Tsinghua University Scholarships for International Students (2023)

Founded in 1911, Tsinghua University is one of the most prestigious institutions of higher education in China – and the entire world. From being a preparatory school for Chinese students who were about to be sent to the United States, it is now one of the outstanding members of the elite C9 Research League.

To date, Tsinghua offers a total of 51 bachelor’s degrees, 139 master’s degrees, and 107 Ph.D. programs through the Schools of Humanities, Social Science, Economics & Management, Information Science & Technology, Arts & Design, Science, Engineering, Environment, Journalism & Communication, Law, Public Policy, Medicine, Pharmacy, Architecture, Life Science, and Marxism.

All these departments are housed in Tsinghua’s campus in Haidian, Beijing. As it occupies the Qing Dynasty gardens, the campus boasts of traditional architecture – which also makes it one of the most beautiful schools in China. In this article, we will be looking at Tsinghua University scholarships for international students.

International Students

Tsinghua University is home to 37,000+ full-time and exchange students, 13% of which come from 140 countries all over the globe.

Tsinghua’s diverse student population is made possible by its International Students and Scholars Center, which provides foreigners with everything they need before and after arrival. Services include departure preparation, visa processing (and related matters), work permit and/or residency permit application & processing, medical care & safety, internet service, and other campus activities.

Tuition Fee at Tsinghua University for International Students

The tuition fee for undergraduate students ranges from RMB 26,000 (about $4,000) a year for Economics, Law, Liberal Arts, and Humanities programs. Engineering and other Technological courses cost about RMB 30,000 (about $4,700) annually. The most expensive tuition is set for Art students at RMB 40,000 (about $6,200) a year.

Graduate tuition, likewise, varies according to major. Those who wish to take a Master’s in Management will need to pay RMB 30,000 (about $4,700) a year, while those who wish to take a Science or Engineering MS will need to pay RMB 33,000 (about $5,100).

Ph.D. tuition is the most expensive, costing about RMB 40,000 (about $6,200) a year.

Tsinghua International Admissions Guide

To apply, you should read and follow the instructions on the undergraduate admissions and graduate admission guide.

Check Also: Available Programs for International Students

Application Fee

The application fee for international students costs RMB 800 or a little over $120. This may be paid online upon the submission of requirements.

Tsinghua UniversityAdmissions Requirements for International Students

To apply at Tsinghua, an undergraduate applicant should be aged 18 or above. He/she should also be in good health and have great moral character. Apart from these major requirements, the applicant must submit the following documents as well:

• High school transcripts in English or Chinese
• Certificate of graduation
• Results of other standardized international tests, i.e. SAT or ACT
• Proof of language proficiency (minimum HSK Level 4, preferred HSK Level 5)
• Other documents that may be required by the program (artwork for Art Majors, song pieces for Music majors, etc.)

As for graduate students, the requirements are as follows:

• Bachelor’s degree for Master’s students or Master’s degree for Ph.D. applicants
• Academic transcripts
• Proof of Chinese or English proficiency
• Personal statement
• 2 recommendation letters
• Copy of valid passport

Tsinghua University Rankings

Tsinghua is listed by the World Rankings as the best university in China – and the 20^th in the entire world. It’s also ranked number 13 in the World Reputation Rankings. Its most prestigious programs include Life Sciences (rank 14), Engineering & Technology (rank 16), and Physical Sciences (rank 17). It’s also included in the top 50 brackets for the Clinical Health and Social Science categories.

QS rankings, on the other hand, places Tsinghua higher at the 15^th spot. Similarly, Tsinghua is still the best university in China according to this survey.

Tsinghua University Acceptance Rates

As the most elite university in China – and one of the best in the world – Tsinghua is quite selective. Estimates show that the acceptance rate is as low as 0.1% – though it may vary according to province.

Tsinghua’s graduate schools are also very selective, though they admit more than the undergraduate schools do. According to reports, only about 16% of MBA applicants are admitted to the program every intake.

Tsinghua University Scholarships for International Students

Undergraduate Scholarships

1. Chinese Government Scholarship (CGS)

• Scholarship Link
• Scholarship Amount: 50% to 100% reduction of the tuition amount

This Tsinghua University scholarship, which is coursed through the Chinese embassy in the student’s home country, is usually offered from November to April.

The CGS covers tuition (full or partial), accommodation, living allowances, and medical insurance. As with most scholarships, students need to apply every year to continue receiving the benefits.

Apart from the usual requirements, applicants may improve his/her chances of winning the scholarship by obtaining a Letter of Acceptance from a Tsinghua professor.

2. Beijing Government Scholarship (BGS)

• Scholarship Link
• Scholarship Amount: 30% to 100% reduction of the tuition amount

The Beijing Government Scholarship is one of the top Tsinghua University scholarships for international students that was launched to attract more students into the city. Application is done through an online system, with successful students receiving either full or partial tuition reductions. Again, applications need to be done yearly to enjoy such benefits until the senior year (the BGS only covers a maximum of 4 years).

To apply, students should be under the age of 30 and be in good health. Other documentary requirements include:

• Accomplished application form
• Notarized diploma and transcripts
• Art/music works, if applicable

Graduate Scholarships

1. Chinese Government Scholarship (CGS)

• Scholarship Link
• Scholarship Amount: 50% to 100% of the tuition amount

The CGS is a program that aims to promote understanding and cooperation by sponsoring select international students and teachers. It is offered by the Chinese Scholarship Council through the Chinese embassies in the students’ home countries.

Depending on the offer, this Tsinghua University scholarship may cover full tuition, accommodations, stipend (RMB 3,000 or $460 for Master’s students and RMB 3,500 or $540 for Ph.D. students), and medical insurance.

This, however, is subject to review. CGS holders will also need to apply for the scholarship annually.

Given the competitive nature of the CGS, applicants must show remarkable merit to be considered.

Other requirements include:

• Bachelor’s degree holder not older than 35 (for Master’s students)
• Master’s degree holder not older than 40 (Ph.D. students)
• Study plan or research proposal
• 2 letters of recommendation
• Samples of artworks (for Art majors)
• Proof of language proficiency
• Copy of physical exam

Students from certain countries – as well as those majoring in third-language programs such as English – are not eligible for the CGS.

2. Tuition Scholarship

• Scholarship Link
• Scholarship Amount: 50% to 100% of the tuition amount

The tuition scholarship provides partial or full reductions for one academic year.

This is given to prospective applicants without the need for an application. Candidates are usually selected from a circle of outstanding students who have expressed their scholarship intentions via the admissions portal.

Enrolled students, however, will need to apply for the competitive scholarship every year to have it renewed.

Apart from these Tsinghua University scholarships, there are several more offers for graduate students available (see this link.) For one, there are the Schwarzman program and the Siemens China scholarship for Ph.D. students.

Select scholarships are also offered to students taking up the following programs:

• Master’s in Nuclear Engineering & Management
• Master’s in Material Science and Engineering
• Master’s in Public Health
• Master’s in Public Administration – International Development and Governance
• Master’s in Public Administration – Belt and Road Initiative Program

3. Schwarzman Scholarship

• Scholarship Link
• Scholarship Amount: full-tuition coverage, living expenses, accommodation and travel fees, health insurance

The Schwarzman Scholarship is a fully-funded award for master’s students at Tsinghua University taking a degree in Global Affairs. This program aims for students to develop their knowledge of China and global affairs in preparation for being future leaders of the community. With a very competitive selection process, the Schwarzman Scholarship is considered to be among the most prestigious awards at Tsinghua.

I hope that this article on Tsinghua University scholarships for international students was helpful. If you are interested to know more information like this, check out the Available Programs for International Students!