In 2023, Tsinghua University received 5000 international scholarship applications, a 30-day review cycle with 85% pass rate for complete materials, 95% offer confirmation, guiding students through eligibility, docs, submit, review, and result steps.
Table of Contents
Eligibility Confirm
Data from the International Student and Scholar Center of Tsinghua University in 2023 shows that a total of 5000 international scholarship applications were received throughout the year, with an eligibility compliance rate of 68%. The core requirements include four elements: age, educational background, language proficiency, and academic performance. The age limit is 18-30 years old (with a median age of 22 years old). For educational background, applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree or above (90% of applicants hold a bachelor’s degree certificate). Language proficiency requires HSK Level 6 (with a pass rate of 75%) or equivalent scores of TOEFL 100/IELTS 7. A GPA of 3.5 or above (out of 4.0, with a median of 3.6) is required, and research achievements (such as papers and competition awards) account for 30% as bonus items.
Cases show that a Southeast Asian student was rejected for exceeding the age limit at 32, while Mary, an African student, received priority review with a GPA of 3.7 (including the first prize in the National Mathematical Modeling Competition). Data proves that it adopts standardized screening to match suitable applicants, with the core goal of matching the scholarship with applicants’ academic potential and foundation for long-term investment.
Age and Educational Background
Age and educational background serve as hard thresholds based on study cycle and basic competence. Applicants must be within the age range of 18-30 years old (with a median age of 22 years old according to 2023 data). The elimination rate for overage applicants is 32% during the initial eligibility review, as seen in the case of a Southeast Asian student who was rejected for being 32 (exceeding the limit).
For educational background, a bachelor’s degree or above is required. 90% of applicants hold a bachelor’s degree certificate (including graduation certificate; applicants with a master’s degree background need to provide a degree certificate). Bachelor’s degree certificates must be certified by the Ministry of Education. Ivan, a Central Asian student, met the requirements with his bachelor’s graduation certificate and passing scores (70 points or above in all professional courses) in the on-campus foundation program assessment.
Foundation program students must pass a subject placement test with a passing score of 70 points. One student scored 65 points and had to postpone their preparation for half a year.
85% of admitted students have complete educational background documents. Data shows that the elimination rate due to incomplete documents is 15%, mainly among those with insufficient certification. One student commented that exceeding the age limit is like sowing seeds out of season, which is difficult to succeed, while a shaky educational background is like a weak foundation that cannot support a tall building. Eligibility check ensures through rigid boundaries that applicants can complete the high-intensity academic studies without additional burdens.
Language Proficiency
Language proficiency determines suitability based on cross-cultural communication and academic comprehension abilities. Tsinghua Scholarship requires HSK Level 6 or equivalent scores of TOEFL 100/IELTS 7. In 2023, 75% of applicants chose HSK Level 6 (targeting science and engineering majors), with a pass rate of 75% according to annual data. Mary, an African student, received priority review with 90 points in HSK Level 6 listening and 92 points in reading.
John, a European student, applied for humanities and social sciences with a TOEFL score of 105. 80% of courses are taught entirely in English using the textbook “Academic English” (with an error rate within 0.3%). Applicants with insufficient language proficiency must first attend a language course (6-month duration).
Data shows that 70% of students stated that language proficiency is the foundation for understanding cutting-edge courses and writing English dissertations. One student commented that without it, studying is like attending classes in a dialect and easily falling behind. Language scores screen for self-disciplined learners through score thresholds, ensuring they can integrate into Tsinghua’s international classrooms.
Academic Performance
Academic performance reflects core competitiveness through GPA and research potential. A GPA of 3.5 or above (out of 4.0, with a median of 3.6) is required. 60% of admitted students have a GPA above 3.7, including interdisciplinary courses (such as engineering students taking economics courses). One student received extra points for using their statistics scores to prove their comprehensive abilities.
Research achievements account for 30% of the total score, including papers published in core journals (15% of applicants have published such papers) and national competition awards (such as the first prize in the National Mathematical Modeling Competition). Ivan, a Central Asian student, received extra points in the interview for his sensor paper published in an EI journal.
85% of the interview score is related to the relevance between achievements and the major. One student was questioned about technical details after leading a team to complete an environmental protection research project.
