Securing a fully funded scholarship in China is one of the most rewarding steps you can take for your academic and professional journey. Among the top higher education institutions globally, Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) stands out as a world-class research university. If you are aiming to pursue your Undergraduate, Master’s, or Doctoral degree abroad, the Shanghai Jiaotong University Scholarship 2027 in China provides an unmatched opportunity to access world-class education, fully funded tuition, living stipends, and comprehensive health insurance.
SJTU is authorized to award doctoral degrees in 57 first-level disciplines across 11 disciplinary categories: Economics, Law, Education, Literature, History, Science, Engineering, Agriculture, Medicine, Management and Interdisciplinary Studies. It is also authorized to award master’s degrees in 61 first-level disciplines across 12 disciplinary categories, as well as professional doctoral degrees in 16 categories and professional master’s degrees in 35 categories.
This complete guide details everything you need to know about the SJTU Scholarship for the 2027 academic intake—including eligibility criteria, required documents, application steps, monthly living expenses in USD, and expert tips to boost your chances.
Basic Information About the Scholarships
Shanghai Jiao Tong University offers multiple scholarship tracks for international applicants, including the Chinese Government Scholarship (CGS), the Shanghai Government Scholarship (SGS), and the SJTU University Scholarship. These funding schemes cover undergraduate, master’s, and Ph.D. degree programs taught in both English and Chinese.
| Feature | Scholarship Details |
| Host Country | China |
| Host Institution | Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) |
| Degree Levels | Undergraduate, Master’s, Doctoral (Ph.D.) |
| Coverage | Fully Funded / Partially Funded options |
| Target Audience | All Non-Chinese Citizens |
| Application Start Date | October / December |
| Application Deadline | March 31, 2027 |
| Official Portal | Study@SJTU Admissions Portal |
University/Institution Details
Founded in 1896, Shanghai Jiao Tong University is one of China’s oldest, most prestigious, and highest-ranked institutions. Member of the elite C9 League (China’s Ivy League), SJTU is consistently ranked among the top 50 universities worldwide in global rankings like QS and ARWU.
Located in the global financial hub of Shanghai, SJTU operates multiple state-of-the-art campuses, with its main hub at the expansive Minhang Campus. The university is renowned for groundbreaking research, international industry collaboration, and an environment home to over 40,000 students, including thousands of international scholars from over 100 countries.
Study Areas (Available Program Names)
SJTU offers a broad range of degree programs across science, engineering, business, humanities, and medicine.
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
Depending on the scholarship and award level, benefits may include:
- Full or partial tuition fee coverage.
- Monthly living allowance or other financial support, depending on the scholarship.
- Accommodation allowance.
- Other benefits according to the scholarship package.
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
Nationality
- Applicants must be non-Chinese citizens.
- Applicants must hold a valid foreign ordinary passport for private purposes.
Academic qualifications
- Master’s applicants must have a Bachelor’s degree equivalent to a Chinese Bachelor’s degree.
- PhD applicants must have a Master’s degree equivalent to a Chinese Master’s degree.
- Final-year students can apply using an official expected graduation certificate.
- However, they must obtain the required degree before enrollment.
- Some programmes allow direct PhD admission after a Bachelor’s degree.
Other requirements
- Good physical and mental health.
- No criminal record.
- Must follow Chinese laws and university regulations.
- Must meet the required English or Chinese language proficiency standards.
For chinese government scholarship
- Applicants must meet the general admission requirements.
- Applicants must not receive another scholarship simultaneously.
- Master’s applicants must be 35 years old or younger.
- PhD applicants must be 40 years old or younger.
- Scholarship Conditions
- Scholarship funding normally cannot be extended.
- Scholarship recipients must pass an annual review.
- Funding may be full or partial, depending on the scholarship.
- Accommodation can be arranged on campus or independently off campus.
- Accommodation allowances depend on the scholarship award level.
Required Documents for Application
Applicants generally need the following documents:
1. Degree certificates
- Master’s applicants: Bachelor’s degree certificate.
- PhD applicants: Bachelor’s and Master’s degree certificates.
- Graduating students: Expected graduation certificate.
2. Degree verification report
- Applicants with degrees from outside mainland China generally need a degree verification report from CSCSE, where applicable.
- Graduating students must provide the required verification before enrollment.
3. Academic transcripts
- Master’s applicants: Complete Bachelor’s transcripts.
- PhD applicants: Bachelor’s and Master’s transcripts.
- An official GPA statement is required if the GPA is not shown on the transcript.
4. Language proficiency certificate
- English or Chinese language proficiency proof according to programme requirements.
5. Passport
- Scanned copy of the passport information page.
- Must remain valid for at least 12 months from the expected enrollment date.
6. Recent photograph
- JPG format.
- Less than 200 KB.
- Minimum dimensions: 295 × 413 pixels.
7. Personal statement and study/research plan
8. Two recommendation letters
- From associate professors or higher-ranking academics, or senior professionals in relevant industries.
