Tianjin, Tianjin · Founded 1895 · Project 985 · Project 211 · Double First Class
Tianjin University 天津大学
Tianjin University (Peiyang University) is the first modern university in China, founded in 1895. It is the country's leading institution for chemical engineering, architecture, instrument science and management, and is closely integrated with Tianjin's petrochemical and advanced manufacturing industries.
Overview
Tianjin University (Peiyang University) is the first modern university in China, founded in 1895. It is the country's leading institution for chemical engineering, architecture, instrument science and management, and is closely integrated with Tianjin's petrochemical and advanced manufacturing industries.
It shares the Haihe Education Park campus with Nankai University, giving students cross-registration access to both universities' courses.
History
Founded in 1895 as Peiyang Western Study School (later Peiyang University), TJU is recognised as China's first modern university, created as part of the late-Qing self-strengthening reforms. It introduced the country's first programmes in civil engineering, mining, metallurgy and law.
In 1951 it was renamed Tianjin University, and in 1952 it was reorganised around engineering, becoming a national leader in chemical engineering, precision instruments and architecture.
TJU joined Project 211 (1995), Project 985 (2000) and Double First Class (2017). Its new Peiyang Park campus opened in 2015 and it now runs an increasing number of English-taught engineering master's degrees for international students.
World rankings, 2017–2026
| Edition | QS | ARWU | THE |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 471 | 301–400 | 601–800 |
| 2018 | 445 | 301–400 | 601–800 |
| 2019 | 421 | 201–300 | 501–600 |
| 2020 | 429 | 201–300 | 501–600 |
| 2021 | 387 | 201–300 | 451–500 |
| 2022 | 334 | 151–200 | 401–500 |
| 2023 | 307 | 151–200 | 301–350 |
| 2024 | 285 | 151–200 | 251–300 |
| 2025 | 269 | 151–200 | 181 |
| 2026 | 262 | 151–200 | 171 |
Compilations such as this one can lag a publisher's revisions; verify the current figure at source.
Campuses
| Campus | Location | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Weijin Road Campus (Historic) | 92 Weijin Road, Nankai District, Tianjin | The original campus with the Peiyang Square and the historic main building. |
| Peiyang Park Campus | 135 Yaguan Road, Jinnan District, Tianjin | The main modern campus, shared area with Nankai University; engineering and science schools. |
| Binhai Industrial Research Institute | Tianjin Binhai New Area | Chemical engineering, marine engineering and industry partnerships. |
Faculty and research
Tianjin University employs around 4,400 academic staff, including about 14 members of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Chinese Academy of Engineering. 14 national academy members. The School of Chemical Engineering and Technology is the largest and most cited in the country.
Discipline strength
| Discipline | National grade | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Engineering | A+ | Ranked first in China for decades; distillation and process intensification research. |
| Architecture / Built Environment | A | One of the historic 'old eight' architecture schools in China. |
| Instrument Science & Technology | A+ | Precision measurement and sensors. |
| Management Science & Engineering | A | Engineering management and project management. |
| Civil Engineering | A | Structural engineering and port engineering. |
| Optical Engineering | A | Laser and photonics research. |
| Materials Science & Engineering | A | Welding and composite materials. |
| Environmental Science & Engineering | A | Industrial wastewater treatment. |
Grades follow China's national discipline evaluation scheme (A+ is the highest). Consult the university for the most recent evaluation results.
Programmes open to international students
| Programme | Level | Language | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chemical Engineering | Bachelor / Master | English | 4 / 3 years |
| Civil Engineering | Bachelor / Master | English | 4 / 2–3 years |
| Architecture | Bachelor | Chinese / English | 5 years |
| Master of Business Administration (MBA) | MBA | English | 2 years |
| Chinese Language Programme | Language | Chinese | 0.5–1 year |
Admissions, tuition and deadlines
Requirements
Bachelor: high school diploma, TJU entrance examination, IELTS 6.0 or HSK 5. Graduate: degree, transcripts, two references, study plan; engineering PhD requires supervisor contact.
Deadlines and fees
Deadlines: Bachelor: December – April. Graduate: December – April.. Application fee: CNY 400. Tuition: CNY 22,000–28,000 per year for bachelor's; CNY 28,000–42,000 for master's.
Scholarships
Chinese Government Scholarship, Confucius Institute Scholarship, Tianjin Municipal Government Scholarship, TJU President Scholarship.
Notable alumni
| Alumnus | Field | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mao Yisheng | Bridge engineer | Designed the Qiantang River Bridge, China's first double-deck bridge. |
| Wang Shouguan | Astronomer | Pioneer of Chinese radio astronomy; TJU alumnus. |
| Xu Kuangdi | Metallurgist | Academician and former mayor of Shanghai; TJU graduate. |
| Zhang Wentian | Engineer and statesman | Peiyang alumnus. |
Why students choose this university
- Study chemical or civil engineering at the institution that founded the disciplines in China
- Cross-registration with Nankai University
- Low cost of living, 30 minutes from Beijing