Zhejiang Normal University is a public university in Jinhua that began as a teacher-training college in 1956 and has grown into one of Zhejiang Province's key comprehensive universities. It is a popular choice for students interested in education, Chinese language and the sciences, and it hosts one of the province's larger international student communities.
If you are still weighing your options across the province, start with our overview of universities in Zhejiang, China, which compares four institutions with very different academic focuses. This guide goes deeper on ZJNU alone: what it teaches, how international admissions work, and what student life in Jinhua looks like.
Zhejiang Normal University at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
| Founded | 1956 (renamed Zhejiang Normal University in 1985) |
| Location | 688 Yingbin Avenue, Jinhua, Zhejiang |
| Colleges and schools | 26 |
| Undergraduate majors | 71 |
| Level-1 master's / doctoral programmes | 29 / 15 |
| Total students | More than 50,000 |
| International students | More than 3,000, from around 110 countries |
| International programmes (2026 undergraduate) | 30 Chinese-taught, 7 English-taught |
| Official international site | iso.zjnu.edu.cn |
Source: ZJNU International Student Office.
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University Overview
ZJNU's history explains its character. It was founded as Hangzhou Normal Academy, merged with other teaching colleges in 1962, settled in Jinhua and took its current name in 1985. Later mergers brought in a finance school, a preschool teacher education school and a railway engineering school, which is why today's university spans far more than teacher training.
Education remains central to its identity. According to the Zhejiang provincial government, ZJNU had produced more than 300,000 graduates by the end of 2020, about 210,000 of whom became teachers. The university was authorised to admit international students in 1997 and to host Chinese Government Scholarship students from 2007.
Zhejiang Normal University Courses
ZJNU's 26 colleges cover education, humanities, sciences, engineering, economics and management, law, arts and physical education. Areas international students often explore include:
- Education and teacher training, the university's founding strength.
- Chinese language and international Chinese language education, including master's and doctoral pathways in teaching Chinese to speakers of other languages.
- Economics and management, including international economics and trade.
- Africa-focused business and studies, through the China-Africa International Business School and long-running Africa research links.
- Sciences, where the provincial government notes mathematics, chemistry, engineering and materials science among ESI top 1% fields globally (2021 data).
For the exact list of programmes open to international students, including which are taught in English, refer to the official 2026 Zhejiang Normal University Program Catalogue for International Students on the ISO website. We have not reproduced it here because programme availability changes yearly.
Zhejiang Normal University Admissions
ZJNU uses an online-only application system for international students and states that it applies a comprehensive review. For undergraduate entry, the 2026 guide asks for documents such as:
- A notarised high school diploma or pre-graduation certificate bearing the school's official seal.
- Academic transcripts.
- Language proof suited to the programme (HSK for Chinese-taught, English evidence for English-taught).
- A performance statement if you are already studying in China.
- Passport copy and health documents.
Programme-specific requirements, including any entrance tests, are listed in the Program Catalogue. Deadlines are set by the university's application system and change each year, so check the ISO website before preparing your documents.
Zhejiang Normal University for International Students
ZJNU is authorised to host recipients of the Chinese Government Scholarship and Confucius Institute Scholarship, and international students may also apply for the Zhejiang Provincial Government Scholarship and university scholarships.
A distinctive extra is the Jinhua Municipal Sister City Scholarship. Category A pays RMB 20,000 per academic year to eligible students from, and recommended by, Jinhua's twin cities who have studied in Jinhua for at least a year. (Editorial review: confirm current amount and eligibility before publishing.)
The international community is large and active, with events such as an International Cultural Festival and New Year gala, plus sports competitions.
Zhejiang Normal University Campus
The main campus in Jinhua covers roughly 220 hectares, according to the university's international student handbook, and is known for a calm, study-focused atmosphere. Jinhua is part of the Jinhua-Yiwu metropolitan area, close to the international trade hub of Yiwu, and about 100 minutes from Shanghai by high-speed rail.
Accommodation and living considerations
International students are typically housed in on-campus international dormitories. Jinhua's cost of living is generally lower than Hangzhou's, which can stretch a scholarship further. Ask the ISO for current dormitory rates and room types, as these are not published consistently in English.
Who Should Consider Zhejiang Normal University?
ZJNU is worth researching further if you:
- Want to teach, or to study education, with a university built around that mission.
- Plan to learn Chinese seriously or pursue international Chinese language education.
- Have an interest in China-Africa relations, trade or business.
- Prefer a quieter city with lower living costs over a major metropolis.
It is a weaker fit if you need a wide menu of English-taught programmes or want to study medicine or highly specialised engineering.
Related Universities in Zhejiang
Science and technology options
If engineering is your priority, ZUST in Hangzhou offers an applied, German-influenced model. Read about Zhejiang University of Science and Technology courses and admissions.
Comparing academic pathways
Students drawn to health sciences should compare ZJNU with a specialist institution. Explore Zhejiang Chinese Medical University programs to see how a TCM-focused curriculum differs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Zhejiang Normal University located?
Its main campus is at 688 Yingbin Avenue in Jinhua, Zhejiang Province, about 100 minutes from Shanghai by high-speed rail.
What are the main Zhejiang Normal University courses?
Education, Chinese language and international Chinese education, economics and management, sciences and engineering are among its main fields across 71 undergraduate majors.
Does Zhejiang Normal University teach in English?
Yes. Its 2026 admission guide lists 7 English-taught undergraduate programmes for international students, alongside 30 Chinese-taught ones.
How do Zhejiang Normal University admissions work for international students?
Applications are made online only and reviewed holistically. You will need notarised academic documents, language proof and health forms.
Is Zhejiang Normal University good for international students?
With more than 3,000 international students from around 110 countries and several scholarship routes, it has an established international community.
What scholarships does Zhejiang Normal University accept?
The Chinese Government, Confucius Institute and Zhejiang Provincial Government scholarships, ZJNU scholarships and a Jinhua municipal scholarship for sister-city students.
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Conclusion
Zhejiang Normal University is a strong, well-established option for students interested in education, Chinese language and the sciences, set in an affordable and well-connected city. Before applying, download the current Program Catalogue and confirm fees and deadlines with the International Student Office. To see how it compares with business-focused options, read our [Zhejiang Gongshang University admission guide.