Tongji University, founded in 1907, initially operated under the auspices of German missionaries. It began as a technical school designed to meet the burgeoning needs of China for skilled professionals in engineering and technology, particularly in response to the country's rapid industrialization. Over the years, the university expanded its curriculum and adopted a more comprehensive approach to higher education, moving toward a multidisciplinary framework. By the 1920s, the institution garnered a reputation for excellence in both engineering and medical fields. The approval by the Nationalist government to elevate its status to that of a national university represented not only a recognition of the university's contributions but also an important shift in the educational landscape of China. The government was keen on promoting education as a means of national rejuvenation and modernization. This official acknowledgment enabled Tongji University to access government funding and resources, positioning it as a crucial player in the national education policy. As a result, this transformation allowed for improvements in infrastructure, expanded faculty recruitment, and increased student enrollment.