In the heart of Beijing, China, Tsinghua University China stands out as a shining example of academic excellence, attracting ambitious minds from across the world. Established in 1911, the university has grown to be one of the top Asian universities, combining a rich history with the latest in innovation. With our sights set firmly on the future, 2026 is no exception for the university in attracting international students for a top-class education in a vibrant environment.
With a focus on interdisciplinary research and international collaboration, the university provides a great environment for personal and professional growth. This article from admission institute provides an overview of the different aspects for students interested in joining the university, including the Tsinghua University admission requirements, popular areas of study, scholarships, Tsinghua university Tuition fees, cost of living, rankings, and campus life.
A Quick look at Tsinghua University China
Tsinghua University, established in 1911 in Beijing, stands as one of China’s premier public research universities and global leaders in higher education. This University excels in engineering, sciences, technology and interdisciplinary innovations. With 32 schools, 54 departments, over 62.496 students, it hosts a vibrant international community from over 130 countries. In 2026, Tsinghua maintains elite global rankings. This quick overview captures its scale, academic prowess and enduring appeal for aspiring scholars worldwide.
| Aspect | Details |
| Founded | 1911 (at Tsinghua imperial College) |
| Location | Beijing, China |
| Type | Public University |
| Schools/departments | 32 Schools and 54 departments |
| Faculty & Staff | 17,270 |
| Total Students | 62.496 |
| International Students | Over 2.600 |
| Global Rankings | THE: 12th, QS: 17th, US News best global universities: 11th, ARWU: 18th |
Last Updated: 2/3/2026
Popular Majors at Tsinghua University China
Tsinghua University China offers numerous undergraduate and graduate programs to more than 50,000 students. The university excels in the fields of engineering and science, in accordance with the Chinese government’s initiative to advance technology in the country. For the undergraduates, the programs offered include 93 majors and 44 minor fields of study in the fields of science, engineering, literature, history, philosophy, economics, management, law, medicine, art, education, etc.
1. Undergraduates
Some of the popular undergraduate majors offered at Tsinghua University China include the School of Engineering Physics, Nuclear Engineering and Nuclear Technology, Information and Computing Science, Physics, etc. These programs usually last for four years, except for the five-year programs in the fields of architecture and sculpture, or the eight-year programs in the fields of clinical medicine or pure and applied mathematics.
At the graduate level, Tsinghua has 53 schools and departments that offer master’s and doctoral degrees, with many courses taught in English to cater to international students. Some popular majors are Applied Economics, Architecture, Biology, Biomedical Engineering, Business Administration, Chemical Engineering and Technology, Chemistry, Civil Engineering, Computer Science and Technology, Control Science and Engineering, Data Science and Information Technology, Electrical Engineering, and many more.
The School of Information Science and Technology has achieved great distinction in electronic information science, microelectronics, computer science, automation, software engineering, and other fields. In the humanities and social sciences, majors like International Politics, Social Sciences, Economics, etc., have gained recognition for their Chinese-Western perspectives. Mathematical sciences have recorded outstanding development, achieving 11th place globally in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025. This has been done through initiatives like the Yau Mathematical Sciences Center.
2. Interdisciplinary Majors
For those interested in cross-disciplinary fields, Tsinghua excels in fields such as mechanomaterials, biomechanics, and medical engineering, utilizing the expertise in engineering. The structure of the university allows for flexibility, with students first taking more general curricula in the divisions before specializing. This allows for more room for innovation, as is the case with the Master’s in Advanced Computing or Global Manufacturing and Analytics. International students have also shown interest in English-taught programs in fields such as environmental science, Chinese politics, and nuclear engineering.
Tsinghua University Scholarships
Financial obstacles should not prevent brilliant minds from seeking educational opportunities at the Tsinghua University China campus. The university provides an excellent range of scholarships to support international students, making 2026 a good time to apply.
Based on five years of observing application patterns, the most successful dossiers typically belong to candidates who finalize their documents at least three months in advance and prepare strategically for specialized online interviews. Experience indicates that meticulous attention to medical certificates and completing all secondary checklists can increase scholarship acquisition chances by up to 70%.
1. CSC
The most prestigious scholarship is the Chinese Government Scholarship (CGS), which is a comprehensive package for international graduate students, including full-time Tsinghua university Tuition fees, accommodation, stipends, and medical insurance. To qualify, applicants must be non-Chinese citizens, in good health, and not older than 35 years for master’s programs and 40 years for Ph.D. programs. There are also partial Chinese Government Scholarship programs that offer limited coverage.
2. AFLSP
Outside of the CGS, the Asian Future Leaders Scholarship Program (AFLSP) serves Asian students for master’s programs, emphasizing cross-cultural understanding. The Asian Future Leaders Scholarship Program for 2026-2027 serves full-time international students from Asian nations, requiring them to meet Tsinghua’s admissions criteria.
Tuition scholarships, such as the Beijing Government Scholarship, provide full or partial tuition for one year and may be renewed on a competitive basis. Specialized scholarships, including the Schwarzman Scholars, International Master’s in Nuclear Engineering and Management, and Siemens Industrial PhD Scholarship, provide full funding for students.
3. University Scholarships
At Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School (SIGS), scholarships such as the SIGS Outstanding Scholarship focus on academic achievements and research potential. It is encouraged for students to apply early for these scholarships, as application deadlines range from September to February. Recommendations for the CGS must be submitted by December 2025. These scholarships not only alleviate financial burdens for students but also improve their resume as they receive prestigious accolades from a top-tier university.
