Qingdao Agricultural University


Location of Qingdao City jurisdiction in Shandong
Qingdao Agricultural University (QAU), located in Qingdao and the Laiyang district of Yantai in Shandong province, China, is a prestigious public university with a rich history dating back to its inception in 1951. Originally established as Laiyang Agricultural College, the institution underwent several name changes over the years before receiving university status in 1999 and adopting its current name in 2007.

Temple of the Sea Goddess.
Spanning across three campuses and one farm, QAU is known for its picturesque settings and cultural richness. The university covers approximately 286 hectares, featuring a built area of over 1.1 million square meters. It is celebrated for its cultural ambiance and has been recognized as a Shandong Civil Campus.

Sketch map of Qingdao, circa 1906
Academically, Qingdao Agricultural University is diverse and comprehensive. It encompasses 22 schools and departments, offering 77 undergraduate majors, numerous postgraduate programs in 13 first-level and 78 second-level disciplines, as well as three professional postgraduate programs. The total student population is around 35,000, including 1,400 graduate students. The university is equipped with resources valued at over 257 million CNY and houses a substantial library with over 2 million physical books and 2.4 million e-books.

Image of Qingdao in the early 1900s. Unknown author – http://www.taipics.com/non_taiwan.php
QAU excels in various fields including sciences, engineering, agriculture, humanities, arts, law, management, and economics. The university has been commended for its excellence in undergraduate teaching by the Ministry of Education. It also stands out for its contributions to science and technology innovation, having been ranked 34th nationally in real income from science and technology transfer in 2002, leading the institutions in Shandong Province.

Yantai Ship Mast.
In summary, Qingdao Agricultural University is a distinguished institution known for its extensive and varied academic offerings, beautiful campuses, and significant contributions to science and technology. Its commitment to comprehensive education, coupled with its rich history and modern facilities, makes it a leading university in China, particularly in the fields of agriculture and engineering sciences. With a new campus set to open in Pingdu, QAU continues to expand its influence and capacity for academic excellence.