Education studies

Founded in 1944, Shaanxi Normal University (SNU) is one of the 6 normal universities directly affiliated to the Ministry of Educational (MOE) in China. Administrative Management, Applied Chemistry, Computer Science and Technology are available there.In 1965 the University began accepting international students, and to date has undertaken the instruction of over 3000 students from all over the world, establishing friendly, cooperative relations with a total of 62 schools and cultural institutions across the globe. SNNU welcome you to explore the historic adventures in Xi’an.

Pedagogy is a comprehensive discipline that studies educational phenomena, reveals educational laws, and guides educational practice. It not only focuses on the construction of the macro educational system, but also delves into the micro teaching process and individual development. It is the core area that connects theory with practice and promotes educational reform. Whether it is the reform of basic education, the development of higher education, or the construction of the lifelong learning system, all of these cannot do without the theoretical support and practical exploration of pedagogy.

Educational Basic Theory

Classic educational thoughts: such as Confucius' "education for all without discrimination" and "teaching according to individual aptitude", Comenius' "general education", Rousseau's "natural education", Dewey's "education as life" and "learning by doing", Tao Xingzhi's "theory of life education", etc. Understand the inquiries of different eras about the "essence of education".

Basic educational principles: Explore the origin and development of education, the relationship between education and society (politics, economy, culture), the relationship between education and human development (physical and mental development laws, individual differences), educational goals and values (such as "what kind of person to cultivate" and "for whom to cultivate"), etc. Fundamental issues.

Interdisciplinary educational theories: Analyze educational issues by combining perspectives from disciplines such as psychology (such as Piaget's cognitive development stage theory's implications for teaching), sociology (education equity and social stratification), and philosophy (ethics and value orientation of education).

Shaanxi Normal University (SNNU) is one of the key institutions of higher learning directly affiliated to Ministry of Education and it entered "211 Project University" in 2006. It is an important base of fostering teachers of higher education, middle school education and educational administrative cadres. It is regarded as "the cradle of teachers" in Northwest China.

The predecessor of Shaanxi Normal University is Shaanxi Provincial Teachers School which was founded in 1944. It was renamed as Xi’an Teachers College in 1954. In 1960 Xi’an Teachers College emerged with Shaanxi Teachers College into Shaanxi Normal University. In 1978, it became one of the key institutions of higher learning directly affiliated to Ministry of Education. For 60 years, under the guidance of the educators such as Liu Zeru, Li Mian, Guo Qi of the old generation, its staff has worked hard and striven for the prosperity of the university generation after generation.

Up to now, SNNU has been built into an influential top comprehensive university, with complete disciplines and majors and with an integrated teaching system. SNNU has fostered near 130,000 graduates of all kinds for the nation, opening its enrolment to 31 provinces and districts all over the country. Besides, SNNU has begun to recruit postgraduate students from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan. The current university Party Secretary is Researcher Gan Hui; University President is Prof. Fang Yu.
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The university is one of the earliest universities which performed the logistical socialized reform; therefore, it exposed an advanced way of logistical reform with its own characteristics. This experience exerted extensive influence nationwide.

Facing the new century, SNNU tries to take the opportunity of Western Development, enhances its teaching quality all over, increases its level of scientific research and social service, and strives for running SNNU into a comprehensive, research-oriented university with the specialization in teacher training.

Students Dormitory

4-person room costs 10 (RMB Yuan/day/bed)
double room costs 20 (RMB Yuan/day/bed)


Individual bathroom, twin bed, desk & chair, wardrobe, telephone, internet access, electric fan, electric water-heating shower and central heating

3 Steps to Apply to a Chinese University

1. Have the nationality of a country participating in the "Belt and Road Initiative" and hold a valid foreign ordinary passport; 

2. Friendly towards China, healthy and physically fit; 

3. Have good conduct, abide by laws and regulations, be diligent and eager to learn, and have no violations of Chinese laws and regulations or school rules and regulations. 

4. Applicants for doctoral studies should be no older than 40 years; applicants for master's studies should be no older than 35 years; applicants for undergraduate studies should be no older than 30 years; applicants for non-degree Chinese language training in China can be up to 45 years old (age is calculated as of September 1, 2025). 

5. No other scholarships were received.

1. Copy of the photo page of the valid passport. If the validity period of the passport is earlier than September 2025, please renew it promptly. 

2. Notarized proof of the highest educational attainment. If the applicant is a student or has already started employment, in addition, a pre-graduation certificate issued by the school where the applicant is studying or an on-the-job certificate issued by the employer must be submitted. 

3. Original transcript of the previous study stage. 

4. Research Achievements. Published papers, award certificates, and other materials that demonstrate academic achievements and research capabilities will be considered. Applicants who have already obtained research results or various awards will be given priority for admission. 

5. Study or research program in China. No less than 800 words. 

6. Recommendation Letters. Applicants for master's and doctoral programs must provide two recommendation letters from professors or associate professors, and the letters should be signed by the recommenders. 

7. Language proficiency certificate. Valid HSK certificate and English proficiency certificate. 

8. Certificate of No Criminal Record. It should be a document issued within the past 6 months prior to the submission of the application. 

9. Foreigner Physical Examination Form. The validity period of the examination results is 6 months. 

10. Applicants under the age of 18 must submit relevant legal documents of their legal guardians in China.

The "Belt and Road Initiative" scholarship for foreign students in Xi'an offers funding for the first year. The details are as follows: 

Doctoral student: 25,000 yuan per person 

Master's degree student: 20,000 yuan per person 

Undergraduate student: 15,000 yuan per person 

Chinese language students (with study duration of no less than 6 months): 1000 yuan per person per month, with a cumulative duration not exceeding 10 months. 

Note: The "Belt and Road Initiative" scholarship for foreign students in Xi'an is only provided for the first year. Students are required to pay tuition fees, accommodation fees, insurance fees, etc. upon registration. If the scholarship application is approved, the scholarship will be issued in accordance with relevant regulations.