Donghua University China 2026: Tuition Fees and Admission Requirements

Donghua University, located in Shanghai, is a public research university under the Ministry of Education of China, enrolling over 30,000 students. Originally founded in 1951 as the East China Textile Institute of Science and Technology, the university is internationally recognized for textiles, materials science, and design programs. Established initially in 1951 under the title of the East China Textile Institute of Science and Technology, the university has grown into a full-fledged academic powerhouse under the direct control of the Ministry of Education of China.

In the year 2026, Donghua University still manages to attract a significant pool of international students owing to its unique location in one of the most cosmopolitan cities of the world, committed to the development of international students. This university has a pool of over 30,000 students, with a growing pool of international students. The organization specializes in interdisciplinary courses that combine art, science, and business.

This article from admission institute delves into key aspects, from popular programs to living costs, providing a roadmap for aspiring scholars. Whether you’re passionate about design or engineering, Donghua offers pathways that blend cultural immersion with professional growth, making it an ideal launchpad for careers in a globalized economy.

Donghua University 2026: Tuition, Rankings & Admission Overview                                                           

planning to apply to Donghua University in 2026? The table below summarizes tuition fees, admission requirements, scholarships, and estimated living costs in Shanghai for international students.

Category	Details (2026 intake)
University	Donghua University
Location	Shanghai
QS Ranking 2026	801-850 globally
Tuition (Bachelor – Chinese)	22,000–28,000 RMB/year
Tuition (Bachelor – English)	50,000 RMB/year
Tuition (Master’s)	26,000–32,000 RMB/year
Application Fee	800 RMB
Insurance	800 RMB/year
Living Cost (Average)	4,000–6,000 RMB/month
Dormitory Cost	35–95 RMB/day
IELTS Requirement	5.5+
TOEFL Requirement	72+
HSK Requirement	Level 4 (180+)
Scholarships	Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC), Shanghai Government Scholarship
Application Opening	Dec 2025 (Graduate) / March 2026 (Undergraduate)

Last update: 2/13/2026

Popular Majors at Donghua University China

Donghua University China has established a stellar reputation for its programs that capitalize on Shanghai’s reputation for fashion and manufacturing. At the top of the list are the most sought-after programs within the realm of textile science and engineering, which delve into cutting-edge materials such as intelligent textiles and environmentally friendly materials. This includes innovators who seek to revolutionize textiles and other industrial applications.

1. Fashion design and Engineering

Another flagship major, fashion design, and engineering is noteworthy, where imagination and high technical expertise go hand in hand. Students learn to design fashion pieces that include designs created using digital media and ideas from cultures around the world, even working on projects presented at global conferences.

The successful placement record of students in global organizations is also an indicator of the practice-oriented approach. During recent times, materials science and engineering, especially nanotechnology and composite materials, have recorded high positions in global rankings.

2. Business Administration

Business administration, especially international trade, is attractive to those interested in the Chinese economic scene. The program includes topics such as supply chain management and electronic commerce, geared towards fulfilling the requirements of the Belt and Road Initiative.

3. Computer science and technology

In computer science and technology majors, students take advantage of top-of-class facilities to explore AI and data analytics. In environmental science majors, students tackle urban sustainability in Shanghai.

4. Other popular majors

Other major options include mechanical engineering and chemistry, in which disciplines combine to create innovation. With over 50 options for undergraduates and many for postgraduates, Donghua University China guarantees that the major programs provided are highly market-driven, with high rates of employability for graduates.

Donghua University Scholarships

Financial support has a vital role in making education accessible for international students at Donghua University China. In 2026, various scholarships in China are provided by the university, mostly through government support.

1. CSC

Among them, the “Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) scholarship is noteworthy, offering fully funded support by covering fees, accommodation, medical insurance, and a monthly allowance of CNY3,000 for master’s students and CNY3,500 for PhD students. This fully funded scholarship program focuses on merit-based candidates in key fields of study, like textiles and engineering.

2. Shanghai Government Scholarship

Similarly, the Shanghai Government Scholarship (SGS) program entails the following benefits: waiving of tuition, monthly allowances of CNY 3,000 or less, and the growth of local human talent. It is of two types: Type A and Type B, with special priority for partner country students. The China Link Scholarship Program under the CGS is another program by Donghua University, which funds research stays for a period of 12 months.

3. University-Specific Awards

There are also institutions that offer university-specific awards, such as entrance scholarships, which recognize academic achievements and can provide financial support by covering part of a student’s tuition fees. For instance, university scholarships for 2026 applications for graduate and undergraduate studies will be open from December 2025 and March 2026, respectively, with requirements being strong academic records and language skills.

These provide relief from pressing financial needs while adding value to resumes, providing access to networks in key industries and sectors that are booming in China. There are also numerous success stories from those awarded scholarships, contributing to sustainable fashion and other technological development areas.

Cost of Living at Donghua University

The living costs at Donghua University China are quite reasonable despite the cosmopolitan feeling of Shanghai. The students are able to focus on their studies without being burdened with additional financial costs.

The university has reasonably priced living quarters, and international students are given apartments with single rooms for 95 RMB/day or shared rooms for 35-50 RMB/day. The total monthly cost of living in China in this university is about 4,000–6,000 RMB, which includes additional costs such as internet and air conditioner.

Food expenses are just as accessible; eating in university canteens includes nutritious meals ranging between 10-20 RMB, while eating outside might set one back by 200 USD (1,400 RMB) monthly for a mixed variety of food on the plate. Markets help keep food expenses low for those who prefer cooking. Traveling expenses via Shanghai’s efficient metro service are priced at 200-300 RMB monthly, while biking further brings down the cost.

