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Last modified: 2026-10-01

# Shanghai University (SHU)

Shanghai University (上海大学, SHU) is a comprehensive Project 211 university in Shanghai, run jointly by China's Ministry of Education and the Shanghai municipal government. It is a separate institution from Shanghai Jiao Tong University and Shanghai International Studies University, with its own admissions portal, fees and selection. In the 2026/27 cycle, Chinese-taught bachelor's degrees cost $3,130–4,770 (CNY 21,000–32,000) a year and the English-taught business degrees at SILC cost $5,970 (CNY 40,000). Bachelor's applicants need a CSCA score report, plus HSK 4 or HSK 5 for Chinese-taught study or IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL 90 for English-taught study.

The Main Library of Shanghai University on the Baoshan campus, September 2022. Photo: Nolanzhu / [source](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Shanghai_University_Main_Library.jpg), [CC BY-SA 4.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).

| At a glance | Details |
| --- | --- |
| City and campuses | Shanghai: Baoshan (main campus, 99 Shangda Road), Yanchang (Jing'an District), Jiading |
| Status | Project 211, first-class discipline construction, co-sponsored by the Ministry of Education and Shanghai |
| Size | 40,000+ full-time students, including 2,935 international students from 150+ countries; 32 schools and colleges |
| Ranking | THE World University Rankings 2027: 501–550 band |
| Bachelor's, per year | Chinese-taught $3,130–4,770 (CNY 21,000–32,000); bilingual $4,470 (CNY 30,000); SILC in English $5,970 (CNY 40,000) |
| Master's, per year | Chinese-taught $3,880–5,820 (CNY 26,000–39,000); English-taught from $4,850 (CNY 32,500) |
| Application window, 2026/27 cycle | 20 November 2025 to 30 June 2026 |
| Housing | from $4 (CNY 30) per bed per day at Jiading to $21 (CNY 140) for a single room |

## Which "Shanghai University" is this? {#section-1}

The English name does not say what the university specialises in, so it is easy to confuse with its neighbours. Check the Chinese characters and the abbreviation before you pay an application fee.

| University | Chinese name | How it differs |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Shanghai University, SHU | 上海大学 | comprehensive: engineering, materials, film, fine arts, law, economics |
| Shanghai Jiao Tong University, SJTU | 上海交通大学 | C9 research university with separate admissions; see our [SJTU profile](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-shanghai-jiao-tong) |
| Shanghai International Studies University, SISU | 上海外国语大学 | languages and international relations; see our [SISU profile](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-sisu) |
| Shanghai University of Finance and Economics, SUFE | 上海财经大学 | economics and finance |
| University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, USST | 上海理工大学 | a separate technical university |

Our overview of [universities in Shanghai](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-universities-in-shanghai) compares the city's options, and the [study in China](https://www.studyu.org/en/country-china) page lists every Chinese university profile on StudyU.

## Who Shanghai University suits {#section-2}

SHU belongs on a shortlist if you want Shanghai's internships and environment but find Fudan or Jiao Tong too competitive. It combines strong engineering (mechatronics, robotics, materials science, microelectronics) with the Shanghai Film Academy and the Shanghai Academy of Fine Arts, which is unusual for a Chinese university.

It is a good fit if you:

- can study in Chinese at HSK 4–5 level by the time you apply, or plan to start with a foundation year;
- want an English-taught business degree at SILC and can budget $5,970 (CNY 40,000) a year for tuition alone;
- are applying for film, animation, design or painting and can put together a portfolio.

Look elsewhere if you need an engineering bachelor's taught entirely in English (SHU has none) or want everything on one campus: schools are spread across three sites and your programme decides where you study.

