On the approval of China’s Ministry of Education in June 2001, Dali University was established in October 2001 as a result of the amalgamation of four colleges: Dali Medical College, Dali Teachers College, Dali Radio and Television College and Dali College of Industry, which had a history of more than 30 years. Now the university has 16 colleges, offering 53 bachelor and 28 master degree programs in liberal arts, science, medical science, engineering, education, economics, agriculture, law, management and art. The University is located in Dali, which boasts its long history and tradition. 

      The city is one of the country’s historical and cultural cities, and one of the most popular tourist destination with its its charming ethnic cultures and its beautiful natural scenery. The University has two extensive campuses, covering an area of over 2,300 mu (about 410 acres). Currently, the total number of full time students studying at Dali University is around 17,000 at present, including 900 more foreign students from 19 countries such as the United States, England, Belgium, Russia, India, Burma, South Africa, Cote d' Ivoire, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Korea, Vietnam, Cambodia, the Laos PDR and some other countries. According to the latest statistics issued by the China’s Ministry of Education, Dali University ranks No. 24 out of more than 2,700 higher education institutions in terms of bachelor degree international students and ranks No. 1 in Yunnan Province. Dali University is in the name list of China’s Ministry of Education to admit MBBS students in English medium.