Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) is again offering its prestigious scholarships for international students for the 2026 academic year. This comprehensive guide provides all the details you need—including application deadlines, scholarship benefits, and expert tips—to help you submit a stellar application for the SJTU Scholarship 2026 in China.
Basic Scholarship Information
The SJTU Scholarship 2026 offers fully funded opportunities for international students pursuing Master’s and Ph.D. programs. Applications open on October 15, 2025, and several deadlines apply based on the scholarship type:
- 1st Round for Chinese Government Scholarship: December 15, 2025
- Final Round for Chinese Government Scholarship: February 15, 2026
- SGS and SJTU Scholarship: March 31, 2026
- Self-supported Applications: May 31, 2026.
All applications are submitted online through SJTU’s application portal (http://apply.sjtu.edu.cn).
University/Institution Details
Shanghai Jiao Tong University, established in 1896, is a top-ranked research university situated in Shanghai, China. It is renowned for academic excellence and is ranked 45th globally (QS 2025 ranking). The university consists of 34 colleges and schools, hosting more than 4,000 international students from over 150 countries.
- Founded in 1896, one of China’s top and oldest universities.
- Ranked 47th globally (QS 2026).
- 6 campuses across Shanghai (Xuhui, Minhang, Huangpu, Changning, Pudong, Chongming).
- Offers 100+ graduate programs in English & Chinese.
- Master’s:
- 2–3 years
- PhD: 3–4 years.
Study Areas and Available Programs
SJTU offers a diverse portfolio of graduate programs in both English and Chinese, including but not limited to:
Master Degree Programs (2-3 Years)
- School of Media and Communication
- School of Aeronautics and Astronautics
- School of Design
- School of Naval Architecture, Ocean, and Civil Engineering
- School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology
- School of Biomedical Engineering
- School of Mechanical Engineering
- USC-SJTU Institute of Cultural and Creative Industry
- China-UK Low Carbon College
- School of International and Public Affairs
- Shanghai Advanced Institute of Finance
- Antai College of Economics and Management
- School of Electronic Information and Electrical Engineering
- School of Materials Science and Engineering
- School of Humanities
- School of Foreign Languages
- UM-SJTU Joint Institute
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering
- Koguan Law School
Doctoral Degree Programs (3-4 Years)
- School of Pharmacy
- School of Media and Communication
- School of Design
- School of Mathematical Sciences
- School of Agriculture and Biology
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering
- School of Physics and Astronomy
- School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology
- School of Naval Architecture, Ocean, and Civil Engineering
- School of Materials Science and Engineering
- School of Chemistry and Chemical
- School of Foreign Languages
- UM-SJTU Joint Institute
- School of Mechanical Engineering
- School of Electronic Information and Electrical Engineering
- School of Biomedical Engineering
- Koguan Law School
- School of International and Public Affairs
For a full list and details, check the SJTU International Admissions portal.
Shanghai Jiaotong University Scholarship Benefits
The SJTU Scholarship provides outstanding coverage for selected students:
Master’s Programs:
- Monthly Stipend: ¥2,500
- Full Tuition: ¥45,500/year
- Health Insurance: Provided
- Accommodation Allowance: ¥1,500/month
Doctoral Programs:
- Monthly Stipend: ¥3,000
- Full Tuition: ¥60,500/year
- Health Insurance: Provided
- Accommodation Allowance: ¥2,000/month
Additionally, some scholarships may also provide support for travel costs.
Benefits Not Included
While the scholarship is comprehensive, it does not cover:
- Flight tickets (unless otherwise stated for some government-funded programs)
- Personal expenses beyond the living stipend
- Visa application fees
- Off-campus housing (if you choose to live outside the campus)
- Additional program or lab fees not covered in regular tuition.
Eligibility Criteria for Shanghai Jiaotong University Scholarship
To be eligible for the SJTU Scholarship 2026, applicants must:
- Non-Chinese citizens with a valid private ordinary passport.
- Healthy, no criminal record, respectful of Chinese laws.
- Master’s applicants: Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent).
- PhD applicants: Master’s degree (or equivalent).
- Meet specific academic and language requirements (English or Chinese proficiency, e.g., IELTS, TOEFL, or HSK for Chinese-taught programs)
- Possess a strong academic record and positive recommendations.
Required Documents for Application
Applicants must prepare the following:
- Degree certificates (Bachelor’s/Master’s).
- Academic transcripts.
- Language proficiency proof (Chinese/English).
- Passport copy (valid >12 months).
- ID photo (JPG, <200 KB).
- Personal statement & study plan.
- Two academic recommendation letters.
- Supervisor acceptance letter (required for certain schools).
- Translated documents (if not in English/Chinese).
- Additional documents if required (such as supervisor acceptance letter for specific schools/programs).
Shanghai Jiaotong University Scholarship Application Process (Step-by-Step)
- Visit the SJTU application portal: http://apply.sjtu.edu.cn
- Register and complete your profile
- Select your intended degree program
- Choose “Apply for Scholarship through SJTU”
- Upload all required documents
- Submit your application and monitor your email for updates and notifications
- Shortlisted candidates may be asked for an online interview or further documentation
- Final admission and scholarship decisions will be notified via email.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Start early—compile and verify all documents in advance
- Obtain strong, detailed recommendation letters
- Write a compelling and personalized study plan or statement of purpose, highlighting your academic achievements and research goals
- If required, contact potential supervisors early and secure a recommendation/acceptance letter
- Check language requirements; take standardized tests ahead of time
- Ensure all documents are correctly translated and notarized (if needed).
Monthly Living Expenses for International Students
On average, living expenses for international students in Shanghai, including food, local transport, and personal items, range from USD 400 to 600 per month. With the provided stipend (approx. RMB 3,000 = USD 410 for master’s; RMB 3,500–4,500 = USD 480–620 for Ph.D.), most daily needs are covered, but additional funds may be helpful for travel, leisure, or special activities.
Why Choose This Scholarship? (5 Key Reasons)
- Study at a globally top-ranked university, boosting your academic and career prospects
- Live and learn in Shanghai—China’s economic and innovation hub with immense cultural and professional opportunities
- Receive a generous, fully funded scholarship (tuition, housing, generous stipend)
- Network with students, scholars, and industry professionals from around the world
- Access comprehensive academic, research, and career support services at SJTU.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can undergraduate students apply?
2. Is IELTS/TOEFL mandatory for English-taught programs?
- Yes, applicants usually need IELTS 6.0+ or TOEFL 85+; some programs may have exceptions for English native speakers.
3. Can students apply without a supervisor’s pre-acceptance?
- For some programs, especially in sciences/engineering, a supervisor’s acceptance letter is required; for others, it’s optional.
4. What are the main deadlines?
5. Does the scholarship cover family expenses?
Application Deadlines (Recap)
- Oct 15, 2025: Applications open
- Dec 15, 2025: 1st Round CGS (via SJTU) deadline
- Feb 15, 2026: Final Round CGS (via SJTU) deadline
- Mar 31, 2026: SGS & SJTU Scholarship deadline
- May 31, 2026: Self-supported application deadline
Official Link:
Apply Link:
For more details, policies, or updates, always refer to SJTU’s official international admissions page. Use these tips and details to make your 2026 application stand out and secure your position at one of China’s most prestigious universities.
