CONTENTS

    The history and introduction of Xiamen University

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    China Explorer Tour
    ·January 12, 2026
    ·13 min read

    You can find Xiamen University in China. It is a top university. Tan Kah Kee started it in 1921. See the details below:

    Founding Year

    Founder

    1921

    Tan Kah Kee

    Today, there are over 40,000 students at the school. More than 2,800 students come from other countries. Xiamen University is very good at chemistry, marine science, biology, and statistics. The university is one of the top 20 in China. It also does well in world rankings.

    Key Takeaways

    • Xiamen University was started in 1921 by Tan Kah Kee. It is a top school in China. The school has more than 40,000 students. Many students come from other countries.

    • The university has many programs. These include engineering, business, and traditional Chinese medicine. Students can choose what they like to study.

    • Xiamen University works with schools around the world. Students can join exchange programs. They can get experience in other countries.

    • The campus has old and new buildings. It is a lively place to learn. Students can meet people from different cultures.

    • Students can join cultural tours and mentorship programs. These help them learn about Chinese culture. They can also make new friends.

    Xiamen University Origins

    Founding Year and Founder

    Xiamen University started in 1921. Tan Kah Kee was the founder. He was a famous businessman and gave money to help others. He wanted young people in China to learn more. Tan Kah Kee lived in another country. He still cared a lot about schools in China. He hoped knowledge would make China strong.

    Here is a simple look at the start:

    Year

    Event Description

    Significance

    1921

    Tan Kah Kee started Xiamen University

    First university in China started by an overseas Chinese leader. This shows how people living abroad helped education in China.

    Tan Kah Kee’s ideas made many people want to help. You can still see his ideas in the school’s values.

    Early Development

    At first, Xiamen University had many problems. The campus was small with only a few buildings. The first students learned literature, science, and engineering. Teachers came from many places in China. They worked hard to make a good place to learn.

    You can imagine students sitting in class, ready to learn. The school grew fast. More students came every year. The school added new classes and built more buildings. Leaders wanted students to study many things.

    Tip: If you go to the campus now, you will see old buildings. These buildings show how the university started and grew.

    History Milestones

    Expansion and Achievements

    Xiamen University has grown a lot over time. The school made new friends with other schools. It reached many big goals. Here are some important events:

    • In 2008, Xiamen University worked with the University of Delaware. Students could earn two degrees. They also did research together. Teachers learned from each other in training.

    • The school opened a campus in Malaysia. This campus remembers the founder’s work in British Malaya. The goal is to share the school’s story and grow for a long time.

    • The university wrote 117 papers in top journals. These journals include Science, Nature, and Cell.

    • Students and teachers won awards in science and humanities.

    • The school held the 4th China 'Internet +' College Students Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition. Students won 6 gold medals and 2 silver medals.

    Note: The Malaysia campus helps the university reach students in many countries.

    Here is a table of achievements:

    Achievement Type

    Details

    National Ranking

    Ranked 11th in China, always in the top 20

    Subject Rankings

    6 subjects at A++ level: economics, management, fine art, law, chemistry, journalism

    Accreditation

    School of Management accredited by EQUIS and AMBA

    Modernization

    Xiamen University has many new buildings and programs. The campus is very big. It covers 900 acres. There are special centers like the Deji Conference Center. There are labs for nanotechnology and marine research. The university has 30 research institutes. It offers many classes. More than 40,000 students study here. There are 3,000 teachers.

    • The school built new labs for science and technology.

    • Students use new classrooms and libraries.

    • The school helps research in many areas, like marine science and nanotechnology.

    Tip: If you visit, you will see old and new things together at the university.

    Campus and Structure

    Main Campus

    When you visit the main campus, you see many students. The campus is in a pretty place with hills and the sea. Students walk to class, sit by the lake, or play sports. The campus is big and has what you need for school and life.

    • The campus is 150 acres.

    • The buildings cover 470,000 square meters.

    • There are buildings for classes and labs.

    • Dorms give students a place to live.

    • A restaurant has lots of food choices.

    • The activity center is for clubs and events.

    • Parking lots help you get around.

