Qingdao University is a key university prioritized for development by Shandong Province, a university jointly built by Shandong Province and Qingdao City, and a university selected for Shandong’s High-Level University and High-Level Discipline Development Initiative.

The origin of the university dates back to the Qingdao Special Higher Technical School founded in 1909. In 1993, the current Qingdao University was established through the merger of the former Qingdao University, Shandong Textile Engineering Institute, Qingdao Medical College and Qingdao Normal Junior College.

Over more than a century, the university has pursued advanced academic research and cultivated erudite, outstanding talents. Responding to national demands, it has carried forward its academic heritage and forged ahead with perseverance. More than 400,000 outstanding alumni have graduated from here, making remarkable contributions to regional economic and social development as well as the progress of human civilization. The university has been listed in four major global university rankings: the Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU, Shanghai Ranking), U.S. News & World Report Best Global Universities, Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings, and QS Asia University Rankings. It has ranked among the world’s top 500 universities in the ARWU for four consecutive years.

Leveraging its distinctive strengths and established reputation in medicine and teacher education, the university has co-built Qingdao University Qingdao Medical College with the municipal government, supporting Qingdao’s bid to build a national regional medical center and develop into a first-class medical hub north of the Yangtze River. It has jointly established Qingdao University Qingdao Normal College with the city and the Qingdao University Education Group together with local education authorities, running 11 affiliated primary and secondary schools to boost high-quality basic education in Qingdao. The university has also co-founded Qingdao Entrepreneur College, Qingdao Lawyer College and Qingdao Social Work College with Qingdao Municipality. It actively provides policy advice for regional economic and social growth and builds a featured think tank service platform.