Program Overview

Introduction to the Tokyo Tech-Tsinghua University Joint Graduate Program

The Tokyo Tech-Tsinghua University Joint Graduate Program is a collaborative effort between the Tokyo Institute of Technology (Tokyo Tech) and Tsinghua University, one of the leading universities in China. The program aims to cultivate young people who possess specialized knowledge and skills, as well as a deep understanding of the culture and customs of both Japan and China.

Program Overview

The program was launched in 2004 as a dual master's degree program, offering three courses: the Nanotechnology Course, the Bioscience and Biotechnology Course, and the Decision Science and Technology Course. Students enroll simultaneously at both Tokyo Tech and Tsinghua University as regular students, study under the supervision of academic supervisors at both universities, and earn master's degrees from both universities. The program takes two and a half years for Tokyo Tech students and three years for Tsinghua University students to complete.

Dual Degree Program

A dual degree program is a collaborative program where students are awarded degrees from both their home university and a partner university upon completion of the joint program. The advantages of earning a dual degree are manifold, including acquiring expertise in two related areas, proving global versatility, and receiving recognition in the international job market.

Program Structure

• The program consists of three courses:
  • Nanotechnology Course
  • Bioscience and Biotechnology Course
  • Decision Science and Technology Course
• Students enroll simultaneously at both Tokyo Tech and Tsinghua University
• Study under the supervision of academic supervisors at both universities
• Earn master's degrees from both universities

Model Course of Study

The model course of study for the master's program in the Nanotechnology Course is as follows:

• 1st year: Entrance examination, application deadline, lectures, and research begin
• 2nd year: Entrance ceremony, lectures, and research begin
• 3rd year: Return to Tokyo Tech, lectures, and research
• 4th year: Arrival at Tsinghua, lectures, and research, conferral of degree

Program Achievements

Between the launch of the program and October 2013, 160 students from the two universities have enrolled in the program, and about 100 students have completed it. This is Japan's first dual degree master's program and a visionary global model. Students who have completed the program are currently either outstanding performers at leading companies worldwide or conducting cutting-edge research in laboratories at top universities and research institutes around the world.

Exchange Events

The program holds welcome and farewell events to promote exchanges between students of both universities. These events represent precious opportunities for sponsoring companies, guests, the president of Tokyo Tech, faculty members, program students from both universities, program graduates, and other members of the program to get together.

Student Experiences

• Yoshiaki Oda, Nanotechnology Course, 8th cohort Tokyo Tech student: Participated in the Joint Program's Nanotechnology Course symposium and spent four meaningful days with other participants deepening their understanding of each other's culture.
• Yuichi Morikawa, Bioscience and Biotechnology Course, 8th cohort Tokyo Tech student: Applied for the program to live and conduct research in a rapidly growing country like China and to challenge himself through various experiences.
• Haoxin Zhou, Decision Science and Technology Course, 9th cohort Tsinghua University student: Aspired to study at Tokyo Tech due to enjoyable experiences with Tokyo Tech students studying at Tsinghua University and applied for the program to study and conduct research in Japan.

Support from Companies

The program operates with the support of many companies, which provide student scholarships, conduct laboratory tours, carry out joint research, cosponsor symposia, and exchange the latest research information and human resources. The program office will further develop the program in response to requests from sponsoring companies.