Xinjiang Normal University is located in Urumqi , the capital of Xinjiang, near the Chinese portion of the ancient Silk Road and at the foot of the northern Tianshan Mountains . As a key University of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, it is famous for its pedagogical and comprehensive education, ethnic diversity and regional distinctiveness. The University has trained over 30,000 students from different ethnic groups in different specialties for Xinjiang and China.

Xinjiang Normal University consists of 11 Colleges, offering undergraduate and vocational education, postgraduate education, international students' education, and adult education (continuing education). There are more than 23,000 students studying at the University, with 14,000 undergraduates and vocational students, near 800 master candidates, 100 international students, and 9000 adult students. 

In the area of international academic exchanges, the University has established and kept good relationships with Kyushu University in Japan, State Institute of Physical Education in Kazakhstan, Western Kentucky University , Belmont University and Utah Valley State College in the USA, and the State University of Kobdo in Mongolia. For the purpose of international academic communications, the University has sent teachers abroad for further study and academic research. Each year the University employs foreign teachers and recruits international students for a variety of programs and courses.

In 1992, the University was authorized by the State Administration of Foreign Expert Affairs with the Class A qualification to engage the foreign experts and teachers. In 1994, the University was listed by the State Ministry of Education as one of the 200 national universities to accept international students. In 1995, the University was put on the List of International Universities issued by the Association of International University in UNESCO.