Fudan University, located in Shanghai, is one of China’s most prestigious universities and a member of the C9 League (similar to the Ivy League). Founded in 1905, it offers a wide range of programs in sciences, arts, engineering, and business. Fudan University is one of the top-notch universities and the dream of almost every student in the world. It has over 130 university-level exchange programs with universities from 30 countries like Harvard University, the University of California, Berkeley, the London School of Economics, the University of Tokyo, and the University of Sydney. Fudan provides a challenging academic environment for the better development of its students, where they can experience and contribute to the rich campus culture. Fudan University hosts over 5,000 international students from more than 150 countries each year, particularly in programs like Chinese language studies, international relations, business, and medicine.
Fudan University was established in 1905 as Fudan Public School. It was the first institution of higher education to be founded by a Chinese person. Fudan University consistently ranks among the top universities in China and globally. Fudan is positioned at #77 globally inthe Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) 2023. QS World University Rankings 2024: Fudan is ranked #34 globally and Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2024: Fudan ranks #47 worldwide. Programs at Fudan are highly research-oriented, with degrees from bachelor’s to PhD level. Applications for most programs typically open in the fall and close around early spring.
- Location: Yangpu District, Shanghai, China
- Global Ranking: Consistently ranked in the top 100 globally (Between #30-50 in QS, THE).
- Available Programs: Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD programs across disciplines like Science, Arts, Engineering, and Business.
- Program Duration: Bachelor’s (4 years), Master’s (2-3 years), PhD (3-4 years)
- Application Period: Typically opens in September/October and closes by March/April.
Study Areas and Program List
Fudan University offers a broad range of study areas across multiple disciplines for undergraduate, master’s, and PhD programs. They offer 70 bachelor’s degree programs, 154 doctoral degree programs, and 224 master’s degree programs to students across the world. They overcome language barriers to reach you by developing over 50 English-instructed programs for both undergraduate and graduate candidates.
Here’s an overview of the primary study areas:
1. Humanities and Social Sciences
- Chinese Language and Literature
- History
- Philosophy
- Journalism and Communication
- Law
- Political Science and International Relations
- Sociology
- Psychology
- Education
2. Economics and Management
- Economics (including International Economics and Trade, Finance)
- Business Administration
- Accounting and Finance
- Management Science and Engineering
- Marketing
- International Business
3. Sciences and Technology
- Mathematics and Applied Mathematics
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Environmental Science and Engineering
- Computer Science and Technology
- Information and Communication Engineering
4. Medical Sciences
- Clinical Medicine (including MBBS in English)
- Public Health
- Pharmacy
- Nursing
- Medical Imaging
5. Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Material Science and Engineering
- Biomedical Engineering
- Software Engineering
- Civil Engineering
6. International Programs
- International Politics and Diplomacy
- Global Studies
- Business and Economics (taught in English)
- China Studies (focused on Chinese language, culture, and society for international students)
7. Environmental and Earth Sciences
- Geography
- Atmospheric Science
- Earth and Ocean Sciences
- Ecology
- Fudan’s offerings are well-regarded globally, especially in fields like International Relations, Business, Medicine, and Environmental Science. For More: Visit Faculty
Eligibility Requirements for Fudan University
1. Undergraduate Programs:
- Academic Requirements: High school diploma with a competitive GPA (usually a minimum of 3.0/4.0, but higher GPAs are preferred).
- Language Proficiency:
- For Chinese-taught programs: HSK Level 5 or above in Chinese.
- For English-taught programs: IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL 80 (some programs may require higher scores).
- Standardized Tests: SAT or ACT may strengthen your application, though it’s not always required.
2. Master’s Programs:
- Academic Requirements: Bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0 or equivalent. Strong academic backgrounds in the chosen field are preferred.
- Language Proficiency:
- For Chinese-taught programs: HSK Level 5 or higher.
- For English-taught programs: IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 90 (higher scores may be required for specific programs).
- Standardized Tests: Some programs, especially in business and management, may require GRE or GMAT scores.
3. PhD Programs:
- Academic Requirements: Master’s degree in a relevant field with a minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0.
- Language Proficiency:
- For Chinese-taught programs: HSK Level 5 or higher.
- For English-taught programs: IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 90 (specific programs may set a higher bar).
- Research Proposal: Most PhD applications require a well-developed research proposal relevant to your field of study.
- Standardized Tests: Some PhD programs may request GRE scores, depending on the field.
