China University of Petroleum, Beijing

China University of Petroleum, Beijing, has been enrolling international students since 1994. Aiming to cultivate professionals with an international outlook and strong competence, the university has made significant efforts and achieved great progress in improving the quality of education and expanding student enrollment over the years. The College of International Education was officially established in 2017 better to promote international student education and international communication and exchange. It bears overall responsibility for promoting international education, recruiting international students, and administering international student programs.

China University of Petroleum (CUP) was founded in 1953, designated as one of the key national universities in 1960, and is a '211' project university managed by the Ministry of Education. As a top-tier national university, CUP’s mission is to train qualified engineers and provide exceptional technical services to the global oil industry through high-quality education and distinguished research.

CUP leads in the petroleum and petrochemical disciplines in China. According to ESI statistics up to September 2025, CUP ranked in the top 1% globally across nine disciplines: Engineering, Chemistry, Geosciences, Materials Science, Ecology, Physics, Computer Science, Mathematics, and General Social Sciences. Based on the petroleum industry structure, CUP has established a discipline framework featuring dominant fields such as Oil & Gas Engineering and Geological Resources & Geological Engineering, supporting disciplines like Chemistry, Material Science, and Engineering, as well as emerging interdisciplinary areas like Unconventional Oil & Gas, New Energy, and Offshore Oil & Gas Engineering.

CUP places great importance on international exchanges and cooperation. Through its internationalization strategy, it continuously promotes international collaboration, thereby increasing its global influence in higher education. It maintains extensive academic and industrial partnerships with over 170 universities and companies worldwide. Additionally, it has established 13 international joint institutes in collaboration with renowned universities and corporations, and founded a Confucius Institute in partnership with San Francisco University in Quito, Ecuador. In 2018, CUP launched the Worldwide Energy University Network (WEUN), which now includes 31 member universities from 17 countries, such as China, the USA, the UK, Canada, Germany, and France. 

In response to the Belt and Road Initiative, it has built cooperative ties with more than 60 universities and institutions from Belt and Road countries. It was selected to participate in the Belt and Road Scholarship Program for international students in Beijing and the Belt and Road National Talent Training Base Program in Beijing in 2017. The same year, it was approved to join the Chinese Government Scholarship-Silk Road Scholarship Program, followed by the Chinese Government Scholarship-China-Africa Friendship Program and China-Africa Friendship General Scholar Program in 2019.

China University of Petroleum, Beijing, provides safe, comfortable, and affordable housing for international students on its modern campus in Beijing. Most international students reside in the university’s double rooms, which are well-equipped with essentials such as beds, study desks, wardrobes, heating, air conditioning, and shared bathrooms. The dormitories also feature common areas, laundry facilities, hot water, and 24-hour security, ensuring a convenient living environment.

Accommodation costs range from 1,200 to 1,500 RMB per person per month, depending on the room type and availability. Rooms are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis, so students are encouraged to complete their admission procedures early. If campus housing is full, students can live off-campus in nearby apartments, with support from the university’s International Student Office.

Living on campus gives students easy access to classrooms, libraries, sports facilities, dining halls, and daily services, helping them quickly adapt to life at the university in China. CUPB’s well-managed accommodation system guarantees comfort, safety, and a welcoming community for students from around the world.

The admission process for CUPB is simple and entirely online. Students begin by selecting their preferred English-taught Bachelor's or Master's program and reviewing the basic requirements. Bachelor applicants must have completed Grade 12 with strong academic results, while Master applicants must have achieved at least 70% in their previous degree. All applicants must provide valid English proficiency, such as IELTS 6.0–6.5, TOEFL 75–80, or Duolingo 95+.

Once eligibility is confirmed, students prepare their application documents, including a passport, a photo, academic certificates, transcripts, a health check-up report, a police clearance, a bank statement (minimum USD 5,000), an English certificate, a study plan, and the CUPB application form. These documents are submitted through the university’s online admission portal. A non-refundable 400 RMB application fee must be paid for the application to be processed.

CUPB evaluates each application based on academic background, English level, and document quality. Outstanding students are considered for the university’s scholarships: Type A (full scholarship + monthly stipend) or Type B (full scholarship without stipend). Successful applicants receive an Admission Notice and a JW202 visa form, required for applying for a Chinese student visa (X1).

After receiving the visa, students travel to Beijing and complete registration at the university. They must also undergo a local medical check (if needed) and apply for a Residence Permit within 30 days of arrival. The university assists students with accommodation, orientation, and campus onboarding.

CUPB’s streamlined process ensures that international students can start their academic journey smoothly and confidently at one of China’s top engineering and energy universities.