Zhishan College is Tsinghua University’s undergraduate college for social sciences. It is established as a key initiative to reform undergraduate education and answer the challenges of smart society. Leveraging Tsinghua’s strengths in social and data sciences, the College presents a comprehensive “Great Social Science” approach that integrates AI, statistics, and data science into traditional social sciences. By cooperating with international organisations and corporations through Tsinghua’s fast-expanding international connections, Zhishan College equips students with a variety of developmental opportunities within a global-oriented educational setting, and aims to educate top social sciences talents with strong global competency.
The Politics, Economics and Sociology for Global Leaders in Smart Society Program (English-taught) is a flagship undergraduate program in social sciences designed for outstanding students worldwide. The program aims to educate future global leaders whose cross-cultural vision, interdisciplinary collaboration skills, and global leadership will make great contributions to politics, entrepreneurship, and academia. It brings together Tsinghua University’s excellent faculty, offering comprehensive academic and practical education, and prepare students with cutting-edge social sciences training for a shared future in global smart society.
1. Program Highlights
Students will be trained according to a multi-disciplinary curriculum that integrates political science, economics, sociology, and international relations. Based on their choice, students will obtain Bachelor of Economics (in economics) or Bachelor of Law (in political science, international relations, or sociology), upon successfully meeting degree requirements.
Core courses involve The Logic of Politics, The Principles of Economics, Sociology of Global History, Understanding International Relations: Classical Theories and Contemporary Debates, Developmental Economics, Chinese Political Economy, Introduction to Artificial Intelligence, Towards Artificial General Intelligence, and Data and Algorithm.
The program features several practical modules, not least Global Deep Dive and Global Leadership practice for Smart Society. Through rich fieldwork, internships, and cultural experiences, students will learn to understand smart society and solve practical problems. Living and studying in this close community of faculty and cohort members, students will develop exceptional skills in communication, teamwork, as well as lifelong learning, enabling them to play critical roles in global governance and international cooperation.
1.1 All instructions of this program are in English.
Those who have completed the required courses and passed all assessments and final thesis defense will be awarded bachelor’s degree by Tsinghua University.
1.2 Program duration:
Four academic years.
1.3 Education Objectives:
Students will be grounded in a profound belief in the shared future for humanity and become individuals with cultivated integrity and nurtured vigor in body and mind.
Students will be empowered to develop an integrated knowledge system combining arts and sciences, characterized by familiarity with foundational theories, proficiency in research methods, skills in digital technologies, and disposition of interdisciplinary thinking.
Students will acquire the ability to use quantitative, qualitative, and other analytical tools for academic research; to identify and solve practical problems; and to participate in critical thinking, innovative practices, interdisciplinary collaboration, and organized scientific research. Students will also obtain an international perspective and cross-cultural communication skills.
2. Eligibility
2.1 Foreign citizens, in good physical and mental health, friendly to China, and awarded a certificate of graduation from high school.
2.2 Academic performance
Outstanding academic performance. Proof should be provided through (but not limited to) the following document(s):
2.2.1 High school/University (if applicable) transcripts (in Chinese or English).
2.2.2 Certificate of National/Regional Graduation Examination/Matriculation Examination.
2.2.3 Results of international standard tests (e.g. SAT/ACT/A-Level/AP/IB/CSCA/others).
2.2.4 Other Supporting Materials.
2.3 Language proficiency
Applicants must have a high level of English language proficiency. For those with a native language other than English, a test report of English language proficiency will need to be provided (e.g. TOEFL/IELTS/others).
2.4 Aged 18 or above (by September 1, 2026). For the applicants under 18, please bring the relevant supporting documents to the official registration.
2.5 The conditions set by the Document No. 12 (2020) of the Ministry of Education of the PRC should be met.
3. Application Procedures
3.1 Online Application
3.1.1 Create your account in the Online Application System.
3.1.2 Complete the application form during the application period.
3.1.3 Upload the documents as required (see “List of Uploading Documents in the Online Application System” for more details).
3.1.4 Pay the application fee (800 RMB) online and submit the application.
3.2 Comprehensive Evaluation
3.2.1 Application Review
Applications submitted with all the information correct and completed will be evaluated by Tsinghua University.
3.2.2 Integrative Test
Applicants who have passed the Application Review will be admitted to the integrative test. The method and time of the integrative test will be informed in advance.
3.3 Admission Decision and Offer
The admission decision is based on a comprehensive evaluation of academic performance, language ability, supporting materials as well as integrative tests.
4. Schedule
Online Application Period (Beijing Time): 8:00 AM September 30, 2025 – 5:00 PM February 28, 2026
Results will be issued by: Early May, 2026
Note: The method and time of each round’s integrative test will be informed in advance.
5. Fees
5.1 Application Fee, Tuition, and Medical Insurance (RMB)
Tuition Fee (Per Year) |
Application Fee (one time) |
Medical Insurance (Per Year) |
100,000.00 |
800.00 |
800.00 |
Notes:
a. The application fee is not refundable.
b. The medical insurance of Tsinghua University covers basic accidental injury and medical expenses for hospitalization.
5.2 Accommodation
Students will be accommodated in designated buildings on campus. Online reservations must be made within the designated time (availability of rooms is subject to the booking system). For accommodation fees and other details, please refer to the Tsinghua University International Student and Scholar Center website.
6. Admission
Applicants who are granted admission will receive their admission documents from Tsinghua University in around June 2026.
7. Scholarship
To better support and assist international undergraduate students in their development at Tsinghua, the university actively promotes international exchange and cooperation. In accordance with relevant policies, Tsinghua continuously seeks donations from overseas alumni and corporations to support the academic development and personal growth of international students.
8. Contact Information
Admissions Office, Tsinghua University:
Address: Haidian District, Beijing 100084, P. R. China
Tel: +86-10-62783100
Email: admissions@tsinghua.edu.cn
Website: http://international.join-tsinghua.edu.cn/
Zhishan College, Tsinghua University:
Main Building of Tsinghua University, Haidian District, Beijing, 100084, P.R.China
Email: zssy@tsinghua.edu.cn
Website: https://www.zsc.tsinghua.edu.cn/en/