Required Documents to Apply
- Completed application form
- Academic transcripts (translated into English or Chinese)
- Proof of language proficiency (English and/or Chinese)
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement and study plan
- Passport copy
- Financial proof (if required)
- Specific programs may ask for additional documents (e.g., portfolios, research proposals).
Tuition Fees for International Students at Fudan University
1. Undergraduate Programs:
- General Programs: Approximately 40,000–60,000 CNY per year (around $5,500–$8,500 USD).
- Specialized Programs (e.g., Medicine, Engineering): Fees can range up to 75,000 CNY per year (about $10,500 USD).
2. Master’s Programs:
- General Programs: Approximately 50,000–80,000 CNY per year (around $7,000–$11,000 USD).
- MBA Programs: Generally higher, ranging from 150,000–300,000 CNY per year (about $21,000–$42,000 USD), especially for international joint MBA programs.
3. PhD Programs:
- General Programs: Approximately 45,000–70,000 CNY per year (around $6,500–$10,000 USD).
- Research-based Programs: Costs may vary based on the field and level of laboratory resources required.
Additional Costs:
- Application Fee: Approximately 800 CNY (about $110 USD), non-refundable.
- Health Insurance: About 800 CNY per year (around $110 USD).
- Miscellaneous Fees: Registration and other administrative fees may apply depending on the program.
These tuition fees vary slightly by program, and specialized fields like medicine and business typically have higher fees. Scholarships and financial aid are also available to help reduce these costs for eligible international students.
Estimated Living Expenses for International Students at Fudan University
Living expenses in Shanghai, where Fudan University is located, can vary based on lifestyle, housing choices, and spending habits. Here is a general monthly and annual breakdown:
1. Accommodation:
- On-Campus Dormitory: Approximately 1,200–2,000 CNY per month (about $170–$280 USD), depending on room type (shared or single).
- Off-Campus Apartment: Typically 3,500–7,000 CNY per month (around $500–$1,000 USD), depending on the location and amenities.
2. Food:
- On-Campus Dining: Around 800–1,500 CNY per month (about $110–$210 USD), as university cafeterias are affordable.
- Off-Campus Dining and Groceries: Around 1,500–2,500 CNY per month (about $210–$350 USD) if eating out regularly or cooking at home.
3. Transportation:
- Public Transport: Around 200–300 CNY per month (about $30–$45 USD). Students in Shanghai benefit from discounts on public transportation.
- Bicycle or Scooter Rental/Purchase: Around 100–500 CNY per month (about $15–$70 USD), if using regularly.
4. Miscellaneous (Entertainment, Internet, Phone):
- Approximately 500–1,000 CNY per month (about $70–$140 USD).
5. Health Insurance:
- Fudan University requires all international students to have insurance, which costs about 800 CNY per year (around $110 USD).
Estimated Total Monthly and Annual Costs
- Monthly Estimate: Approximately 4,000–8,000 CNY (about $560–$1,120 USD).
- Annual Estimate: Approximately 48,000–96,000 CNY (around $6,700–$13,500 USD).
Shanghai is relatively affordable for student living compared to other global cities, and Fudan University offers cost-saving options, such as on-campus housing and dining. Scholarships can also help reduce overall expenses
Reasons to Choose Fudan University
Fudan is highly reputed for its academic excellence, vibrant campus culture, and strategic location in Shanghai, a global financial and cultural hub. The university emphasizes innovation, cross-cultural exchange, and hands-on learning experiences. Fudan also offers numerous scholarships, diverse programs, and strong connections with global industry leaders, making it an excellent choice for international students.
Suggestions for International Applicants
- Early Preparation: Begin application and document preparation several months before the deadline.
- Language Prep: Even if your program is in English, a basic understanding of Chinese can be helpful.
- Funding: Research scholarship opportunities early to support your studies.
- Familiarize Yourself with Shanghai: Understanding the culture and lifestyle in Shanghai can ease your transition.
Available Scholarships for International Students
- Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC): Covers full tuition, accommodation, and living expenses.
- Shanghai Government Scholarship: Provides full and partial scholarships for international students.
- Fudan University Scholarships: Specific to international students, covering tuition and living stipends for high achievers. For More
FAQs about Fudan University
- What is the language of instruction? Most programs are in Chinese, though some are in English (especially for graduate levels).
- Can I work part-time? Yes, international students are allowed to work part-time with university permission.
- Are there internships available? Fudan has partnerships with many companies for internships, especially in business and tech fields.
- Is on-campus housing guaranteed? No, international students should apply early to secure on-campus accommodation.
- How competitive is admission? Admission is competitive, with high standards for academic performance and English proficiency.