All the utilities and miscellaneous items, such as your phone and laundry, cost about 300 RMB. You can enjoy yourself going to museums or parks for less than 500 RMB, thanks to student discounts. In all, a stingy student can get by on 4,000-6,000 RMB per month, covering housing, food, and leisure activities.

Most students have their scholarships that offset the cost, and there are available part-time jobs in tutoring and internships to supplement their incomes. Shanghai offers good value: urban excitement with reasonable costs is what its large, international student body enjoys at Donghua.

University Rankings

China’s reputation in the world rankings is built on its strengths in specific fields, making it a strong contender for the 2026 batch. In the QS World University Rankings for 2026, the university ranks in the range of 801-850, recognized for employability and international collaborations.

In the Times Higher Education rankings, it ranks between 401-500 globally for its research environment and industry connections.

Discipline-specific accolades are enhanced: ranked #64 for Chemical Engineering and #67 for Materials Science according to US News & World Report. In the Academic Ranking of World Universities, engineering is ranked within the top 150 globally, and textiles are ranked #1 nationally. ESI rankings include engineering, chemistry, and materials engineering among the top 1%.

Locally, Donghua is especially strong in fashion and textile studies, consistently ranking at the top in China. These measures reflect its academic output, with its over 19 patents and national awards being at the top for its peers. For any student, therefore, it means quality education and better job prospects.

Student Facilities at Donghua University

Donghua University China has well-equipped facilities that improve student life by providing an environment that encourages growth. Located at the Yan’an Road Campus, there are three international student apartments with more than 1,000 beds, including individual bathrooms, refrigerators, and fast internet connectivity in public areas such as laundry rooms, kitchens, and study areas.

Sports enthusiasts can make the most of the campus stadium, which provides facilities for rock climbing, table tennis, gyms, and also for playing badminton and football. Outdoor tracks and sports fields help people live a healthy life amidst the hustle and bustle of Shanghai. Academic facilities glitter with well-equipped labs for textiles and materials, and a library containing millions of books.

It has dining options ranging from several canteens, which have Muslim-friendly options included, offering affordable yet diverse meals. Visa, health, and counseling are taken care of by the student service center, while banks and gyms nearby only add further convenience. Cultural clubs and events cultivate an atmosphere of acceptance and integration for the internationals. These amenities ensure a rounded and enriching sojourn at Donghua.

Admission Requirements

Applicants should also be well prepared for Donghua University China in 2026. The requirements for admission differ according to the level of the program one applies for. A bachelor’s degree is open to those who are non-Chinese, 16-35 years old, and in possession of a high school diploma. For language proficiency, one needs an HSK Level 4 and a score of 180 or above if the courses are taught in Chinese, while it is IELTS 5.5/TOEFL 72 if the courses are taught in English. A new requirement is the CSCA exam for undergraduates.

All the candidates for Master’s need a bachelor’s degree, under 35-40 years old, depending on the funding and relevant experience is preferred. PhD applicants with a master’s degree, under 40-45, with a research proposal. All levels require health certificates and no criminal record.

The applications will be made through the online portal, starting in December 2025 for graduates and March 2026 for study undergraduate degree in China, with the fees being 800 RMB. The documents are transcripts, recommendations, and passports. The scholarships are included as well, and the evaluation criteria are academic and interview-based.

Several international applicants who completed the 2025 intake process noted that preparing documents at least 6–8 weeks before the scholarship deadline significantly reduced application stress. In particular, early verification of transcripts and language certificates helped avoid delays in the university portal review stage. Some students also emphasized that securing accommodation confirmation early was beneficial when applying for the X1 student visa, as visa officers often request proof of housing arrangements in Shanghai.

Tuition Fees

The tuition fees for Donghua University China are still competitive for the academic year 2026, considering the value for quality education provided. The fees for the bachelor’s program in Chinese are between 22,000 and 28,000 RMB annually, and fees for the program taught in English are 50,000 RMB. For the master’s program, fees range from 26,000 to 32,000 RMB.

Fees for the doctoral program are equivalent to the master’s, and the only modification possible is at the discretion of the government via a directive. Chinese language non-degree study is 10,800 RMB per semester. Application fees are 800 RMB, and insurance is an additional 800 RMB per year.

These are usually waived on scholarship, making the school accessible. Compared to other schools in the West, these fees save you, especially in Shanghai.

CSCA Exam

The CSCA test comes into the picture within the admission requirements for 2026 at Donghua University in China. This applies to the undergraduate application process. CSCA means China Scholastic Competency Assessment. It is a test conducted by the China Scholarship Council to assess the competence in math, physics, chemistry, and Chinese proficiency.

This is mandatory for CGS students, but for others, it is highly recommended, preparing students for Chinese academia. This is held five times a year, helping universities make assessments. This requires foundation programs, with results also impacting scholarships. For Donghua students, this is part of the undergrad application.

Conclusion

In a nutshell, Donghua University China in 2026 represents one of the best options for international students in terms of academic rigor combined with innovative programs and cultural immersion in the heart of Shanghai. With tuition fees ranging from 22,000–50,000 RMB per year, depending on the program and language of instruction, and generous scholarships, like the Chinese Government Scholarship and Shanghai Government Scholarship, that often cover all costs, the university makes world-class education remarkably accessible.

Admission requirements are pretty clear: language proficiency, academic credentials, and lately, the CSCA exam for undergraduate applicants ensures a merit-based yet inclusive process. With modern facilities, affordable living in a global metropolis, and top-class rankings in textiles, materials science, and design, the allure of the place becomes unbeatable. For young minds aspiring for a learning experience that promises a leap from the worlds of creativity and technology, Donghua University promises not only a degree but the key to successful careers in vibrant China and beyond.

Prospective students are advised to verify deadlines and program-specific requirements through the official university portal before applying. Contact us for more information and expert consultation.