Tongji University is one of China’s leading universities, known for its strengths in engineering, architecture and applied sciences, and it is a good choice for international students looking for an advanced learning environment and promising career prospects. Admission requirements at Tongji University vary by programme and school, and tuition fees vary by major and level, but the university offers scholarship opportunities, especially for international students. International students at Tongji benefit from academic support and a diverse student community, and Shanghai has mosques and facilities that serve Muslim students. This guide covers everything you need to know about studying at Tongji University in 2026.
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About Tongji University: history, rankings and academic standing
Tongji University, founded in 1907, is one of the oldest universities in China and is based in Shanghai, China’s most developed city. It ranks among China’s elite universities and is known for advanced research, especially in engineering, architecture, transport and the environment. It belongs to the former “Project 985” and “Project 211” groups and offers postgraduate programmes in English, which makes it easier for international students to join.
Tongji is known for its advanced academic environment, modern facilities and international partnerships with major universities in Europe and America. It is a leader in architectural design, civil engineering and electrical engineering, and is favoured by global employers in the technology and construction sectors.
To learn more about leading universities in China, see the best universities in China and compare the options available.
Academic majors at Tongji University 2026: from engineering to architecture
Tongji University offers a variety of academic programmes in many fields, but its strengths are engineering, architecture and applied sciences. If you are thinking of studying at Tongji University in 2026, it is best to choose a major that matches your academic abilities and career goals.
- Civil engineering and infrastructure: one of the university’s most important majors, with strong work in transport projects, structures and sustainable infrastructure.
- Mechanical and industrial engineering: one of the strongest majors in China, focusing on smart manufacturing, automation and robotics.
- Architecture and urban design: the university is among the best in China in this field and offers professional architecture programmes (check the language of instruction and duration of each programme on the official website).
- Electrical and electronic engineering: focuses on renewable energy, intelligent systems and modern devices.
- Environmental and sustainability engineering: offers modern programmes in waste management, clean energy and emissions reduction.
- Computer science and artificial intelligence: modern programmes backed by an advanced research centre and global partner universities.
Bachelor’s, master’s and PhD programmes differ in language requirements, credit hours and tuition fees. If you are looking for a specific major, you can learn more through studying architecture in China or engineering in China: majors and career opportunities.
Admission to Tongji University 2026: requirements and documents
Admission requirements at Tongji University vary by level of study (bachelor’s, master’s, PhD) and major. However, some basic requirements are common to all programmes.
Bachelor’s admission requirements
- A secondary school certificate or equivalent with excellent results.
- An acceptable level of English (for example IELTS 6.0 – 6.5 or TOEFL iBT 80 – 90), depending on the major.
- Completion of any required aptitude exams (for example mathematics, physics, chemistry).
- Proof of identity (a valid passport).
- A recent passport photo.
- A statement of purpose (SOP) and a copy of your academic transcript.
Master’s and PhD admission requirements
- A bachelor’s degree in a related field (for example engineering, science, architecture).
- English proficiency (IELTS 6.5+ or TOEFL iBT 90+).
- A research statement or study plan (for master’s and PhD).
- A recommendation letter from an academic professor (or a previous supervisor).
- An updated academic CV.
- An HSK 4 or 5 certificate (if the major requires knowledge of Chinese).
Please note that some majors may require additional exams, a personal interview or a portfolio of work (for architecture). Check the university’s official website or contact the admissions office to submit your application correctly.
Tongji University fees 2026: tuition costs by major and level
Tuition fees at Tongji University vary by major, level and type of programme. A fixed amount cannot be given because it differs between majors, but they can be estimated as follows:
| Level of study | Average annual fees (CNY) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s (English-taught programmes) | 35,000 – 45,000 CNY (about US$4,900–6,300) | Engineering and architecture programmes are above average |
| Master’s (English-taught programmes) | 39,000 – 40,000 CNY (science/engineering), and 79,000 – 154,000 CNY (business administration) | Engineering, artificial intelligence and applied sciences programmes are the most expensive |
| PhD | 30,000 – 50,000 CNY | Fees may be reduced if the student joins a funded research project |
In addition to tuition, students should plan for living costs in Shanghai, which range from US$500 to US$800 per month and include rent, food, transport and health insurance.
A guide to additional costs is available in steps to apply for a student visa in China, which covers extra costs such as the visa, insurance and baggage transport.
Scholarships at Tongji University 2026: opportunities for international students
Tongji University offers scholarships to international students, especially in postgraduate programmes, but it does not offer broad bachelor’s scholarships except in exceptional cases. The main scholarships available are:
- CSC scholarship (Chinese Government Scholarship): covers tuition, accommodation, comprehensive medical insurance and a monthly stipend (2,500 CNY for bachelor’s, 3,000 for master’s and 3,500 for PhD; age limits under 25, 35 and 40). You can apply through the university’s official portal or via the Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) page.
- University scholarship: offered by the university to master’s and PhD students who meet high academic criteria or take part in research projects.
Scholarships require an early application, and the conditions are often similar to those of the CSC scholarship. We recommend preparing a month before the official application date and having all required documents ready.
The international student experience at Tongji University: daily life, support and community
The experience of international students at Tongji University in 2026 is generally strong in terms of support, diversity and integration. The university has a large international student community, with students from many countries.
Things to check for Muslim students:
- Mosques in Shanghai near the campus (ask the university for the nearest one).
- Halal restaurants in Shanghai (check with the university whether any are available on campus).
- Religious occasions such as Friday prayers, Ramadan and Eid al-Adha; ask the international office what is organised.
- Student associations and international student clubs that organise cultural and social events.
- Academic and psychological support from student help centres.
In addition, Shanghai is a safe, easy-to-navigate city with an advanced transport network, modern facilities and a high quality of life. You can learn more about Chinese cities through studying in Shanghai.
Is China suitable for Muslim students? Muslim students at Tongji University
Yes, China can work well for Muslim students, and Shanghai is among the easier cities for it, with mosques and halal food available in the city. Practical details still depend on your university, so ask before you arrive.
Ask the international office about prayer space and halal meals on campus, because we could not verify these from official Tongji pages. Also be aware that study rules in China impose certain obligations, such as attendance regulations, punctuality and respect for local laws.
To read about the experience of Muslim students in China, see Is China suitable for Muslim students? to learn about the real challenges and opportunities.
Frequently asked questions
Can I study at Tongji University without knowing Chinese?
Yes, many programmes at Tongji University can be studied without fluent Chinese, especially programmes taught in English. For majors that require Chinese (such as some engineering or urban studies programmes), an HSK 4 or 5 certificate may be required.
What is the application period for Tongji University 2026?
Deadlines vary by programme. Self-funded applications are usually between December and May for September admission, and dates differ by programme. For postgraduate programmes, deadlines may be earlier, and we recommend registering 3 months before the start of studies.
Does Tongji University offer jobs for students while studying?
Regular employment is forbidden for students; only university-organised work-study is allowed (up to 8 hours per week and 40 hours per month during term, and 16 hours per week and 80 hours per month during holidays).
Next steps: how to start your journey at Tongji University
If you are thinking of studying at Tongji University in 2026, the first step is to choose the right major, then gather the required documents and check the admission requirements. After that, you can submit your application through the official website and, if possible, prepare a scholarship application. Don’t forget to refine your statement of purpose and prepare a strong CV.
It is important to start early, especially if you want to apply for the CSC scholarship or a master’s programme. Remember that studying in China is not only about the quality of education; it also offers broad opportunities for professional growth, integration into an international environment and building a strong professional network.
If you want to continue to postgraduate study, explore your options through postgraduate study in China: application steps and funding to understand the career path better.