Beijing, China
Tsinghua University
清华大学 · THU
One of China's leading universities, internationally recognised for engineering, technology, science, and innovation.
Everything you need to know before applying to Tsinghua University — from entry requirements and language requirements to scholarships, costs, available programmes, and student life.
✓ Verified against official Tsinghua admissions sourcesLast updated 3 June 2026
About Tsinghua University
Overview
Founded in 1911, Tsinghua University is one of China's leading research universities and is internationally recognised for engineering, technology, science, architecture, economics, and management.
International students study alongside some of China's strongest students in a demanding academic environment with a strong emphasis on research, innovation, and independent learning.
Why choose Tsinghua
A world-class academic reputation, a historic campus, and one of China's leading environments for science, engineering, and innovation.
What to prepare for
Strong language qualifications are essential. Some programmes may also have additional assessments or portfolio requirements.
Best-fit student
You have excellent grades, strong preparation in relevant subjects, and the language skills needed for your chosen programme.
Not ideal for
You're looking for a wide range of English-taught undergraduate programmes or prefer a less academically intensive environment.
Study language
Language requirements
HSK Level 5+ for Chinese-taught programmes
Chinese-taught undergraduate programmes normally require HSK Level 5 or above, with at least 60 in Listening, Reading, and Writing. Some applicants may receive conditional admission with HSK Level 4, provided they achieve HSK Level 5 during their first year.
Accepted English qualification required
Applicants whose native language is not English must provide an accepted English language qualification, such as TOEFL, IELTS, or another qualification recognised by Tsinghua. English language requirements vary by programme, so always check the programme guide before applying.
Academic fit
Entry requirements
| Qualification | Official Tsinghua requirement | ChinaStudyGuide estimate |
|---|---|---|
| A-Level | No fixed minimum published | A*A*A in relevant subjects |
| IB | No fixed minimum published | 40-42+ overall with strong Higher Level subjects |
| SAT / AP | National, regional, or international test results may be submitted | SAT 1500+ plus strong AP or subject results where available |
| Other | High school graduation certificate or equivalent | Top results in your national curriculum with strong subject fit |
The competitive targets below are ChinaStudyGuide's recommendations based on the competitiveness of Tsinghua admissions. They are intended as planning guidance only and are not official admission requirements.
Scholarship assessment
CSCA
Do I need CSCA?
Most undergraduate applicants do not need to take the CSCA. It is mainly required for applicants seeking the Chinese Government Scholarship.
Choose your route
Admission routes
Main undergraduate application
Suitable if you want to study a Chinese-taught undergraduate programme at Tsinghua.
- Application window
- 2026 intake closed on 28 Feb 2026
- Teaching language
- Mainly Chinese and English
- Language qualification
- HSK Level 5 normally expected
- Subject choice
- See the Subjects section below
- Assessment
- Document review + comprehensive assessment
Alternative admission routes
Suitable if your chosen subject is offered through one of Tsinghua's English-taught undergraduate programmes.
- Application window
- Check the programme guide for the exact schedule
- Teaching language
- English
- Language qualification
- English qualification required; Chinese qualification not required
- Subject choice
- See the Subjects section below
- Assessment
- Programme-specific review + assessment
From application to arrival
Application process
- ①Apply
Choose your application pathway and programme, complete the online form, upload documents, and submit the application.
- ②Document review
Tsinghua reviews eligibility, academic results, documents, whether you meet the language requirements, and programme fit.
- ③Comprehensive assessment
Shortlisted applicants may be invited to an integrative test, interview, or portfolio review, depending on programme.
- ④Admission decision
Admission decisions are based on your academic record, supporting documents, and any programme-specific assessments.
- ⑤Visa
Use your admission documents to prepare the student visa and arrival paperwork.
- ⑥Registration
Confirm accommodation, required documents, and arrival steps before registering in Beijing.
