About
About Shanghai Jiao Tong University
Shanghai Jiao Tong University (上海交通大学) was founded in 1896 as Nanyang Public School — one of the oldest universities in China. It became Jiao Tong University in 1921 and took its present name in 1959.
A member of the C9 League and the Double First-Class initiative, SJTU is one of China’s foremost universities for engineering, science, medicine, business and the social sciences. Its main campus is in the Minhang district of Shanghai, with a historic campus in Xuhui.
SJTU is organized into more than 30 schools and departments with 12 affiliated hospitals, teaches over 46,000 students including some 1,800 international students, and ranks among the top universities in China and Asia.
Consistently among the leading universities in the country
Leading STEM university
One of China’s top universities for engineering, science and technology, and a member of the C9 League.
Ranked among the world’s best
Ranked #47 in the QS World University Rankings 2026.
Strong in medicine
12 affiliated hospitals and a renowned School of Medicine make SJTU a major center for clinical training and research.
Flagship international institutes
Home to the UM-SJTU Joint Institute and the SJTU ParisTech Elite Institute of Technology.
Admission
Admission, programs & tuition
Shanghai Jiao Tong University admits international students to bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees, plus non-degree programs. Chinese-taught undergraduate admission uses the China Scholastic Competency Assessment (CSCA), and many graduate programs are taught in English. Tuition is set per academic year and varies by program; applications are made through the SJTU online system.
Degree programs
Select a degree level to see tuition, duration and entry requirements.
Bachelor’s degreeUndergraduate
Four-year undergraduate degrees in Chinese or English across engineering, science, medicine, economics, management and the humanities.
- Undergraduate programs
- RMB 24,800 / year
Application requirements
- Non-Chinese citizen with a valid foreign passport, in good physical and mental health and with no criminal record.
- High-school graduation (or equivalent) with strong academic transcripts.
- China Scholastic Competency Assessment (CSCA) score report — CSCA scores are due by 30 June 2026 for formal admission.
- Chinese-taught programs: HSK Level 5 (200+, Writing ≥ 60) or HSK Level 6 (180+, Writing ≥ 60).
- English-taught programs: TOEFL or IELTS scores for applicants whose first language is not English.
Master’s degreeGraduate
Two- to three-year master’s degrees across engineering, science, medicine, management and the social sciences, with a wide range of English-taught programs.
- Standard master’s programs
- RMB 28,900 / year
- Professional programs (e.g. MIB, Chinese Law)
- RMB 50,000 / year and above
Application requirements
- Foreign passport holder with a bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
- Academic transcripts and degree certificate.
- A study plan and recommendation letters.
- HSK or English-language test scores depending on the program’s language of instruction.
- Passport biographical page and program-specific materials.
Doctoral degreeGraduate
Doctoral study across engineering, the natural sciences, medicine and the social sciences.
- Doctoral programs
- RMB 45,500 / year
Application requirements
- Foreign passport holder with a master’s degree or equivalent.
- A research proposal and academic transcripts.
- Two academic recommendation letters.
- Language-proficiency test scores as required by the program.
- Passport biographical page and program-specific materials.
Non-degree programs
Chinese language program
General and intensive Mandarin study for international students at SJTU.
Fee · By program
Exchange & visiting students
Students nominated by partner universities, or self-funded visiting students, study for one or two semesters.
Fee · Per exchange agreement
SJTU Summer School
Short English-taught summer courses for international students across a range of subjects.
Fee · By program
Documents to prepare
- Valid foreign passport (biographical page).
- Highest degree or graduation certificate, with authentication where required.
- Full academic transcripts.
- Language-proficiency scores — HSK for Chinese-taught programs, TOEFL/IELTS for English-taught programs.
- China Scholastic Competency Assessment (CSCA) scores for undergraduate applicants.
- Study plan or research proposal, and recommendation letters for graduate applicants.
- Foreigner physical-examination record and program-specific documents.
Application timeline
- 1
Application windows open
Until early 2026Undergraduate and graduate applications for autumn 2026 are submitted through the SJTU online system; deadlines vary by program.
- 2
CSCA scores due
By 30 Jun 2026Chinese-taught undergraduate applicants must submit China Scholastic Competency Assessment scores by 30 June 2026 for formal admission.
- 3
Admission letters issued
Jul 2026Electronic formal admission letters are available to download from July 2026.
- 4
Registration & start of the autumn semester
Sep 2026Admitted students register on campus and the academic year begins.
Tuition is charged per academic year and varies by program; professional master’s programs cost significantly more than standard ones. Budget separately for the RMB 800 application fee, accommodation (RMB 4,500–11,900 per semester) and insurance. Always confirm the current figure on the official program page before applying.
Funding
Scholarships
International students at SJTU can apply for national, municipal and university scholarships. Fully funded options cover tuition, accommodation, insurance and a stipend; others cover tuition fully or partly.
Chinese Government Scholarship
Full funding: tuition, on-campus accommodation, a monthly living stipend and comprehensive medical insurance.
Eligibility: Non-Chinese citizens applying for degree study, applied for together with SJTU.
Shanghai Government Scholarship
Full or partial tuition for international degree students in Shanghai.
Eligibility: International degree students at Shanghai universities, awarded on academic merit.
SJTU Scholarship
Full or partial tuition, awarded on academic performance.
Eligibility: Outstanding self-funded international degree students.
SJTU Fellowship
Tuition and a living stipend for doctoral study.
Eligibility: Outstanding international applicants to doctoral programs.
