Tongji University

Founded on October 1, 1907, Tongji University began as the Tongji German Medical School, established by Dr. Erich Paulun, a German physician living in Shanghai. Originally focused on medicine and engineering, it officially became a state university in 1927. With over a century of academic excellence, Tongji has grown into one of China’s oldest and most prestigious institutions of higher education.

Since the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949—and especially following the economic reforms and opening-up policy—the university has seen rapid development across all disciplines. Today, Tongji is recognized as a comprehensive and research-intensive university, with a strong global outlook.

It offers programs in ten major academic fields:

Tongji is particularly renowned for its programs in architecture, civil engineering, and oceanography. Its School of Civil Engineering has long been considered the top-ranked in China, playing a leading role in major national infrastructure and sustainability projects.

The university is also an active member of several international academic networks, including the Yangtze Delta Universities Alliance and the Asian-European Laotse Universities Network, promoting global collaboration and student exchange.

With a vibrant international campus, strong industry partnerships, and a commitment to innovation, Tongji University is a top destination for students from around the world seeking high-quality education in one of China’s most dynamic cities.

• Fall semester lasts 18 weeks from the second week of September to the second week of January.
• Spring semester lasts 18 weeks from the second week of February to the second week of June (according to the Lunar Calendar).