If you want to know how to get into Tsinghua University as an international student, the short version is this: apply online in one of two rounds, show strong grades and test results, prove your language level, and pass Tsinghua's Comprehensive Assessment. This guide walks you through each step for 2027 entry, using only Tsinghua's own official pages.
Key takeaways
- International students apply online in two rounds for 2027 entry. Round 1 closes 20 November 2026 and Round 2 closes 28 February 2027 (5:00 PM Beijing time).
- You must be a foreign national with no Chinese nationality. Former Chinese citizens face extra rules: at least 4 years of foreign nationality and 2 years living abroad.
- Chinese-English programmes need HSK 5 with each section above 60. The four fully English-taught programmes need strong English only.
- The application fee is 800 RMB. Yearly tuition ranges from 26,000 RMB to 100,000 RMB, depending on the programme.
- Tsinghua publishes no minimum SAT, IB or A-Level score. Most science and engineering divisions expect strong maths, English and physics.
How to get into Tsinghua University as an international student?
Quick answer: Create an account on Tsinghua's online application system, pick a programme, upload your transcripts, test results, language reports, two recommendation letters, a personal statement and a short video, and pay 800 RMB. If you pass document screening, you sit the Comprehensive Assessment. Tsinghua then makes a holistic decision.
Tsinghua judges your academics, language ability, supporting materials and assessment results together. See the official Application Procedures page.
Arts (Design and Fine Arts) and Architecture applicants also submit a portfolio. Throughout the process, Tsinghua checks your original documents and your foreign nationality status. If either check fails, the application ends.
Which entry route fits you?
Your route depends on your nationality and where you study. The international route is only for foreign nationals. Chinese citizens, including those from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan, use other routes.
Tsinghua entry routes by applicant type.
Foreign nationals apply through the international undergraduate system in Round 1 or Round 2.
Chinese mainland students go through the gaokao, plus special routes such as the Strong Base Plan.
Hong Kong students use the HKDSE scheme, and Taiwan students use the GSAT (学测) scheme.
Graduate applicants use a separate graduate admissions notice.
What about Chinese mainland students and the gaokao?
Chinese mainland students enter mainly through the gaokao, China's national university entrance exam. Our gaokao guide explains how it works. Tsinghua also runs special routes, listed on join-tsinghua.edu.cn.
One of these is the Strong Base Plan (强基计划). In 2026, the final score was the gaokao scaled to 85 points, plus 15 points from Tsinghua's own written test and interview. See the 2026 Strong Base brochure. The 2027 brochure is not yet announced.
What about Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan?
For 2026 entry, Hong Kong students applied through the HKDSE scheme. They needed at least level 4 in the three core subjects, "attained" in Citizenship and Social Development, and level 4 in two electives. Tuition was waived for Hong Kong students. See the 2026 HKDSE rules.
Taiwan students applied with GSAT (学测) results at the top level in Chinese, maths and English. Online applications ran from 1 to 31 March 2026, with no application fee. See the 2026 Taiwan rules. The 2027 rules for both are not yet announced. For Macao, check the official page.
Is there a special maths route?
Yes. The Yau Mathematical Sciences Leaders Program takes Grade 9 to Grade 12 students worldwide, with up to 100 places a year. Students outside the Chinese mainland apply in a second batch, December 2026 to January 2027. Its rules are still to be published.
What are the eligibility rules for international students?
You must meet every rule below. The source is the official Eligibility page.
- You are a foreign national with no Chinese nationality, and you hold a valid foreign passport.
- You are in good physical and mental health and show goodwill toward China.
- You hold a high school diploma from full-time, in-person study. GED and other equivalency certificates are not accepted.
- You have outstanding academic results.
- You are 18 or older by 1 September 2027. If you are younger, you need a guardian in China. The guardian must live in Beijing and have a source of income.
- You meet China's Ministry of Education Document No. 12 (2020) and Tsinghua's 2027 nationality instructions.
Chinese citizens with foreign permanent residence are not eligible. Transfer students are not accepted.
What are the rules for former Chinese citizens?
Tsinghua's 2027 nationality instructions (PDF) say:
- You must no longer hold Chinese nationality.
- You must have held a foreign passport or nationality for at least 4 years.
- You must have lived abroad for at least 2 years within the most recent 4 years.
- The 4-year period ends on 30 April 2027 for 2027 entry.
- Each year runs from 1 May to 30 April. If you spent 9 months or more abroad in that year, it counts as one year. Entry and exit stamps prove this.
The same 4-year and 2-year rules apply if you were born abroad with foreign nationality to Chinese-citizen parents. In that case, your Chinese parent must also have had foreign permanent residence when you were born.
You must upload all the proof at once, before the deadline. This includes every passport from the 4-year period, all entry and exit records, and proof that you gave up Chinese nationality. The submission rules (PDF) list each item. If Tsinghua finds a problem later, it can cancel your place, and even your degree.
Which programmes can international students choose?
Tsinghua offers 11 divisions and 11 colleges to international students. In most divisions, your major is confirmed after a general first year. The Divisions page lists each one.
Are any programmes fully taught in English?
