Admissions·East & Southeast Asia· 8 min read

Tongji University Admission for International Students

How to apply to Tongji University in Shanghai as an international student — its architecture and engineering strengths, English- and Chinese-taught programs, and application steps.

Last updated 13 July 2026

Key facts

Known for: Architecture & urban planning, civil & automotive engineering, Sino-German programmes (Shanghai)
Location: Shanghai, China
Institution type: Public research university
International admissions office: International Students Office
Degree levels: Undergraduate, master's, doctoral
Language of instruction: Chinese-taught and English-taught programs (varies by program — verify)
Tuition & scholarships: Vary by program and cycle — verify current figures and CSC/Shanghai/university scholarship terms on the official site

Tongji University: architecture, engineering and German ties in Shanghai

Tongji University is a public research university in Shanghai, historically founded in the early 20th century with German origins — a heritage that still shows in its strong Sino-German programmes and German-language options. It is one of China's best-known universities for the built environment.

Tongji is especially renowned for architecture and urban planning, civil engineering, automotive and transportation engineering, and environmental engineering. This guide is an overview; verify current programmes, fees and deadlines on the official Tongji international-admissions website.

Fields Tongji is known for, and languages of instruction

Tongji's international reputation centres on architecture, urban and regional planning, civil engineering, automotive engineering and environmental science and engineering, alongside broader offerings in the sciences, economics, management and the arts.

It runs Chinese-taught degrees (usually needing an HSK level) and a notable set of English-taught and German-linked programmes, particularly at graduate level. Confirm the medium of instruction and any language requirement for your target programme on Tongji's official pages.

Eligibility and language requirements

Applicants are generally non-Chinese nationals with a valid passport and the academic background required for the level they apply to.

English-taught programs usually require an English test such as IELTS or TOEFL, while Chinese-taught programs usually require an HSK level. The exact scores or levels vary by program, so verify the current requirement on the official page rather than relying on a fixed figure.

How to apply

Applications are made online through the International Students Office system: you register, choose a program, and upload documents such as your passport, transcripts, certificates and any language-test results.

Deadlines differ by program and scholarship, so check current dates on the official site. No agent is required and no one can guarantee admission — treat any paid "guaranteed place" offer as a warning sign.

Scholarships and fees

Tuition and living costs depend on the program, and the university publishes official figures each cycle.

Funding can include the Chinese Government Scholarship (via the China Scholarship Council), the Shanghai Government Scholarship and university scholarships. Eligibility, amounts and deadlines are set by the funders and change yearly, so verify the current terms on the official pages. Any "guaranteed scholarship" offer should be treated as a red flag.

Student visa and next steps

After you receive an admission notice and the required admission documents, long-term study in China is generally done on the X1 student visa (short courses use the X2 visa).

This is general information, not immigration advice. Visa rules and documents can change, so confirm the current process with the official Chinese embassy or consulate for your country and with the university before you travel.

Frequently asked questions

Does Tongji University offer English-taught degrees?

Yes. Tongji offers both Chinese-taught and English-taught degree programs at undergraduate, master's and doctoral levels, but the exact list changes each cycle. Check the International Students Office catalogues to confirm the language of instruction for your subject.

Do I need Chinese or the HSK to apply?

For Chinese-taught programs you generally need an HSK level; for English-taught programs you usually need an English test such as IELTS or TOEFL instead. The exact requirement depends on the program, so verify it on the official site.

Are scholarships available for international students?

Options can include the Chinese Government Scholarship, the Shanghai Government Scholarship and university scholarships. Eligibility, amounts and deadlines are set by the funders and change yearly, so check the official pages. No one can guarantee a scholarship.

I want to study medicine or MBBS — what should Indian students know?

If your aim is to practise medicine in India, that is governed by India's own rules, not by the overseas university. NEET is mandatory and the National Medical Commission's requirements for foreign medical graduates (including the FMGE/NExT screening) apply. Verify the current rules on nmc.org.in, neet.nta.nic.in and natboard.edu.in. No overseas university or agent can guarantee recognition or a licence to practise in India — treat any such promise as a red flag.

Official sources

This guide explains the process and is for guidance only. Eligibility, dates, fees and rules change every year — always confirm the current details on the official site before you act.

Verified against: Tongji University — International Students Office; Tongji University — Admission Information; National Medical Commission (India) — practising medicine in India.

Last verified: 13 July 2026.