Northwestern Polytechnical University More About Our Universities

A Brief Introduction to Northwestern Polytechnical University

Northwestern Polytechnical University (NPU) is located in the ancient capital city of Xi’an, a historical place that has nurtured the civilizations of 13 dynasties including Zhou, Qin, Han and Tang. NPU was founded in 1938 in Hanzhong and moved to Xi’an in October 1957 by combining the Northwest Institute of Engineering with the East China Institute of Aeronautics. Later in 1970, the Department of Aeronautics of Harbin Institute of Engineering merged with the university.

NPU is one of the 211 and 985 project universities and enjoys a high distinguished reputation. NPU is a member of the Excellent Union 9 (E9) universities in China. NPU is a research-oriented, multi-disciplinary, international university of science and technology, and has strong capabilities and outstanding achievements in aeronautics, astronautics and marine technology, making it very unique and distinguished from other institutions. With special emphasis on science and technology, NPU also offers well-developed programs in the humanities, economics, management and law.

The university has 16 academic schools, offering 65 undergraduate programs, 120 postgraduate programs, 71 doctoral programs, and 17 postdoctoral programs. NPU currently has 22 disciplines at Doctoral level and 32 disciplines at Masters level, covering nearly all traditional and newly evolving areas of academic inquiry. NPU has more than 3,500 faculty members, including 1,300 full time and associate professors, 15 scholars from the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and the Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE), 15 chair and lecture professors from the Cheung Kung Scholars Program, and ten recipients of the National Science Fund for Young Distinguished Scholars. Currently, the University has 28,363 students, including 14,362 undergraduates, 5,834 master's degree students, 2,985 full-time PhD candidates, 2,521 professional degree students.

The university has two beautiful campuses. The Youyi campus is located adjacent to the West Market of the Tang dynasty. The Chang’an campus is situated between majestic mountain scenery and meandering rivers. Both campuses are excellent locations for acquiring knowledge and fostering technological innovation. These campuses also serve as places where our culture will be passed on to future generations.

There are 16 academic schools offering 65 undergraduate programs, 120 postgraduate programs, 71 doctoral programs, and 17 postdoctoral programs. NPU currently has 22 disciplines at Doctoral level and 32 disciplines at Masters level, covering nearly all traditional and newly evolving areas of academic inquiry.

The Schools

• School of Aeronautics
• School of Astronautics
• School of Marine Science and Technology
• School of Materials Science and Engineering
• School of Mechanical Engineering
• School of Mechanics, Civil Engineering and Architecture
• School of Power and Energy
• School of Electronics and Information
• School of Automation
• School of Computer Science and Engineering
• School of Natural and Applied Sciences
• School of Management
• School of Humanities, Economics and Law
• School of Software and Microelectronics
• School of Life Sciences
• Queen Mary University of London Engineering School, NPU
• School of Foreign Languages
• School of Marxism
• MING DE College

An Introduction of the International College

The International College was founded in the October of 2007 and in the same year, NPU became one host university of Chinese Government Scholarship acknowledged by the China Scholarship Council of the Ministry of Education. Since then, the university has continuously received international students of different majors all over the world.

The scale of the international student enrolment has increased at a fast pace in the ensuing years. Till 2014, 1033 international students have pursued their studies in NPU, among whom 711 were long-term students and 322 short-term students. The International College offers various programs in English and Chinese medium to meet the requirements of different applicants and disciplines.

There are 14 schools of NPU which offer bachelor, master and Ph.D. programs to international students. There are nine bachelor majors taught in English, they are Aeronautical Engineering, Astronautics Engineering, Ocean Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electronics&Information Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Bachelor of Business Administration, Computer Science&Technology. And 13 schools open more than 30 MS Programs and 15 Ph.D. Programs. We selected experienced professors and supervisor proficient in English to guide and work with international students, among whom 100% have got Dr. Degree and 90% are professors.

NPU also holds several exchange programs with prestigious universities all over the globe. The Sino-U.S Culture and Humanity Program attracts American students to pursue their studies here each year. And we have established relationships with key Korean universities which are sending exchange students continuously. In addition, International Summer Camp, International Winter Camp and the Chinese Culture and Language Training Program are held yearly in NPU.The International College, in its capacity as host institution, gives long-term Chinese language courses to applicants of different competency levels. Meanwhile, we have established the long term and close relationships with the Industry Sectors of Algeria, Egypt, Pakistan, etc.

