About
Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), located in Wuhan, China, is a leading institution renowned for its excellence in education, research, and innovation. It is ranked among the top universities in China and is widely recognized for fostering global collaboration and providing outstanding opportunities for international students. This video presenting HUST delivered by their international office provides an excellent introduction to the university.
HUST boasts a sprawling campus with cutting-edge research facilities, a wide variety of English-medium programs, and a vibrant international community. As a university that emphasizes the integration of science, engineering, medicine, and the arts, HUST offers a unique and multidisciplinary academic environment.
HUST’s commitment to excellence is reflected in its partnerships with over 100 universities and research institutions worldwide. Exchange students are welcomed into an inclusive and supportive atmosphere that encourages cultural exchange and academic growth.
Consult HUST on QS World Rankings for insights into its academic standing and reputation.
Location
HUST is in Wuhan, the capital city of Hubei Province in central China. Known as the "City of Rivers," Wuhan lies at the confluence of the Yangtze and Han Rivers, making it a dynamic and strategic transportation hub in the heart of China. The city is one of the most populous in central China and has a history that spans over 3,500 years.
Wuhan is known for its blend of historical and modern attractions. Students can explore ancient landmarks like the Yellow Crane Tower, enjoy serene walks along East Lake, the largest urban lake in China or experience the city’s modern skyscrapers and bustling shopping districts. The city is also a food lover’s paradise, offering a rich culinary heritage with dishes like hot dry noodles and steamed fish.
The university’s main campus is in the Hongshan District, surrounded by lush greenery, lakes, and scenic landscapes. Provide students with a tranquil and picturesque environment for their studies. The campus is equipped with advanced facilities, libraries, sports centres, and recreational areas, offering a comfortable and productive atmosphere for academic and personal growth. Consult the campus map to learn more.
Wuhan’s well-developed public transportation system, including metro lines and high-speed rail connections, makes it easy to navigate the city and travel to other parts of China. Its central location allows students to reach major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou within hours by high-speed train. Furthermore, Wuhan Tianhe International Airport connects the city to international destinations, facilitating global mobility.
Affordable living costs, a vibrant cultural scene, and the city’s warm hospitality make Wuhan an attractive destination for students seeking an enriching study-abroad experience.
Level of competitiveness
This exchange is only open to students in the School of Business and Management, and students studying a Modern Languages degree within the School of the Arts.
- School of Business and Management agreement: Less competitive *
- School of the Arts (Modern Languages students only): Less competitive *
The level of competitiveness (Less competitive * / Competitive ** / Very competitive ***) refers to one's chances of being allocated an exchange space at this partner. This is an approximation determined by the number of applications received for this destination during the last academic year versus the total number of exchange spaces available to Queen Mary students.
Language of Instruction
The majority of courses are taught in Mandarin (and language students studying Chinese would take modules in Mandarin), but Business and Management students should be to take a full course load taught and examined in English among the majors offered in English (bearing in mind the selection of available courses will be slightly more restricted). Participants are recommended to have basic Mandarin skills before arrival, and language learning at Queen Mary's Confucius Institute is highly recommended during the year prior to exchange.
While studying at HUST, students have different opportunities to learn Mandarin to help assist with daily life in China, with language courses available at all levels. Consult further information about Chinese language learning. HUST also offers Chinese learning resources for independent learning.
Academic Calendar
The academic calendar at HUST follows a semester system:
- Autumn Semester: September to January (winter examination period Jan - Feb)
- Spring Semester: February to July (summer examination period Jul - Aug)
Courses
Language students from the School of the Arts should discuss suitable courses with their Queen Mary academic advisor, as selection will involve modules taught in Chinese.
Students should be permitted to choose freely from the English-medium majors offered at HUST. HUST's School of Management offers courses in the following majors:
- Information Management and Information Systems
- Business Administration
- Marketing
- Accounting
- Financial Management
- Public Finance
- Logistics Management
Full details on available courses are provided on HUST's programs page. Learn more about the library and teaching facilities.
Credits
Students must enrol on a full courseload equivalent to 60 Queen Mary credits for the semester/120 for a full academic year. For more information on what this equates to at HUST, please contact goabroad@qmul.ac.uk.
