Tongji University, located in Shanghai, is one of China’s key national universities under the Ministry of Education. Established in 1907, this prestigious university has grown from humble beginnings as a medical school into a full-fledged institution recognized for its expertise in engineering, architecture, and urban planning. Boasting a student population of over 36,000, including an increasing number of international students, Tongji University in China presents a fascinating mix of the old and the new.
As we move towards 2026, Tongji University, China, remains a magnet for international talent with its innovative programs, modern infrastructure, and prime location in one of Asia’s most exciting cities. For prospective students seeking admission to Tongji University, the admissions process involves academic excellence, language proficiency, and, more recently, standardized tests such as the CSCA exam. On the other hand, Tongji University’s tuition rates remain competitive, making it an attractive option for high achievers worldwide. This article from Admission Institute explores significant factors regarding Tongji University studies in 2026, helping you through your journey.
Tongji University 2026 Quick Overview
This quick overview captures Tongji University scale, academic prowess and enduring appeal for aspiring scholars worldwide.
| category | Details |
| Founded | 1907 |
| Location | Shanghai |
| Global QS Rank 2025 | 177 |
| Undergraduate Tuition | 20,000–45,000 RMB |
| Master Tuition | 22,960–104,000 RMB |
| PhD Tuition | 30,000–68,000 RMB |
| Average Living Cost | 4,000–6,000 RMB/Month |
| Application Fee | 600 RMB |
Last updated: 2/14/2026
Popular Majors at Tongji University China
Tongji University China offers a wide range of programs, but it excels particularly in areas aligned with China’s rapid urbanization and technological development.
1. Civil Engineering
At the top of the list is Civil Engineering, ranked as the number one program in the world by various rankings such as the Shanghai Ranking and U.S. News. This program teaches students how to design structures, build sustainably, and withstand disasters, given Tongji’s history of constructing some of China’s most iconic infrastructure projects.
2. Architecture and Urban Planning
Architecture and Urban Planning are also well represented, with the College of Architecture and Urban Planning cultivating innovative minds who work on practical problems, such as eco-city construction. The course is ranked 13th globally by QS rankings, with a focus on project-based learning and global partnerships. For students pursuing a career in medicine, the MBBS course conducted in English has an international intake and focuses on practice and research throughout a six-year curriculum.
3. Other Popular Majors
Other popular disciplines include Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, and Environmental Science. The School of Economics and Management offers business courses, such as the IMBA, which combines Eastern and Western perspectives. With 81 bachelor’s, 151 master’s, and 58 PhD courses, Tongji University provides options for diverse interests.
In 2026, new disciplines such as Artificial Intelligence and Sustainable Development are becoming popular, in line with global trends. Students appreciate the interdisciplinary approach, in which engineering and design students work together on innovative projects, equipping them for the growing tech and construction industries in China.
Tongji University Scholarships
Financial assistance is one of the major attractions for international students at Tongji University China.
1. CSC
The Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) High-Level Postgraduate Program provides full tuition, dormitory accommodation, health insurance, and a monthly allowance of up to 3,000 RMB for master’s candidates and 3,500 RMB for PhD candidates. The selection criteria include non-Chinese nationality, health, and age restrictions (applicants must be under 35 for master’s programs and under 40 for PhD programs). The application process will begin in October 2025 for admission in 2026.
2. Shanghai Municipal Government Scholarship
The Shanghai Municipal Government Scholarship provides similar benefits, with a focus on excellent applicants who are proficient in HSK. Category A covers all expenses, while Category B concentrates on tuition fee exemptions.
3. Tongji University’s International Student Excellence Scholarship
Tongji University’s International Student Excellence Scholarship is awarded based on academic achievement and engagement, with partial support for undergrads and postgrads. For 2026, the Silk Road Program, administered by CSC, aims to support students from Belt and Road nations, with a focus on programs such as Transportation Engineering. Required documents include passports, transcripts, and letters of recommendation.