9. Research experience
- Additional brief research experience statement for PhD applicants.
10. Supervisor’s Letter of Intent
- Required for applicants to certain schools and programmes.
- Applicants must obtain it before submitting their application.
Document requirements:
- All documents must be original and in English or Chinese.
- Documents in other languages must include notarized English or Chinese translations.
- Documents must be scanned in colour.
- Mobile phone photographs and photocopies are not accepted.
Shanghai Jiaotong University Scholarship Application Process (Step-by-Step)
- Visit the SJTU Online Application Portal.
- Create an account.
- Complete the online application form.
- Upload all required documents.
- Select your preferred programme.
- Choose the scholarship application option if you want to apply for funding.
- Submit the application before the relevant deadline.
There are two application routes.
Option 1: Apply through SJTU
- Select “Apply for scholarships through the University” in the online application system.
- Complete the scholarship application.
- The university will evaluate your academic records and other documents.
- If you are not nominated for the Chinese Government Scholarship, you may automatically be considered for the Shanghai Government Scholarship and SJTU Scholarships.
For the Chinese Government Scholarship (Type B):
– Enter SJTU’s Agency Number: 10248 in the Chinese Government Scholarship Information System.
Option 2: Apply through the Chinese Embassy
- Apply for the Chinese Government Scholarship (Type A) through the Chinese Embassy or Consulate in your country.
- Contact the relevant embassy for application requirements and deadlines.
- You must also submit an application through SJTU’s online portal before the relevant deadline.
Important: You can choose only one scholarship application route: through the university or through the embassy.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Start Early: Prepare your transcripts, reference letters, and language tests months before the deadline to avoid rush errors.
- Craft a Focused Research Proposal: Tailor your study plan to match the ongoing research projects of SJTU faculty members.
- Secure Acceptance from a Supervisor: Obtaining a provisional acceptance letter from an SJTU professor significantly improves your scholarship odds.
- Check Document Legibility: Ensure every scanned page is clear, properly oriented, and officially stamped.
- Explicitly Select Scholarship Options: Missing the “Apply for Scholarship” checkbox during registration means you will only be evaluated as a self-funded student.
Monthly Living Expenses for International Students (in USD)
Shanghai is a vibrant, modern metropolis. While the First-Class scholarship provides a stipend to cover living costs, having a realistic breakdown helps with budgeting:
| Living Expense Category | Estimated Monthly Cost (USD) |
| On-Campus Dormitory (If not fully covered) | $150 – $300 |
| Food & Campus Dining | $200 – $350 |
| Public Transportation (Subway & Bus) | $30 – $50 |
| Mobile Plan & Internet | $15 – $25 |
| Books & Academic Supplies | $25 – $40 |
| Utilities & Miscellaneous | $40 – $70 |
| Estimated Total Monthly Budget | $460 – $835 USD |
Note: 1 USD ≈ 7.2 CNY (Subject to standard currency fluctuations).
Why Choose This Scholarship? (Top 5 Reasons)
- World-Class Academic Ranking: SJTU is consistently ranked among the world’s top universities, offering degrees recognized by employers and institutions worldwide.
- Comprehensive Financial Support: The scholarship covers tuition, accommodation allowances, living stipends, and medical insurance, allowing you to focus entirely on your studies.
- State-of-the-Art Research Facilities: Gain access to national key laboratories, high-tech research centers, and top-tier academic faculty.
- Strategic Global Location: Studying in Shanghai places you in China’s economic hub, opening up opportunities for corporate networking, internships, and global career pathways.
- Rich Cultural Exchange: Join a diverse international student community and gain fluency in Mandarin Chinese, expanding your cross-cultural competence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the deadline for the Shanghai Jiaotong University Scholarship 2027?
The final application deadline for international degree programs and scholarship consideration is March 31, 2027.
2. Is IELTS/TOEFL mandatory for application?
If your prior degree was conducted entirely in English, some departments accept a Certificate of English Medium of Instruction. However, submitting an official IELTS (6.0+), TOEFL (85+), or Duolingo score (120+) strengthens your profile.
3. Can I apply for more than one scholarship category?
Yes. When applying via the online portal, you can select general scholarship consideration, which automatically enters you for CGS, SGS, and SJTU institutional awards.
4. Is an acceptance letter from an SJTU professor required?
An acceptance letter is recommended for all graduate applicants and is strictly mandatory for specific Ph.D. schools like Life Sciences, Mechanical Engineering, and Chemistry.
5. When will scholarship results be announced?
Scholarship decisions are typically released alongside admission results between May and July 2027.
Important Application Deadlines
Applications open November 5, 2026
| Application category | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Chinese Government Scholarship (University first round) | December 15, 2026 |
| Chinese Government Scholarship (University final round) | February 15, 2027 |
| Shanghai Government Scholarship | March 31, 2027 |
| SJTU Scholarships | March 31, 2027 |
| Self-funded admission | May 31, 2027 |