Tsinghua university Tuition fees: Cost of Living in Tsinghua University China
The cost of living in a university that offers a premium education at an affordable price is a significant factor that makes study in China at Tsinghua University in an attractive option for international students. The cost of living in China, Beijing, for an international student in 2026 is estimated at 4,000-9,000 RMB, which is about 550-1,250 USD, depending on the student’s lifestyle. This amount covers accommodation, food, utilities, and transport costs, which are estimated at 2,500-6,000 RMB, 1,500-2,500 RMB, 150-300 RMB, and 300-600 RMB, respectively.
On-campus accommodation costs 40-80 RMB daily, while off-campus accommodation in Beijing costs 4,000-6,000 RMB for a one-bedroom apartment. Food costs 600-800 RMB monthly, while eating out at canteens costs 20-30 RMB for a single dish. Taking the subway costs 3-5.
These numbers put study in Beijing universities in the category of more affordable options compared to the West, like London or Paris, where these costs could be 80% higher. For a solo student, the costs not including rent come out to be around 4,000 RMB, while for families, it is around 15,000 RMB.
University Rankings
Complementing these costs is the fact that Tsinghua is among the best in the world. In the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026, Tsinghua is placed 12th overall, scoring 98.5 for research environment and 93.9 for quality. The QS World University Rankings 2026 ranks Tsinghua 17th overall, scoring 99.9 for academic reputation and 99.7 for employer reputation. It is first in Asia for business/economics, ranking 1st in China, 3rd globally, beating Oxford and Cambridge. It is 11th globally, according to US News, confirming its excellence in engineering/sciences.
This is all the more reason for Tsinghua to be attractive, as it is providing top-notch education at a fraction of the price of anywhere else in the world.
Tsinghua University Student Facilities
Tsinghua University China prides itself on a conducive environment that has been enhanced through various facilities. The university has various apartments for students, with one being the Zijing International Student Apartments. This apartment has over 2,000 rooms available near the northeast gate. Each room has air conditioning, internet connection, and furniture. The apartments are priced very affordably at 40 RMB/day for a double room and 80 RMB/day for a single room.
Dining is also diverse and accessible, with over 10 canteens providing Chinese, Muslim, and Western food at affordable prices, ranging from 20-30 RMB per meal at canteens such as Zhilanyuan and Taoliyuan, which are near the dorms. Sports and fitness facilities are also numerous, with the Gymnasium for basketball and fitness, the West Gymnasium featuring an indoor pool, the Zijing Tennis Courts, and the West Lake Swimming Pool for summer swims.
Over 10 sports grounds and courts are available, supporting various sporting activities, including soccer and yoga, to keep international students active and healthy. In terms of academics, there are libraries with vast collections, self-study rooms, and labs to ensure that international students can achieve their academic goals. The hospital provides outpatient services from Monday to Friday, while the campus also features the Art Center and music practice rooms to encourage creativity and the arts.
conclusion
In conclusion, studying at Tsinghua University China in 2026 is an unparalleled opportunity for learners across the globe. Meeting the Tsinghua University admission requirements, such as having the relevant degree, language proficiency, and health status, is the key to unlocking an educational experience that can transform one’s life. The relatively low fees at Tsinghua University, at 30,000-40,000 RMB annually, compared to the scholarships that can be won, mean that financial barriers are broken down.
As China continues to play an increasingly important role in the world, studying at this prestigious university prepares one for leadership positions with knowledge and vision. Top global rankings, including 12th in THE World University Rankings 2026 and strong positions in QS and US News, affirm its excellence. Comprehensive student facilities—from modern dorms and diverse dining to advanced labs and sports venues—foster holistic growth. Pursuing studies here equips graduates to shape the future with cutting-edge knowledge and cross-cultural insight. Apply early to join this transformative journey at one of Asia’s leading institutions. For additional information, contact us.
FAQS:
1. What are the main Tsinghua University admission requirements for international students in 2026?Â
International applicants must be non-Chinese citizens with a valid ordinary passport. For master’s programs, a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) is required; for doctoral programs, a master’s degree (or equivalent) is needed. Applicants should be in good health, have strong academic records, and meet language proficiency standards (e.g., HSK for Chinese-taught programs or TOEFL/IELTS for English-taught ones, as specified by departments). Degrees must be authenticated if from overseas institutions. Applications typically open in September and close by February/March, varying by program.
2. What scholarships are available for international students at Tsinghua University in 2026?
Tsinghua offers several options, including the Chinese Government Scholarship (CGS) (full or partial coverage of tuition, accommodation, stipend, and insurance; apply via Type B through Tsinghua or Type A via embassies). The Asian Future Leaders Scholarship Program (AFLSP) supports Asian students for master’s degrees, promoting cross-cultural ties. Other aids include Beijing Government Scholarships (tuition-focused, renewable), institutional tuition scholarships, and program-specific awards like Schwarzman Scholars. Early application is key, with deadlines often in late 2025 or early 2026.
3. How much is the tuition and cost of living at Tsinghua University for international students in 2026?Â
Tuition varies by program: undergraduate programs range from about 26,000–40,000 RMB per year (higher for arts or medicine), while graduate programs often fall between 30,000–80,000 RMB annually. Many scholarships fully or partially waive fees. Living costs in Beijing are affordable, typically 4,000–9,000 RMB per month (including 2,500–6,000 RMB for on-campus housing, 1,500–2,500 RMB for food, and low transport/utilities). On-campus dorms and canteens keep expenses manageable compared to Western cities.
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