Subject guides · · 2 min read
Studying civil engineering and infrastructure in China
China built the world's largest high-speed rail network, longest sea bridge and tallest buildings. Its civil engineering schools show you how.
Quick answer
Where to study
Tongji University in Shanghai is the national leader in civil engineering and the obvious first choice. Southeast University is strong in prestressed structures and bridge engineering. Zhejiang University and Tsinghua are strong across structural and geotechnical engineering, and Harbin Institute of Technology specialises in cold-region construction and steel structures.
Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology (coastal and port engineering) and Beijing Jiaotong University (rail) are also strong in specific niches.
What is studied
Structural mechanics and design, geotechnical engineering, bridge and tunnel engineering, earthquake engineering, construction management, hydraulic engineering and infrastructure asset management. Chinese programmes include substantial design-studio and site-visit components, and often a term of construction practice.
Tongji's laboratory facilities include large-scale structural testing and shake tables, and several universities operate full-size wind tunnels.
Career relevance
Chinese contractors operate across Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Middle East, and they recruit engineers who can bridge Chinese project methods and local conditions. For a graduate who wants to work on international infrastructure, a Chinese civil engineering degree plus language ability is a genuinely strong combination.
English-taught master's programmes at Tongji, Southeast and Zhejiang are the most accessible route for international students.