China’s First Modern University
Founded in 1895 as Peiyang University, the origin point of modern engineering education in China.
Tianjin, ChinaQS #235
Tianjin University
China’s first modern university — seeking truth from facts since 1895
Established on 2 October 1895 as Peiyang University, Tianjin University is the first modern university founded in China and the birthplace of the country’s engineering education. A 985, 211 and Double First-Class institution, it operates the historic Weijin Road campus in Nankai District, the large Peiyangyuan campus in the Haihe Education Park and an international campus in Fuzhou. Its chemical engineering is ranked among the world’s top thirty and first in China, and the university hosts China’s first state key laboratory for synthetic biology. For international students it combines elite engineering, architecture and management programs with tuition and living costs well below Beijing, only half an hour away by high-speed rail, and a community of over 3,000 international students from more than 140 countries.
Project 985Project 211Double First-Class
- QS World Ranking
- #235
- Location
- Tianjin, China
- Founded
- 1895
- International Students
- 3,000+
- Teaching Language
- English / Chinese
- Tuition
- CNY 20,000 - 39,000 / year
- Intake
- September
- Application Deadline
- April 15
Why Choose
Why Choose Tianjin University
Key reasons international students choose Tianjin University for their studies in China.
World Top Chemical Engineering
Chemical engineering ranks inside the global top thirty and first nationally, with English-taught undergraduate entry.
First Synthetic Biology Laboratory
Home to China’s first state key laboratory in synthetic biology and a dedicated bio-manufacturing school.
Elite Architecture School
One of China’s original architecture programs, taught alongside Tianjin’s exceptional heritage of colonial-era buildings.
Deep Industrial Engineering Links
Civil, mechanical and precision engineering tied to Bohai Bay construction, energy, port and manufacturing employers.
Beijing Access, Lower Costs
Tuition from CNY 20,000 and Tianjin living costs, with the capital thirty minutes away by high-speed rail.
Rankings & Recognition
Academic Reputation
National designations and world rankings that signal academic strength and prestige.
QS World University Ranking#235
China National Ranking#20
National Designations
Project 985Project 211Double First-Class
Programs
Programs for International Students
Explore the degree programs and academic strengths available to international students at Tianjin University.
Chemical Engineering & Technology
BachelorLanguage: English
Duration: 4 years
Tuition: CNY 20,000 / year
Intake: September
Scholarship: Motian Scholarship eligible
Pharmaceutical Science
BachelorLanguage: English
Duration: 4 years
Tuition: CNY 20,000 / year
Intake: September
Scholarship: Motian Scholarship eligible
Civil Engineering
BachelorLanguage: Chinese
Duration: 4 years
Tuition: CNY 23,000 / year
Intake: September
Scholarship: Tianjin Government Scholarship eligible
Chemical Engineering
MasterLanguage: English
Duration: 3 years
Tuition: CNY 30,000 / year
Intake: September
Scholarship: CSC full scholarship eligible
Architecture
MasterLanguage: English
Duration: 3 years
Tuition: CNY 39,000 / year
Intake: September
Scholarship: CSC full scholarship eligible
Civil Engineering
DoctorLanguage: English
Duration: 4 years
Tuition: CNY 33,200 / year
Intake: September
Scholarship: CSC full scholarship eligible
Admission
Admission Requirements
What you need to apply to Tianjin University as an international student.
- Academic RequirementsHigh school diploma with strong mathematics, physics and chemistry results for bachelor’s; a relevant bachelor’s or master’s degree for graduate programs.
- Language RequirementsEnglish-taught: IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL 80, or proof that previous education was in English. Chinese-taught: HSK Level 4 or 5 depending on the program.
- Academic AssessmentApplicants are assessed on transcripts and study plan, and shortlisted candidates sit an online interview or written test with the receiving school.
- Required DocumentsPassport, transcripts, graduation certificate, study plan or research proposal, language certificate, two recommendation letters and a non-criminal record certificate.
- Application DeadlineScholarship applicants: April 1. Self-funded applicants: April 15.
- Application FeeCNY 420, non-refundable, paid through the online application system.
- Medical ExaminationA Foreigner Physical Examination Form is required for admission and re-checked at the Tianjin health inspection centre after arrival.
- Visa DocumentsTianjin University issues the JW202 form and Admission Notice so you can apply for an X1 student visa at a Chinese embassy.
Tuition & Scholarships
Costs & Funding
Transparent tuition, living costs and scholarship options for international students.
Cost Breakdown
- Annual Tuition
- CNY 20,000 - 39,000 / year
- Accommodation
- CNY 750 – 1,600 / monthOn-campus international dormitory
- Application Fee
- CNY 420 (one-time)
- Medical Insurance
- CNY 800 / yearCompulsory comprehensive insurance for international students
- Estimated Living Cost
- CNY 2,000 – 3,500 / monthMeals, transport & personal expenses
Estimated First-Year CostCNY 52,000 – 85,000
Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC)
Coverage: Full tuition, on-campus accommodation, monthly stipend and comprehensive medical insurance.
Eligibility: Outstanding non-Chinese applicants for master’s or doctoral degrees, applied through an embassy, university or Silk Road channel.
Deadline: April 1
TJU Motian Scholarship
Coverage: Full or partial tuition award for outstanding incoming undergraduates.
