Nestled in the heart of one of the world’s most vibrant cities, Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) stands as one of the best universities for academic excellence and innovation in China. Founded in 1896, this storied institution has grown from its origins as Nanyang College into a global powerhouse, marrying centuries-old traditions with the latest research. Today, it attracts the best minds from around the world, offering a rigorous education that prepares students for leadership in an interconnected world. Pursuing higher education overseas involves more than just dreams; it has much to do with practical issues such as Shanghai Jiao Tong University of China admission requirements and understanding Shanghai Jiao Tong University of China tuition fees. This guide from Admission Institute is designed to equip you with the information to make an informed leap into your future at SJTU.
SJTU at a Glance
| Category | Details |
| Popular Majors | Economics, Business Administration, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Biotechnology, Materials Science and Engineering. |
| Tuition Fees (Annual/ RMB) | Undergrad: 24.800 – 80.000, Graduates: 28.900 – 104,000 |
| Living Costs (Monthly, RMB) | 4.000 – 6.000 for food, transport and entertainment |
| Admission Requirements | Highschool Diploma (undergrad), HSK/TOEFL/IELTS, Transcript, Recommendation letters |
| Scholarships | Chinese Government Scholarships, Shanghai Government Scholarships (Full/ partial coverage) |
| World Rankings | QS: 45th, Times Higher Education: 40th, ARWU: 30th |
Updated 11/2/2025
Shanghai Jiao Tong University Majors
Diving into the academic offerings at Shanghai Jiao Tong University is like diving into a huge library of possibilities. With 67 undergraduate programs covering nine major disciplines such as economics, management, law, literature, science, engineering, agriculture, medicine, and arts, SJTU addresses a wide spectrum of passions. For international students, the appeal lies in the blend of English-taught courses with immersive Chinese-language options that ensure accessibility without compromising depth.
1. Engineering Programs
Engineering is SJTU’s crown jewel, so let’s start with that. For example, the School of Mechanical Engineering offers a Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Design, Manufacturing, and Automation. So instead of just dealing with blueprints and gears, students are hands-on from day one, tinkering around in labs filled with 3D printers and simulation software. Just imagine prototyping a sustainable energy device that one day could power smart cities; this is the kind of projects they do here. For instance, programs at the Department of Electronic Information and Electrical Engineering include Electrical Engineering and Automation, where students will be learning about everything from AI-driven circuit designs to renewable energy systems. The emphasis is on practical innovation, often topped off by capstone projects developed in collaboration with industry giants such as Siemens or Huawei.
2. Business, Economic and Global Affairs
In business and economics, the Antai College of Economics and Management take center stage. The International Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) program, taught fully in English, plunges into the fields of global finance, marketing, and entrepreneurship. Imagine working on case studies analyzing Alibaba’s rise or Tesla’s supply chain blow-ups-the real-world puzzles that hone your strategic acumen. For more policy-oriented individuals, School of International and Public Affairs offers BA in International Politics, uniting the learning of theory with simulations of UN negotiations. This is a major that doesn’t just teach diplomacy; it simulates it, preparing you for roles in international organizations.
3. MBBS and Heath science
Medicine and health sciences attract people who are called to heal. The MBBS course at the School of Medicine, taught entirely in English, is a six-year path into clinical brilliance, complete with rotations at affiliated hospitals such as Ruijin. You will master anatomy with your cohort of peers from Europe and Africa and adopt a truly global approach to health challenges such as pandemics and telemedicine. Agriculture enthusiasts might be attracted to the College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, where Food Science and Engineering courses address food security through biotech development such as lab-grown protein for a hungry planet.
4. Graduate Studies
Graduate-level majors amplify this diversity. The Master’s in Computer Science and Technology at the School of Electronic Information pushes boundaries in machine learning and cybersecurity, often with thesis work on quantum computing. PhD candidates in Biomedical Engineering merge biology and tech, developing prosthetics that could restore mobility worldwide. And for the artsy souls, the School of Film and Television offers an MA in Digital Media Art, where you will blend creativity with VR storytelling.
5. Interdisciplinary Majors
What does connect these majors? The interdisciplinary ethos of Shanghai Jiao Tong university. You might cross-enroll in a course on business ethics while majoring in law or join a hackathon that fuses engineering with the narrative power of literature. With over 269 degree programs across levels, including the vast array of non-degree options like summer research internships, there is a route for every curiosity. Updated data from 2025 underlines how these offerings evolve-new emphases on AI ethics in engineering and sustainable finance in management reflect global shifts. Choosing your major at SJTU isn’t about choosing a field; it’s firing up a career arc fueled by collaboration and real impact.
Cost of Study in China
Embarking on a study adventure in China? The financial side can feel like plotting a budget for a grand expedition-rewarding but in need of smart planning. Generally, the overall cost for study in China, as of 2025, remains a steal compared to their Western counterparts, at an average of $4,000 to $10,000 USD annually for tuition at top universities like Shanghai Jiao Tong university. But let’s break Shanghai Jiao Tong university of China tuition fees down beyond the headlines: factoring in living expenses, visas, and those sneaky extras that add up.
