History of USTB

Officially founded in 1952 as the Beijing Institute of Iron and Steel Technology, USTB's roots can be traced back to the 1890s. That's when the Beiyang Western Academy established the first mining and metallurgy disciplines in modern Chinese history. Over the past 60+ years, it has transformed from an engineering - focused school to a multidisciplinary, globally - recognized university.

Choosing USTB – Truth & Innovation

USTB is a multidisciplinary institution committed to top - notch teaching and research. It readies students for 21st - century challenges. With 25,000 students (nearly half at the graduate level) and over 1,800 teaching staff, USTB promotes collaboration. Students and teachers, along with industry and academic partners, conduct cutting - edge research, especially in materials science and engineering, metallurgical engineering, and mining engineering. Guided by the motto “seeking truth and endorsing innovation,” USTB offers quality education and real - world opportunities for future scholars and innovators.

A University of “Firsts”

USTB takes pride in leading and innovating among Chinese universities, achieving numerous “firsts.” It developed China's first electric arc furnace, designed housing materials for the first satellite Dong Fang Hong 1, and built the nation's first industrial - scale robot. Recognizing its achievements, USTB was selected for several national high - level initiatives. It was among the first in the “211 Project” and “985 Platform for National Advanced Disciplines Innovation.” It was also one of the first to set up a graduate program and partner with a foreign university during the reform and opening - up. In 2017, it joined the national “Double First - Class Initiative” for four first - class disciplines. As a university of “firsts,” USTB constantly aims to be at the forefront of innovation in China and globally.

A Community of International Citizens

Since its founding, USTB has been outward - looking, building overseas relationships and fostering a global mindset in students. Hundreds of students go abroad for exchanges annually, while more international students come for advanced study and Chinese language learning. With many successful engineers and politicians among its alumni, USTB is called the “cradle of iron and steel engineers” and “cradle of mayors.” With a growing number of alumni worldwide, you'll always find USTB students, past and present, contributing to the global community.