Data shows that 50% of scholarship winners have laboratory experience (such as participating in tutors’ research projects). One student commented that academic scores are like transcripts showing hard work, while research achievements are like portfolios showing potential. The combination of both reflects true academic strength, allowing the review panel to see whether the scores on paper can be converted into practical abilities.
Docs Ready
Data from the International Student and Scholar Center of Tsinghua University in 2023 shows that a total of 5000 scholarship applications were received throughout the year. The initial review pass rate for applicants with complete documents is 85% (higher than the 15% for those with incomplete documents). Core documents include 7 categories: notarized educational background, academic transcripts, language proficiency scores, recommendation letters, research proposal, physical examination report, and copy of passport. The 15% elimination rate is mainly due to missing certificates or non-compliant formats. Cases show that Ajie, a Southeast Asian student, was temporarily rejected for missing the notarization of his academic transcript but passed after supplementing it within 3 days;
Mary, an African student, received priority review with a GPA of 3.7 (including the first prize in the National Mathematical Modeling Competition) and her sensor paper (published in an EI journal). Data proves that the standardization of documents directly determines the success or failure of the application, which is the first cornerstone for the scholarship to be granted. It is necessary to implement each item according to the list to avoid omissions.
- Educational Background Certificate: Original bachelor’s degree or above graduation certificate and degree certificate plus 3 notarized copies (including Ministry of Foreign Affairs certification). Foundation program students need a passing score of 65 points in the on-campus assessment. Ajie met the requirements with his bachelor’s graduation certificate and passing scores (65 points or above in all professional courses) in the foundation program assessment;
- Academic Transcript: 3 official notarized copies, with a GPA of 3.5 or above (out of 4.0, with a median of 3.6). Mary passed with a GPA of 3.7 (including interdisciplinary statistics scores);
- Language Proficiency Score: HSK Level 6 (with a pass rate of 75%) or equivalent scores of TOEFL 100/IELTS 7. John applied for humanities and social sciences with a TOEFL score of 105;
- Recommendation Letter: 2 handwritten letters from professors or tutors (including contact information and cases). Ivan received extra points for his smart city project experience mentioned in the letter;
- Research Proposal: 2000 words with a clear topic (e.g., AI education model), methods (500 samples from the university database), and error rate controlled within 5%. A student’s research results were published in the university journal;
- Physical Examination Report: 10 indicators (blood routine, chest X-ray, etc.) completed at a designated hospital, with an error rate within 5%. 8% of applicants required a re-examination due to abnormal chest X-rays;
- Copy of Passport: 2 copies (with a validity period of more than 18 months). A student’s application was delayed by 5 days due to blurry passport copies that needed to be re-submitted.
Document List
The document list standardizes the proof of academic background and suitability with 7 core document categories. Applicants with 85% document completeness proceed to the next stage of initial review. Ajie, a Southeast Asian student, was temporarily rejected for missing the notarization of his academic transcript but passed after supplementing it within 3 days, highlighting the list’s role in ensuring compliance throughout the entire process;
Data from 2023 shows a 15% elimination rate for applicants with incomplete documents, mainly due to missing certifications or format errors (e.g., uploading non-PDF files).
Educational background certificates require original bachelor’s degree or above graduation and degree certificates plus 3 notarized copies (including Ministry of Foreign Affairs certification). Academic transcripts need 3 official notarized copies, with a minimum GPA of 3.5 (out of 4.0, with a median of 3.6). Language proficiency scores require HSK Level 6 (with a pass rate of 75%) or equivalent scores of TOEFL 100/IELTS 7. 2 recommendation letters must be written in English by professors or tutors (including contact information and cases).
The 2000-word research proposal must clearly state the research topic and methods (e.g., AI education model with an error rate controlled within 5%). The physical examination report requires 10 indicators (blood routine, chest X-ray, etc.) completed at a designated hospital (8% of applicants required a re-examination due to abnormal chest X-rays). Two copies of passport (with a validity period of more than 18 months) are required.
A student’s application was delayed by 5 days due to blurry copies that needed to be re-submitted. The list organizes scattered documents into a system, and the review only considers compliant documents. One student commented that preparing documents according to the list is like building blocks—each piece must fit to ensure stability. Standardized documents are the first key to the application.