Find out more about Queen Mary’s credit transfer and grade conversion process.
(Note: blogposts are from students in different cities but still in China)
Accommodation
HUST offers international students a range of affordable and convenient on-campus accommodation options. Due to limited availability, international students are encouraged to apply for housing early.
There are four designated dormitory buildings for international students: Hong Jing Apartment, Bo Jing Ge Apartment, Friendship Apartment, and a fourth option assigned based on availability. All four options are close to academic buildings, libraries, and recreational facilities, making it easy for students to balance their academic and social lives. Rooms are allocated by the International Office according to their overall arrangements.
The accommodation options include single rooms, double rooms, and suite-style rooms of varying sizes. All rooms are equipped with essential furniture, such as beds, desks, chairs, and wardrobes. Additionally, facilities like hot water, air conditioning, and internet access are provided to ensure a comfortable environment conducive to both living and learning. Shared spaces, such as kitchens and bathrooms, are available in most dormitories, encouraging interaction among students.
Cost of living
Consult guidance on living costs for students studying at HUST living in Wuhan (HUST waives registration and tuition fees for exchange students, so disregard those costs). You can find more general, up-to-date information about the cost of living in Wuhan compared to London. Additional cost-saving tips and deals can be shared by Queen Mary students who have previously studied there.
Bear in mind that living expenses can vary depending on individual lifestyle. Please consult the estimated minimum and maximum cost of living figures for this destination country available in our “Estimated Costs of Living” document available on our Finance page.
As with most destination countries, students are required to purchase health insurance prior to arrival in Wuhan, as this is a requirement set by China's Ministry of Education; students cannot register at HUST without proof of this. The International Office provides guidance on this to confirmed exchange students once nominated by Queen Mary.
Support services
HUST offers a range of support services for exchange students, including orientation programs to help them adjust to campus life, dedicated international student advisors who provide academic and personal guidance, and language support services to assist students in improving their Chinese proficiency. These services aim to ensure a smooth and successful experience for exchange students at the university.
Students can access resources like the online application system, orientation programs, student ID issuance, and cultural integration activities. The university also provides dedicated support for visa applications, internships, and job placements, along with IT services like campus Wi-Fi access and registration help.
HUST also offers tips for safety and guidance about accessing health services with insurance.
Activities and Societies
HUST provides a lively campus environment with numerous clubs, events, and activities for students to enjoy. The university also organizes cultural exchange programmess, trips, and social events to help international students immerse themselves in Chinese culture, such as to Yellow Crane Tower, East Lake, Hankou bund, etc. All exchange students are welcome and encouraged to participate in these trips.
The Center for Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language (CTCFL) hosts extracurricular activities throughout the year, including Lectures on Chinese Culture (LCC), Wuhan City Tours (WCT), and Seminars on Chinese Talents (SCT).
Students' International Communication Association (SICA) also offers and organises welcome activities for newcomers to Wuhan and China.
These initiatives give students an opportunity to explore Chinese traditions, engage with the local community, and make lasting connections.
HUST also invests heavily in sports facilities, offering students opportunities to participate in a wide variety of activities. These include football, basketball, volleyball, badminton, tennis, table tennis, swimming, martial arts, Sanshou, and Taekwondo.
Additionally, there are several gyms and fitness centers to meet general fitness needs, including the Optics Valley Gymnasium, a prominent landmark in Wuhan dedicated to student fitness and recreation. More information about health and sports at HUST.
Essential Apps for Students in China: WeChat, Alipay and Wecom
WeChat and Alipay are essential tools for students in China, playing a vital role in their daily lives. Both platforms are the only apps used for cashless payments, making it convenient for students to pay for everything from meals and transportation to school supplies, often with just a scan of a QR code. Additionally, WeChat as well as Wecom (formerly known as WeChat Work) serve as a hub for social networking, academic group discussions, and staying connected with classmates and teachers. Alipay also offers financial services like budgeting tools, helping students manage their expenses.
Together, these apps simplify life, including for incoming exchange students in China, fostering greater efficiency and connectivity.
