Known as one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in China, Beijing Normal University (BNU) was founded in 1902 from the Faculty of Education of Capital Metropolitan University. The University initiated teacher training and is the epitome in the development of modern teacher training and higher education in China. 
 
Today Beijing Normal University has become a comprehensive and research-intensive university with its main characteristics of basic disciplines in sciences and humanities, teacher education and educational science. The North Taipingzhuang campus was built in 1954 and is located in the Haidian district of Beijing. 
 
BNU is ranked the 240th among the world universities, the 46th best among Asian universities, and the 8th best among the universities of Chinese mainland (QS World Ranking 2015). The University has 16 national key disciplines, among which, the disciplines of Education, Psychology, History, Ecology and Geography are ranked the first in China according to the latest official ranking by the Ministry of Education. 
 
Each year, over 1000 BNU students study abroad on exchange programs, internship programs, collaborative programs and degree programs; above 900 international professors and scholars are invited to lecture and research at the University. BNU currently hosts around 1800 international students (full program and exchange) from over 100 countries and regions. 

Beijing, China’s massive capital, has a history stretching back 3 millennia. The city is known as much for its modern architecture as its ancient sites such as the Forbidden City complex and Imperial Palace. Beijing isn’t just the political centre of China – it’s the cultural heart of the country too. With top-class museums, galleries and an increasing number of music venues, there’s enough to keep you busy day and night.

China, officially the People's Republic of China, is a country in East Asia and the world's most populous country, with around 1.428 billion people. It is also the third or fourth largest country by total area.

Of the 1.425 billion people in China, 91.51% are Han Chinese. While China has an estimated population density of 145 people per square kilometre overall, Shanghai, the largest city in the country (and the world) has a population density of 3,800 people per square kilometer.

China is home to many impressive monuments, most notably the Great Wall, as well as ancient palaces, giant Buddha statues, buried statues and more. There are also wonderful natural features to explore such as the Yellow Mountains, the Rainbow Lakes, Tiger Leaping Gorge, the Floating Peaks, and the Qiantang Tidal Bore.

The diversity in landscapes goes hand in hand with diversity of culture - you can stay in some of the world’s most advanced cities with access to high-speed trains and modern technology, or you can explore small country villages that remain almost untouched by modernity. Many Chinese people speak some English making it relatively easy for English speakers to navigate, however the chance to learn even a bit of Mandarin is fantastic for future careers.

Did you know…..?

China originated as one of the world's first civilisations in the Yellow River basin, and has a history of over 3,000 years. *The mortar used to bind the Great Wall’s stones was made with sticky rice flour! Using sticky rice as a construction ingredient was one of the greatest innovations of the Ming dynasty, helping structures (including tombs and pagodas as well) survive earthquakes and the elements. *https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/sticky-rice-mortar-view-space-and-more-fun-facts-about-chinas-great-wall-180962197/

All students must meet standard exchange selection criteria and any host institution restrictions.

Minimum UniSA GPA 5.5 to participate. 

Students must choose to study at one particular school or department and choose courses within this school. 

• UniSA academic transcript 
• Passport 
  
• English proficiency (if applicable)
  
• Health check 
  
• Evidence of insurance 

Students must complete 9-10 BNU credits for 13.5 UniSA units or 13-14 BNU credits for 18 UniSA units.

Non-native English speakers must provide an objective English test with minimum IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL ibt 80. 

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Beijing Normal University offers free pickup service for students from Beijing International Airport T3 Arrival Hall if you arrive at on the designated pick up dates from. Click here to see when the pickup date is for the next available intake.  

More information on how to get to the campus can be found here. 

On-campus accommodation is available at the main campus of Beijing Normal University and varies between single and double rooms and shared apartments. Once you have received your acceptance from Beijing Normal University, you can start your housing application via your BNU student portal. 

More information on accommodation can be found here.  

As an exchange partner with the University of South Australia, you do not have to pay tuition fees to Beijing Normal University, instead you will pay tuition as you would normally at UniSA. Travel and living expenses are at your own cost. The table below gives an indication of costs you will incur: 

More information can be found here.

You may be eligible to receive additional grants or scholarships to fund your experience. For more information please see the funding and scholarships website.

UniSA offers travel insurance as part of your exchange for up to 270 days (can be extended up to 365 days). For more information please see travel insurance website.  

Please click here to read the travel insurance policy. 

A list of Frequently Asked Questions can be found here. 

If you have any further questions about travel insurance, please contact the UniSA Insurance Office on 08 8302 1678. 

As an exchange student at Beijing Normal University, you must purchase compulsory additional health insurance. See here for more information.