    Tip: The main campus has new and old buildings. You can see Chinese style and modern technology together.

    Other Campuses

    Xiamen University has more than one campus. Each campus is special and helps different students. You might study at a campus based on your major.

    Campus Name

    Location

    Siming Campus

    Xiamen

    Zhangzhou Campus

    Zhangzhou

    Xiang'an Campus

    Xiang'an

    Malaysia Campus

    Malaysia

    You can go to these campuses to see new places. You can also study in another country.

    Overseas Campus

    The Malaysia Campus is the first campus outside China. If you want to study with people from other countries, this campus is a good choice. You can join English programs like MBBS. Scholarships help pay for school. The campus has sports areas and a quiet lake. It is friendly to students from other countries. People from many places come here, so you learn about new cultures.

    Feature

    Description

    English-taught programs

    MBBS and other programs in English

    Competitive scholarships

    Scholarships help students pay for school

    Modern facilities

    Sports areas and a lake make studying nice

    Welcoming environment

    Friendly and helpful for students from other countries

    Multicultural community

    Students from many places share ideas and cultures

    Note: The overseas campus lets you meet students from everywhere. It helps you get ready for life in the world.

    Academic Programs at Xiamen University

    Undergraduate and Graduate Majors

    You can pick from many programs at Xiamen University. The school has foundation programs to help you get ready for college. You can study for a bachelor’s degree in engineering, business, marine sciences, arts, social sciences, computing, communication, traditional Chinese medicine, mathematics, or physics. If you want to keep learning, you can apply for a master’s or doctoral degree in a special field.

    Here is a table that shows the types of programs you can find:

    Program Type

    Details

    Foundation Programs

    Getting students ready for college classes.

    Undergraduate Programs

    Engineering, business, marine sciences, arts, social sciences, computing, communication, traditional Chinese medicine, mathematics, physics.

    Graduate Programs

    Master’s and doctoral degrees in special fields.

    Many students from other countries choose programs like Computer Science and Technology, Business Administration, Traditional Chinese Medicine, New Energy Science and Engineering, and Journalism.

    Tip: You can pick a program that fits what you like and want to do.

    Popular programs for international students include:

    Tuition and Fees

    You need to think about tuition and living costs before you start school. Tuition fees change based on your program and the language used in class. Programs taught in English cost more than those taught in Chinese.

    Here is a table to help you see the tuition fees:

    Program Type

    Language Medium

    Tuition Fee (CNY)

    Undergraduate

    Chinese

    About 13,000

    Undergraduate

    English

    Around 32,000

    Postgraduate

    Chinese

    About 24,000

    Postgraduate

    English

    Around 39,000

    Bar chart comparing tuition fees for undergraduate and postgraduate programs in Chinese and English at Xiamen University

    You also need to pay for other things:

    • Master’s programs in English: 39,000–158,000 CNY each year

    • Doctoral programs in English: 42,000–55,000 CNY each year

    • Hostel fee: 4,000 CNY per person each year

    • Food cost: About 150 USD each month

    • Course materials: 400–700 CNY each school year

    Note: Check the newest fees before you apply. Costs can change every year.

    Admissions Process

    You can apply to Xiamen University online. The school welcomes students from China and other countries. You need to get your documents ready, like your school transcripts, passport, and language test scores. If you want to study in English, you must show proof of your English skills. Some programs may ask for extra things, like a personal statement or letters of recommendation.

    Follow these steps to apply:

    1. Go to the university’s admissions website.

    2. Pick your program and look at the requirements.

    3. Get your documents ready.

    4. Fill out the online application form.

    5. Send your application and pay the fee.

    6. Wait for the school to check your application.

    7. If you get accepted, follow the steps to enroll.

    Tip: Start your application early. This gives you time to get all your documents and meet the deadlines.

    You can ask the admissions office for help if you have questions. The staff can help you with the process and answer your questions about programs, fees, or campus life.

    Internationalization and Student Life

    Global Partnerships

    Xiamen University works with schools in many countries. These partnerships help students join exchange programs. You can meet students from other places. You can also join research projects with people from around the world.

    "A group of universities was started in Xiamen. It is called University Consortium of the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road. Xiamen University helps lead this group."

