In March of 2009, Tongji University was officially approved by the Ministry of Education of China to initiate the foundation programme for foreign students who obtained the Chinese Government Scholarship.

Leaders of Tongji attached great importance to the preparation for the establishment of the Department of International Foundation Programme, Tongji Univerisity, Ministry of Education of China.

It was decided that a building of traditional Chinese style is provided for the newly established department. Located on Tongji campus, the building is well equipped with advanced audio-visual labs, multimedia classrooms, multi-function classrooms, meeting rooms, and electronic reading rooms. A dormitory building was refitted and decorated for the students.

On August 28, The Department of International Foundation Programme, Tongji Univerisity, Ministry of Education of China was set up. Approved by the Ministry of Education of China, the new department is one of the six Foundation Departments for International Students under the Ministry of Education in China.

On September 14, more than 160 foreign students, supported by Chinese government scholarship, from over 40 countries came to Tongji University. They will have a systematic study of general Chinese, professional Chinese, Chinese culture, cross-cultural communication, basic courses of mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology and computer science. Various language practices and social activities will also be provided. After one year’s study at Tongji University, those students will have a basic knowledge of Chinese language and culture, acquiring Chinese language and cross-cultural communication skills with a certain amount of professional Chinese words and phrases, which will help them meet the requirements of their further studies and daily life in the colleges and universities in China.