirements
Required Documents for Scholarship Application
Copy of passport
Highest obtained academic degree
Official academic transcripts
Medical certificate
Certificate of no criminal record
Language proficiency certificate (HSK for Chinese programs, IELTS/TOEFL for English programs)
Two recommendation letters from professors
Research proposal (minimum 800 words)
Published research papers (if applicable)
Conclusion
Jiangsu Ocean University is a government-funded Chinese institution known for its affordable tuition fees and strong research programs. The university offers a wide range of programs innatural sciences, social sciences, and engineering, with a particular emphasis on marine sciences and fisheries.If you are considering studying in China, you can request free consultation services from migration experts at Elm Vira Immigration Institute to get guidance on admission and scholarships.
