Shanghai Government Scholarship 2025-26: China

The Shanghai Government Scholarship (SGS) is a prestigious program designed to attract outstanding international students to study in Shanghai. It offers full and partial scholarships for undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs. Established by the Shanghai Municipal Government, the scholarship aims to enhance the city’s global education appeal. Thirty-four(34) Chinese universities offer the Shanghai Government Scholarship to outstanding students worldwide. Almost all academic fields and majors are available under the Shanghai Government Scholarship SGS Scholarship. 

The Shanghai Municipal Education Commission and universities organize activities like “Experiencing China” and “Studying in Shanghai” to help SGS students and other international students explore Shanghai’s society and culture. The Shanghai Government Scholarship covers tuition, accommodation, living expenses, and more. The application deadline typically falls in 31 March 2025

Universities/Institutions

• Name & Place: Leading 34 universities in Shanghai, such as Fudan University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and East China Normal University.
• Ranking: These institutions rank among the top in China and globally.
• Programs: Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD programs across diverse fields.
• Duration:
  • Bachelor’s: 4–5 years
  • Master’s: 2–3 years
  • PhD: 3–4 years

Participating Universities (34 Universities)

The scholarship is offered by 34 prestigious universities in Shanghai. Here’s a list of some prominent ones:

1. Fudan University
2. Shanghai Jiao Tong University
3. Tongji University
4. East China Normal University
5. East China University of Science and Technology
6. Shanghai University of Finance and Economics
7. Donghua University
8. Shanghai International Studies University
9. Shanghai University
10. Shanghai University of International Business and Economics
11. Shanghai University of Engineering Science
12. East China University of Political Science and Law
13. Shanghai Maritime University
14. Shanghai Normal University
15. Shanghai Ocean University
16. Shanghai University of Sport
17. Shanghai Theatre Academy
18. Shanghai Conservatory of Music
19. Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine
20. Shanghai University of Electric Power
21. University of Shanghai for Science and Technology
22. Shanghai Lixin University of Accounting and Finance
23. Shanghai Institute of Technology
24. Shanghai Dianji University
25. Shanghai Polytechnic University
26. Shanghai University of Political Science and Law
27. Shanghai Business School
28. Sanda University
29. Shanghai Jian Qiao University
30. Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine
31. Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences

Study Areas

The Shanghai Government Scholarship (SGS) supports a wide range of disciplines across leading universities in Shanghai. Some popular study areas include:

1. Engineering and Technology:
   • Mechanical Engineering
   • Electrical Engineering
   • Computer Science and AI
2. Business and Management:
   • International Business
   • Economics
   • Finance
3. Natural Sciences:
   • Physics
   • Chemistry
   • Environmental Science
4. Medical Sciences:
   • Clinical Medicine
   • Public Health
   • Pharmacy
5. Humanities and Social Sciences:
   • Sociology
   • Psychology
   • International Relations
6. Arts and Design:
   • Visual Arts
   • Architecture
   • Film and Media Studies

Many programs are available in both Chinese and English, providing flexibility for international students.

Scholarship Benefits

Full Scholarship

• Tuition fees: Fully covered.
• Accommodation: On-campus housing provided.
• Living stipend:
  • Bachelor’s: CNY 2,500/month
  • Master’s: CNY 3,000/month
  • PhD: CNY 3,500/month
• Comprehensive medical insurance.
• Universities provide accommodations to SGS students during their first year of study.

Partial Scholarship

• Tuition fees: Fully or partially covered.
• Medical insurance.
• It supports exceptional students applying for postgraduate and undergraduate programs.

See appendix 1 for coverage of Shanghai Government Scholarship.

Collected from the official website

Benefits Not Included

• International travel costs.
• Personal expenses like food, books, and leisure activities.

