East China Normal University: Admission for International Students, Programs and Requirements

East China Normal University (ECNU) accepts international students for bachelor's, master's and doctoral programs, and you can apply to programs taught in either English or Chinese. According to the university, around 6,000 international students from more than 130 countries study there each year. Below we explain which programs are open to you, which HSK or IELTS score you need, what documents to prepare and how scholarships work.

What is East China Normal University and who is it for

ECNU is a university in Shanghai that offers degree programs, Chinese language courses, short-term programs and exchanges. For full study abroad, the degree programs matter most: a four-year bachelor's, a master's of 2–3 years and a four-year doctorate.

It suits applicants who want to study in Shanghai and are choosing between English- and Chinese-taught programs. If you are still comparing universities, start with our overview of the top universities in China, and read about the city in our guide to studying in Shanghai.

Which ECNU programs are open to international students

The university offers programs at three levels, and the language of instruction depends on the specific program.

Bachelor's programs

The bachelor's takes four years. For example, the Global BBA is taught in English with an additional Chinese or French language course and takes place on the Minhang campus. The remaining bachelor's majors are listed in the undergraduate program catalog, which also shows which CSCA subjects each major requires.

Master's and doctoral programs

Master's programs last 2–3 years and doctoral programs four years, according to the university's graduate admissions page. Some programs are taught in English, for example the master's and PhD in political science and international relations at the School of Politics and International Relations.

Source: ECNU undergraduate admissions, ECNU graduate admissions

Language requirements: HSK, IELTS and TOEFL

The requirement depends on the language of the program. Chinese-taught programs require HSK; English-taught programs require an English certificate unless English is your native or an official language.

Bachelor's

For most Chinese-taught programs the university asks for HSK 5 with a score of at least 180. Programs in the School of Design and the School of International Chinese Studies accept HSK 4 with at least 180, while the School of Communication requires HSK 6 with at least 180. For English-taught programs the university accepts IELTS 6.0 or higher, TOEFL 85 or higher, or Cambridge English at B2 or above. The university lists these conditions in its undergraduate admissions description.

Master's and doctorate

For Chinese-taught graduate programs the requirement depends on the field. Liberal arts and economics majors need HSK 5 with at least 210 or HSK 6 with at least 180; art, physical education and science majors need HSK 5 with at least 180. English-taught programs require IELTS 6.0 or higher, TOEFL 80 or higher, or Cambridge English C1 Advanced with at least 169, as stated on the graduate admissions page.

Certificates must be valid, meaning issued within the last two years. The university makes exceptions for applicants whose native or official language is English and for those who studied entirely in English.

What is CSCA and is it required for ECNU

CSCA is a standardized exam for international bachelor's applicants. ECNU requires a CSCA result for bachelor's admission, and the set of subjects depends on the program; for registration the university refers applicants to the official exam website. According to the university, there was no minimum score for 2026 admission: the result was taken into account in the overall evaluation of the application. We explain how the exam works in our CSCA guide.

CSCA is not listed among the requirements for master's and doctoral programs, but you need a degree from the previous level that is recognized in China: a bachelor's for the master's and a master's for the doctorate.

Documents you need to apply to ECNU

All documents are uploaded to the online system as scans of the originals. Documents not in Chinese or English must come with a notarized translation. For bachelor's admission the university lists this package:

1. The ECNU international student application form, completed online.

2. A high school graduation certificate, or a certificate of impending graduation; if you do not have the certificate yet, it must be submitted at registration.

3. A complete high school transcript.

4. A language certificate: HSK for Chinese-taught programs, or IELTS, TOEFL or Cambridge English for English-taught programs.

5. A CSCA result.

6. A medical examination on the form for foreigners and a non-criminal record certificate.

Applicants under 18 must provide a guardian's certificate in China. Applicants to the School of Fine Art must submit their latest original artwork, and applicants to the School of Music must provide a recent performance video.

See the undergraduate admissions page for the full list and the current forms.

When to apply

Deadlines depend on the type of application. Below are the 2026 intake dates as published by the university. The university publishes the 2027 calendar later, so use these dates as a guide for now.