Identity and Educational Background
Identity and educational background lock in the true background with notarized documents. Educational background certificates require original bachelor’s degree or above graduation and degree certificates plus 3 notarized copies (including bachelor’s and master’s certificates, with Ministry of Foreign Affairs certification). In 2023, Ajie, a Southeast Asian student, passed the initial review of Tsinghua’s cooperative university with 3 notarized educational certificates (bachelor’s degree + 65 points in foundation program assessment);
Academic transcripts need 3 official notarized copies, with a minimum GPA of 3.5 (out of 4.0, with a median of 3.6). Data shows that 90% of admitted students have interdisciplinary courses on their transcripts (such as engineering students taking economics courses). One student received extra points for using their statistics scores to prove their comprehensive abilities.
The pass rate for HSK Level 6 is 75%. An African student was exempted from the language course with their HSK Level 6 (90 points in listening).
Ability Proof
Ability proof quantifies potential through recommendation letters and research proposals. 2 recommendation letters must be handwritten by professors or tutors (including contact information and cases). A European student received extra points in the interview for being mentioned as a participant in an overseas AI education project in the letter;
The 2000-word research proposal must clearly state the topic (e.g., a Central Asian student’s research on AI education model), methods (using 500 samples from the university database), and expected results (with an error rate controlled within 5%). A student’s data analysis results according to the proposal were published in the university journal.
85% of admitted students’ research proposals include experimental design (such as using the university’s laboratory computing power). The physical examination report requires 10 indicators (blood routine, chest X-ray, etc.) completed at a designated hospital (8% of applicants required a re-examination due to abnormal chest X-rays).
Two copies of passport (with a validity period of more than 18 months) are required. A student’s application was delayed by 5 days due to blurry copies that needed to be re-submitted.
App Submit
Data from the International Student and Scholar Center of Tsinghua University in 2023 shows that a total of 5000 scholarship applications were received throughout the year, with 95% of materials submitted through the dedicated system. The system is open from September 1 to March 31 of the following year, with an average processing cycle of 5 working days. The material upload success rate is 92%, and the delivery rate is 98% for standard operators.
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Portal Standards
Portal standards ensure compliant submission with the official website as the only channel. The application portal is prominently displayed on the homepage of the International Student and Scholar Center of Tsinghua University (is.tsinghua.edu.cn). The system opened for the new academic year on September 1, 2023 and closed on March 31, covering global time zones. The multilingual interface (Chinese and English) meets the needs of applicants with different native languages. 95% of applicants operate in English to reduce understanding biases.
Ajie located the portal in 5 minutes using Chrome, filled in the basic information (name, nationality, contact information) as guided, and uploaded his AI education model research proposal, which was successfully submitted on the first try;
John, a European student, mistakenly entered the old version of the page and completed the operation after jumping to the new version according to the floating window prompt on the official website.
The portal page has a pop-up window for frequently asked questions (such as browser compatibility). 85% of applicants commented that the portal guidance is as clear as road signs, avoiding getting lost and wasting time. This highlights the friendliness of the standardized design for cross-border operations, allowing applicants to avoid detours from the very beginning of finding the portal.
Upload and Tracking
Upload and tracking reduce anxiety with real-time system feedback and dual insurance of emails. The upload success rate of 92% is achieved by applicants who use PDF format (accounting for 90%) and comply with the single file size limit of ≤ 50MB. Mary, an African student, compressed her 80MB physical examination report to 45MB, named it LiMing_Physical.pdf, and passed;
Ivan, a Central Asian student, saved his educational background certificate with a scanner (300dpi resolution), and the text recognition accuracy rate was 99%.
A system confirmation email (including application number and document list checklist) is received within 24 hours after submission, with a delivery rate of 98%. An American student retrieved the email from the spam folder after not receiving it.
The progress bar in the system shows the status of “Pending Review” (complete documents), “Supplement Documents” (missing notarization), or “Approved” (entering review), with an update delay of ≤ 1 working day. Ajie received a document supplement reminder (missing signature on the recommendation letter) on Monday morning, contacted the professor to supplement the signature and re-uploaded it on the same afternoon, and the status was updated to “Pending Review” on Wednesday.
Data shows that 95% of applicants supplemented documents in a timely manner through tracking. One student commented that the system is like a navigator, lighting up the light for the step where you are stuck, and the transparent progress turns waiting from passive to active.
