Qingdao University is a key provincial research university located in Qingdao, China. Qingdao University traces its origin to 1909, when Deutsch-Chinesische Hochschule (German-Chinese College), the oldest predecessor institution of Qingdao University, was jointly established by the Chinese and German governments in Qingdao. In 1993, the former Qingdao University, Qingdao Medical College, Shandong Textile Engineering College, and Qingdao Normal College, merged to form the new Qingdao University. At present, QU is one of the best comprehensive universities in Shandong Province, recognized as a member of the national "Excellent Engineer Education and Training Program."​ With a strong profile in Medical Sciences, Textile and Design, Business, and liberal arts, QU serves 32,300 full-time undergraduate students, 7,400 graduate students, and 1,600 international students.