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Education Abroad Office

Tsinghua University

Area: International Business Exchange
Location: Beijing
Country: China
Term: Spring

***APPLICATIONS WILL BE CLOSED FOR THE SPRING 2025 PLACEMENTS***

The USC exchange program at Tsinghua University is designed to give students the opportunity to study at one of the leading universities in China. It is located just northwest of the bustling Beijing city center, and many residents are university students. Tsinghua is known for the strength of its 16 schools and 56 departments, and 31,000 full-time students study at the university, including a diverse population of international students participating in exchanges or seeking degrees. Tsinghua University was founded in 1911, and it is one of the most prominent sites for higher education and research in Asia. Tsinghua is located in the Haidian District of Beijing, and the campus is surrounded by beautiful gardens, shady trees, and distinct architecture. The campus has been ranked as one of the world’s most beautiful campuses, and in 2010 it was the only university in Asia to make the list. A subway station and many bus stations are also located close by.

Given Tsinghua University policies, USC students who are Chinese citizens are not eligible to participate in this exchange program.Students on this program should expect rigorous classes and a high degree of independence. Absence from one-third of classes disqualifies students from taking final examinations. 

Category: 1, no foreign language proficiency requirement, all courses taught in English

Cost: UofSC resident tuition rates + in-country costs

Requirements: junior standing; International Business major

Students on an exchange program will pay tuition and fees directly to UofSC. Housing, books, meals, and personal expenses will be paid at Tsinghua. On-campus housing costs roughly $6.00 per day for shared accomodation and $12.00 per day for single accomodation. Additionally, students can expect to pay between $1700 -$2500 per semester for books, transportation, and food. Entertainment and travel costs will vary by student.

Students must earn a minimum of 10 and a maximum of 20 Tsinghua credit hours per semester. 50 percent of undergraduate classes each semester are taught in English; however, Chinese language courses are also available. Course offerings are not available online, and will be provided to students by Tsinghua once admitted. To see courses UofSC students have taken at this university, please reference the Registrar's Course Equivalency Table

Exchange students at Tsinghua have the opportunity to participate in a Buddy Program and they are paired with a local student to promote cultural understanding. Students can also get involved with The Student Union, a formal association for undergraduate local and international students. There are also a variety of student clubs and organizations on campus, ranging from social and professional to recreational and cultural. Students also have the opportunity to form their own clubs or organizations. 

Per university policy, all UofSC students will be charged emergency medical, evacuation and repatriation insurance for their time abroad. Contact the Education Abroad Office for more details.

Tsinghua University provides a room on-campus for each incoming exchange student. Students are able to apply online before arriving, after acceptance by Tsinghua. Single and double rooms are available, and linens, color TV, air-conditioning, telephone, internet access and furniture are included. Tsinghua is not able to offer assistance to students in finding off-campus apartments.

Tsinghua University has two semesters. The first semester is from early September to late January. The second semester is from mid-February to late June. UofSC IB students attend Tsinghua University for the spring semester. Exam dates are often not announced until the end of the semester, and students must take exams on the designated exam date. Leaving early is not permitted. 

Tsinghua holds an orientation for incoming exchange students. Information about this orientation can be found here.

Students who attend Tsinghua for a semester are required to obtain a Chinese visa prior to departure. Some students, depending on type of visa or length of study, may be required to obtain a Residence Permit upon arrival. You can find out more about the the visa process here.

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