Ocean University of China (中国海洋大学, OUC) is China's leading marine university, located in the coastal city of Qingdao. Its unique strengths are oceanography and fisheries, and it admits international students to bachelor's, master's, Chinese language and exchange programmes. Here is an overview of the university, its English-taught programmes, requirements, fees and deadlines. For the general process, see How to Apply to Study in China in 2027.
Key facts • Founded in 1924; part of Project 211, Project 985 and the Double First-Class initiative. • Unique strengths in oceanography and fisheries; 36,500+ students, 22 colleges and schools, 4 campuses. • English-taught programmes: a bachelor's in oceanography costs RMB 23,000 a year; master's programmes RMB 20,500–25,000. • Bachelor's applicants need CSCA; English-taught programmes require IELTS 5.5+ or TOEFL 80+. • The 2026 deadline for English-taught programmes was 10 June. |
Ocean University of China: key facts
According to the International Programs 2026 brochure from OUC's School of International Education:
Indicator | Value |
Founded | 1924 |
Status | Key university directly under the Ministry of Education; Project 211 and 985; Double First-Class (Class A since 2017) |
Unique strengths | Oceanography and fisheries |
Students | 36,500+ |
Faculty and staff | About 4,220 |
Colleges and schools | 22 |
Campuses | 4 |
City | Qingdao, Shandong Province |
Source: Ocean University of China
Qingdao as a place to study
Qingdao is a coastal city on the south-east of the Shandong Peninsula, on the Yellow Sea. It is a major port and economic centre with a pleasant climate, known as China's sailing capital — it hosted the sailing events of the 2008 Beijing Olympics. OUC's School of International Education is on the Laoshan campus.
Living in Qingdao is noticeably cheaper than in Beijing or Shanghai. For a comparison of cities, see Best Cities in China for International Students.
English-taught programmes and fees
OUC offers English-taught bachelor's and master's programmes. Each programme opens only if more than 15 students enrol.
Level | Programme | Duration | Tuition, RMB/year |
Bachelor's | Oceanography | 4 years | 23,000 |
Bachelor's | Tourism Management | 4 years | See the university brochure |
Bachelor's | Computer Science and Technology | 4 years | See the university brochure |
Bachelor's | International Economics and Trade | 4 years | See the university brochure |
Master's | International Business | 2 years | 25,000 |
Master's | China Studies | 2 years | 20,500 |
Master's | Food Science and Engineering | 2 years | 25,000 |
Master's | Aquaculture | 2 years | 25,000 |
Master's | Pharmacy | 2 years | 25,000 |
Master's | Computer Technology | 3 years | 25,000 |
Source: Ocean University of China — International Programs 2026
Other costs: accommodation RMB 5,500 per semester, application fee RMB 400, insurance RMB 800 a year. Chinese-taught programmes are published in a separate 2026 programme list, and there is a long-term Chinese language programme — see Language Year in China for how this format works.
Entry requirements
Requirements for English-taught programmes, according to International Programs 2026:
Requirement | Bachelor's | Master's |
Education | High school diploma | Bachelor's degree or equivalent |
Age | 16–30 | 18–50 |
English | IELTS 5.5+, TOEFL 80+ or proof of English-medium study | Same |
CSCA | Required | Not required |
Recommendations and study plan | Not required | Two professors' recommendation letters and a study plan |
Source: Ocean University of China
CSCA test subjects for each major are published in a separate document — Test Subjects for CSCA 2026. For the exam in general, see The CSCA Exam in 2027.
Important OUC's English requirement is softer than at many top universities: IELTS 5.5 is enough for English-taught programmes. But bachelor's applicants still need CSCA results. |
Documents
1. OUC international student application form.
2. Passport photo page scan and a 2-inch photo.
3. Notarised copy of your highest degree or diploma.
4. Notarised transcript.
5. Two recommendation letters from professors (master's).
6. Study plan (master's).
7. CV.
8. Physical examination form.
9. Police clearance certificate.
10. Financial statement.
11. Language certificate.
12. CSCA transcript (bachelor's).
Apply through OUC's online system for international students. For English-taught programmes in 2026, the deadline was 10 June.
Scholarships
International students at OUC can apply for the Chinese Government Scholarship, the International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarship and the OUC President Scholarship — for example, see the Chinese Government Scholarship and OUC President Scholarship pages.
For a full yearly budget including living costs, see How Much It Costs to Study and Live in China.
Who Ocean University of China is for
- Students who want a career connected to the sea: oceanography, aquaculture, marine pharmacy, food technology.
- Those looking for an English-taught programme with moderate language requirements.
- Those who want a strong Project 985 / Double First-Class university in a city cheaper than Beijing or Shanghai.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Ocean University of China?
In Qingdao, Shandong Province, on the Yellow Sea coast. The School of International Education is on the Laoshan campus, 238 Songling Road.
How much does Ocean University of China cost?
English-taught programmes: a bachelor's in oceanography costs RMB 23,000 a year; master's programmes RMB 20,500–25,000. Plus accommodation at RMB 5,500 per semester and insurance at RMB 800 a year.
Does OUC offer English-taught programmes?
Yes: bachelor's programmes in oceanography, tourism management, computer science and international trade, and six master's programmes. Each opens with more than 15 students.
Do I need CSCA for Ocean University of China?
For bachelor's programmes, yes. For master's programmes, no.
What English level do I need for OUC?
IELTS 5.5+ or TOEFL 80+. You can replace the certificate with proof that your previous studies were in English.
Quick action plan
1. Choose an English- or Chinese-taught programme.
2. Take IELTS 5.5+ and, for a bachelor's, CSCA.
3. Prepare notarised documents.
4. Apply by 10 June (based on the 2026 deadline) and for a scholarship in parallel.
We'll help you get into Ocean University of China GE Agency will choose a programme, check the requirements, prepare your documents and scholarship application, and support you through to your visa. Book a consultation. |
Information checked on 4 October 2026. Requirements, fees and deadlines may change — always check the official Ocean University of China website before applying.
Useful articles about studying in China
- Top Universities in China for International Students: Rankings and How to Choose
- Bachelor’s Degree in China After High School: Requirements, CSCA, Costs and Admission
- Master’s Degree in China for International Students: Programmes, Requirements, Costs and Admission
- Scholarships to Study in China: Chinese Government Scholarship, University and Provincial Grants