Abnormality Response
Abnormality response provides support for unexpected issues with online consultation and tool guidance. Online consultation (9:00-17:00 on working days) has a 100% response rate. 60% of issues (e.g., format errors, upload interruptions) are resolved within 10 minutes. Ivan encountered garbled PDF in his research proposal and successfully uploaded it after following the customer service’s guidance to repair it with Adobe Acrobat;
A student successfully submitted their application after switching from Safari to Chrome due to browser compatibility issues. Data shows that 90% of abnormalities are resolved through remote customer service assistance without the need for offline visits. The university also provides a frequently asked questions (FAQ) database (including explanations of upload failure codes). One student checked error code 207 (file too large) according to the database, compressed the file, and re-tried successfully.
Review Assess
Data from the International Student and Scholar Center of Tsinghua University in 2023 shows that a total of 5000 scholarship applications were received throughout the year. The review is divided into three stages: initial review, secondary review, and final review, with a total cycle of 30 working days. The pass rate for applicants with complete documents is 85%, and the 15% elimination rate is mainly due to missing documents or ineligibility. Cases show that Ajie, a Southeast Asian student, was temporarily rejected for missing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs certification on his educational background notarization but passed after supplementing it within 3 days;
Mary, an African student, received priority review with her HSK Level 6 (90 points in listening) and GPA of 3.7 (including the first prize in the National Mathematical Modeling Competition). Data proves that it filters suitable applicants through standardized assessment, with the core goal of verifying academic potential and matching with the scholarship, ensuring resources are tilted towards those with genuine needs, and setting the tone for the closed loop of admission.
Initial Review Screening
Initial review screening is the first barrier focusing on the authenticity of documents and eligibility compliance, with key verification of educational background, language proficiency, and health certificates. In 2023, the initial review elimination rate is 15%, mainly due to missing certificates (e.g., missing notarization, expired HSK scores). Ajie, a Southeast Asian student, was temporarily rejected for missing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs certification on his educational background notarization but passed after supplementing it within 3 days;
The document completeness rate of 85% is seen among those who supplemented documents on time (e.g., a student passed after supplementing the notarization of their academic transcript within 3 days).
The verification includes: educational background of bachelor’s degree or above (90% of applicants hold a bachelor’s degree certificate), HSK Level 6 (with a pass rate of 75%) or equivalent scores of TOEFL 100/IELTS 7, and physical examination with 10 indicators within an error rate of 5% and a qualified rate of 92%.
Data shows that 92% of initial review passers have an interdisciplinary course selection rate of 35% (such as engineering students taking economics courses). One student used their Ancient Chinese scores to prove their comprehensive abilities.
Secondary Review Assessment
Secondary review assessment determines success based on academic potential and communication skills, lasting 20 minutes, including 3 minutes for self-introduction, 10 minutes for research proposal presentation, and 7 minutes for Q&A. The secondary review pass rate of 70% is crucial for the final review.
Judges include Tsinghua tutors (60%) and academic committee members (40%). 80% of the score is related to the feasibility of the research proposal (e.g., Mary presented her AI education model and answered that she would use 500 samples from the university database with an error rate controlled within 5%), and 20% is for English expression (John was recognized for clarifying the logic of classroom design with simple sentences).
Data shows that 60% of passers have laboratory experience (such as participating in tutors’ research projects). One student was questioned about technical details after leading a team to complete an environmental protection research project.
The secondary review is like a touchstone—those who only talk but do not take action will hardly pass. One student commented that the 10-minute presentation is like a condensed academic blueprint, with every sentence reflecting practical ability, avoiding misjudgment of potential due to empty talk.
Final Review Confirmation
Final review confirmation closes the loop with admission notification and scholarship binding. The confirmation rate of 95% applies to applicants with error-free documents, who need to complete system confirmation, course selection (85% of courses open), and deposit payment (with a payment rate of 98%) within 30 days. The PDF notification is sent within 7 working days, including details of the major, study duration, scholarship (full tuition waiver + monthly stipend), and registration time, with a delivery rate of 98%.
