A novel terbium complex using 1,3,4-oxadiazole derivative as a neutral ligand was synthesized and characterized. Its thermal stability and photoluminescent properties were studied. The strong emission peaked at 546 nm with a full width at half maximum of 5 nm was observed in the pure terbium complex film under excitation of 328 nm light, which is attributed to the characteristic emission of terbium ion. The good thermal stability and intense sharp emission of this terbium complex display its potential application in electroluminescence devices.