Program overview
Power Engineering, in simple terms, studies how to convert energy sources like coal, oil, gas, nuclear, wind, and solar into the electricity, heat, and mechanical power we need. You might design engines, steam turbines, boilers, or new energy power generation systems. Core courses include Engineering Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics, Heat Transfer, Combustion Science, and Principles of Power Machinery. If you enjoy hands-on work, are curious about how cars/airplanes/power plants operate, and aren't afraid of math and physics, this major will suit you well. Chinese universities have a strong tradition of engineering practice in this field—examples include Tsinghua University, Xi'an Jiaotong University, and Shanghai Jiao Tong University. Their labs often feature real gas turbines, internal combustion engine test benches, and even small nuclear reactor simulators. International students can access cutting-edge technologies ranging from traditional thermal power to photovoltaic, wind, and hydrogen energy. Many schools also have joint training programs with major domestic energy companies (e.g., China Energy Investment Corporation, CGN), offering plenty of internship opportunities.