Nanjing University

Nanjing University is a member of the C9 League, tracing its modern foundation to 1902 and its institutional roots considerably further. It is strongest in the sciences, humanities, environmental studies and international relations. Two practical features distinguish it. It charges no application fee, so applying costs nothing beyond document preparation. And it admits in both February and September rather than September alone, which gives an applicant whose documents or visa run late an alternative to losing a full year. It also publishes a timing detail that most universities leave the applicant to discover: the Foreigners' Health Certificate required at registration is valid for only six months, so the physical examination should be taken in April for a September start rather than earlier. Nanjing is a former capital with living costs materially below Beijing and Shanghai while remaining a major eastern city.