We sincerely welcome the students from all over the world to study in NPU.

Bachelor Programs taught in English Medium

• Length of program: 4 years
• Degrees conferred: Degree of Engineering

1. Aeronautical Engineering:

This program is intended to cultivate high-level engineering technicians and researchers who have a solid foundation for mathematics and mechanics. They must possess basic theory and application knowledge on flight vehicle engineering and be able to engage in general mechanical design and manufacture. Students should be capable of: systematic research in flight vehicle design (including space shuttles and carriers), framework design, airplane exterior design, airplane performance calculation and analysis, structure tension analysis, troubleshooting and maintenance and software development.

The main courses include Material Mechanics, Mechanical Design, Elastic Mechanics, Structure Mechanics, Fluid Mechanics and Fundamental Aerodynamics, Aircraft Structure Mechanics, Flight Mechanics, Structure Vibration, Testing Techniques, Automatic Control Theory, Aircraft Comprehensive Design, Structure Design, Composite Material Analysis and Design, Civil Airplane Structure Maintenance, Civil Airplane Maintenance in-damage Testing.

2.Astronautics Engineering

Flight Vehicle Design and Engineering is a four-year program. Undergraduates will have specialized courses from this unique specialty after they have completed the General Education Courses, Basic Technical Courses, and Specialized Courses.

Students shall develop balanced qualities among morals, intelligence, and physical education and obtain basic qualification for being senior engineers in our college.

The graduates will be capable doing a broad range of research activities, such as flight vehicle conceptual design, structure design, structure dynamics analysis, flight mechanics and dynamics, aerodynamic engineering calculation of flight vehicle, spacecraft dynamics and control, system simulation and computer application, automatic control engineering, and doing research and development works in other related field.

The main courses include Missile Conceptual Design, Flight Vehicle Structural Mechanics, Structural Design, Space Vehicle Conceptual Design, Structural Dynamics, Aerodynamic, Engineering Calculation of Flight Vehicle, Flight Trajectory of Missiles, Analysis of Missile Dynamic Characteristic, Spacecraft Attitude Dynamics and Control, Elements of Satellite Positioning.

3.Ocean Engineering

The degree in the Ocean Engineering Program is to prepare students to work for the industry and academia in ocean engineering, with expertise in naval architecture, underwater vehicles, underwater signal processing and marine environment, by applying the basic laws and principles of mathematics, mechanics, acoustics and information science.

The main courses include Calculus of Engineering , Linear Algebra, Engineering Chemistry, Engineering Physics , Engineering graphics, Oceanography, Differential equations, Statistics, Numerical computation, Applied mechanics, C Language, Engineering Thermodynamics, Mechatronics, Naval architecture, Systems and control, Engineering materials, Underwater acoustics, Fluid mechanics, Measurement and Instrument , Digital signal processing, Engineering Optimization,Underwater vehicle navigation and control, Underwater systems, Vibrations, Observation of ocean environment, Underwater information systems.

4.Mechanical Engineering

This program is geared towards the teaching and training in the field of mechanical engineering, to familiarize with fundamental principles, knowledge and applying abilities of mechanical design, manufacturing, and automation. Students can work with technological applications, research and development in enterprises, institutes, and so on.

The main courses include Theoretical Mechanics, Mechanics of Materials, Electrical Engineering, Electronics, Mechanical Graphing, Tolerance and measurement technology, Theory of Machines and Mechanisms, Mechanical Design (Machinery), Engineering Testing Technique, Technology of Mechanical Manufacture, Principles of Metal Cutting & Cutters, Introduction to Machine Tool and Design, Hydraulic and Pneumatic Transmission, Technology of NC Machining, Computer aided manufacturing.

5. Electronics & InformationEngineering

This program is designed to educate and train qualified professional electronic engineers with solid theoretical knowledge and sufficient engineering abilities, to adapt to the demands of modernization construction. The graduates will be capable of research and development and management related to electronics and information systems, including electronic equipment and systems, signal and information processing, micro-electronics, computer applications and microwave techniques, etc.