Eligibilities

• Applicants must be non-Chinese citizens in good health.
• Academic qualifications:
  • Bachelor’s: High school diploma or above
  • Master’s: Bachelor’s degree or above
  • PhD: Master’s degree or above
• Applicants for the pre-college program must be under 23 years old, have a high school diploma, and hold a pre-admission letter for an undergraduate program from a Shanghai university.
• Outstanding in academic performance.
• Age limits:
  • Bachelor’s: Under 25 years.
  • Master’s: Under 35 years.
  • PhD: Under 40 years.
• Applicant should achieve Chinese level of HSK4 and meet the language requirements of the applied university and program.
• Proficiency in Chinese or English, depending on the program’s language of instruction.
• Meeting entry requirements of the applied university and program.
• Applicants receiving other scholarships from the Chinese government or organizations cannot apply for SGS.

Also

• Universities guide scholarship recipients through visa applications, registration, and other procedures.
• Universities will evaluate SGS students annually based on their academic performance, attitude, attendance, and conduct. Students who meet the evaluation criteria will continue to receive the scholarship the following year. Those who fail the evaluation will lose the scholarship for the next year. The evaluation results will be announced and reported to the Shanghai Municipal Education Commission.

Required Documents

• Completed application form for the SGS.
• Certified copies of academic transcripts and diplomas.
• A study or research plan (minimum 800 words).
• Research plan
• Letter of intent/Statement of purpose
• Motivation letter
• Two recommendation letters from professors or associate professors.
• Valid passport copy.
• Language proficiency certificate (HSK, TOEFL, or IELTS).
• Physical examination form.
• Additional documents (if required by the university).

Shanghai Government Scholarship Application Process

1. Choose a Program: Research eligible universities and programs.
2. Prepare Documents: Gather all required materials.
3. Online Application: Apply through the university’s online portal and SGS website.
4. First of all Apply at SGS Portal http://study.edu.sh.gov.cn/apply/
5. Submit Documents: Upload the required documents.
6. Application Fee: Pay the fee (if applicable).
7. Track Progress: Check your application status regularly.

Tips for a Successful Application

• Start early to meet deadlines.
• Ensure all documents are accurate and well-organized.
• Write a compelling study or research plan highlighting your goals.
• Seek strong recommendation letters from credible sources.
• Double-check the language requirements and prepare for HSK, TOEFL, or IELTS exams.

Living Expenses for International Students in Shanghai

Shanghai is a modern and cosmopolitan city, but its cost of living can vary based on lifestyle. Below is a breakdown of typical monthly expenses:

1. Accommodation:
   • On-campus housing: CNY 1,000–2,500
   • Off-campus rental: CNY 3,000–6,000
2. Food:
   • University canteen: CNY 600–1,000
   • Eating out: CNY 1,500–2,500
3. Transportation:
   • Public transport: CNY 200–400
   • Bicycles or shared scooters: CNY 50–100
4. Utilities (electricity, water, internet):
   • On-campus: Often included in fees
   • Off-campus: CNY 300–600
5. Personal Expenses:
   • Mobile phone: CNY 50–100
   • Entertainment, shopping, and leisure: CNY 1,000–2,000

Estimated Total: CNY 3,000–5,000/month for a moderate lifestyle.

Why Choose This Opportunity?

• Access to world-class education in a global city.
• Generous financial support that minimizes the burden of study expenses.
• Exposure to Chinese culture and international networking opportunities.
• Shanghai’s vibrant economy and career prospects for graduates.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I apply to multiple universities under SGS?
   Yes, but you must submit separate applications for each university.
2. What are the language requirements for SGS?
   Programs in Chinese require HSK certification, while English-taught programs require TOEFL or IELTS scores.
3. Can I work part-time during the scholarship period?
   Yes, with university and immigration approval.
4. Are there any restrictions on the choice of programs?
   No, but you must meet the program-specific requirements.
5. When will the results be announced?
   Results are typically announced in June or July 2025.

Official Link for More Details and Application

Visit the Shanghai Government Scholarship official website for detailed information and application procedures.