Documents to prepare Personal statement, recommendation letters, video, transcripts, and supporting documents
Start early
Some documents carry much more weight than others. Preparing them early gives you time to present your application at its best.
Explain why you've chosen your intended programme, why Tsinghua is the right fit for your academic goals, and how your previous studies have prepared you for the course.
Choose teachers who know your academic performance well and can provide specific examples of your strengths, motivation, and potential.
Use the video to introduce yourself naturally and confidently. Focus on speaking clearly rather than trying to memorise a perfect script.
- 04Passport and parent passport pages where required
- 05High school graduation or pre-graduation certificate
- 06CV and transcripts
- 07Language qualification for your application pathway
- 08National, regional, or international standard test results
- 09Financial sponsor materials
- 10Nationality or background documents, where applicable
Documents not issued in Chinese or English may need a notarised Chinese or English translation.
Before you submit
Your readiness checklist
Academic choice
Subjects
Browse undergraduate subjects using Tsinghua's official admission catalogue.
Search by subject, school, or teaching language.
| Major / option | Admissions category / programme | School / college | Teaching language |
|---|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Architecture | School of Architecture | Chinese (mainly) |
| Urban and Rural Planning | Architecture | School of Architecture | Chinese (mainly) |
| Landscape Architecture | Architecture | School of Architecture | Chinese (mainly) |
| Mechanical Engineering | Intelligent Manufacturing and Equipment | Department of Mechanical Engineering | Chinese (mainly) |
| Mechanical Engineering (Elite Program) | Intelligent Manufacturing and Equipment | Department of Mechanical Engineering | Chinese (mainly) |
| Vehicle Engineering | Intelligent Manufacturing and Equipment | School of Vehicle and Mobility | Chinese (mainly) |
| Electronic Information Science and Technology | Electronic Information | Department of Electronic Engineering | Chinese (mainly) |
| Computer Science and Technology | Computer Science | Department of Computer Science and Technology | Chinese (mainly) |
| Automation | Automation | Department of Automation | Chinese (mainly) |
| Information Management and Information Systems | Automation | School of Economics and Management | Chinese (mainly) |
| Pure and Applied Mathematics | Mathematics, Physics and Modern Engineering | Department of Mathematical Sciences | Chinese (mainly) |
| Physics | Mathematics, Physics and Modern Engineering | Department of Physics | Chinese (mainly) |
| Fundamental Sciences (Mathematics and Physics) | Mathematics, Physics and Modern Engineering | Department of Physics | Chinese (mainly) |
| Statistics | Mathematics, Physics and Modern Engineering | Department of Statistics and Data Science | Chinese (mainly) |
| Chemistry | Chemistry and Life Science | Department of Chemistry | Chinese (mainly) |
| Chemical Biology | Chemistry and Life Science | Department of Chemistry | Chinese (mainly) |
| Biological Science | Chemistry and Life Science | School of Life Sciences | Chinese (mainly) |
| Polymer Materials and Engineering | Chemistry and Life Science | Department of Chemical Engineering | Chinese (mainly) |
| Chemical Engineering and Industrial Biological Engineering | Chemistry and Life Science | Department of Chemical Engineering | Chinese (mainly) |
| Economics and Finance (International Program) | Economics, Finance and Management | School of Economics and Management | Chinese (mainly) |
| Information Management and Information Systems | Economics, Finance and Management | School of Economics and Management | Chinese (mainly) |
| Law | Law | School of Law | Chinese (mainly) |
| Design | Arts | Academy of Arts and Design | Chinese (mainly) |
| Fine Arts | Arts | Academy of Arts and Design | Chinese (mainly) |
| Art History | Arts | Academy of Arts and Design | Chinese (mainly) |
| Clinical Medicine (Outstanding Physician-Scientist Program) | Clinical Medicine | School of Medicine | Chinese (mainly) |
| Interdisciplinary Engineering | Global Talents in Science and Engineering | Zijing College | English |
| Electrical Engineering and Automation | Global Talents in Science and Engineering | Zijing College | English |
