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Studying New Energy and Electric Vehicles in China: Programs and Requirements
Where international students can study new energy, batteries, power and electric vehicles in China: real programs, teaching language, HSK and CSCA, and tuition.
3 min read · Updated 30 Oct 2026 · Verified
China makes more electric cars than any other country. In 2025 it produced 16.626 million new energy vehicles, 29% more than in 2024, and it has been the world's top producer for 11 years running, according to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers. Batteries, power grids and solar sit behind that industry, and Chinese universities teach all of them.
What the programs are called
| Level | Program names |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's | New Energy Science and Engineering (新能源科学与工程), Vehicle Engineering (车辆工程), Electrical Engineering and Automation (电气工程及其自动化), Energy and Environmental Systems Engineering (能源与环境系统工程) |
| Master's and PhD | Energy and Power (能源动力), Electrical Engineering (电气工程), Power Engineering and Engineering Thermophysics |
Programs in our database
From each university's own admission catalog (2026, or 2027 for Nankai). Tuition is per year.
| University | Program | Level and language | Tuition | Entry requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nankai University | New Energy Science and Engineering (College of Chemistry), 4 years | Bachelor's, Chinese | 25,000 CNY | CSCA mathematics, physics, chemistry, professional Chinese (science) |
| Sun Yat-sen University | New Energy Science and Engineering (Advanced Energy Institute), 4 years | Bachelor's, Chinese | 33,800 CNY | HSK 5 (180+); CSCA mathematics, physics, professional Chinese (science) |
| Zhejiang University | Vehicle Engineering (College of Energy Engineering), 4 years | Bachelor's, Chinese | 24,800 CNY | HSK 5 (180+); CSCA mathematics, physics, professional Chinese (science) |
| Zhejiang University | Electrical Engineering and Automation, 4 years | Bachelor's, Chinese | 24,800 CNY | Same as above |
| Zhejiang University | Energy and Environmental Systems Engineering, 4 years | Bachelor's, Chinese | 24,800 CNY | Same as above |
| Zhejiang University | Energy and Power, professional degree, 2 years | Master's, English | 36,800 CNY | Supervisor's acceptance recommended |
| Zhejiang University | Energy and Power, professional degree, 4 years | PhD, English | 42,800 CNY | Supervisor's acceptance recommended |
| Zhejiang University | Electrical Engineering, 3 years (master's) or 4 years (PhD) | Master's and PhD, English | 36,800 / 42,800 CNY | Supervisor's acceptance required |
Our program search lists every engineering program we have. We are adding more universities' catalogs.
Universities known for it
- Beijing Institute of Technology: known for mechanical, vehicle and information engineering
- North China Electric Power University: specializes in electrical power engineering and energy, with campuses in Beijing and Baoding
- Zhejiang University: its College of Energy Engineering teaches both vehicle and energy programs
How to get in
Bachelor's (taught in Chinese): most of these programs ask for HSK 5, so plan a language year if you are starting out (see Learn Chinese first, then start your degree). You also need the CSCA in mathematics, physics and professional Chinese (science); Nankai adds chemistry. See our CSCA guide.
Master's and PhD (often taught in English): contact a supervisor early. Zhejiang University requires a supervisor's acceptance for Electrical Engineering and recommends one for Energy and Power. The Chinese Government Scholarship covers master's and PhD students.
Tips
- Batteries are often chemistry. Nankai teaches New Energy Science and Engineering in its College of Chemistry, so strong chemistry helps.
- Look beyond "new energy" in the name. Vehicle engineering, electrical engineering and energy-and-power programs all lead into the electric vehicle industry.
- Ask about internships. China's rules allow internships only with your university's approval; see our guide to part-time work and internships.
Frequently asked questions
Can I study new energy or electric vehicles in China in English?
Yes, at master's and PhD level. Zhejiang University teaches Energy and Power (a professional degree) and Electrical Engineering in English. The bachelor's programs in our database are taught in Chinese.
What do I need for a bachelor's in new energy in China?
For the Chinese-taught programs in our database: a high-school diploma, usually HSK 5, and CSCA scores in mathematics, physics and professional Chinese (science). Nankai's New Energy Science and Engineering also asks for CSCA chemistry.
How big is China's electric vehicle industry?
China made 16.626 million new energy vehicles in 2025, up 29% on 2024, according to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers. It has been the world's largest producer for 11 years running.