Eligibility: First-year international applicants to English-taught or Chinese-taught bachelor’s programs with excellent academic records.
Deadline: April 1
Tianjin Government Scholarship
Coverage: Partial tuition award for degree students studying at universities in Tianjin.
Eligibility: Admitted or enrolled international degree students with strong academic performance.
Deadline: May 31
Youth of Excellence Scheme of China (YES China)
Coverage: Full tuition, accommodation, stipend and insurance for selected master’s programs.
Eligibility: Young professionals and outstanding graduates nominated for public administration, engineering and management tracks.
Deadline: March 31
Campus Life
Life on Campus
What daily student life looks like at Tianjin University.
Beiyang Park And Lakes
The Weijin Road campus is built around willow-lined lakes and gardens, one of Tianjin’s most photographed green spaces.
International Dormitories
Single and shared rooms on both Tianjin campuses with air conditioning, private study desks and shared kitchens.
Engineering Library Collections
Deep holdings in chemical, civil and architectural engineering plus major international journal and patent databases.
Peiyangyuan Sports Complex
Indoor stadium, swimming pool, tennis and basketball courts and a full athletics track on the newer campus.
Affordable Campus Dining
Multiple canteens serving northern Chinese, halal and international dishes for around CNY 15 a meal.
Thirty Minutes To Beijing
Tianjin’s metro and high-speed rail put the capital, the coast and Binhai’s industry within easy weekend reach.
Gallery
Campus Gallery
A visual tour of Tianjin University.
Research & Innovation
Research Strengths
Research capacity and innovation ecosystem at Tianjin University.
Chemical Engineering Research
National laboratories in chemical engineering and separation science underpin China’s petrochemical and fine chemicals industries.
Synthetic Biology Laboratory
China’s first state key laboratory in synthetic biology, engineering microbes for medicine, materials and fuels.
Precision Instruments And Optics
Long-standing strength in precision measurement, laser instrumentation and optoelectronic sensing technologies.
Civil And Coastal Engineering
Research in earthquake-resistant structures, port and offshore engineering shaped by the Bohai Bay setting.
Brain-Computer Interfaces
Developer of China’s pioneering brain-computer interface systems, including neural control platforms tested in space.
International Joint Research
Joint institutes and laboratories with partner universities in Europe, North America and Asia across engineering fields.
Career Outcomes
Graduate Outcomes
Where a degree from Tianjin University can take you after graduation.
Chemical And Energy Employers
Graduates are recruited by petrochemical, pharmaceutical, new-materials and energy companies across China and Asia.
Construction And Infrastructure
Civil and architectural graduates join major design institutes, contractors and urban development authorities.
Advanced Manufacturing Roles
Strong outcomes in machinery, precision instruments, automotive and equipment manufacturing across the Bohai Rim.
Research And Doctoral Pathways
Many graduates continue to doctoral study at Tianjin University or leading engineering universities worldwide.
Binhai New Area Internships
Tianjin’s free trade zone and industrial base offer internships with multinational manufacturing and logistics firms.
Century-Old Alumni Network
Alumni since 1895 hold senior roles in Chinese industry, design institutes, academia and government.
Student Support
International Student Support
How Tianjin University helps international students settle in and succeed.
Accommodation Assistance
Help reserving an on-campus dormitory room on the Weijin Road or Peiyangyuan campus before you arrive.
Residence Permit
Guided assistance converting your X1 visa into a residence permit within 30 days of arrival in Tianjin.
Orientation
Orientation week covers registration, campus systems, banking, safety and daily life in Tianjin.
Academic Advising
School-level advisors and supervisors support course selection, credit planning and laboratory placement.
Chinese Language Support
Mandarin courses for English-track students plus long-term Chinese language programs for degree entry.
Health Services
Campus clinic access, compulsory insurance enrolment and referral help for Tianjin hospitals.
Emergency Assistance
Round-the-clock campus security and International School of Education contacts for urgent situations.
Visa Guidance
Support with JW202 forms, visa renewals, exit-entry procedures and travel documentation.
Student Community
International student associations, national societies and cultural festivals spanning 140+ countries.
Timeline
Application Timeline
Key dates and milestones for applying to Tianjin University.
- December – January
Applications Open
The Tianjin University international student online application system opens for the September intake.
- January – March
Prepare Documents
Collect transcripts, language certificates, recommendation letters and your study plan or research proposal.
- By April 1
Scholarship Deadline
Submit your application to be considered for CSC, Motian and other scholarship awards.
- By April 15
Self-Funded Deadline
Final date for self-funded applicants to complete their application and upload all documents.
- May – June
Admission Results
Schools review applications and interview shortlisted candidates before issuing Admission Notices.
- June – July
JW202 & Visa Documents Issued
Tianjin University sends your Admission Notice and JW202 form so you can begin your visa application.
- July – August
Apply For X1 Visa
Apply for your X1 student visa at the Chinese embassy or consulate in your home country.
- Early September
Arrival & Registration
Arrive in Tianjin, move into your dormitory, register, complete the medical check—then classes begin.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions international students ask most about Tianjin University.
Explore More
Other Universities in Tianjin
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QS #329
Nankai University
Project 985Project 211Double First-Class
Chemistry, Economics, Mathematics
English / Chinese
Most Competitive
CNY 23,000 - 32,000 / year
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