Tsinghua University’s Institute for Interdisciplinary Information Sciences (IIIS) offers graduate programs in computer science and physics, aiming to cultivate elite talents with exceptional information science abilities, strong interdisciplinary skills, and innovative thinking. Leveraging international best practices and personalized training, the institute provides tailored education to maximize student potential.
Currently, IIIS has 241 graduate students (219 Ph.D. and 22 master’s candidates). Prof. Andrew Chi-Chih Yao engages directly with students through regular academic exchanges and research mentorship. Graduate students now serve as key contributors to IIIS’s research endeavors.
To advance globalized education, IIIS prioritizes international collaboration. It regularly invites renowned scholars for lectures and courses while supporting outstanding students through multifaceted funding initiatives to pursue studies abroad across Europe, the Americas, Asia, and Hong Kong, fostering cross-cultural exposure and global research experience.
By June 2025, IIIS has produced 232 Ph.D. and 99 master’s graduates, forming a global network of young researchers. Alumni excel at institutions like Princeton, CMU, Aarhus University, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and tech leaders including Microsoft, Google, Facebook, Baidu, and Huawei.
This major aims to cultivate advanced specialized talents in the field of computer science and technology who are well-rounded in morality, intelligence, physical fitness, aesthetics and labor. Love the motherland and abide by laws and regulations; Honest and fair, with a rigorous academic style and a sense of social responsibility. Master solid and broad basic theories and systematic and in-depth specialized knowledge in disciplines related to computer science and technology, be proficient in at least one foreign language, have the ability to independently conduct scientific research work, and make creative achievements in relevant research directions. Possessing excellent comprehensive qualities, one should become a senior specialized talent needed for the cause of socialist modernization.
Postgraduate Curriculum Setting
A. Pubo student
During the period of pursuing a doctoral degree, graduate students are required to obtain no less than 19 credits for the degree, including 4 public compulsory credits, no less than 9 credits required by the discipline and major, and 6 compulsory links. Credits for elective courses and self-study courses that are not related to the requirements of the discipline and major will be recorded separately.
B. Direct doctoral student
During the period of pursuing a doctoral degree, graduate students are required to obtain no less than 34 credits for the degree, including 5 public compulsory credits, no less than 23 credits required by the discipline and major, and 6 compulsory links. Credits for elective courses and self-study courses that are not related to the requirements of the discipline and major will be recorded separately.
This major aims to cultivate advanced specialized talents in the field of computer science and technology who are well-rounded in morality, intelligence, physical fitness, aesthetics and labor. Love the motherland and abide by laws and regulations; Honest and fair, with a rigorous academic style and a sense of social responsibility. Master solid basic theories and systematic specialized knowledge in disciplines related to computer science and technology, and possess the ability to conduct scientific research and independently undertake specialized technical work.
Course study and credit composition
During the period of pursuing a master's degree, one must obtain no less than 28 credits for the degree, including 5 public compulsory credits, 3 compulsory links, and no less than 20 credits required by the discipline and major.
Credits for elective courses and self-study courses are counted separately. It is encouraged to take the ""Academic and Professional Quality Courses"" recommended by the school.
Cultivation method
1.Implement the mentor responsibility system. When necessary, a deputy mentor can be appointed, and it is encouraged to form a guidance group for collective guidance. When training doctoral students across disciplines or intersections, associate supervisors should be hired from relevant disciplines to assist in guidance.
2.Doctoral students should, under the guidance of their supervisors, study relevant courses, review literature, participate in academic exchanges, determine specific topics, independently conduct scientific research, and achieve creative results.
Knowledge structure and basic requirements for course learning
1.The basic requirements of knowledge structure
Possessing the necessary theoretical foundation and professional knowledge for engaging in specialized discipline research, and having a relatively broad knowledge base.
2.Course study and credit composition
A. Pubo student
During the period of pursuing a degree, one must obtain at least 4 credits for public compulsory courses, at least 4 credits for compulsory links, at least 8 credits for discipline and major courses, and 1 credit for academic and professional quality courses, with a total of no less than 17 credits.
B. Direct doctoral student
During the study period, students are required to obtain 5 credits for compulsory public courses, at least 4 credits for compulsory links, and at least 26 credits for discipline and major courses. Among them, no less than 12 credits for basic physics and mathematics courses, no less than 14 credits for professional basic and major courses, and 1 credit for academic and professional quality courses. The total credits should be no less than 36 credits (credits for self-study courses are counted separately).
To foster global perspectives and align research with international standards, IIIS strengthens international collaboration in graduate education. Through two key approaches: (1) regularly inviting renowned scholars and visiting professors to deliver courses and lectures, effectively broadening students’ horizons and enhancing innovation; (2) offering multifaceted funding for outstanding students to study, exchange, and train abroad in Europe, the Americas, Asia, and Hong Kong, creating cross-cultural exposure and global research opportunities.
IIIS has formed a global network of young researchers now excelling at institutions like Princeton, CMU, Aarhus University, CityU Hong Kong, Columbia, USC, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and tech leaders including Microsoft, Google, Facebook, Baidu, and Huawei.