Tianjin University (TJU) was established in 1895 as Peiyang University as the first modern university in China. Over 122 years, more than 200,000 students have graduated from TJU and have made great contributions in every walk of life. TJU has been a National Key University directly under the administration of the Ministry of Education of China. With the tradition of diligence and modesty, TJU is striving for the goals of a world-class university featuring “Comprehensiveness, Research, Openness and Internationalization”.  

It has two campuses, one located in Tianjin downtown and the other located in the southern suburb of Tianjin. The two campuses are both convenient in transportation, with about 2.5-3 hour driving distance from Beijing International Airport and 30-50 minutes from Tianjin International Airport. TJU is committed to dynamic communication and exchanges with partners across the globe for the goal of excellence and contribution to the national and regional advancement, especially the vibrant development of Tianjin Binhai New Area (TBNA). 

TJU has a vibrant campus life, with nearly 300 student clubs and societies, and a broad spectrum of sporting facilities. The International Student Association (SICA) at TJU organises multiple events and festivals throughout the academic year.  

The northern Chinese city of Tianjin is a large industrial and port city located on the shore of the Bohai Sea. Its geographical location serves as a major channel linking Asia and Europe by sea. With a population of 15 million people, Tianjin is the fourth largest city in China after Shanghai, Beijing and Guangzhou. It is just 1.5 hours away from Beijing by highspeed train. The city’s streetscapes offer an interesting juxtaposition of 19th and early 20th century European architecture, with ultra-contemporary Chinese buildings. The city is known as the “diamond of the Bohai Gulf” as more than 20 varieties of minerals have been discovered in the land. Interesting activities and places to visit include the Great Wall at Huangya Pass as well as the Tianjin Folklore Museum with over 2,000 folk items of interest.

China, officially the People's Republic of China, is a country in East Asia and the world's most populous country, with around 1.428 billion people. It is also the third or fourth largest country by total area.

Of the 1.425 billion people in China, 91.51% are Han Chinese. While China has an estimated population density of 145 people per square kilometre overall, Shanghai, the largest city in the country (and the world) has a population density of 3,800 people per square kilometer.

China is home to many impressive monuments, most notably the Great Wall, as well as ancient palaces, giant Buddha statues, buried statues and more. There are also wonderful natural features to explore such as the Yellow Mountains, the Rainbow Lakes, Tiger Leaping Gorge, the Floating Peaks, and the Qiantang Tidal Bore.

The diversity in landscapes goes hand in hand with diversity of culture - you can stay in some of the world’s most advanced cities with access to high-speed trains and modern technology, or you can explore small country villages that remain almost untouched by modernity. Many Chinese people speak some English making it relatively easy for English speakers to navigate, however the chance to learn even a bit of Mandarin is fantastic for future careers.

Did you know…..?

China originated as one of the world's first civilisations in the Yellow River basin, and has a history of over 3,000 years. *The mortar used to bind the Great Wall’s stones was made with sticky rice flour! Using sticky rice as a construction ingredient was one of the greatest innovations of the Ming dynasty, helping structures (including tombs and pagodas as well) survive earthquakes and the elements. *https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/sticky-rice-mortar-view-space-and-more-fun-facts-about-chinas-great-wall-180962197/

All students must meet standard exchange selection criteria and any host institution restrictions.

• UniSA academic transcript 
• Passport 
• Evidence of English proficiency (if applicable)
• CV 
• 3x Passport sized photos 

Please refer to the host university website for details of credits and course loads. You will also need to discuss equivalencies with your Program Director. 

Non-native English speakers must provide an objective English test with minimum IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL ibt 90. 

The following document is for reference only and lists most courses taught at Tianjin University. Final course list for the semester will be published at the beginning of each semester. 

- Undergraduate course list - English courses
- Undergraduate course list - Chinese courses

Tianjin University does not offer airport pick up. You will need to make your own way to the campus from either Beijing International Airport or Tianjin International Airport. 

More information on how to get to the campus can be found here. 

All students on exchange at Tianjin University must reside on-campus. The Institute of International Education of Tianjin University has seven apartment buildings for overseas students with furnished private/shared rooms with communal amenities. 

More information on accommodation can be found here.  

As an exchange partner with the University of South Australia, you do not have to pay tuition fees to Tianjin University, instead you will pay tuition as you would normally at UniSA. Travel and living expenses are at your own cost. The table below gives an indication of costs you will incur: 

More information can be found here.

You may be eligible to receive additional grants or scholarships to fund your experience. For more information please see the funding and scholarships website.

UniSA offers travel insurance as part of your exchange for up to 270 days (can be extended up to 365 days). For more information please see travel insurance website.  
 
Please click here to read the travel insurance policy. 
 
A list of Frequently Asked Questions can be found here. 
 
If you have any further questions about travel insurance, please contact the UniSA Insurance Office on 08 8302 1678. 
 
As an exchange student at Tianjin University, you must purchase compulsory additional health insurance. See here for more information.