    "By using SAF’s network, Xiamen University students can study at top schools in other countries."

    • The University of Delaware partnership lets students swap places and learn new things.

    • You can join programs to study in another country for a semester or a year.

    If you want to join an exchange program, you must meet some rules. Here is a table that shows what you need to do:

    Criteria/Process

    Details

    Eligibility

    You must be a degree student from a partner school. You must be 18-50 years old, healthy, and have a passport.

    Application Process

    You send your application to your school’s exchange coordinator. Then you fill out an online form on XMU’s website after you are nominated.

    Tip: These partnerships help you learn about new cultures. You can make friends from other countries.

    China Explorer Tour Experiences

    China Explorer Tour helps you learn about Chinese culture and education. This travel agency uses smart tools to plan trips for students and travelers. The team knows what international visitors need. You get a fun and easy trip in China.

    China Explorer Tour lets you try local life. You can visit bakeries and taste new foods. Food is important for learning about culture. You might go to classes at Xiamen University and eat with classmates. These times help you make friends and learn together.

    • You can join a paper cutting lesson in a Chinese culture class. This lets you try local traditions.

    • You see how people live, work, and celebrate in China.

    • The tours help you learn about the history and culture of each place.

    China Explorer Tour gives students and travelers good travel plans. Here is a table that shows what you get:

    Feature

    Description

    Round-Trip Transportation

    All rides during the trip are included.

    Lodging Accommodations

    You stay in safe hotels or centers.

    Meals

    You get three meals a day. There are choices for special diets.

    Program Facilitator

    A leader helps and supports you during the trip.

    Experiential Learning Educators

    Teachers help you learn and explore.

    Guided Tours & Activities

    All activities are included and led by staff.

    Academic Credit & Support

    You can earn credit and get tutoring.

    Pre-trip Orientation

    Someone helps you get ready for the trip.

    Personal Customization

    You can change your program to fit your needs.

    • You can learn about China’s history and see how rural areas change.

    • You can study business and see how companies grow in China.

    • You can try hands-on activities with traditional Chinese medicine.

    Note: China Explorer Tour makes it easy to learn about China’s culture, history, and education. The trips are safe, planned well, and fun.

    School Trip Into The Heart Of China — Science, Nature & Culture In Guizhou

    School Trip Into The Heart Of China — Science, Nature & Culture In Guizhou

    You can join a special trip to Guizhou with China Explorer Tour. This trip is for families and international school students. You spend six days exploring science, nature, and culture in a hidden part of China.

    On the trip, you join workshops with local ethnic groups. You see karst landscapes, caves, and canyons. You build bridge and telescope models. You visit China’s FAST Telescope, the biggest radio telescope in the world, and learn about space science.

    • You hike in old forests and learn about nature and saving the environment.

    • You join music, dance, and craft workshops to try local culture.

    • You stay one night in a cave campsite and four nights in nice hotels or lodges.

    • All meals have local Chinese food, with vegetarian choices.

    • Certified bilingual leaders guide you and keep you safe.

    Tip: This trip helps you learn about culture, respect nature, and feel confident. You learn by doing and seeing things yourself.

    China Explorer Tour offers school trips that match what you learn in class. Teachers plan the programs. You get real learning, like understanding other cultures and caring for the environment. The team speaks two languages and knows both cultures. You get help from start to finish.

    • You can change your trip based on your age, goals, and budget.

    • Small groups mean you get more attention and make good friends.

    • The trips are more than sightseeing. You learn about local life and culture.

    Note: If you want to know more about China, these trips are a great choice. You get to explore, learn, and grow in a safe place.

    Rankings and Achievements

    National and Global Rankings

    Xiamen University is ranked high in the world. Big groups give the school good scores. It is in the top 300 universities worldwide. The university does well in business and engineering. It is also strong in physical sciences. Here is a table with subject rankings:

    Category

    Ranking

    World University Rankings

    251-300th

    Arts and Humanities

    401-500th

    Business and Economics

    151-175th

    Medical and Health

    301-400th

    Computer Science

    201-250th

    Education Studies

    301-400th

    Engineering

    201-250th

    Law

    201-250th

    Life Sciences

    201-250th

    Physical Sciences

    151-175th

    Social Sciences

    401-500th

    Tip: These rankings show Xiamen University has strong programs.

