Shanghai’s Teacher Education Leader
The city’s principal teacher-training university, supplying a large share of Shanghai’s schoolteachers and education researchers.
Shanghai, China
Shanghai Normal University
Shanghai’s university of education and Chinese language — teaching the world since 1954
Founded in 1954, Shanghai Normal University (SHNU) is a municipal key university jointly built by the Shanghai Municipal Government and the Ministry of Education, and the city’s principal institution for teacher education, Chinese language and the humanities. ShanghaiRanking 2026 places SHNU 123rd nationally — the highest of Shanghai’s normal universities after East China Normal University — with particular strength in Chinese language and literature, education, philosophy, mathematics and tourism management. The university runs the historic Xuhui campus in central Shanghai and the large Fengxian campus in the south, and it is entrusted by the city to operate the Shanghai International Student Pre-College, the official preparatory pathway that prepares overseas students for degree study at Shanghai universities. SHNU is also one of China’s largest bases for teaching Chinese as a foreign language, hosting Confucius Institutes abroad and training Chinese teachers for schools worldwide. With around 2,700 international students, academic partnerships across more than 40 countries and regions, and tuition of roughly CNY 19,800 per year for undergraduates, SHNU is the practical choice for students who want a Shanghai education focused on Chinese language, teaching qualifications, humanities or tourism at a genuinely affordable price.
- Location
- Shanghai, China
- Founded
- 1954
- International Students
- 2,700+
- Teaching Language
- English / Chinese
- Tuition
- CNY 19,800 - 30,000 / year
- Intake
- September
- Application Deadline
- June 30
Why Choose
Why Choose Shanghai Normal University
Key reasons international students choose Shanghai Normal University for their studies in China.
Major Chinese Language Base
One of China’s largest centres for teaching Chinese as a foreign language, with Confucius Institutes on several continents.
Official Shanghai Pre-College
Entrusted by the city to run the Shanghai International Student Pre-College, the official preparatory route into Shanghai degrees.
Top-Ranked Humanities Faculties
Chinese literature, philosophy, history and education rank among Shanghai’s strongest non-985 humanities programs.
Lowest Tuition In Shanghai
Undergraduate tuition near CNY 19,800 per year — well below most major Shanghai research universities.
Two Contrasting Campuses
Historic Xuhui campus in central Shanghai plus the spacious modern Fengxian campus with newer residences and sports facilities.
Rankings & Recognition
Academic Reputation
National designations and world rankings that signal academic strength and prestige.
China National Ranking#123
Programs
Programs for International Students
Explore the degree programs and academic strengths available to international students at Shanghai Normal University.
Chinese Language
BachelorLanguage: Chinese
Duration: 4 years
Tuition: CNY 19,800 / year
Intake: September
Scholarship: Confucius Institute Scholarship eligible
Teaching Chinese to Speakers of Other Languages
BachelorLanguage: Chinese
Duration: 4 years
Tuition: CNY 19,800 / year
Intake: September
Scholarship: Confucius Institute Scholarship eligible
Tourism Management
BachelorLanguage: English
Duration: 4 years
Tuition: CNY 19,800 / year
Intake: September
Scholarship: SHNU International Student Scholarship eligible
Business Administration
BachelorLanguage: Chinese
Duration: 4 years
Tuition: CNY 19,800 / year
Intake: September
Scholarship: SHNU International Student Scholarship eligible
Chinese Language & Literature
MasterLanguage: Chinese
Duration: 3 years
Tuition: CNY 24,000 / year
Intake: September
Scholarship: Shanghai Government Scholarship eligible
Education
DoctorLanguage: Chinese
Duration: 4 years
Tuition: CNY 30,000 / year
Intake: September
Scholarship: CSC full scholarship eligible
Admission
Admission Requirements
What you need to apply to Shanghai Normal University as an international student.
- Academic RequirementsHigh school diploma with satisfactory graduation results for bachelor’s; a relevant bachelor’s degree for master’s and a master’s degree for doctoral programs.
- Language RequirementsChinese-taught programs require HSK Level 4 for most majors and HSK Level 5 for Chinese language and literature. English-taught programs require IELTS 6.0, TOEFL 80 or prior education in English.
- Preparatory PathwayApplicants below the required HSK level may enter the Shanghai International Student Pre-College at SHNU before progressing to degree study.
- Required DocumentsPassport, transcripts, graduation certificate, HSK or English certificate, study plan, two recommendation letters for graduate applicants and a non-criminal record certificate.
- Application DeadlineScholarship applicants: April 30. Self-funded applicants: June 30.
- Application FeeCNY 520 for bachelor’s applicants, non-refundable, paid through the online system.
- Medical ExaminationA Foreigner Physical Examination Form is required, with a follow-up check at a Shanghai health authority after arrival.
- Visa DocumentsSHNU issues the JW202 form and Admission Notice so you can apply for an X1 student visa at a Chinese embassy or consulate.
Tuition & Scholarships
Costs & Funding
Transparent tuition, living costs and scholarship options for international students.
Cost Breakdown
- Annual Tuition
- CNY 19,800 - 30,000 / year
- Accommodation
- CNY 900 – 1,800 / monthOn-campus international dormitory, Xuhui or Fengxian
- Application Fee
- CNY 520 (one-time)
- Medical Insurance
- CNY 800 / yearCompulsory comprehensive insurance for international students
- Estimated Living Cost
- CNY 2,500 – 4,000 / monthMeals, transport & personal expenses
Estimated First-Year CostCNY 48,000 – 75,000
Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC)
Coverage: Full tuition, on-campus accommodation, monthly stipend and comprehensive insurance.