## Bachelor's programmes open to international students {#section-3}

Degrees last four years (five for sculpture). Fees depend on the subject group, not the school.

| Subject group | Example programmes | Fee per year, 2026/27 | CSCA subjects |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Humanities, Chinese-taught | Chinese language and literature, history, law, sociology, journalism, advertising | $3,130 (CNY 21,000) | Chinese for liberal arts, mathematics |
| Science, engineering, economics, management, Chinese-taught | mechatronics, robotics, automation, computer science, AI, materials, telecommunications, economics, finance, business | $3,580 (CNY 24,000) | Professional Chinese for science, mathematics, physics (chemistry for chemistry and life sciences) |
| Arts, Chinese-taught | architecture, animation, directing, cinematography, painting, design, music | $4,770 (CNY 32,000) | depends on the programme; architecture and digital media use the science set |
| Bilingual, Ulisboa College | environmental engineering, electrical engineering and automation, civil engineering | $4,470 (CNY 30,000) | Professional Chinese for science, mathematics, physics |
| English-taught, SILC | international trade (cross-border e-commerce), finance, digital marketing, innovation and entrepreneurship | $5,970 (CNY 40,000) | mathematics only |

SILC is based on the Jiading campus and collects tuition and deposits into its own bank account. Both SILC and Ulisboa College are Chinese-foreign joint programmes, so students who meet the requirements of both universities can apply for a double degree. The Chinese Language and Teaching Chinese to Speakers of Other Languages degrees can also be reached through a foundation year, described below.

## Language and academic requirements {#section-4}

| Programmes | Minimum |
| --- | --- |
| Chinese Language; Teaching Chinese to Speakers of Other Languages | HSK 4, 180+ |
| Science, engineering, economics, management, arts | HSK 5, 180+ |
| Humanities | HSK 5, 210+ |
| Bilingual (Ulisboa) | HSK 5 180+ and IELTS 5.0 or TOEFL 60 |
| English-taught (SILC) | IELTS Academic 6.5, TOEFL 90, Duolingo 120, or Cambridge CAE/CPE 180 |

Certificates must be no more than two years old. Applicants whose previous schooling was entirely in the language of the programme can be exempted with an official letter from their school.

Academically, SHU asks for a school GPA of at least 3.0 out of 4. Engineering applicants need mathematics and physics at school, economics applicants need mathematics, and some programmes also look for programming coursework. Arts applicants submit a portfolio (paintings, scripts or short films). The brochure does not convert other national grading scales, so it helps to attach your school's explanation of its marking system to the transcript.

## How selection works {#section-5}

SHU's decision draws on several components:

1. Document review in the apply.shu.edu.cn system.
2. The CSCA score. Since the 2026/27 cycle it is mandatory for bachelor's applications. If the report is not ready, applicants upload proof of test registration and then email the report to their programme coordinator: by 15 May for scholarship applicants and by 30 June for self-funded applicants.
3. The Security and Background Check (SBC) questionnaire on background, education and health; answers are verified and kept on file.
4. The University Qualification Assessment (UQA), an online test for individual applicants that the university says carries significant weight.
5. An interview of 10–15 minutes, possibly AI-run, in the language of the programme.

Shanghai University makes the admission decision. After the electronic offer, self-funded students have 20 working days to pay a deposit of half or the full first-year tuition, or the place is treated as declined.

## Bachelor's application documents {#section-6}

- a passport-style photo on a blue background, taken within six months, JPG under 100 KB;
- the passport information page, plus the visa page if you are outside your home country;
- the CSCA score report;
- a self-introduction video with your study plan, under 50 MB, in the language of the programme;
- your school-leaving certificate, or a pre-graduation certificate and a commitment to graduate by 31 July, plus transcripts;
- a language certificate;
- the university's statement of financial support;
- a personal statement explaining your study plan and why you chose SHU;
- a police clearance certificate, or SHU's no-criminal-record commitment if you cannot obtain one at home;
- artworks for arts programmes.

