The research institutions of Tsinghua University shall be classified under three categories:

1. Category One is approved by government agencies. This includes key governmental research institutions relying on the university resources, and science and technology service organizations equipped with accreditation qualification, established by the state, provincial governments or ministries.

2. Category Two covers institutions solely approved by Tsinghua University.

3. Category Three covers jointly established institutions based on agreements signed between Tsinghua University and outside independent legal entities. This category includes joint research institutions with both domestic and foreign enterprises, universities, research institutions and organizations.

As of March 31,2024, there are 400 university-level scientific research institutions running at Tsinghua University.