NJU at a Glance

History

A Brief History of NJU

Situated in the old capital city of Nanjing, Nanjing University has a history over 120 years and enjoys high prestige. It evolved from Sanjiang Normal School (established in 1902), to Liangjiang Normal School, to Nanjing Higher Normal School, to National Southeastern University, to National Fourth Sun Yat-sen University, to National Central University, to National Nanjing University, and finally to Nanjing University in 1950. In the nationwide restructuring of universities and colleges undertaken in 1952, NJU was integrated with Jinling University and retained its name Nanjing University. The university then moved from Sipailou to Gulou, where Jinling College used to be.  

Throughout its history, NJU has played a vital role in China’s progress, dedicating itself to national revitalization and scientific advancement. Renowned for its competitiveness and prestige, NJU consistently ranks among the top universities in Asia in prominent international rankings. These achievements have established NJU as a leading institution in Chinese higher education, earning it considerable social influence and academic recognition. NJU’s consistent high rankings underscore its unwavering dedication to excellence in education, research, and innovation.

Student & Faculty

Located in the Yangtze River Delta, Nanjing University encompasses four main campuses: Gulou, Xianlin, Pukou in Nanjing, and a newly established campus in Suzhou. NJU is profoundly committed to utilizing its resources, expertise, and energy to flourish the local communities.

Talent Cultivation

As a comprehensive research university, NJU excels in diverse fields including science, engineering, medicine, arts, humanities, and social sciences. NJU is committed to developing the next generation of leaders whom possess both deep specialization and broad knowledge. NJU follows a student-centered approach to preparing students for future challenges in a rapidly changing world. NJU enthusiastically endeavors to provide the best undergraduate education in China with world-class faculty, such as the Nobel Laureate Gustave Le Clézio. NJU provides students opportunities to engage with big ideas, to expand and share knowledge, to innovate, to cross conceptual and disciplinary boundaries, to learn from each other, and to think critically.


Research

NJU proactively engages with individuals and institutions across the globe to conduct research that generates enduring societal impacts. The university is dedicated to discovering groundbreaking solutions to global challenges through cutting-edge research and innovative collaboration. NJU investigates ideas and questions that define our world, develops conceptual frameworks and methodologies that illuminate social life, and enriches dialogues through interdisciplinary approaches. With a longstanding commitment, NJU strives to enhance global development, promote human well-being, and contribute to the vision of a community with a shared future for mankind.


Global Engagement

NJU has continuously opened up, explored, and expanded new mechanisms for global cooperation. Until now, NJU has established academic links with about 280 institutions of higher learning and research institutions from over 30 countries and regions. NJU aspires to create vibrant and inclusive campuses that encourage international thinking and collaboration among individuals from diverse cultures and backgrounds.

NJU Forging Ahead Initiative: New Journey United

NJU has recently embarked on a new journey united. In November 2022, NJU launched a university-wide discussion that garnered remarkable engagement, with over 25,000 participants from NJU submitting 756 suggestions and proposals, along with 16 special reports. In early 2023, NJU introduced the NJU Forging Ahead Initiative, aimed at leveraging collective wisdom and efforts to shape the university's future and establish it as a globally renowned top-tier institution by 2050.

Inspired by President Xi Jinping’s vision for “the unique Nanjing University” and his reply letter to NJU’s overseas returned scholars, NJU is dedicated to becoming a role model for higher education worldwide. Through its endeavors, NJU aspires to make significant contributions to national prosperity, social progress, and the betterment of our global community.