Overseas exchanges and cooperation have promoted the development of Tsinghua University. By the end of 2002, Tsinghua University established intercollegiate cooperative relations with more than 130 universities of 26 countries and regions in the world. In 2002, the university sent abroad more than 3700 faculty members and students for advanced training, academic visit and participating in international conferences and seminars, invited 653 overseas scholars to the university for lecturing, academic exchanges and joint researches, awarded 24 honorary titles to overseas scholars and prominent public figures. Altogether more than 940 foreign students coming from 55 countries and regions are studying in the university. The university often organizes international or regional academic conferences, 68 international conferences were held in 2002.

While expanding international exchanges with academic institutions, the university maintains good relationships with overseas industries, and has established with famous companies some joint research and training centers in the university so that the strength of the university for teaching and research has been enhanced.

Tsinghua University is a window for foreign people to understand China. Every year, numbers of high-ranking officials and celebrated figures coming from different countries and international organizations visit Tsinghua University. Their visits have promoted the mutual understanding and friendship between Chinese people and the people of other countries.