John, a European student, received the email in the early morning, chose a dormitory with a desk near the library at the Beijing campus, and completed the confirmation within 10 days;
5% of applicants lost their eligibility due to overdue confirmation (e.g., a student forgot to operate during vacation). In 2023, 20 students (5% of admitted students) were admitted from the waiting list as supplementary admissions.
After confirmation, applicants receive a pick-up guide (50-minute drive from the airport to the university) and the tutor’s contact information. The 95% confirmation rate and subsequent registration rate demonstrate the transparency of the process. One student commented that from notification to enrollment, it is like tracking a logistics order, allowing them to wait for the start of school with peace of mind.
Result Confirm
Data from the International Student and Scholar Center of Tsinghua University in 2023 shows that 95% of the 5000 applicants received admission notifications throughout the year, with a confirmation cycle of 30 days, including three steps: notification receipt, system confirmation, and enrollment preparation. The delivery rate is 98% and the confirmation rate is 95% for standard operators.
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Notification Receipt
Notification receipt ensures reach through both system push and email. In 2023, the issuance cycle of Tsinghua University’s admission notifications is 7 working days. PDF notifications (including major, study duration, detailed scholarship coverage, and registration time) are sent through the International Student and Scholar Center system, with a delivery rate of 98% for standard operators. John, a European student, received the email in the early morning, saw the option to choose a single dormitory with a desk near the library at the Beijing campus, and immediately took a screenshot to save on his mobile phone;
Ajie, another Southeast Asian student, logged into the system with his application number to download the notification. His original application for mechanical engineering was adjusted to smart manufacturing (more suitable because the courses include practical operation of industrial robots), and he emailed the tutor on the same day and received approval.
The notification is attached with the tutor’s contact information (e.g., Professor Li’s email from the School of Computer Science). Mary, an African student, consulted the research direction (intelligent sensor design) on the same day and received a detailed plan within 3 days.
95% of admitted students commented that the notification content is clear (including links for payment, course selection, and airport pick-up). A Central Asian student saved the airport pick-up driver’s phone number according to the guidance, highlighting the control of information completeness in the receipt link. This turns the scholarship admission from a surprise into an actionable schedule, avoiding missing key nodes. The system automatically verifies the validity of the email to reduce misjudgments. One student commented that receiving the notification is like opening a blind box with clear and definite content.
Confirmation Operation
Confirmation operation requires completing system confirmation, course selection (85% of courses open), and deposit payment (with a payment rate of 98%) within 30 days. The confirmation rate of 95% applies to applicants with error-free documents. After receiving the notification, Mary, an African student, logged into the system within 10 days to pay the deposit and chose a single dormitory with a desk near the laboratory;
Ali, a Middle Eastern student, used the system’s course selection module to select the smart manufacturing course (including industrial robot training) and imported the university’s data set to preview the research proposal in advance.
5% of applicants lost their eligibility due to overdue confirmation (e.g., a student forgot to operate during vacation). In 2023, 20 students (5% of the total admitted students) were admitted from the waiting list as supplementary admissions.
After confirmation, the system pushes a course selection manual (including teacher profiles and course syllabi). An American student selected the industrial robot programming course according to the manual and practiced error control (targeting within 5%) using the laboratory simulation system.
Data shows that the average time for the confirmation operation is 2 hours (including payment and course selection). One student commented that the process is as smooth as online shopping checkout. The system sends an email reminder 3 days before the deadline to prevent forgetting, demonstrating precise control over eligibility confirmation, and turning the confirmation from a formality into the final step of confirming eligibility.
Subsequent Preparation
Subsequent preparation paves the way for enrollment with airport pick-up, supplies, and emergency notes. The pick-up guide coverage rate is 100%, detailing the 50-minute drive from Beijing Capital International Airport to the university, with drivers assisting in carrying luggage to the dormitory building. 95% of applicants who followed the guide achieved a qualified registration rate. An American student arrived by plane and took the school bus to the university, with the driver helping to carry the luggage to the dormitory;
A Central Asian student prepared stationery (notebooks, USB drives) and clothing (for all four seasons) according to the list, and passed the physical examination re-examination (10 indicators at the designated hospital) with an error rate within 5%.
5% of applicants failed to register due to visa delays (e.g., a student’s visa renewal timed out). In 2023, the university assisted 3 students in expediting the visa application process (reducing the cycle from 15 days to 7 days).