    Research Excellence

    Research is important at Xiamen University. The school helps many science and health projects. Teachers and students write papers for top journals. You see new ideas in chemistry and engineering. There are special labs for research. You can join teams and learn from experts. Many students win awards for their work.

    • You can visit labs and watch experiments.

    • You learn how research solves real problems.

    Notable Alumni

    Many successful people studied at Xiamen University. These alumni help in science, education, and business. Here is a table with one example:

    Name

    Position/Title

    Achievements

    Xiangyang Liu

    Professor, College of Ocean and Earth, Xiamen University

    - 2023: First Prize of the Science and Technology Award of Chinese Society for Biomaterials

    • 2022: Top 2% world's lifetime achievement scientists by Stanford University

    • 2019-2021: Highly Cited Researcher, Clarivate Web of Science

    • 2008: Chair Professorship of Changjiang Scholars award

    • 2007: Outstanding Researcher Award, National University of Singapore

    • 1993: Cum laude title, Radboud University Nijmegen |

    Note: Alumni stories can inspire you. Their achievements show what you can do at Xiamen University.

    Xiamen University’s Impact

    Role in Chinese Education

    Xiamen University is a leader in Chinese education. The school helps other schools grow and get better. Xiamen University led a group to study higher education in China. The group found that schools in central and western China grew by 150% from 2000 to 2014. This means more students can go to school and do well.

    China now has many top universities. In 2015, China had 58 universities in the Top 400 of the QS World University Rankings by Subject. This shows Chinese education is strong. Xiamen University is a big reason for this. Money for colleges and universities went up. From 2003 to 2013, it was 27.9% of all education spending. This money helps schools get better programs and buildings.

    • Xiamen University leads in research and new ideas.

    • The school helps set rules for other schools.

    • Students have more chances to learn and grow.

    Social and Cultural Influence

    Xiamen University has a big effect on people and culture. Many people visit the campus from all over the world. They come to see the pretty buildings and gardens. You can join events for young people, like the Global Young Leaders Dialogue. These events help you make friends and share ideas.

    The university is linked to the tea trade history through Xiamen Port. This brings new cultures and traditions to the city. The school supports open minds and creativity. You can join workshops, art shows, and music festivals. These help you learn about Chinese culture and make good memories.

    • The campus welcomes people from near and far.

    • You can join programs that support new ideas and teamwork.

    • The school helps the city become a place for culture and learning.

    Tip: You can learn more about China’s culture with China Explorer Tour. This tool helps you find local things to do and special places to visit.

    You can see Xiamen University started small. Now it is a top school in China. The university has strong programs for students. People from many countries come here. You can join language festivals and field trips. There are mentorship programs for learning about culture. China Explorer Tour lets you learn by doing activities. You get real-world experiences on these tours. These trips help you understand other cultures better. You can use what you learn in class in daily life. If you want to know new cultures, this school gives you many chances to grow.

    • Language festivals and cultural events

    • Field trips to local places

    • Mentorship programs for international students

    You can pick Xiamen University to study or work with others. This is your chance to learn about China and make new friends.

    FAQ

    What makes Xiamen University special?

    You can study science, business, and arts here. The campus has old and new buildings together. Students come from many countries. The school is ranked high in China and the world.

    How do you apply to Xiamen University?

    Go to the university’s website. Pick the program you want. Get your documents ready. Fill out the online form. Pay the fee. Wait for your result.

    Can you join cultural tours while studying?

    Yes! You can join China Explorer Tour for local fun. You visit bakeries and join workshops. You explore special places. You learn about Chinese traditions and daily life.

    What support do international students get?

    The admissions office helps you. You can join mentorship programs. You go to language festivals. You join field trips. You make friends and learn about Chinese culture.

    How does China Explorer Tour help students?

    China Explorer Tour uses smart tools to plan trips. You travel safely with local guides. You do hands-on activities. You explore China’s culture, history, and nature with expert help.