Shanghai University for International Students: Admission, Programmes and Tuition

Shanghai University (上海大学, SHU) is one of Shanghai's large comprehensive universities, admitting international students to bachelor's, master's, PhD and Chinese language programmes. It is supported by the national Double First-Class Initiative and has more than 2,500 international students from over 160 countries and regions. Here is what the university is strong in, what it costs and how to apply. For life in the city and other universities there, see our Shanghai study guide.

Shanghai University is not SJTU or Fudan

Searches for "Shanghai university" often mix up three different universities. Shanghai University (上海大学, SHU) is an independent university with its main campus in Baoshan District. It is not Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) and not Fudan University — they have their own websites, requirements and fees.

Double-check the university's English name in your documents and application: a mix-up can cost you a year.

Shanghai University in numbers

According to the official Shanghai University website:

Source: Shanghai University

Partners include Rutgers University, Loughborough University, the University of Technology Sydney and Tohoku University. The university runs four international joint-venture schools in engineering, arts and business.

Campuses

Shanghai University has three campuses. Baoshan (107 hectares) is the main campus with most schools, research institutes and academic centres. Jiading (33 hectares) hosts the international cooperative colleges, and Yanchang is being developed as a teaching and research base — see the university's campus page.

The main campus is at 99 Shangda Road, Baoshan District — in the north of the city, further from the centre than some other Shanghai universities. Keep this in mind for housing and internships.

Programmes and language of instruction

Shanghai University admits international students at every level: Chinese language courses, bachelor's, master's and PhD. Most programmes are taught in Chinese, with English-taught options mainly in economics, business and engineering.

International joint-venture schools:

1. SILC Business School;
2. Sino-European School of Technology (UTSEUS) — engineering with European partners;
3. Shanghai Vancouver Film School — film and media;
4. ULisboa School — a joint school with the University of Lisbon.

The current list of English-taught programmes and admission guides is published on the Shanghai University admissions portal.

How much does Shanghai University cost?

Fees depend on level, language and field. According to the tuition document on the university's admissions portal, bachelor's tuition is:

Source: Shanghai University

The bachelor's application fee is RMB 500. Master's and PhD fees depend on the programme and are listed in the programme catalogues on the admissions portal.

Shanghai is one of China's most expensive cities to live in. For budgeting, see How Much It Costs to Study and Live in China.

Entry requirements

Shanghai University's requirements are similar to other strong Chinese universities:

1. Bachelor's: high school diploma, CSCA exam results, HSK for Chinese-taught or IELTS/TOEFL for English-taught programmes. A bachelor's takes 4 years, or 5 for architecture, sculpture and urban planning.
2. Master's: bachelor's degree, language certificate, recommendations and a study plan.
3. PhD: master's degree, research proposal and recommendations.

Since 2026 the CSCA exam has become mandatory for international bachelor's applicants at many Chinese universities — see The CSCA Exam in 2027. Check the exact HSK and IELTS scores for each programme in the current admission guide.

Pros and cons of Shanghai University for international students

Pros:

1. Strong research in materials science, chemistry and engineering — in the top 1‰ of ESI.
2. Support from the Double First-Class Initiative and 250+ global partners for exchanges.
3. International joint-venture schools with European and Canadian partners.
4. A large international community — more than 2,500 international students.
5. Shanghai is China's largest economic centre with plenty of internship opportunities.

Cons:

1. High cost of living in Shanghai compared with other Chinese cities.
2. The main Baoshan campus is far from the city centre.
3. Most programmes are taught in Chinese; the choice of English-taught majors is limited.

If a lower cost of living matters to you, compare Shanghai with other cities such as Harbin or Hangzhou.

Scholarships

International students at Shanghai University can apply for the Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC), the Shanghai Government Scholarship and university scholarships. Scholarship application guides are published on the admissions portal alongside programme guides.

How to apply to Shanghai University

1. Choose a programme and check the language and requirements in the 2027 guide.

2. Take HSK or IELTS and, for bachelor's programmes, CSCA.

3. Prepare your documents with notarised translations.

4. Apply through the university's online system and, if relevant, for a scholarship.

5. Receive your Admission Notice and JW202 and get an X1 visa.

For the general process, see How to Apply to Study in China in 2027.

Frequently asked questions

Is Shanghai University the same as Shanghai Jiao Tong University?

No. Shanghai University (上海大学, SHU) and Shanghai Jiao Tong University (上海交通大学, SJTU) are different universities with different requirements and fees.

How much does it cost to study at Shanghai University?

For a bachelor's, RMB 21,000–32,000 a year for Chinese-taught and RMB 30,000 a year for English-taught programmes, according to the university — plus housing, insurance and living costs in Shanghai.

Does Shanghai University offer English-taught programmes?

Yes, mainly in economics, business and engineering, and at the international joint-venture schools. The list is published on the admissions portal.

How many international students study at Shanghai University?

According to the university, more than 2,500 international students from over 160 countries and regions.

Do I need CSCA to apply to Shanghai University?

For bachelor's programmes, most likely yes: since 2026 CSCA has become mandatory for international bachelor's applicants at many Chinese universities. Check the requirement in Shanghai University's 2027 guide. It is not needed for master's or PhD programmes.

Quick action plan

1. Make sure you need Shanghai University specifically, not SJTU or Fudan.

2. Choose a programme and check the 2027 requirements.

3. Take HSK, IELTS and CSCA (for bachelor's).

4. Apply for both a scholarship and a self-funded place.

Information checked on 4 October 2026. Requirements, fees and deadlines may change — always check the official Shanghai University website before applying.

Useful articles about studying in China

1. Top Universities in China for International Students: Rankings and How to Choose
2. Scholarships to Study in China: Chinese Government Scholarship, University and Provincial Grants
3. Bachelor’s Degree in China After High School: Requirements, CSCA, Costs and 2027 Admission
4. Master’s Degree in China for International Students: Programmes, Requirements, Costs and Admission