Documents in languages other than Chinese or English need notarised translations. Scan colour originals or notarised copies with a scanner: phone photos and scans of photocopies are rejected, and originals are checked at registration. Our guide to [applying to Chinese universities](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-applying-to-chinese-universities) covers translation and legalisation in more detail.

Applicants under 18 may apply but need a guardian in China until they turn 18, normally a Chinese citizen living and working in the city of study who signs SHU's guardian statement.

## Timeline: the 2026/27 cycle and what to expect for 2027 {#section-7}

| Step | 2026/27 cycle |
| --- | --- |
| Applications | 20 November 2025 to 30 June 2026 |
| CSCA report for scholarship applicants | by 15 May |
| Shanghai Government Scholarship application | by 30 April |
| Deposit after the e-offer | 20 working days |
| Start of studies | late August to early September; registration from 1 September |

SHU publishes a separate brochure for the 2027/28 intake; based on the previous cycle, the portal is likely to open in the second half of November 2026. The CSCA has six sessions in 2026/27: 14–15 November and 19–20 December 2026, then 23–24 January, 13–14 March, 24–25 April and 26–27 June 2027, with registration for the November sitting running from 15 to 21 October 2026. A scholarship applicant who must submit the report by 15 May is safer sitting the test by March: April results arrive about 10 working days later, right at the deadline, with no room for a resit. Our [CSCA exam guide](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-csca-exam-guide) explains the subjects and scoring.

## Foundation year for Chinese-language degrees {#section-8}

If you have no Chinese yet and are aiming for the Chinese Language or Teaching Chinese to Speakers of Other Languages bachelor's, SHU runs a 36-week International Foundation Program.

| Item | Autumn 2026 intake |
| --- | --- |
| Entry requirements | aged 18+, completed secondary school, passport valid for over a year; no Chinese required |
| Dates | 14 September 2026 to 2 July 2027 |
| Workload | 24 class hours a week: language, culture, practice, HSK preparation |
| Fees | $3,730 (CNY 25,000) for the programme, application fee $75 (CNY 500), insurance $120 (CNY 800) |
| Housing | single $21 (CNY 140), double $10 (CNY 70), quad $6 (CNY 40) per bed per day |
| Applications | 1 April to 30 June 2026 |
| Progression to the degree | HSK 4 with 180+ and a CSCA result by the following September |

Students who reach HSK 5 with 180+ can apply to skip part of the intermediate Chinese courses in the degree. Progression is not automatic: without the required HSK and CSCA, a student continues at the language stage at their own expense. Our article on the [foundation year in China](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-foundation-year-in-china) compares university foundation programmes with ordinary language courses.

## One-year Chinese language programme {#section-9}

The language programme runs on the Yanchang campus: autumn semester 14 September 2026 to 15 January 2027, spring semester 1 March to 2 July 2027, with 20 class hours a week. There are five levels from A (beginner) to E (advanced), assigned by placement test, plus optional calligraphy and a CSCA mathematics bridging class. A year costs $2,950 (CNY 19,800) plus a $75 (CNY 500) application fee; applications for autumn 2026 closed on 30 June. Graduates receive a programme completion certificate. Compare it with courses elsewhere in our guide to [Chinese language programmes in China](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-chinese-language-programs-in-china).

## Master's degrees {#section-10}

You need a bachelor's degree (or proof that you will receive it by the end of July of the entry year) with a GPA of at least 2.5 out of 4, a relevant background and, for most programmes, acceptance by a prospective supervisor chosen in the application system. No supervisor is chosen at the Schools of Economics and Management, the MBA Center, the College of International Education or SILC.