Source: ECNU undergraduate admissions, ECNU graduate admissions

The university encourages applicants to apply as early as possible. An application counts only if all materials are submitted through the system before the deadline; materials sent by email or messenger are not accepted.

How much it costs to apply and to study

First you pay the application fee: 800 RMB, online. It is non-refundable even if you are not admitted. If you are not admitted to your chosen program, you can submit a second application for another program within the same application period, but you pay the fee again.

Tuition depends on the program. According to the undergraduate brochure, Chinese-taught bachelor's programs cost 22,000 to 28,000 RMB per year: 22,000 for humanities and law, 24,000 for natural sciences, and 28,000 for art, design and sports. For the English-taught master's in political science and international relations the university lists 35,000 RMB per academic year, and for the doctorate 45,000 RMB. Check the page of your specific program for other figures. Self-funded students are asked to pay tuition by July 31. For a full budget, see our breakdown of the cost of studying and living in China.

Scholarships at ECNU

The university lists several kinds of support: the Chinese Government Scholarship, the Shanghai Government Scholarship, ECNU's own scholarship for excellent freshmen and the International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarship. Descriptions, amounts and conditions are on the undergraduate scholarships page and the graduate scholarships page.

For example, according to the undergraduate brochure the Chinese Government Scholarship Type A covers tuition, accommodation and insurance and includes 2,500 RMB per month for the first 12 months, while for master's and doctoral students the scholarship page lists 3,500 RMB per month. Conditions differ between scholarships, and awards are competitive. For a broader overview, see our guide to scholarships in China.

Housing for ECNU students

On-campus housing is reserved online. It is open only to students who have already been admitted and have paid tuition; students on tuition-waived scholarships and exchange students also go through the booking. Places are limited, and the rules and dates are published on the accommodation page.

How your application is reviewed

First the university runs a preliminary eligibility check against the admission requirements. Then the relevant school or department evaluates the application, interviews may be arranged if necessary, and the final decision is based on a comprehensive evaluation. If you also apply for a scholarship, you register for it separately in the relevant system.

Frequently asked questions

Does ECNU accept international students without Chinese?

Yes. The university has English-taught programs, including a bachelor's (for example, the Global BBA) and master's programs. They require an English certificate rather than HSK.

Which HSK level do I need for a Chinese-taught bachelor's?

For most programs the university asks for HSK 5 with at least 180. The School of Design and the School of International Chinese Studies accept HSK 4 with at least 180, and the School of Communication requires HSK 6 with at least 180.

How much is the ECNU application fee?

The fee is 800 RMB, paid online and non-refundable. If you are not admitted and apply to another program, you pay the fee again.

Do I need CSCA for a master's?

CSCA is not listed among the requirements for master's and doctoral programs. It is required for bachelor's applicants, and the subjects depend on the program.

Can I get a scholarship?

Yes. The university offers several scholarships, including the Chinese Government Scholarship and ECNU's own scholarship for excellent freshmen. They are competitive, and deadlines and conditions are published on the scholarship pages.

When does the academic year start?

For the 2026 intake, studies began in early September. The university publishes the start date for a new intake on the program page.

Are applications accepted by email or messenger?

No. An application is valid only if all documents are uploaded to the online system before the deadline.

Action plan

1. Decide on the level and the language of study.

2. Open your program's page on the ECNU portal and check the requirements.

3. Take the language exam and, for a bachelor's, CSCA.

4. Prepare your documents and notarized translations.

5. Submit the application in the online system before the deadline and pay the fee.

6. If you count on a scholarship, apply for it separately.

Information verified on October 19, 2026. Requirements, costs and deadlines depend on the university and may change — always check the official university website before applying.

Useful articles about studying in China

1. Bachelor’s Degree in China After High School: Requirements, CSCA, Costs and 2027 Admission
2. Master’s Degree in China for International Students: Programmes, Requirements, Costs and Admission
3. English-Taught Programmes in China: Universities, Tuition and IELTS Requirements
4. China Student Visa: X1 and X2 Visas — Documents, Process and Residence Permit