Eligibility: Outstanding non-Chinese applicants for master’s or doctoral degrees at SHNU.
Deadline: April 30
Shanghai Government Scholarship (SGS)
Coverage: Class A covers tuition, accommodation, insurance and a monthly stipend; Class B covers tuition only.
Eligibility: Master’s and doctoral applicants with strong academic records applying to SHNU.
Deadline: April 30
Confucius Institute Scholarship
Coverage: Tuition, accommodation, monthly stipend and insurance for Chinese language study.
Eligibility: Applicants for Chinese language, Chinese literature or Teaching Chinese to Speakers of Other Languages programs.
Deadline: April 30
SHNU International Student Scholarship
Coverage: Partial tuition award renewed annually on academic performance.
Eligibility: Self-funded degree students maintaining excellent grades, attendance and conduct.
Deadline: June 30
Campus Life
Life on Campus
What daily student life looks like at Shanghai Normal University.
Historic Xuhui Campus
A tree-lined central campus near Shanghai’s cultural district, minutes from museums, bookshops and the metro.
Modern Fengxian Campus
Spacious southern campus with newer teaching buildings, residences, lakes and extensive open sports grounds.
International Dormitories
Dedicated international residences on both campuses offering single and double rooms with study facilities.
Chinese Language Immersion
Language corners, tandem partner schemes and calligraphy workshops run by the International College of Chinese Studies.
Arts And Music Culture
Strong music, fine arts and performance faculties fill the calendar with concerts, exhibitions and drama productions.
Well-Connected In Shanghai
Metro access from both campuses puts internships, the Bund and Hongqiao transport hubs within easy reach.
Gallery
Campus Gallery
A visual tour of Shanghai Normal University.
Research & Innovation
Research Strengths
Research capacity and innovation ecosystem at Shanghai Normal University.
Chinese Literature Research
Nationally recognised research in classical Chinese literature, philology and the study of ancient texts.
Education Science Institutes
Research centres in basic education, curriculum reform and teacher development advising Shanghai schools.
Urban Culture Studies
The Institute of Urban Culture studies Shanghai’s history, migration and cultural transformation.
Applied Mathematics Strength
Mathematics and scientific computing groups maintain SHNU’s strongest natural science research output.
Environmental And Life Sciences
Laboratories in plant biology, ecology and environmental monitoring linked to regional government projects.
Chinese Teaching Methodology
Leading research on teaching Chinese as a foreign language, shaping textbooks and teacher-training standards.
Career Outcomes
Graduate Outcomes
Where a degree from Shanghai Normal University can take you after graduation.
Teaching And Education Careers
Graduates enter schools, international schools and language institutes across China and their home countries.
Chinese Language Professions
Strong outcomes in translation, interpreting, Chinese teaching and cross-cultural communication roles.
Tourism And Hospitality
Tourism management graduates join hotel groups, airlines, travel platforms and Shanghai’s events industry.
Shanghai Employer Access
Located in China’s commercial capital, giving graduates direct access to multinational and cultural sector employers.
Graduate Study Pathways
Progression into master’s and doctoral study at SHNU or other leading Chinese and overseas universities.
Global Alumni In Education
Alumni teach Chinese and work in education administration across Asia, Europe, Africa and the Americas.
Student Support
International Student Support
How Shanghai Normal University helps international students settle in and succeed.
Accommodation Assistance
Help reserving an on-campus international dormitory room on the Xuhui or Fengxian campus before arrival.
Residence Permit
Guided assistance converting your X1 visa into a residence permit within 30 days of arriving in Shanghai.
Orientation
Orientation week covers registration, campus systems, banking, safety and settling into life in Shanghai.
Academic Advising
College-level advisors support course selection, credit planning and thesis supervision arrangements.
Chinese Language Support
Extensive Mandarin courses, HSK preparation and the Shanghai International Student Pre-College pathway.
Health Services
Campus clinic access, compulsory insurance enrolment and help with referrals to Shanghai hospitals.
Emergency Assistance
Round-the-clock campus security and International Affairs Office contacts for urgent situations.
Visa Guidance
Support with JW202 forms, visa renewals, exit-entry procedures and travel documentation.
Student Community
International student associations, cultural festivals and buddy programs spanning 40+ partner countries.
Timeline
Application Timeline
Key dates and milestones for applying to Shanghai Normal University.
- December – January
Applications Open
The SHNU international student online application system opens for the September intake.
- January – April
Prepare Language Certificates
Sit the HSK examination or finalise your English test result to meet your program’s language requirement.
- By April 30
Scholarship Deadline
Submit your application to be considered for CSC, Shanghai Government and Confucius Institute scholarships.
- By June 30
Self-Funded Deadline
Final date for self-funded applicants to complete their application and upload all documents.
- May – July
Admission Results
Colleges review applications and successful candidates receive Admission Notices and scholarship decisions.
- July
JW202 & Visa Documents Issued
SHNU sends your Admission Notice and JW202 form so you can begin your visa application.
- July – August
Apply For X1 Visa
Apply for your X1 student visa at the Chinese embassy or consulate in your home country.
- Early September
Arrival & Registration
Arrive in Shanghai, move into your dormitory, register, complete the medical check—then classes begin.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions international students ask most about Shanghai Normal University.
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