Tianjin University is a National Key University directly under the administration of the Ministry of the Education, and its history can be traced back to Peiyang University, the first modern university in China, which was founded on October 2, 1895. It was renamed Tianjin University after the nationwide restructuring of colleges and departments in 1951. In 1959, Tianjin University was identified as one of the first batch of the 16 National Key Universities designated by the government, and it is also among the first group of institutions of higher learning to be included into the “211” and “985" Projects of national investment for developing world class universities. During the past years, Tianjin University has made significant contributions to economic and social development, which must be due to its cultivation of a large number of high-level talents, and its outstanding achievements.

To build a strong nation, it is crucial for the education system to be set up and developed for the preservation of talents. The establishment and operation of the University aims to promote education for the ultimate improvement of national strength and prosperity, in accord with the University’s motto of "Seeking Truth from Facts”. The University exalts preservation of its own traditions, in which the spirit of “precision in learning and strictness in teaching” is encouraged. Patriotism and devotion to the country is also considered worthy goals to hold onto, tied in with multiple avenues to encourage undaunted inquiry into academic truth, to foster competent talent, to pass on the cultural heritages, to buttress the progress of our nation and to create a promising future.

In 2014, THE CONSTITUTION OF TIANJIN UNIVERSITY was officially approved by the Ministry of Education and to further define the University’s overall development goals facing the new century and the development and promotion of quality education. In 2015, the new campus, Peiyangyuan Campus was opened and commenced operation, and nearly 20 thousand students, faculty and staff live there. The University also celebrated its 120th anniversary that year.

Tianjin University will uphold its people-oriented vision, promote comprehensive reform in an all-round way, constantly improve the systems of a modern university, and strive vigorously toward the goal of becoming a world-class university with Chinese characteristics and TJU traits.