Chinese-taught programmes require HSK 5 with 180+ (210+ for humanities). For English-taught programmes, SHU accepts IELTS 6.5, TOEFL 90, Duolingo 120, CAE or CPE 180, GRE 320 or GMAT 550. You also need two recommendation letters from professors or associate professors and a research plan of at least 800 words (2,000 for Drama and Film Studies).

| Master's | Fee per year, 2026/27 |
| --- | --- |
| Chinese-taught humanities | $3,880–5,220 (CNY 26,000–35,000) |
| Chinese-taught science, engineering, economics, management | $4,330 (CNY 29,000) |
| Chinese-taught arts | $5,820 (CNY 39,000) |
| English-taught international relations, sociology, demography; journalism and communication (professional, 2 years) | $4,850 (CNY 32,500); journalism and communication $6,530 (CNY 43,750) |
| English-taught management, electronic information, mechanical and electrical engineering, international trade | $5,410 (CNY 36,250) |
| English-taught finance and international business (including SILC) | $11,190 (CNY 75,000) |
| MBA | $17,000 (CNY 114,000) in English; $19,990 (CNY 134,000) for the Global China and Global Industry MBAs |

The deadline matches the bachelor's cycle: 30 June. Our guide to a [master's in China](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-masters-in-china) explains how to approach a supervisor.

## Housing and budget {#section-11}

Rooms are booked through the pre-registration system after you have your visa and flight; SHU warns that there are not enough rooms for everyone.

| Campus | Room | Per bed per day |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Baoshan, Buildings V, Z, W | single with bathroom | $21 (CNY 140) |
| Baoshan | double | $10 (CNY 70) |
| Baoshan | four-bed, limited | $5 (CNY 35) |
| Yanchang | single / double in a suite with a shared living room | $21 / $10 (CNY 140 / 70) |
| Jiading | single (few) / twin / triple (few) / four-bed | $15 / $9 / $6 / $4 (CNY 100 / 60 / 40 / 30) |

Electricity is extra at Baoshan and Yanchang, and Jiading also charges for water. First-year example: a Chinese-taught engineering student at Baoshan pays $3,580 (CNY 24,000) tuition, a $75 (CNY 500) application fee, $120 (CNY 800) insurance and $3,810 (CNY 25,550) for a double room over 365 days, about $7,580 (CNY 50,850) before food and personal costs. See the [cost of studying in China](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-cost-of-studying-in-china) for living-cost benchmarks.

From abroad, deposits must be sent in US dollars or euros, not in yuan; the online payment option accepts only cards issued outside China. The deposit is refundable in four cases: written withdrawal within 30 days of payment and before registration, cancellation of the programme by SHU, a visa refusal beyond your control (with written proof from the consulate), or force majeure. Otherwise 90% is refunded on written request. Refunds go only to a Chinese bank account and take at least 90 working days. For legal payment routes from Russia, see [how to pay for studies abroad from Russia](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-how-to-pay-for-studies-abroad-from-russia).

## Scholarships {#section-12}

| Scholarship | Who can apply | Coverage | 2026/27 deadline |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Chinese Government Scholarship, Type A (bilateral) | Chinese-taught bachelor's applicants, master's applicants | tuition, a dorm place or $100 (CNY 700) a month, a monthly stipend of $370 (CNY 2,500) for undergraduates and $450 (CNY 3,000) for master's students, insurance | November to February through your country's dispatching authority |
| Shanghai Government Scholarship | partial only for bachelor's; full or partial for master's and PhD | partial: tuition and insurance; full: plus housing and a monthly stipend | 30 April |
| International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarship | future teachers of Chinese | under CLEC rules | per the cis.chinese.cn timetable |

Type A is not available for English-taught bachelor's degrees, and applicants need at least HSK 3 when applying; anyone below SHU's entry level first completes a year of Chinese. The Shanghai Government Scholarship sets a higher language bar than admission: HSK 5 with 210+ for science and engineering, HSK 6 with 180+ for humanities, or IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL 90 for English-taught programmes. Age limits are under 25 for bachelor's, under 35 for master's and under 40 for PhD applicants. Scholarship holders are exempt from the deposit. Awards are decided by the university and the scholarship authorities; our [scholarships abroad 2026](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-scholarships-abroad-2026) overview explains how Chinese government awards work.

