Key Takeaways
Seven English-taught computer science and data science degrees in China, and how to tell which one fits your maths level and career target.
Why computer science is the easiest field to study in English
Computer science is the most international-friendly field in Chinese higher education. More English-taught CS, software, and data-science degrees exist than in almost any other discipline. That is good news if you want a Chinese degree without spending your first year in a language classroom.
Why Study CS in China
China runs the world's largest internet market, dominates hardware manufacturing, and invests heavily in AI. Studying here puts you inside that ecosystem, and several programs are jointly run with foreign universities, so your credits and experience travel well.
Choosing a Computer Science Program in China
Applicants should distinguish computer science, software engineering, artificial intelligence and data science when comparing programs in China. Curricula, degree levels and admission requirements may differ even within the same university.
Vietnamese applicants often search for ‘du học ngành khoa học máy tính tại Trung Quốc’, which means studying computer science in China, and the same questions about curriculum and teaching language apply.
Joyous Future labels each program by discipline so that similarly named degrees can be compared before documents are prepared.
Seven Programs Worth Considering
1) Beijing Jiaotong University, Computer Science and Technology (English-taught Bachelor's)
A direct, career-oriented undergraduate CS degree in Beijing.
2) Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Computer Science and Technology (English-taught Bachelor's)
BUPT is a telecom and networking specialist; strong industry pipeline into China's tech corridor.
3) Peking University, School of Computer Science Excellence Program for International Students
A research-intensive track at one of China's top universities, aimed at high-caliber international students.
4) Sun Yat-sen University, Computer Science and Technology (Master's, English-taught)
A southern-China research option in Guangzhou, good for students who want a master's without relocating north.
5) Northeastern University, Bachelor of Software Engineering (English-taught)
A software-focused bachelor's in Shenyang, with lower costs than the coastal giants.
6) Sichuan University, Software Engineering English-Taught Program
Chengdu-based, affordable, and a solid base for western-China tech opportunities.
7) Zhejiang University, International Master of Data Science (MDS)
A data-science master's in Hangzhou, the city of Alibaba. One of the strongest career-launch degrees on this list.
How to Choose
- Want a bachelor's in English? BJTU, BUPT, Northeastern, Sichuan.
- Want a master's with research weight? PKU, SYSU, Zhejiang MDS.
- Want the best tech-job city? Hangzhou (Zhejiang) and Beijing (BUPT, BJTU, PKU).
Two undergraduate routes come up repeatedly: the BUPT English-taught CS bachelor’s in Beijing and the BJTU equivalent. At master’s level, the ZJU data science master’s is the strongest English option.
Admission Notes
Requirements vary by program, some ask for IELTS and TOEFL, others accept proof of English-medium prior study. HSK (Chinese proficiency) is generally not required for these English-taught tracks, but check each program page for the exact language and academic requirements.
Career Opportunities
Graduates move into software engineering, data science, AI research, and product roles at Chinese and multinational firms. Joint-institute and data-science degrees (Zhejiang MDS) are especially portable if you later work outside China.
Universities and programs in this guide
University Pages
- Beijing Jiaotong University
- Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications
- Peking University
- Sun Yat-sen University
- Northeastern University
- Sichuan University
- Zhejiang University
Program Pages
- Computer Science and Technology at Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications (bachelor’s)
- Software Engineering at Northeastern University (bachelor’s)
- Software Engineering at Sichuan University (bachelor’s)
Related guides
- Study engineering in China
- Engineering universities ranked
- Business and finance programs
- CSCA for 2027 undergraduate admission
FAQ
Q1: Do I need Chinese to study CS in China?
No. The seven programs above are English-taught. Learning some Mandarin still helps daily life.
Q2: Is a Chinese CS degree recognized abroad?
Generally yes, especially from well-known universities and joint programs. Confirm with your home credential evaluator.
Q3: Which city is best for CS jobs after graduation?
Beijing and Hangzhou have the densest tech ecosystems; Guangzhou and Chengdu are growing fast and cheaper.
