Nanjing University (NJU; Chinese: 南京大学) is a national public research university in Nanjing, Jiangsu. It is a member of C9 League and a Class A Double First Class University designated by the Chinese central government. NJU has two main campuses: the Xianlin campus in the northeast of Nanjing, and the Gulou campus in the city center of Nanjing.
Established in 1902 as Sanjiang Normal School, Nanjing University underwent a number of name changes, such as Nanjing Higher Normal School, National Southeastern University and National Central University, until it was renamed Nanjing University in 1950. It merged with the University of Nanking in 1952. NJU is perennially ranked one of the best research universities in China, and one of the most selective universities in the nation.
As of 2022, Nanjing University ranked 7th in China and 95th globally by Times Higher Education World University Rankings. Regarding scientific research output, the Nature Index Annual Table 2022 ranked Nanjing University the No.5 university in China and the Asia Pacific region, and 8th in the world among global universities.