Shanghai University (SHU) is one of the largest universities in China. Six disciplines taught at the university rank in the top 1% globally according to the ESI World Ranking: mathematics, physics, chemistry, engineering, clinical medicine, and materials science.
Shanghai University places special emphasis on its strategy for recruiting elite specialists. Among its faculty are 8 academicians, 577 professors, and 924 associate professors.
ABOUT
SHANGHAI UNIVERSITY (SHU), или Шанхайский университет – один из крупнейших вузов Китая. Шесть преподаваемых в вузе дисциплин входят в ТОП-1% лучших в мировом рейтинге ESI: математика, физика, химия, инженерия, клиническая медицина, материаловедение.
Шанхайский Университет уделяет особое внимание стратегии подбора элитных специалистов. Среди преподавателей 8 академиков, 577 профессоров и 924 доцента.
PROGRAMS
Language course
Program Description: Flexible and affordable Chinese language programs. Offers long-term and short-term courses, including summer programs. An excellent option to begin preparation for studying in China.
Application Deadlines:
Fall Semester (early September): March – June 15
Spring Semester (early March): October – December 15 of the previous year
Summer Courses (4-8 weeks): April – May
Estimated Cost:
Registration fee: 400–500 RMB
Tuition: ~8,500–9,500 RMB/semester
Summer Courses: ~2,500–4,000 RMB (depending on duration)
Requirements:
Age: 18–60 years
High school diploma (or equivalent)
Passport valid for at least 6 months
No prior Chinese language knowledge required
Required Documents:
Completed online application on the SHU website
Copy of passport (photo page)
Copy of highest educational certificate
Passport-sized photo
Bachelor degree
2.1 Undergraduate Programs in Chinese
Description: Wide range of programs taught in Chinese. SHU is particularly strong in engineering, materials science, business, finance, film, and fine arts.
Application Deadlines:
Main period: Usually from January 1 to April 15 (for the fall semester)
Scholarship deadlines (e.g., Shanghai Government Scholarship - SGS): Often late February – March.
Estimated Cost:
Registration fee: 500 RMB
Tuition:
20,000 – 26,000 RMB/year (humanities)
24,000 – 30,000 RMB/year (natural sciences and engineering)
30,000 – 45,000 RMB/year (arts)
Requirements:
High school diploma
Age: Under 25 years old
HSK 4 (180+ points) – for some technical programs
HSK 5 (180+ points) – standard requirement for most programs
Entrance exams or interview
Required Documents:
Completed application on the SHU website
Copy of passport
High school diploma and transcript (notarized English/Chinese translation)
HSK certificate
Motivation letter (in Chinese)
Recommendation letter
Proof of registration fee payment
Medical certificate
For creative specialties: Portfolio (mandatory!)
2.2 Undergraduate Programs in English
Description: Limited but growing number of English-taught programs. Main fields include engineering, business, and economics.
Application Deadlines: Typically until May 31 (for the fall semester)
Estimated Cost:
Registration fee: 500 RMB
Tuition: 25,000 – 35,000 RMB/year
Requirements:
High school diploma
Age: Under 25 years old
IELTS 5.5 / TOEFL 70 or higher (requirements may be lower than Fudan/SJTU)
Strong academic grades
Motivation letter
Required Documents:
Completed application on the SHU 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: Programs focused on research and applied skills. Strong fields: materials science, mechanical engineering, sociology, Chinese studies, and arts.
Application Deadlines:
For scholarships (CSC, SGS): Early deadline! Often until February 1 – March 15.
General admission: Typically until April 15 – May 10.
Estimated Cost:
Registration fee: 500 RMB
Tuition: 26,000 – 34,000 RMB/year (varies by program)
Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree
HSK 5 (180+ points) – standard requirement
Good GPA
Prior consent from an SHU professor (recommended)
Draft research proposal
Required Documents:
SHU 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 SHU 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: Popular English-taught programs, especially in business (MBA), international trade, engineering, and materials science.
Application Deadlines:
Varies by program. Usually from February to May.
Round 1 (for scholarships): Often February-March.
Estimated Cost:
Registration fee: 500–800 RMB
Tuition: 30,000 – 60,000 RMB/year (MBA programs may cost more)