## Visa and degree recognition {#section-13}

With the admission letter and JW202 form you apply for an X1 study visa, which is converted into a student residence permit after arrival. Our [China student visa guide](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-student-visa-china) covers the steps.

For Russian citizens: Shanghai University is not on the Russian government's list of foreign universities whose degrees are recognised automatically (Order No. 186-r with its 2024, 2025 and 2026 amendments), and no Chinese university is on that list. Chinese degrees are instead covered by the 1995 Russia–China agreement on mutual recognition of education documents; our guide to [studying in China for Russian citizens](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-studying-in-china-for-russian-citizens) explains what that means in practice. Kazakh citizens follow a separate procedure, covered in [studying in China from Kazakhstan](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-study-in-china-from-kazakhstan).

## Common mistakes {#section-14}

- Applying to "Shanghai University" when you mean Jiao Tong. The portals and competitions are different; check for 上海大学 and apply.shu.edu.cn.
- Leaving the CSCA too late. Scholarship applicants need the report by 15 May, so the June sitting is too late for them.
- Scoring 190 on HSK 5 for a humanities degree. SHU's humanities programmes require 210+, and the Shanghai Government Scholarship asks for HSK 6.
- Expecting an English-taught engineering degree. SHU teaches only SILC's business programmes in English; Ulisboa engineering is bilingual and needs HSK 5.
- Missing the deposit window. You have 20 working days from the e-offer before the place is cancelled.

## FAQ {#section-15}

### Does SHU offer English-taught degrees?

At bachelor's level only at SILC Business School, which offers four trade, finance and management programmes for $5,970 (CNY 40,000) a year and requires IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 90 plus CSCA mathematics. The master's range in English is wider, from international relations to mechanical engineering and MBAs. The university decides on admission after an interview.

### How much does a bachelor's degree at SHU cost?

Under the 2026/27 rules, Chinese-taught humanities cost $3,130 (CNY 21,000) a year, engineering and economics $3,580 (CNY 24,000) and arts $4,770 (CNY 32,000). Bilingual programmes cost $4,470 (CNY 30,000) and SILC's English-taught degrees $5,970 (CNY 40,000). Housing and insurance are charged separately.

### What HSK level do I need?

HSK 4 with 180+ is enough only for the Chinese-language degrees. Engineering, economics, management and arts require HSK 5 with 180+, and humanities require HSK 5 with 210+. Certificates must be under two years old, and the university makes the final call on language readiness.

### Is the CSCA required for SHU bachelor's admission?

Yes. Since the 2026/27 cycle, bachelor's applications are not reviewed without a CSCA report. Subjects depend on the programme: SILC's English-taught degrees need mathematics only, while engineering needs Professional Chinese, mathematics and physics. Proof of test registration can be uploaded as a placeholder.

### Can I get in without any Chinese?

Yes, in two ways: through an English-taught SILC programme, or through SHU's foundation year leading to the Chinese Language or Teaching Chinese degrees. The foundation year has no language requirement at entry, but moving on to the degree requires HSK 4 and a CSCA result, and SHU decides on progression.

### Is a Shanghai University degree recognised in Russia?

SHU is not on the Order No. 186-r list, like every other Chinese university, but Chinese degrees are covered by the 1995 Russia–China agreement on mutual recognition of education documents. Regulated professions such as medicine also require a Russian licence to practise, which Russian authorities decide on.

