Tsinghua University

Tsinghua University was established on April 29, 1911, originally as a preparatory school called Tsinghua School by the Qing Dynasty government in response to the Boxer Indemnity scholarship program. It was established with funds designated by the United States to train students who would later study in American colleges. The school was initially a two-year Middle school instruction for students who would sent to study abroad at selected American universities. It later expanded into a university in 1925, and renamed into National Tsinghua University in 1928.

In 1952, the Chinese government reformed the country's higher education system, adopting the Soviet model. This involved a nationwide reshuffling of universities and faculties. During this time, Tsinghua University was transformed into a polytechnic institute with a primary focus on engineering and sciences. This massive reorganization saw many of the liberal arts faculties being moved to other universities, and numerous students and faculty members being relocated according to the new plans. This transformation had a significant impact on the academic structure of Tsinghua, making it a leading center for technological education in China.

After the Cultural Revolution which had left China's academic institutions in disarray, Tsinghua University was among the first to begin rebuilding. In 1978, the university was acknowledged as a national key university, with new emphasis placed on both the natural sciences and humanities, and efforts were made to restore its damaged reputation and institutions. The university expanded its academic scope beyond engineering to include humanities, social sciences, law, and economics, aiming to build a comprehensive university. This period marked a renewed emphasis on rigorous academic standards and innovative research.

The Tsinghua Science Park, also known as TusPark, was established on June 18, 1984, and it is one of the largest and most successful university science parks in the world. The park serves as a base for scientific research and offers a platform for the commercialization of scientific achievements. TusPark has played a pivotal role in promoting technology transfer, innovation, and entrepreneurship by providing infrastructure, services, and resources necessary for startup and growth of tech companies. It has been instrumental in fostering collaborations between academia and industry.

On April 23, 1993, Tsinghua University hosted an event marking China's inaugural 'Internet Day', celebrating the country's first full-function access to the internet. This milestone event underscored Tsinghua's role as a technological leader in China and its commitment to advancing scientific and technological education. The university connected to the North American Internet backbone, thereby becoming one of the first institutions in China to achieve full internet connectivity. Internet Day highlighted the dawn of digital communication within China's academic circles, marking a step forward in the country's information technology capabilities.

Tsinghua University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) launched their joint graduate program in May 1994. This collaborative effort marked a significant stride in cross-border educational partnerships, with the aim to combine the strengths of both institutions in address global challenges through research and education. The program focuses on fields such as technology, engineering, and management, offering students opportunities for international exchange, co-teaching arrangements, and collaborative research projects. This joint initiative reflects a growing trend of international collaboration in higher education.

The Schwarzman Scholars program, established in 2015, is modeled after the Rhodes Scholarship and aims to identify the most promising young leaders from around the world to prepare them to tackle the challenges of the future. Located at Tsinghua University, this program provides full funding for a one-year master's degree in global affairs. The inaugural class arrived in June 2016, bringing together exceptional students to develop leadership skills and foster mutual understanding between China and the rest of the world. This program enhances Tsinghua's international profile and influence.

In January 2019, Tsinghua University partnered with Peking University to launch the Future City Initiative, a major research collaboration aimed at addressing urbanization challenges through innovative solutions. The initiative focuses on sustainable urban development, smart city technologies, and ecological urban planning. Drawing on the strengths of both universities, the collaboration strives to integrate academic research with practical applications, promoting the advancement of livable and sustainable urban environments. This partnership represents a strategic alliance to influence urban development policies in China and worldwide.

On May 20, 2020, Tsinghua University held its first fully online graduation ceremony amid the COVID-19 pandemic, reflecting the university's adaptability and resilience in the face of unprecedented circumstances. With the pandemic preventing in-person gatherings, the ceremony was streamed online, allowing graduates and their families from around the world to participate. This event demonstrated the university's commitment to honoring its graduates despite challenging conditions, and it featured speeches from university leaders, students, and notable alumni, all conducted via digital platforms.

On July 1, 2021, Tsinghua University celebrated the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China, reflecting its historical connection with the country's political and educational evolution. The university held a series of academic forums, lectures, and exhibitions highlighting historical developments over the past century. As one of China's premier educational institutions, Tsinghua has played a vital role in the country's modernization efforts and has cultivated numerous leaders in various sectors. The event showcased Tsinghua's contributions to China's progress and its dedication to national service.