Yes, four are fully taught in English:
- Global Talents in Science and Engineering (Zijing College), four years
- Urban Regeneration and Design (Zijing College)
- Politics, Economics and Sociology for Global Leaders in Smart Society (Zhishan College)
- Tsinghua-CUHK Dual Undergraduate Degree in Economics (Round 2 only)
All other programmes are taught mainly in Chinese and English. Tsinghua says up to 200 courses are taught in English or both languages. See the English-Taught Programmes page.
What grades and test scores does Tsinghua require?
Tsinghua does not publish a minimum SAT, ACT, IB or A-Level score for international applicants. It asks for "outstanding academic performance". You prove it with a mix of the documents below.
Key 2027 requirements at a glance.
Your academics are shown through transcripts and national or international exams, such as SAT, IB or A-Level.
English-taught programmes need TOEFL, IELTS or a similar English test if English is not your first language.
Chinese-English programmes need HSK 5 with each section above 60, plus English proof.
Most science and engineering divisions also expect high school physics. The application fee is 800 RMB.
| Requirement | What Tsinghua accepts |
|---|---|
| School record | High school transcripts in Chinese or English |
| National exams | For example ATAR, Abitur, BAC, CSAT, UEC, STPM |
| International tests | For example CSCA, SAT, ACT, A-Level, AP, IB |
| Olympiads | National or international awards in maths, physics, chemistry, biology or informatics (if you have them) |
| English | TOEFL, IELTS or similar, for non-native speakers |
| Chinese | HSK 5, each of Listening, Reading and Writing above 60 (Chinese-English programmes only) |
Choosing a US test? Read our SAT vs ACT guide. In an IB school? See our IB Diploma Programme guide. Korean applicants can use the CSAT; see our Suneung 2027 guide.
Which school subjects matter most?
Every division needs strong maths and English. Most science and engineering divisions, such as Computer Science, also need physics. Chemistry and Life Science needs chemistry. Clinical Medicine needs physics and chemistry. Economics, Law and Arts list no extra subject.
Is the CSCA test required?
The CSCA is listed as one accepted test for 2027 entry. Tsinghua's FAQ says it was not required for 2026 entry. If you send CSCA scores, Tsinghua suggests including at least maths and physics. Whether it is required for 2027 has not been stated, so check the official page before you apply.
Is there an HSK waiver?
Yes, for Chinese-English programmes. If Chinese is your native language, or your high school taught in Chinese, you can ask for an HSK waiver in the online system. Tsinghua must approve it. You still need English proof.
What are the 2027 deadlines?
All times below are Beijing time and come from the official Schedule page.
The 2027-entry cycle, from opening day to offer letters.
Applications opened on 30 September 2026.
Round 1 closes on 20 November 2026, with results in January 2027.
Round 2 runs from 21 November 2026 to 28 February 2027, with results in early May 2027.
Admission documents are sent in June 2027.
| Stage (2027 entry) | Round 1 | Round 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Applications open | 8:00 AM, 30 Sep 2026 | 8:00 AM, 21 Nov 2026 |
| Applications close | 5:00 PM, 20 Nov 2026 | 5:00 PM, 28 Feb 2027 |
| Results | January 2027 | Early May 2027 |
| Only in this round | Design and Fine Arts | Tsinghua-CUHK Economics |
Tsinghua will announce each round's Comprehensive Assessment method and date in advance.
What documents do you need?
The official document list (PDF) asks for colour scans of originals. Keep the originals. You will show them at the assessment or at registration.
- Nationality documents (see the rules above).
- A graduation certificate, or a pre-graduation certificate if you finish school by August 2027.
- A CV in Chinese or English.
- High school transcripts.
- An HSK 5 report (not needed for English-taught programmes).
- National exam or international test results.
- An English test report.
- Two recommendation letters. The system emails the template to your recommenders.
- A personal statement.
- A financial sponsor form plus the sponsor's employment or income certificate.
- An HSK waiver proof, if you ask for one.
- A self-introduction video in Chinese and English, up to 3 minutes and under 20 MB.
- A portfolio (Arts and Architecture), plus other materials such as awards.
What does the application flow look like?
Four stages from online form to decision.
First, you apply online, upload documents and pay 800 RMB.
Next, Tsinghua screens your documents.
Then you sit the Comprehensive Assessment, with a portfolio for Arts and Architecture.
Finally, Tsinghua makes a holistic decision.
How much does Tsinghua cost, and what scholarships exist?
These are the official yearly fees in RMB from the Fees page.
| Programme | Tuition per year (RMB) |
|---|---|
| Chinese-English: science, engineering and most colleges | 30,000 |
| Chinese-English: Economics/Finance/Management, Law, Xinya, Rixin, Zhishan | 26,000 |
| Arts | 40,000 |
| Clinical Medicine | 40,000 / 60,000 / 70,000 by stage |
| English-taught programmes | 100,000 |
| Tsinghua-CUHK Economics (while at Tsinghua) | 100,000 |
The application fee is 800 RMB and is not refunded. Medical insurance is 800 RMB a year. Dorms are booked online; check the official page for room fees.
