Tsinghua University 清華大學(xué)
Rank 2012: 2; Rank 2011: 2
Overall score: 95.85
National discipline ranking: 98.77
Quantity and structure of national key disciplines: 95.12
Research paper citations: 91.35
Average scores in national college entrance examination: 100.00
Internet popularity (university name search index and university president search frequency): 100.00
Attraction to international students: 83.29
Website: http://www.tsinghua.edu.cn/publish/then/index.html
Originally founded in 1911 as Tsinghua College, Tsinghua University is today widely recognized as one of the top two universities in China. By the late 1920s, the university had already distinguished itself in terms of academic excellence and talent cultivation capabilities. Reputed as the "MIT of China", the university is renowned for excellence in the natural sciences. Presently, Tsinghua has a total of 37,650 full time students, including 14,943 undergraduates, and 22,707 candidates for master's and doctor's degrees. Graduates from the university rank first among their peers in terms of employment competitiveness and salaries. The university has produced scores of prominent scientists, writers, statesmen, scholars and business people who have made significant contributions to the nation's rejuvenation, economic development and social well-being. Its most famous alumni in the political sphere include China's President Hu Jintao, Vice President Xi Jinping, top legislator Wu Bangguo, and former Premier Zhu Rongji.