Universities in Shanghai, China

Shanghai is China's largest city and one of its main university centres. According to the Shanghai Municipal Statistics Bureau, in the 2025 academic year the city had 69 regular higher education institutions, 49 institutions training postgraduates, 606,100 undergraduate and junior college students and 280,900 postgraduates. International students come for full degrees taught in Chinese or English, for exchange semesters and for Chinese language programmes.

The universities in Shanghai

Most degree programmes are taught in Chinese, but several universities also offer programmes in English, and all of them run Chinese language courses for international students. Some examples from our list:

• Fudan University, at 220 Handan Road: besides its Chinese-taught undergraduate programmes, it lists English-taught programmes for 2026 such as the Global Bachelor of Fintech and a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS); its language programmes include a Summer Chinese Language Immersion programme and a Chinese Culture and Society Programme
• Tongji University: 41,575 full-time students, including 4,426 international students, of whom 2,679 are on degree programmes; it reports 125 Shanghai-level courses taught in English
• East China Normal University (ECNU): founded in 1951, with campuses in Minhang and Putuo, more than 35,000 students and more than 6,000 international students
• Shanghai Normal University (SHNU): a comprehensive university known for teacher training and the liberal arts, with campuses in Xuhui and Fengxian and an International College of Chinese Studies
• Donghua University, which the Shanghai government's Study in Shanghai portal lists among the city's universities

Admission and costs

International students apply directly to the university, usually through its international students office and online application system. Requirements depend on the programme and its language: Fudan, for example, publishes separate admission information, admission test subjects (CSCA) and tuition standards for its 2026 Chinese-taught undergraduate programmes. Tuition is set by each university and programme, so check the current fee table before you apply.

Visa and residence permit

China has two student visa categories: X1 for study of more than 180 days and X2 for study of up to 180 days. Fudan tells new students to apply at the Chinese embassy or consulate with a valid passport, the admission notice, the visa application form (JW201, JW202 or DQ) and, if needed, a physical examination report; students who arrive on a non-student visa cannot register. Holders of an X1 visa must apply for a residence permit within 30 days of entry, which usually costs RMB 400 to 800 according to Fudan.

Getting around

Shanghai has a large metro and bus network. Most downtown, suburban and night bus routes cost 1 to 2 yuan. A Shanghai Public Transportation Card needs a refundable 20-yuan deposit, and foreign bank cards are now accepted on buses. From Pudong airport, Metro Line 2 is the cheapest option, at about 7 yuan.

Frequently asked questions

Can I study at a university in Shanghai in English?

Yes, at some universities. Fudan, for example, lists English-taught undergraduate programmes for 2026, such as the Global Bachelor of Fintech, but most programmes are taught in Chinese.

Which visa do I need to study at a university in Shanghai?

An X1 visa for study of more than 180 days or an X2 visa for up to 180 days. With an X1 visa you must apply for a residence permit within 30 days of arrival.

How many universities are there in Shanghai?

According to the Shanghai Municipal Statistics Bureau, the city had 69 regular higher education institutions in the 2025 academic year.

Can I learn Chinese at a Shanghai university?

Yes. Universities such as Fudan run Chinese language programmes, including summer immersion courses, and Shanghai Normal University has an International College of Chinese Studies.