Which scholarships can international students get?
There are two main options, both on the Freshmen Scholarships page:
- Chinese Government Scholarship. The China Scholarship Council runs it. You apply through the Chinese embassy or consulate in your country. The window is usually November 2026 to April 2027, but it varies by country. List Tsinghua as your first choice. See campuschina.org.
- Tsinghua International Undergraduate Freshmen Scholarship. It covers full, half or part of tuition for your first year. You apply in the same online system. About 45% of international freshmen received it in 2026, according to Tsinghua.
Book a free demo class to plan your maths and physics preparation with a mentor, or see our plans and fees.
A step-by-step plan from Grade 9 or 10
- Grade 9-10: build the base. Take the hardest maths and physics your school offers.
- Grade 10: pick your language path. Decide on English-taught or Chinese-English programmes. If you choose Chinese-English, start working toward HSK 5 now.
- Grade 10-11: add depth. Try Olympiads or a research project. Our research guide for high school students shows how to start.
- Grade 11: sit your tests. Plan SAT, ACT, IB or A-Level exams, and TOEFL or IELTS, with time for a retake.
- Grade 11: check nationality. If you were ever a Chinese citizen, count your years now. The 4-year and 2-year rules end on 30 April of your entry year.
- Summer before Grade 12: prepare documents. Draft your personal statement, ask two teachers for letters, and film your Chinese and English video.
- Grade 12: apply. For 2027 entry, Round 1 closes 20 November 2026. Apply to the CSC scholarship through your embassy in the same season.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Missing the nationality rules. Former Chinese citizens often don't meet the 4-year passport rule. Check before you pay the fee.
- Picking the wrong round. Design and Fine Arts are Round 1 only. Tsinghua-CUHK Economics is Round 2 only.
- Weak HSK sections. Each section must be above 60, not just the total.
- A one-language video. The self-introduction video must be in both Chinese and English.
- Paying an agent for "guaranteed" places. Tsinghua says it runs no entrance tutorials and has no partners for paid application training.
Can you apply for a master's at Tsinghua?
Yes. Tsinghua's 2027 graduate notice for international students says applications generally run from September to February, varying by programme. The fee is RMB 800, and language rules are set by each programme.
Comparing Asian universities? See our guides on how to get into NUS and how to get into NTU.
How 1-on-1 tutoring helps with Tsinghua admissions
Tsinghua's science and engineering divisions want strong maths and physics. Asymptode helps there.
- One dedicated mentor, live online and 1-on-1. Your mentor follows your own syllabus (IB, A-Level, AP or national exams) and your exam dates.
- Method first. Your mentor watches each step of your working in maths and physics. You learn to show clear reasoning, which helps in tests and assessments.
- Personalised homework with feedback, plus short updates for parents. Every class is recorded so you can review it.
- Planning help. For the non-maths parts, like your timeline and test calendar, your mentor helps with planning and study method. Start with a free demo class.
Facts checked against official sources on 4 November 2026.
FAQ
When is the Tsinghua application deadline for 2027 entry?
There are two rounds. Round 1 closes at 5:00 PM Beijing time on 20 November 2026. Round 2 runs from 21 November 2026 and closes at 5:00 PM on 28 February 2027.
Does Tsinghua require HSK?
It depends on the programme. Chinese-English programmes need HSK 5, with each of Listening, Reading and Writing above 60. The four fully English-taught programmes need no Chinese proof, only strong English.
What SAT or IB score do you need for Tsinghua?
Tsinghua does not publish a minimum SAT, ACT, IB or A-Level score for international applicants. It asks for outstanding academic results and makes a holistic decision. Most science and engineering divisions also expect physics.
Can former Chinese citizens apply as international students?
Yes, if they no longer hold Chinese nationality. They need a foreign passport for at least 4 years and at least 2 years living abroad in the last 4 years. For 2027 entry, the period ends on 30 April 2027.
How much is tuition at Tsinghua for international students?
Chinese-English programmes cost 26,000 or 30,000 RMB a year. Arts costs 40,000 RMB, and the English-taught programmes cost 100,000 RMB a year. The application fee is 800 RMB.
Does Tsinghua offer scholarships to international undergraduates?
Yes. The Tsinghua Freshmen Scholarship covers full, half or part of first-year tuition. You can also apply for the Chinese Government Scholarship through the Chinese embassy or consulate in your country.
Ready to start? Book a free demo class and advisor call, or see our plans and fees.
Sources
- Tsinghua International Undergraduate Admissions
- Schedule (2027 intake)
- Eligibility
- Eligibility Instructions (Nationality Status) 2027
- Nationality Status Documentation Requirements 2027
- Application Procedures
- List of Documents to be Uploaded
- Fees
- Freshmen Scholarships
- FAQ
- Divisions
- Global Talents in Science and Engineering Admission Guide 2027
- Tsinghua 2026 Strong Base Plan brochure
- Tsinghua 2026 HKDSE admission rules
- Tsinghua 2026 Taiwan admission rules
- Yau Mathematical Sciences Leaders Program 2027
- Admission to Graduate Programs 2027 (International)
- Campus China (CSC)