Shanghai University is a comprehensive public university located in central Shanghai. It offers programs across many fields — arts, social sciences, engineering, business, and design — and supports a large community of international students. SHU combines academic teaching, research, and global cooperation to offer quality education. The university attracts students from many countries thanks to its broad program range, moderate tuition and living costs, and support services for foreign students. Its English-taught and Chinese-taught degree programs help meet the needs of both international and local students. SHU’s strength in research and its membership in China’s national higher-education initiative make it a respected institution among global peer universities.
| Intakes | September |
|---|---|
| All Campuses | Baoshan Campus, Yanchang Campus, Jiading Campus, Xinzha Campus. |
| Website | https://www.shu.edu.cn |
| Monthly Living Cost | RMB 2,500–3,000 |
| Funds Requirements for Visa | RMB 30,000–40,000 |
| Application Fees | RMB 500 |
| Currency | RMB |
| Is Lang Mendatory | Yes |
| Part Time Work Details | <p>International students may work part-time only if they obtain prior permission from university + local authorities; work hours are limited and must not interfere with studies. (Standard Chinese student visa rules apply.)</p> |
Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings: SHU is ranked in the 401–500 band (2025) globally.
QS World University Ranking (overall / global): SHU is ranked ≈ 465th globally.
QS / Subject Rankings: SHU’s QS profile notes high research output and presence of over 2,300 international students.
UK University League Table: Not applicable — SHU is in China and does not appear in UK-specific league tables.
The Guardian University Rankings: Not applicable — those rankings cover UK institutions, so SHU does not appear.
For English-taught programs at SHU (especially for international students), applicants typically need to provide proof of English proficiency (such as IELTS or TOEFL) or equivalent. For programs taught in Chinese, applicants must show sufficient Chinese language proficiency. Always check the requirement for each department when applying.
SHU offers scholarships and funding support for international students. This includes university-level scholarships and possibly support for housing, tuition waiver or reduction, depending on eligibility, academic merit or need. Application for scholarship usually happens simultaneously with admission; some scholarships require separate application through SHU’s international office.
Undergraduate programs: tuition typically ranges RMB 21,000 – 32,000 per year (depending on major).
Some bachelor majors (business, trade, finance) cost about RMB 30,000 per year for English-taught options.
Master’s or postgraduate tuition varies; according to SHU fee tables, master’s fees can range between RMB 26,000 – 59,000 per year, depending on discipline.
On-campus accommodation fees vary by room type: single, double or shared rooms offered; off-campus housing options are available too.
Applicants must complete the online application form on the SHU international admissions portal.
Required documents usually include: passport copy, previous diploma/transcript, proof of language ability (English or Chinese depending on program), application fee payment receipt, sometimes a study plan (for postgraduate), and other materials as specified per program.
Once the application is accepted, a tuition deposit may be required (for international students) as part of admission confirmation.
Yes — Shanghai University uses an online application system for both degree and scholarship applications. International applicants can submit documents and pay fees online.
For accepted international students, SHU provides visa-related support: issuance of admission documents, guidance for visa (X-visa) application, assistance with residence permit application, and support for health check and registration procedures. For dormitory stay or off-campus housing, relevant logistic support is offered via the university’s student services.
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Shanghai University traces its origin to 1922, when it was first established during a period of political collaboration in China. Over the decades, due to institutional changes and historical events, the original university was dissolved. In May 1994, the modern Shanghai University was re-formed by merging several former institutions: Shanghai University of Technology, Shanghai University of Science & Technology, Shanghai Institute of Science & Technology and the earlier version of Shanghai University. Under this new form, SHU expanded its academic offerings across engineering, sciences, humanities, management, arts, and more. Over time the university built up strong faculty, large campuses, a rich library collection, and many academic disciplines.The university now serves tens of thousands of students, including many international students, and maintains broad international cooperation with many institutions abroad.
Students choose Shanghai University because it offers a wide variety of subjects, from engineering and science to arts, social sciences and business. SHU combines broad program choice with good faculty strength. It attracts a multicultural student body, including international students, which makes the campus more open. The university has multiple campuses with modern facilities, including libraries, labs and student services. For international students there are English-taught programs and support for admission, housing, and visas. SHU’s link with global universities offers opportunities for exchange, making it useful for those seeking a global perspective.
Shanghai University includes many academic units across disciplines. Among them:
Schools/Colleges of Engineering, Science, Materials Science, Computer Science & Technology, Environmental Science.
Schools/Colleges of Economics, Management, Business, Social Sciences, Law, Humanities.
Arts, Design and Media institutes (on relevant campuses).
Graduate programs including master’s and doctoral degrees in many disciplines; adult education and continuing education departments.
Available financial support includes:
University-level scholarships for international students.
Tuition waivers or reductions for some programs depending on eligibility and academic performance.
Possible merit-based or need-based financial aid, depending on student background and funding availability.
SHU offers dormitories on its campuses. Dorms are described as modern, with access to basic facilities. On-campus housing tends to be more affordable and convenient for students.
Students may choose to live off campus in nearby residential areas. Off-campus housing offers more flexibility and possibly more space, and is commonly used by students seeking private apartments or shared flats. Proximity to campus and access to public transport makes these options convenient for students living off campus.
CampusBaoshan Campus, Yanchang Campus, Jiading Campus, Xinzha Campus.
Entry Score
Course LevelUndergraduate
Total Course FeeRMB RMB 24,000
China
