Private Nonprofit university in Kunshan, China

Duke Kunshan University Admission Requirements 2027

Duke Kunshan University is a Sino-US joint venture liberal arts university in Kunshan, run jointly with Duke University on a US style curriculum taught entirely in English. Admission is test optional for English proficiency and there is no application fee, but tuition is quoted in US dollars rather than CNY.

Verified 7 Sep 2026 Sources Official site
Next deadline
2 Nov 2026
Fall 2027, Bachelor, early, 56 days left
Tuition
$73,740
per year
English test
Not listed
waiver possible
Acceptance rate
Not published
Application fee
None

Requirements

Bachelor's degree

A secondary school diploma or equivalent, academic transcripts, a required admissions essay, and recommendation letters. Standardised tests (SAT, ACT, IELTS, TOEFL) are optional and reviewed if submitted, but no minimum score is set for any of them, and applicants without a test score are not disadvantaged in review. Interviews may be offered but are not mandatory for every applicant.

Documents

Secondary school transcripts, a completed application form, a personal essay, at least one recommendation letter, and a passport copy. Optional standardised test scores (SAT, ACT, IELTS or TOEFL) can be added to support the application.

How to apply

  1. Apply through Duke Kunshan's online application system, choosing Early Decision or Regular Decision.
  2. Submit transcripts, the required essay, recommendation letters and, optionally, standardised test scores.
  3. There is no application fee to pay.
  4. Wait for the admission decision; Early Decision applicants receive an earlier, binding decision.
  5. Admitted students pay a 1,000 US dollar deposit by 1 May to confirm their place.
  6. Apply for the student visa once enrolment is confirmed.

English test waiver

Duke Kunshan does not require an IELTS or TOEFL score for admission. English ability is judged through academic record, a required essay and, if the applicant chooses to submit one, a standardised test score; applicants whose secondary schooling was not in English may submit an IELTS or TOEFL result if they think it helps their application, but none is required.

Sources, checked 7 September 2026
  1. https://admissions.dukekunshan.edu.cn/en/
  2. https://admissions.dukekunshan.edu.cn/en/tuition-international-students/
  3. https://admissions.dukekunshan.edu.cn/en/faq-en/