Hunan University

Overview

Hunan University (HNU) is one of the leading and most prestigious universities in China, with it being classified by the Chinese government as a Double First-Class University. As such, it was selected by the country’s ministry of education to become a member of projects aimed at raising local academic standards and the reputation of Chinese education. Moreover, HNU is a founding member of the BRICS Universities League, which is composed of some of the leading research universities in Asia, South America, and South Africa.

HNU is organized into 23 schools and colleges, covering various branches of Science and Technology as well as studies on Marxism, Languages, and Economics. It offers around 69 undergraduate programs and a wide variety of postgraduate courses. Among these, the most highly regarded ones include Chemistry, Materials Sciences, Natural Sciences, Civil Engineering, Biotechnology, Energy Science and Engineering, Business, and Economics.

Research in HNU is conducted in its over 100 institutes, chiefly focused on natural science and social science. Its research output has been recognized by international research ranking groups, which gave it a high ranking for nature research, engineering, and produced scientific publications among Chinese and Asian universities. Additionally, the university has accumulated a large number of projects funded by regional and national governments.

Measuring over 2,397,000 square meters, HNU’s campus is characterized by its sizable expanse of ecological features such as green landscapes, ponds, flowering plants, and trees. Buildings styled with ancient Chinese architecture can be found within the vicinity. Meanwhile, its library houses more than 7.42 million books. Students can also enjoy Wi-Fi access in all buildings as well as mobile technology in studying.

Tracing its origins as far back as 976 A.D., HNU was once called Yuelu Academy, a renowned institution for higher learning during the Song Dynasty. It was an avenue for moral self-cultivation and reinforced solidarity in local communities as it attracted luminary Confucian scholars like Zhang Shi and Zhu Xi to conduct lectures. Centuries later in 1903, the school gained university status. It was renamed Hunan University in 1926.

In 2020, HNU opened its doors to around 20,000 undergraduates, 15,000 postgraduates, and 4,000 teaching staff. It has partnered with more than 160 universities and research organizations all over the world. In addition, the university is associated with 22 National Science Foundation for Distinguished Young Scholars awardees, 21 National Science Foundation for Excellent Young Scholars awardees, and three National Outstanding Teacher Award winners.

Notable HNU alumni include Wang Fuzhi (philosopher), Wei Yuan (scholar), Zeng Guofan (statesman), Guo Songtao (diplomat), Xue Xiangdong (businessman), and Sun Yoki (actress).

As suggested by its motto, HNU teaches its students to center their truths around proven facts and innovate on existing norms through education and research. It also hosts a significant number of student associations that stimulate growth outside academics.