The main courses include Fundamentals of Circuit Analysis, Signals Systems, Analog Electronic Circuits, Pulse and Digital Circuits, Engineering Electromagnetic Fields and Waves, Digital Signal Processing, High-Frequency Electronic Circuits, The Principle of Communication, Principle, and Application of Microcomputer, The Principle of Automatic Control, Microwave Techniques and Antennas.

6. Electrical Engineering

This program is designed to provide a thorough background in the theoretical principles, strong field capabilities, and wider specialized knowledge in technical aspects of electrical engineering and automation.

The main courses include Fundamentals of Circuit analysis, Electronic technology, Principles of Automatic Control, Principles of Electrical Machine, Principles of Single Chip Processor, Electrical Drive, Power Electronic Technology, Power System，Electrical Testing Technology, Automation System of Electrical Drive.

7.Civil Engineering

This program is intended to cultivate high-level engineering technicians and researchers who should adapt the requirement of modern construction of socialism; develop roundly in aspects of virtue, intelligence and body, and master basic theory and knowledge of the discipline of civil engineering.

Main Courses include Descriptive Geometry & Engineering Drawing，Theoretical Mechanics, Material Mechanics, Structural mechanics, Construction Materials, Surveying, Soil Mechanics & Foundation Engineering, Probability and Statistics, Building Engineering, Elementary Reinforced Concrete Design, Design of Reinforced Concrete Structures, Steel Structures, Construction Techniques, Structural Testing Technology.

8. Business Administration

This program is designed to provide a thorough grounding in the theoretical principles and knowledge of management, economics, engineering, technology and certified public accountants (CPA). Students with good knowledge and abilities in the application of theoretical and analytic tools and problems solving can prepare for any professional roles they might choose-marketing, management, teaching and research in enterprises, institutes, government and other community groups.

Main Courses include Management, Macro and Micro-Economics, Managerial Economics, Management Information System, Statistics, Marketing, Production Management, Accounting, Financial Management, Human Resources Management, Strategic Management.

9. Computer Science & Technology

The program is designed to provide a thorough grounding in the theoretical principles, basic knowledge, and skills for computer science and engineering. With research ability and design ability being both emphasized, and specialty being coupled with a broad scale of knowledge, students can prepare for any professional role for computer science, technology, and application, such as senior engineer or technician for educating, researching, developing, and applying.

Main Courses include Higher Mathematics, College Physics, College English, Discrete Mathematics, C language Programming, Data Structure, Algorithm Analysis and Design, Principle of Computer Network, Computer Organization, Computer Operation System, Compiling Principle, Introduction to Database, Object-Oriented Programming, Signals and Systems, Multimedia Technology, Assembly & Interface, Software Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Computer System Architecture, Network Security, Digital Image Processing.

Master's Majors (English Medium)

Tuition fees & Accommodation Fees

Tuition Fees 

NPU provides students with various, well-equipped apartments in different specification and conditions. Examined and approved by the government, the campus abounds with a great variety dining rooms, restaurants, hospitals, stores, banks, gyms and well-equipped sports fields which bring great convenience to students.

Accommodation Fees 

Qualification of Applicants:

1. Applicants should be non-Chinese citizens and in good health.

2. Academic experience and age of the applicant:

• Bachelor candidates should have completed high school.
• Master candidates should have completed a bachelor degree.
• PhD candidates should have completed their Master Degree.

3. Applicants should have good academic marks.

4. Applicants should have a stronger capacity in scientific research.

About Xi'an

Xi’an, located in central-northwest China, has recorded the great changes of the country like a living history book. Once the terminus of the Silk Road and a melting pot of cultures and religions, Xi’an is home to the world-famous Terracotta Army. With millenniums of Chinese history in the display, Xi’an is very proud of its scenic sites including the splendid Bell Tower and Drum Tower, the characteristic architecture of Chinese Islam at its finest, the magnificent history museums, and two elegant Buddhist pagodas.

Xi’an is a city of about eight million people in the modern Chinese urban context.Known as a paradise for foodies, it is replete with high-rise construction, bustling shopping malls and diverse local cuisines.

Moreover, Xi’an is acknowledged as the largest and most important base of scientific research and a center of higher education, national defense and high-tech industries in China.