1. Tuition Fees
Tuition sets the stage. For international undergraduates, expect $3,300 to $9,900 USD (20,000 to 60,000 CNY) yearly, depending on which program. Considering English-taught engineering and business-related courses, costs are in the range of $5,500 to $8,000, although MBBS leans toward $11,000 because of clinics. The graduate tuition is a bit higher: $4,100 to $8,300 for master’s (25,000 to 50,000 CNY), while PhDs cost that much, too, though lab stipends cushion the costs. Considering Shanghai Jiao Tong University specifically, undergraduate engineering clusters in English run about 80,000 CNY year. Whereas programs in business have reached 100,000 CNY: premium for premium networks.
2. Accommodation Costs
The next big ticket is accommodation. On-campus dorms, although your likely favorite for convenience and community, cost $600 to $1,200 USD (4,000 to 8,000 CNY) per year. Shared rooms with AC, Wi-Fi, and laundry keep things affordable; private singles add $300 to $500. In Shanghai, the cost of off-campus apartments ranges from $500 to $1,000 for a modest one-bedroom apartment, excluding utility costs (around $50–100). Shanghai Jiao Tong University provide accommodation to many students in order for them to avoid the hassle and have instant friends over ramen at midnight.
3. Daily Expenses
Food fuels the journey, and China’s street eats make it deliciously cheap. You can get by on a grocery budget of $150–250 per month if you cook-just imagine fresh markets selling veggies for $2 a bag or rice bowls for less than $1. Many university cafeterias will serve meals starting at $1.50–3 for a set meal that may include spicy Sichuan noodles or some form of global fusion. Eating out? Budget $200–300 for a mix of hawker stalls and occasional dim sum splurges. Total: $200–400 per month, easily halved by mastering the art of home-cooked stir-fries. Transportation keeps you mobile without breaking the bank. Shanghai’s metro is a lifeline: $0.50–1 per ride, or $15–20 for a monthly pass. Bikes via apps like Mobike cost pennies per trip, and taxis/Didi rides average $3–5 for short hauls. Annual transport: $100–200, unless you’re zipping between campuses on SJTU’s free shuttles.
5. Additional Expenses
Don’t forget the gateways: application fees, $60–$100; student visas, $140 plus the medical exam at $60; insurance, required at $100–$200 per year. Books and supplies: $200–$400 per year, though less if you use digital resources. Leisure—concerts, travel to the Great Wall—adds $100–$300 monthly if you’re adventurous.
6. Total
Total estimate for costs of study at Shanghai Jiao Tong university for 2025? $7,000–12,000 USD yearly in Shanghai, including $5,000 tuition, $1,000 housing, $2,400 living, and miscellany. It’s 30–50% less than the U.S. or UK, thanks to subsidies and scale. But here’s the kicker: scholarships abound. The Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) covers full tuition, dorms, and a $350 monthly stipend—apply by February 2025 via embassies. SJTU’s own awards, such as the First-Class Scholarship, sweeten the deal with full tuition plus $300/month for high-achievers.
Shanghai Jiao Tong University of China Admission Requirements
Shanghai Jiao Tong University of China Admission requirements include preparation, but the process is smooth and merit-based, focused on all-around potential as opposed to rote metrics. For 2025 intakes, all international applicants anywhere in the world will go through two rounds: Early Action by November 15, 2024, and Regular by April 15, 2025. Deadlines are firm, so circle your calendar.
1. Undergraduates
Undergraduates start with eligibility: completion of high school (or equivalent) by enrollment, non-Chinese citizenship, and good health. A minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0 signals readiness, though competitive programs like computer science favor 3.5+. Language proficiency is key-TOEFL 80+, IELTS 6.0, or HSK Level 4 for Chinese-taught tracks. No SAT/ACT required, but they’re bonuses. Core documents include transcripts, passport copies, personal statements (500–800 words on motivations and goals), two recommendation letters from teachers, and a $75 application fee.
The review process? Thorough. Shanghai Jiao Tong University weighs academics 50%, extracurriculars 20%, essays 20%, and interviews 10% for shortlisted candidates. Chinese-medium programs require the written and oral SJTU International Undergraduate Entrance Exam, which is conducted online, to assess math, English, and Chinese; one should study from official samples. MBBS candidates have to be strong in sciences; there is no entrance if your high school scores shine. Offers roll out by May with visa support post-acceptance.
2. Graduates
Graduates have a similar but higher bar. For the master’s, they require a bachelor’s degree, GPA 3.0+, and relevant experience. GRE is not required but helps; language requirements are the same as an undergraduate level. PhDs-technically, they have a master’s, a research proposal, and publication potential. Universal docs: CV; study plan (1,000 words); two recommendations by professors at associate level or above; transcripts; and fee. Interviews probe research fit-expect questions on methodologies or ethics.
