Nanjing University

Nanjing University, often abbreviated as NJU, is one of China's most prestigious institutions of higher learning. With its main campus in Nanjing and a newer one in Suzhou, both in Jiangsu Province, it operates under the direct sponsorship of China's Ministry of Education. The university holds membership in the elite C9 League, a group of nine top Chinese universities, and is also part of the government's Project 211, Project 985, and Double First-Class Construction initiatives, which signal its national and international standing.

Founded in 1902 as Sanjiang Normal School, the university has a long and storied history. Over the decades, it has been known by several names, including Nanjing Higher Normal School, National Southeastern University, and most notably, National Central University during the Republican era. This lineage places NJU among the oldest and most historically significant universities in modern China. Today, it is recognized for its rigorous academic programs, strong research output, and influential alumni network, making it a top choice for students across the country and abroad.

The university's scale is substantial: it offers 86 undergraduate majors and hosts more than 30,000 full-time students. Its faculty includes notable researchers like Chen Weiqiang, a pioneer in cancer-on-a-chip technology who returned from New York University in May 2026 to join the School of Biomedical Engineering. NJU also maintains active international collaborations, such as hosting the president of Hong Kong Baptist University for a delegation visit in August 2026. [edit]

Nanjing University's mission is to cultivate talents with a global perspective and a strong sense of social responsibility, while advancing knowledge through cutting-edge research. The university aims to serve as a bridge between China and the world, fostering international collaboration and cultural exchange. It is committed to excellence in teaching, research, and innovation, contributing to the nation's development and the well-being of society. [edit]

Nanjing University traces its roots to 1902, when it was established as Sanjiang Normal School in the waning years of the Qing dynasty. The institution was part of a wave of modern schools created after the Boxer Rebellion, aimed at reforming China's educational system. In 1905, it was renamed Liangjiang Normal School, and by 1915 it had evolved into Nanjing Higher Normal School, becoming one of the first institutions to offer higher education in the region.

The university underwent several transformations in the following decades. In 1921, it became National Southeastern University, and in 1928 it was renamed National Central University, which became the most prestigious university in China during the Republican era. After the Chinese Civil War, the university was reorganized and in 1952 it was officially named Nanjing University, with its current main campus at Gulou. Since then, it has expanded its academic offerings and research capabilities, becoming a comprehensive research university.

Recent developments reflect the university's continued growth. In 2026, the university hosted the China-ASEAN Scholars' Dialogue at its Gulou Campus, and its researchers presented multiple papers at the AAAI conference in March 2026, including a study on language-augmented multi-agent reinforcement learning. [edit]