International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarship
Tuition, accommodation and stipend for Chinese-language and Chinese-teaching programs.
Eligibility: Students of Chinese language and the Chinese-teaching track.
Research
Research at the university
SJTU is one of China’s leading research universities, with particular strength in engineering, the natural sciences, medicine and information technology, supported by a large network of laboratories and 12 affiliated hospitals.
Engineering & technology
World-recognized strength in mechanical, electrical, naval, aerospace and computer engineering, and in AI and materials.
Medicine & life sciences
The SJTU School of Medicine and 12 affiliated hospitals make it a major hub for biomedical and clinical research.
Natural sciences
Research across physics, chemistry, mathematics, oceanography and the life sciences.
Innovation & enterprise
A strong record of patents, technology transfer and university-linked enterprises.
- SJTU’s faculty includes 57 members of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Chinese Academy of Engineering.
- Engineering and technology at SJTU are consistently ranked among the best in China and worldwide.
- 12 affiliated hospitals support a leading medical research program.
- SJTU is among China’s most productive universities for patents and technology transfer.
Global engagement
Global engagement
SJTU partners with more than 150 leading universities worldwide and runs flagship joint institutes that deliver dual degrees and joint research.
UM-SJTU Joint Institute
A joint institute with the University of Michigan offering English-taught engineering degrees and a US-style education in Shanghai.
SJTU ParisTech Elite Institute of Technology
A Sino-French engineering institute run with leading French Grandes Écoles (ParisTech).
UBC International MBA
An International MBA delivered with the UBC Sauder School of Business since 2002, awarding a UBC degree.
Global partner network
Cooperation in education and research with 150+ world-renowned universities, including UCL and the University of Edinburgh.
Career
Career & alumni
SJTU graduates are in high demand — particularly in engineering, technology, finance and entrepreneurship — and the university has produced many of China’s leading scientists and business founders.
Career support
- Career counselling, workshops and recruitment events for students.
- Strong employer links across technology, manufacturing, finance and research.
- Support for entrepreneurship and start-ups, drawing on SJTU’s strong founder network.
- Guidance on graduate study and international careers.
Notable alumni
Jiang Zemin
Former President of China; studied electrical engineering at SJTU.
Qian Xuesen
Founding scientist of China’s rocket and space program.
Yang Yuanqing
Chairman and CEO of Lenovo.
Zeng Yuqun (Robin Zeng)
Founder and chairman of the battery maker CATL.
Campus life
Campus life
SJTU’s main campus in Minhang is one of the largest in Shanghai, with extensive teaching, research, sport and residential facilities, complemented by the historic Xuhui campus.
Accommodation
International student dormitories
RMB 4,500–11,900 per semester, by room type
Buildings on the Minhang campus (Nanyang Bei Yuan, No. 8/9) and the Xuhui campus (Taoli Yuan, Lianxing); rooms include air-conditioning, furniture, a private bathroom with 24-hour hot water and campus network.
Dining
Both campuses have multiple canteens and cafeterias serving Chinese and international food at student prices.
Facilities
Libraries
A large library system across the Minhang and Xuhui campuses with extensive collections and study spaces.
Sport & recreation
Gymnasiums, swimming pools, stadiums and sports grounds; SJTU has a strong sporting tradition.
Health care
On-campus medical services and 12 affiliated hospitals; insurance is required for international students.
Student life
Hundreds of student clubs and societies, plus an International Service Center that supports new arrivals.
Campus
Shanghai Jiao Tong University in photos
Photos of Shanghai Jiao Tong University
Photos will appear here once they are uploaded from the Qiao admin panel. In the meantime, Qiao is on it.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How much is tuition at Shanghai Jiao Tong University for international students?+
Undergraduate tuition is about RMB 24,800 per year, standard master’s programs RMB 28,900 per year and doctoral programs RMB 45,500 per year. Professional master’s programs such as the MIB cost more — around RMB 50,000 per year and above.
What are the admission requirements for international students at SJTU?+
Applicants must be non-Chinese citizens with a valid passport. Chinese-taught undergraduate admission uses the China Scholastic Competency Assessment (CSCA) and requires HSK Level 5–6; graduate applicants need the relevant prior degree, transcripts, recommendation letters and a study or research plan.
Does SJTU offer scholarships for international students?+
Yes. International students can apply for the Chinese Government Scholarship, the Shanghai Government Scholarship, the SJTU Scholarship, the SJTU Fellowship for doctoral students and Chinese-language scholarships.
When is the application deadline for SJTU?+
Applications for autumn 2026 are submitted through the SJTU online system, with deadlines varying by program. Chinese-taught undergraduate applicants must submit CSCA scores by 30 June 2026, and admission letters are issued from July 2026.
Does SJTU teach programs in English?+
Yes. SJTU offers many English-taught master’s and doctoral programs, and the UM-SJTU Joint Institute and SJTU ParisTech institute deliver English-taught engineering degrees.
Where do international students live at SJTU?+
SJTU provides international student dormitories across eight buildings on the Minhang and Xuhui campuses, costing roughly RMB 4,500–11,900 per semester depending on room type.
Contact
Contact the admissions offices
Reach the International Students Center (ISC) for questions about applications, documents, scholarships and arrival. Type university programs and offices are based on campus in Shanghai.
- Office
- International Students Center (ISC)
- Address
- International Students Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Minhang District, Shanghai 200240, P.R. China
Verified from official sources · last checked 2026-05-17
Tuition, fees and deadlines change every intake. Always confirm the current figures on the official Tsinghua pages before applying.