East China Normal University (ECNU) is one of China’s most prestigious and influential universities, located in the dynamic metropolis of Shanghai. Despite its name, ECNU has long expanded beyond a purely pedagogical profile and is now a comprehensive research university with a global reputation.
Founded in 1951, ECNU inherited the best academic traditions of its predecessor, Guanghua University (1924). Today, it is a state university included in China’s elite academic initiatives “Project 985” and “Project 211”, underscoring its highest status and level of state support.
ABOUT
EAST CHINA NORMAL UNIVERSITY (ECNU), или Восточно-Китайский Педагогический университет – это многопрофильный университет, расположенный в Шанхае. Основан в 1907 году правительством Германии совместно с немецкими врачами. Тунцзи является одним из старейших и самых престижных университетов в Китае.
Университет Тунцзи особенно известен своими инженерными, бизнес и архитектурными специальностями, его отдел гражданского строительства на протяжении десятилетий неизменно занимает первое место в Китае.
PROGRAMS
Language course
Program Description: High-quality and popular Chinese language programs. ECNU offers various options: long-term (1-2 semesters) and short-term (summer/winter) courses, as well as intensive HSK preparation.
Application Deadlines:
Fall Semester (early September): Early March – Late June
Spring Semester (early March): Early October – Late December of the previous year
Description: Wide range of programs taught in Chinese. ECNU is particularly strong in education, psychology, teaching Chinese as a foreign language, international politics, software engineering, and environmental sciences.
Application Deadlines:
Main period: Usually from December 15 to March 15 (for the fall semester)
Scholarship deadlines (e.g., CSC) may be earlier (late February – March 10).
Estimated Cost:
Registration fee: 800 RMB
Tuition:
22,000 – 26,000 RMB/year (humanities)
26,000 – 30,000 RMB/year (natural sciences and engineering)
Requirements:
High school diploma (with strong academic grades)
Age: Under 25 years old
HSK 5 (210+ points) – standard admission requirement
Entrance exams (mathematics, Chinese) or interview
Required Documents:
Completed application on the ECNU website
Copy of passport
High school diploma and transcript (notarized English/Chinese translation)
HSK certificate
Motivation letter and study plan (in Chinese)
2 recommendation letters (from teachers)
Proof of registration fee payment
Medical certificate (standard form)
For creative specialties: Portfolio
2.2 Undergraduate Programs in English
Description: Limited number of English-taught programs. Main fields include business, economics, and software engineering.
Application Deadlines: Typically until March 31 (for the fall semester)
Estimated Cost:
Registration fee: 800 RMB
Tuition: 30,000 – 50,000 RMB/year
Requirements:
High school diploma
Age: Under 25 years old
IELTS 6.0 / TOEFL 80 or higher
Strong academic grades
Motivation letter
Required Documents:
Completed application on the ECNU website
Copy of passport
High school diploma and academic transcripts
IELTS/TOEFL certificate
Motivation letter (in English)
Recommendation letters
Resume (CV)
Proof of registration fee payment
Medical certificate
Masters degree
3.1 Master's Programs in Chinese
Description: Strong research programs in education, psychology, linguistics, political science, and natural sciences. As with other universities, prior agreement with a research supervisor is required.
Application Deadlines:
For CSC scholarships: Very early! Often until January 15 – February 1.
General admission: Typically until late February – March 15.
Estimated Cost:
Registration fee: 800 RMB
Tuition: 27,000 – 33,000 RMB/year (varies by program)
Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree
HSK 5 (210+ points) – for most programs
High GPA
Prior consent from an ECNU professor (significantly increases chances!)
Draft research proposal
Required Documents:
ECNU application form + scholarship application (if applicable)
Copy of passport
Bachelor’s diploma and transcript (official translation)
HSK certificate
Research proposal (in Chinese)
Letter from an ECNU professor confirming supervision (preferred)
2 recommendation letters (from academics)
Resume (CV)
Proof of registration fee payment
Medical certificate
3.2 Master's Programs in English
Description: Wide and popular selection of English-taught programs, particularly in international relations, business (IMBA), education, linguistics (TESOL), and software engineering.
Application Deadlines:
Varies by program. Usually from January to April.
Round 1 (for scholarships): Often January-February.
Check exact deadlines on the website of the specific institute (e.g., School of Global Communication, Business School).
Estimated Cost:
Registration fee: 800 RMB
Tuition: 30,000 – 80,000 RMB/year (MBA programs may cost more)
Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree
IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL 90 or higher (requirements may be higher for linguistics and communications)