Tibet University (TU)

Tibet is one of the great spiritual heartlands of East Asia. It is a region steeped in tradition and celebrated for its natural wonders. Higher education is a new development in this remote region of China. However, in recent years, the Chinese government has put a significant amount of funding and resources into developing education in Tibet. Tibet University is the largest tertiary institution in Tibet, and it is set to continue growing as the recipient of recent Chinese university funding programs. For students seeking an academic adventure, Tibet University offers an education surrounded by diverse peoples in a stunning location.

Tibet University traces its history back to the party schools established by local cadres in 1951. In the 1960s and 70s teacher colleges were also established in Lhasa. In 1985, these schools were merged to form Tibet University. In 1999, Tibet University absorbed the Art School of Tibet and the Tibet Medical College, thus forming a modern comprehensive university. Since then, the university has been the recipient of consistent government funding, most notably as a member of Project 211 and the Central and Western Higher Education Revitalization Plan. In 2017, Tibet University awarded its first doctorates.

Naturally, students who choose to study in Tibet are interested in Tibetan language, history, and culture. Nearly 20% of Tibet University’s student body is enrolled in the Tibetan Studies Department and study of the Tibetan Language is mandatory for all students. The majority of students are Tibetan, as are the majority of professors. The University also provides interesting opportunities for the study of other issues relevant to Tibet, such as high-altitude medicine.

Tibet University has two campuses. The main campus is in Tibet’s capital, Lhasa. There is also a branch campus in the small town of Nyingchi. Currently, the school has 9391 full-time undergraduate students, 964 students seeking a master’s degree or doctorate, and 17 foreign students. The university employs 1149 faculty members, of which 605 are professors holding a PhD or master’s degree.

For centuries, Tibet has been largely untouched by outsiders. Tibet University offers an exciting opportunity to engage with this unique culture.