## Sources {#section-16}

- [SHU: undergraduate admission for international students, 2026–2027 (PDF)](https://apply.shu.edu.cn/upload/shangda/1/0/7/Application%20for%20Undergraduate%20Programs%20of%20Shanghai%20University%202026-2027.pdf): requirements, CSCA, documents, fees, deposit, programme list
- [SHU: master's admission for international students, 2026–2027 (PDF)](https://apply.shu.edu.cn/upload/shangda/f/c/3/2026-2027%20Application%20for%20Master's%20Programs%20of%20Shanghai%20University.pdf)
- [SHU: Shanghai Government Scholarship 2026 (PDF)](https://apply.shu.edu.cn/upload/shangda/a/5/4/Application%20Guide%20for%20Shanghai%20Government%20Scholarship%20-%20Shanghai%20University%202026.pdf) and [Chinese Government Scholarship Type A, 2026–2027 (PDF)](https://apply.shu.edu.cn/upload/shangda/2/6/c/2.%20Application%20Guide%EF%BC%9ACSC%20Scholarship-%20Bilateral%20Program%20(CSC%20Type%20A),%20Shanghai%20University%202026-2027.pdf)
- [SHU: International Foundation Program, autumn 2026 (PDF)](https://apply.shu.edu.cn/upload/shangda/d/9/b/2026%E5%B9%B4%E7%A7%8B%E5%AD%A3%E4%B8%8A%E6%B5%B7%E5%A4%A7%E5%AD%A6%E6%B1%89%E8%AF%AD%E8%A8%80%E3%80%81%E6%B1%89%E8%AF%AD%E5%9B%BD%E9%99%85%E6%95%99%E8%82%B2%E6%9C%AC%E7%A7%91%E5%9B%BD%E9%99%85%E9%A2%84%E7%A7%91%E7%94%9F%E6%8B%9B%E7%94%9F%E7%AE%80%E7%AB%A0.pdf) and [one-year Chinese language programme, autumn 2026 (PDF)](https://apply.shu.edu.cn/upload/shangda/6/5/0/2026%E5%B9%B4%E7%A7%8B%E5%AD%A3%E4%B8%8A%E6%B5%B7%E5%A4%A7%E5%AD%A6%E9%95%BF%E6%9C%9F%E6%B1%89%E8%AF%AD%E8%BF%9B%E4%BF%AE%E9%A1%B9%E7%9B%AE%EF%BC%88%E4%B8%80%E5%B9%B4%EF%BC%89%E6%8B%9B%E7%94%9F%E7%AE%80%E7%AB%A0.pdf)
- [SHU: pre-arrival and accommodation](https://apply.shu.edu.cn/pre-arrival/detail)
- [CSCA: test and registration dates](https://www.csca.cn)
- [Times Higher Education: Shanghai University](https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/shanghai-university)
- [Russian Government Order No. 186-r](http://publication.pravo.gov.ru/document/0001202302020018), amended by [No. 103-r](http://publication.pravo.gov.ru/document/0001202401240022), [No. 126-r](http://publication.pravo.gov.ru/document/0001202501300011) and [No. 298-r](http://publication.pravo.gov.ru/document/0001202602200041)

Amounts are converted at the ECB reference rate of 1 October 2026: EUR 1 = USD 1.1298 = CNY 7.5748, so CNY 1 is about $0.149. Amounts under $100 are rounded to the dollar, larger ones to the nearest $10.

If you want to work through your route to SHU, send a [request](https://www.studyu.org/en/apply): document preparation and submission are provided under an agreement with StudyU, and the university makes the admission decision.

During the free initial consultation, we clarify your goal, profile, timing, and budget and identify the next realistic step.

## Next steps

- [Studying in China as a Russian Citizen: X1 Visa, Scholarship Channels and Degree Recognition](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-studying-in-china-for-russian-citizens)
- [Studying in China for international applicants](https://www.studyu.org/en/country-china)
- [Shanghai Jiao Tong University](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-shanghai-jiao-tong)
- [Shanghai International Studies University (SISU)](https://www.studyu.org/en/university-sisu)
- [Universities in Shanghai: Where International Students Study, What It Costs and How to Win the City Scholarship](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-universities-in-shanghai)
- [Applying to Chinese Universities: Documents Checklist for 2027](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-applying-to-chinese-universities)

Updated: October 2026