| Electronic Information Science and Technology | Global Talents in Science and Engineering | Zijing College | English |
| Mechanical Engineering | Global Talents in Science and Engineering | Zijing College | English |
| Measurement, Control Technology and Instruments | Global Talents in Science and Engineering | Zijing College | English |
| Vehicle Engineering | Global Talents in Science and Engineering | Zijing College | English |
| Civil Engineering and Systems | Global Talents in Science and Engineering | Zijing College | English |
| Traffic Engineering | Global Talents in Science and Engineering | Zijing College | English |
| Architecture | Urban Regeneration and Design | Zijing College | English |
| Urban Planning | Urban Regeneration and Design | Zijing College | English |
| Landscape Architecture | Urban Regeneration and Design | Zijing College | English |
| Political Science | Politics, Economics and Sociology for Global Leaders in Smart Society | Zhishan College | English |
| Economics | Politics, Economics and Sociology for Global Leaders in Smart Society | Zhishan College | English |
| Sociology | Politics, Economics and Sociology for Global Leaders in Smart Society | Zhishan College | English |
| International Relations | Politics, Economics and Sociology for Global Leaders in Smart Society | Zhishan College | English |
No matching subject area found.
View the official subject list ↗Budget planning
Fees & funding
Funding your degree
Scholarships
| Scholarship | Typical cover | Difficulty | CSCA? | Key note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chinese Government Scholarship | Tuition, accommodation, insurance, and living allowance | Very high | Yes | Undergraduate CSC applicants need CSCA. Usually apply through the home-country dispatching authority and follow CSC or embassy instructions. |
| Tsinghua University Institutional Scholarship | Full, half, or partial support for outstanding international undergraduate freshmen | High | No | Apply early and prepare a strong academic profile, personal statement, and recommendation letters. |
Where you may live
Accommodation
Prepare a housing backup plan before arrival unless Tsinghua confirms accommodation for your intake.
Life in Beijing
Student life
Beijing is intense, historic, and highly connected. Around Tsinghua, Haidian feels academic and technology-focused, while the wider city offers museums, policy institutions, technology companies, cultural life, live events, food, parks, and a fast-moving capital-city rhythm.
Campus
Tsinghua is known for a spacious campus setting, libraries, labs, dining halls, student communities, and a strong academic atmosphere.
Student life
Haidian feels student-focused, with nearby universities, cafes, study spaces, sports, societies, and affordable local food options.
Transport
Wudaokou and nearby subway connections link the campus with the rest of Beijing.
Career exposure
As China's capital, Beijing can offer stronger access to technology, research, policy, business, and international organisations.
Compare choices
Compare other universities
Not sure whether Tsinghua is the right fit? Compare it with other leading Chinese universities by city, subject strengths, language route, scholarships, and campus life.
A top Beijing university especially strong for humanities, sciences, social sciences, medicine, and intensive Chinese-taught study.
- Stronger humanities and social sciences
- Similar prestige
- Same city
A major C9 university in Shanghai with strong social sciences, business, medicine, humanities, and a more international city setting.
- Different city lifestyle
- Strong business and humanities
- More international city feel
A large comprehensive university in Hangzhou with broad subject choice, strong research, and a campus experience outside China's largest first-tier cities.
- Broader comprehensive intake
- Hangzhou location
- Less capital-city intensity
This page is based on Tsinghua's official international undergraduate admissions information.
- Tsinghua undergraduate admissions schedule ↗
- Tsinghua eligibility page ↗
- Application procedures and documents ↗
- English-taught programme guides ↗
- Divisions and schools list ↗
- Tuition and expenses ↗
- Freshmen scholarships ↗
Always re-check the current Tsinghua notice before applying, especially for programme-specific requirements, deadlines, fees, and scholarship timing.