Why Xiamen University matters
Xiamen University (厦门大学, Xiàmén Dàxué, or XMU) is a Project 985 and Project 211 university and one of China's most beloved institutions. Founded in 1921 by the overseas Chinese businessman Tan Kah Kee (陈嘉庚), XMU was the first university in China established by an overseas Chinese entrepreneur. Tan Kah Kee's vision was to create a university that would combine Chinese and Western educational traditions, and this international outlook has remained part of XMU's identity for over a century.
XMU's strengths are in economics and finance (the Wang Yanan Institute for Studies in Economics is one of China's top economic research centers), chemistry (ranked among China's top ten), Southeast Asian studies (XMU's Nanyang Research Institute is China's premier center for the study of Southeast Asia), and marine science. The university also has a strong accounting program —XMU's accounting graduates are among the most sought-after in China's financial sector.
For international students, XMU offers three distinctive advantages: one of China's most beautiful campuses (situated between mountains and the sea, with architecture that blends Chinese and Southeast Asian styles), strong programs with particular relevance to Southeast Asian and maritime studies, and a location in Xiamen — a subtropical coastal city with a mild climate, clean air, and a relaxed lifestyle that attracts many international students.
Programs for international students
XMU offers English-taught master's programs in International Economics, Finance, Chemistry, Marine Science, Business Administration, and Chinese Studies. The economics and finance programs are the flagship — XMU's location in one of China's Special Economic Zones and its proximity to Taiwan give its economic research a distinctive focus on cross-strait trade, Southeast Asian economies, and international finance. The Wang Yanan Institute regularly hosts international conferences and attracts visiting scholars from top global economics departments.
The Southeast Asian studies program is unique in China. XMU's Nanyang Research Institute (南洋研究院) is the country's oldest and most comprehensive center for the study of Southeast Asian politics, economics, and culture. For students from ASEAN countries or those planning careers involving China-Southeast Asia relations, XMU offers expertise unavailable elsewhere in China.
XMU also operates a campus in Malaysia — Xiamen University Malaysia (XMUM) — which opened in 2016. This is the first overseas campus established by a Chinese university, and it represents XMU's deep commitment to Southeast Asian engagement. International students at XMU's Xiamen campus may have opportunities for exchange or collaborative activities with the Malaysia campus.
Xiamen: China's garden city by the sea
Xiamen (厦门) is a city of 5 million on the southeast coast of Fujian province, directly across the strait from Taiwan. The city is consistently ranked as one of China's most livable — it has a subtropical climate with mild winters, abundant sunshine, clean air, and a coastal lifestyle. Xiamen's Gulangyu Island (鼓浪屿), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a car-free island with colonial-era architecture and a musical heritage that makes it one of China's most popular tourist destinations.
The city has a distinctive character shaped by its history as a treaty port and its deep connections to overseas Chinese communities, particularly in Southeast Asia. Xiamen is a Special Economic Zone and has been a leader in China's opening to foreign investment. The city has a more relaxed, Southeast Asian-influenced culture than northern Chinese cities, with a food culture that features fresh seafood, oyster omelets, and satay noodles.
Living costs are moderate. Budget 2,000-3,500 RMB per month for food, transportation, and personal expenses. Dormitory accommodation costs 600-1,500 RMB per month. Xiamen has an international airport with connections throughout Asia and high-speed rail to Shanghai (4 hours), Shenzhen (3 hours), and other coastal cities.
Admissions and costs
Tuition for Chinese-taught undergraduate programs is approximately 20,000-24,000 RMB per year. English-taught master's programs cost 30,000-45,000 RMB per year. Doctoral programs cost 28,000-38,000 RMB per year. The Chinese language program costs approximately 10,000-14,000 RMB per semester.
XMU values applicants with backgrounds relevant to its strengths. The economics and finance programs prefer applicants with quantitative backgrounds. Chemistry programs value strong science preparation. The Southeast Asian studies program welcomes students from various disciplines who demonstrate interest in the region. The application period runs from November through April.
XMU is one of the most attractive 985 universities for international students in terms of quality of life. The combination of academic strength, beautiful surroundings, mild climate, and a welcoming international community makes it a popular choice. For students interested in economics, Southeast Asian studies, or marine science who also want an exceptional living environment, XMU is hard to beat.