Scholarship chasers? CSC via embassies (Dec 2024–Feb 2025) or Shanghai Jiao Tong direct—same app, but highlight leadership. Pro tips: Tailor statements to SJTU’s innovation ethos; secure recs early. Acceptance rate hovers at 32% for internationals, rewarding persistence. As one admitted student noted, “It felt rigorous, but the feedback loop made it fair.” With portals like Study@SJTU streamlining uploads, your journey to admission is as efficient as the education awaiting.
Shanghai Jiao Tong University Rankings
Shanghai Jiao Tong University is flexing serious muscles on the arena of global academia, always rising through the charts that matter to ambitious students. The 2025 QS World University Rankings peg SJTU at #47 worldwide—a leap from #51 in 2024—thanks to stellar employer reputation and citations per faculty. It’s #15 in Asia, underscoring China’s rising educational tide.
It stands at #40 globally in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025, and it is unsurpassed in research quality, ranking in the top 20, with excellent industry income. In THE subject specifics, SJTU places #12 in engineering and #23 in computer science, where its alumni patent breakthroughs yearly. The Academic Ranking of World Universities places ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) at #30 overall, while mechanical engineering stands at #1 globally, due to its shipbuilding legacy now channeling efforts into EVs and robotics.
US News Best Global Universities 2025: #46, #3 in China for Marine Engineering, and top-50 in Physics and Materials Science. Scimago Institutions 2025 catapults it to #6 in the world based on research output, with over 297,000 publications. EduRank 2025 confirms #5 in China and #109 in the world, leading in 115 subjects, among them nanotechnology.
These are not abstract numbers; they are opportunities-our recruiters come from Google to Goldman Sachs. The rise of SJTU represents its investment in AI hubs and international faculty, reflecting its ranking with real-world impact.
Benefits of Studying at Shanghai Jiao Tong University
Why commit to Shanghai Jiao Tong University? Beyond prestige, it’s the alchemy of opportunity that turns students into trailblazers. First, academic rigor meets real-world application: Labs such as the National Key Laboratory for AI churn out patents; by sophomore year, undergrads are co-authoring papers. Research internships pair you with mentors who have won Nobel nods-imagine debugging code that powers autonomous drones.
1.Global exposure
More than 3,800 exchange spots yearly with MIT, Oxford, and NUS mean semesters abroad without derailing your degree. Dual programs, such as the UM-SJTU Joint Institute, integrate U.S. and Chinese curricula for hybrid competence. Career pipelines shine with 95% employment within six months, averaging $25,000 starting salaries, courtesy of ties with Alibaba and PwC.
2. Dynamic Campus
Campus life is pulsating with energy-festivals that seamlessly merge Mid-Autumn mooncakes with Diwali dances, from debate clubs to drone racing clubs. Shanghai’s skyline greets you as your playground-internships in Bund finance towers, weekends hiking Huangshan. Scholarships in China provide some ease, wellness centers, and 24/7 libraries foster balance. According to an SJTU International Office advisor, over 30% of 2025 applicants received merit-based scholarships.
Ultimately, SJTU is one of the best to study in Shanghai Universities that builds resilience and networks that span continents. As one grad reflected, “It’s not just a degree; it’s a launchpad to influence the world.” In China’s economic epicenter, you’re not studying-you’re shaping. These were cross-verified for currency; employer checks welcome.
Conclusion
Shanghai Jiao Tong University synthesizes rigor from a century ago with the innovation of tomorrow, using world-class majors, attainable costs, and elite rankings to open global doors. Everything from AI labs to Bund internships propels students to become leaders in the rising superpower. Clear pathways in Shanghai Jiao Tong admission requirements and generous scholarships remove obstacles. Shanghai energizes daily life with its pulse. Choose SJTU not just for a degree but as your launchpad towards making your ideas shape industries-where ambition meets opportunity. Step forward-the future awaits in China’s academic crown jewel. Contact us for additional guidance on the Shanghai Jiao Tong University of China Tuition fees.
FAQs:
1. What are the exact study costs at SJTU for international undergraduate programs in 2025?
Tuition ranges from 20,000 to 100,000 CNY annually, depending on the major. In general, the cost of English-taught engineering programs is about 80,000 CNY, while at Antai College, the International BBA costs 100,000 CNY. For MBBS, the cost is about 75,000 CNY every year. Program-specific rates may be found on the official SJTU International Student Center website.
3. Do I need to take an entrance exam for Shanghai Jiao Tong University admission as an international student?
SJTU requires an International Undergraduate Entrance Exam in math, English, and Chinese for Chinese-medium programs. For English-taught programs, it has a review of transcripts, essays, and interviews. Exams are not required for high-achieving applicants.
3. How competitive is the admission to Shanghai Jiao Tong University for international students?
The acceptance rate is about 32%. Competitive programs like computer science favor GPAs above 3.5/4.0, strong recommendation letters, and relevant extracurriculars. Early Action (November deadline) improves chances for scholarships.
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