There are success stories galore, with applicants attributing their scholarship awards to these very scholarships that allowed them to work in state-of-the-art labs. Deadlines are in December 2025; get cracking on your applications, with a strong focus on your personal statement that showcases your suitability for Tongji’s innovative ecosystem.
Cost of Living at Tongji University
The cost of living in China at Tongji University in Shanghai, China, is affordable but depends on personal lifestyle. For international students in 2026, estimated monthly expenses are 4,000-6,000 RMB (approximately $550-850 USD), not including tuition fees. University dorms start from 1,200 RMB/month for shared rooms, providing convenience and socialization. Off-campus apartments in the Yangpu District cost 2,800-4,500 RMB, perfect for those who value privacy.
Food is very affordable: Campus dining offers meals at 10-20 RMB, while eating out costs 300-500 RMB/month for local food. Grocery bills and utility bills are around 300 RMB each. Public transport through metro or bike-sharing services is very inexpensive, at 200 RMB/month. Fun activities, such as movie outings or gym memberships, could increase costs by 500 RMB.
Being a tier-one city, Shanghai is more expensive than other cities, but Tongji’s proximity to amenities keeps it practical. Frugal students can really flourish on 4,000 RMB per month by learning to cook and taking public transportation. Health insurance, usually paid for by scholarships, is 800 RMB per year otherwise. It is a reasonable cost of living that allows students to lead a well-rounded life amid the exciting atmosphere of Shanghai.
Based on feedback from 2025 international students at Tongji University, monthly expenses tend to remain within 4,500–5,500 RMB when students use campus facilities and public transport regularly.
University Rankings
Tongji University China, has an impressive international ranking, which highlights its academic excellence. According to QS World University Rankings 2025, Tongji University ranks #177 globally. U.S. News & World Report places it #124 worldwide, with Civil Engineering ranked #1 globally.
In the country, Tongji University is ranked 9th among the Best Chinese Universities by the Shanghai Ranking. Its art and design course is ranked first in Asia at #11 in the QS rankings, while NTU Rankings rank its engineering program #13 in the world. Such rankings result from its strong research output, with more than 5 state key labs.
For those who plan to join in 2026, these rankings indicate that Tongji University graduates have high employability, with many recruited by top companies such as Huawei and international consultancies. Its emphasis on sustainability and innovation continues to push it to the top, making it the university of choice for many ambitious students.
Tongji University Student Facilities
Tongji University in China stands out for its world-class facilities that enhance campus life. The Siping Campus, where most internationals are based, has contemporary dorms with Wi-Fi, a kitchen, and laundry facilities, priced between 30 and 80 RMB per day. Sports lovers benefit from gymnasiums, swimming pools, and soccer or tennis courts.
The libraries contain millions of books, while the International Student Service Center provides cafes and psychological counseling. Health services are available through on-campus hospitals, and insurance is mandatory. Student organizations, numbering over 100, include robotics groups and cultural exchange programs that encourage international friendships.
Campus activities, such as the Sakura Festival, bring color to campus life, while facilities, such as auditoriums, are used for lectures. The Jiading Campus, dedicated to engineering studies, has state-of-the-art laboratories.
Admission Requirements
Tongji University’s admission criteria for 2026 are simple but competitive. For undergraduates: High school diploma, aged 18-25, and pass the CSCA exam (compulsory for scholarships). English-medium programs such as MBBS require IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 85; Chinese-medium programs require HSK Level 4.
For master’s programs: Bachelor’s degree, aged under 35, and HSK 5 for Chinese-medium programs. PhD applicants: Master’s degree, aged under 40. All applicants must provide passports, transcripts, statements, and letters of recommendation through Tongji University’s online system (study-info.tongji.edu.cn)—application fee: 600 RMB.
Some may need to pass interviews or exams. For immigrants from China, there are further regulations set by the Ministry. Application deadlines are December 2025 for scholarships in China and March 2026 for self-funded programs. Academic excellence and language proficiency are the most important factors in making your application stand out.
