Resources and Environment (Double Degree Programme)

The challenges of protecting the environment and our resources are global in scale. The Double Degree Programme brings together the strengths in research and teaching of Leibniz University Hannover (LUH) and Tsinghua University as well as its spin-off in Shenzhen, the Shenzhen International Graduate School, in a unique way. With the Double Degree Programme we offer you:

• Gain in-depth professional competence with classical contents of engineering education
• Study international: you are closely connected to both universities through study visits in Hannover and Shenzhen
• Combine theory and practice: practical phases outside the universities are integrated into the programme
• Improve your personal skills: there are numerous intercultural exchange formats - especially in the European-Chinese context

This 3-year programme includes sufficient time for mobility, intercultural training and practical experience. In the final year, you will write two Master's theses and earn a Master's degree at both universities. This gives you excellent qualifications to start a very successful professional career in both Asia and Europe.

Leibniz University Hannover is one of the nine leading technical universities in Germany (TU9) with over 30,000 students, including more than 4,600 international students from more than 114 countries. The double degree programme is based at the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geodetic Science , which has excellent research infrastructure and expertise in environmental engineering as well as first-class, accredited bachelor's and master's degree programmes.

Tsinghua University is one of China's leading universities, ranking highly in international university rankings. Students of the double degree programme will study at Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School. The study location Shenzhen is a vibrant Chinese metropolis and innovation hotspot.

The standard course duration is 3 years. Each year, 15 students can start in Hannover and 15 more students at Tsinghua University in Shenzhen. If you are enrolled through Leibniz University, you will spend your first year in Hannover, where you will mainly concentrate on mandatory modules. In the second year, you transfer to Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, where you initially take modules. A Practical phase offers you insights into the world of work in China. You write a Master's thesis at each of the two universities.

Students do not pay any additional tuition fees at the partner university. Administrative fees or semester fees must be paid.

For your information, you will find details here of the modules offered at Leibniz University Hannover and Tsinghua SIGS. The range of modules is subject to change. Both universities offer compulsory and compulsory-elective modules. You will also receive on-site support with your course selection. 

We are delighted that, since the programme launched in October 2022, a number of students have successfully completed the Double Degree programme. The graduates are now working in various sectors within industry and research in both countries, where they are able to apply both their specialist expertise and their intercultural skills in the workplace. 

As a graduate, you are able to recognise and address problems that are related to the protection of resources and environment. You develop viable concepts, implementable plans and technical solutions, based on the latest methods and knowledge from science. You act confidently in national and international as well as interdisciplinary contexts and are able to convincingly represent and implement your ideas and solutions.

The high level of practical relevance, which is also ensured in addition to the research orientation, guarantees direct qualification for taking up various engineering activities. For example, activities in the following professional fields are possible:

• in science (e.g. doctorate)
• as an (internationally active) planning engineer
• as a operating engineer and thus responsible for plant operation, operational resource and environmental protection
• in licensing and monitoring authorities/specialist authorities
• in development cooperation

This is a programme with restricted admission: 30 students start each year, 15 students at each location (Hannover/Shenzhen). The basic requirement is the successful completion of a relevant bachelor’s degree and meeting the entry requirements for the WATENV (Mayor C) master’s programme. You must also provide evidence of your language skills (English, Level C1).

In accordance with the cooperation agreement with Tsinghua University, the following documents must be submitted:

• Bachelor’s degree certificate or a transcript of academic achievements to date
• A-level certificate
• Curriculum vitae
• Letter of motivation
• Proof of language proficiency
• At least two letters of recommendation from professionals in the field of Environmental Engineering

To apply for the Double Degree Programme, you must first apply to Leibniz University Hannover for the “Water Resources and Environmental Management” (WATENV) programme, specialising in “Major C”.

If, following a review of your documents, both universities deem you suitable, you will also be invited to an interview with each of the participating universities.

The subsequent application to Tsinghua SIGS incurs application fees as well as costs for the certification of your Bachelor’s degree (which will be reimbursed upon successful admission). You will receive support with your application to Tsinghua SIGS. 

Students pursuing the double degree option can only start the programme in the winter semester. During the application period, an online application portal is activated.

Application deadlines for the next winter semester:

• 30 November for non-EU applicants
• 15 January for EU applicants

You count as a non-EU applicant if you completed your Bachelor's degree in a non-EU (or non-EEA) country AND your nationality is a country outside the EU (or EEA).

If you are interested in the program, please feel free to contact us using the contact details below.

There are various accommodation options available to students in Hanover. You can find an overview on the International Office website. In general, you should start looking well in advance.

In Shenzhen, a place in student accommodation is reserved at the same time as your place on the degree programme.

To help you settle in well in Hanover and with your studies, we recommend that you take advantage of the welcome and orientation events offered by the degree programme and the university. Through the STEPin programme, you will receive not only academic support, but also help with building your network, engaging in intercultural exchange and finding your way in everyday student life.