Tuition Fees
The tuition fees at Tongji University for 2026 are still reasonable for a world-class university. Undergraduates: Liberal Arts 20,000 RMB/year, Sciences 24,600 RMB, Architecture/Medicine 28,700 RMB. English MBBS: 45,000 RMB.
Master’s: Liberal Arts 22,960 RMB; Sciences 28,700 RMB; professional programs like IMBA 104,000 RMB/year. PhD: 30,000-68,000 RMB.
These tuition fees cover insurance costs (800 RMB/year). Scholarships usually cover these, so Tongji is an option.
CSCA Exam
The CSCA exam, or China Scholastic Competency Assessment, is a new requirement for the 2026 international undergrad intake at Chinese universities such as Tongji. Conducted by the China Scholarship Council, it tests academic preparedness in Professional Chinese, Math, Physics, and Chemistry.
A requirement for CSC scholarships is that international applicants be compared to the gaokao standards. The test is online or at test centers, and results are valid for applications. For MBBS at Tongji, Math and Chemistry are required (for the English papers).
Preparation includes an examination of high school curricula; CSCA has guides available. It is part of China’s efforts to attract quality international students. Tongji University incorporates CSCA into its application process to ensure students are ready for the challenging coursework.
Conclusion
In summary, as of 2026, Tongji University in China remains one of the best options for aspiring international students seeking the best possible education in engineering, architecture, medicine, and more. With highly competitive Tongji University tuition rates of 20,000 to 45,000 RMB per year for undergrads (which are usually paid in full by scholarships), affordable living expenses in exciting Shanghai, and relatively easy Tongji University admission requirements that include the compulsory CSCA exam, the future looks bright indeed for those who work hard enough.
With its top global rankings, modern infrastructure, and generous scholarships, Tongji University is poised to produce graduates who can succeed in an ever-changing world. We are here to help you through this process. For additional information, contact us.
1. Is the CSCA exam mandatory for all international undergraduate applicants to Tongji University in 2026?
Yes, the China Scholastic Competency Assessment (CSCA) is mandatory for all international undergraduate applicants in 2026, including self-funded and scholarship-seeking applicants, as well as for Chinese-taught and English-taught programs (such as MBBS or Architecture International Class). Organized by the China Scholarship Council under the Ministry of Education, it serves as a standardized benchmark for admission. Applicants must register via www.csca.cn, take the exam (subject matter varies by major), and upload the official score report during the online application at http://study-info.tongji.edu.cn.
2. What are the 2026 tuition fees for international students at Tongji University?
Tuition fees for international undergraduates in 2026 remain competitive. For example Liberal Arts/Humanities (Chinese-taught) costs 20,000 RMB/year, Science/Engineering costs 24,600 RMB/year, Architecture, Medicine (including English-taught MBBS), Arts, etc cost 28,700–45,000 RMB/year (e.g., MBBS at 45,000 RMB/year).Â
3. How do Tongji University admission requirements and scholarships differ for undergraduates versus postgraduates in 2026?
Undergraduate requirements are more standardized and competitive due to the mandatory CSCA exam for all applicants, as well as language proficiency (HSK/IELTS/TOEFL), high school credentials, and age/health checks. Deadlines typically end in March 2026, with only one major choice. Postgraduates (master’s/PhD) focus on prior degrees (bachelor’s/master’s), age limits (under 35 for master’s, under 40 for PhD), research proposals, recommendations, and no universal CSCA requirement—though strong academics matter. Scholarships favor postgraduates: CSC High-Level Program prioritizes master’s/PhD with full coverage and stipends. Undergraduates may access CSC via specific channels or Shanghai scholarships, but competition is fierce. Both levels require online applications via Tongji’s portal; postgraduates often need interviews. Tongji’s top rankings in engineering/architecture make it attractive across levels—prepare early for language tests and documents.
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