The Shanghai Jiao Tong University Scholarships are among the most sought after fully funded opportunities for international students who want to study in China without worrying about tuition or living costs. Founded in 1896, Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) is one of the oldest and most prestigious institutions in the country, ranking among the top universities in Asia and holding membership in the elite C9 League of China’s most selective research universities. Every year, SJTU opens its doors to thousands of applicants from around the world through several scholarship tracks, including the Chinese Government Scholarship (CGS), the Shanghai Government Scholarship (SGS), and the SJTU Scholarship itself.

The Shanghai Jiao Tong University Scholarships cover full tuition fees, on campus accommodation, comprehensive medical insurance, and a monthly living stipend, making it possible for talented students to pursue bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees entirely free of cost. With more than 100 academic programs spread across fields such as engineering, medicine, economics, law, management, and the arts, SJTU offers something for nearly every academic interest. Applicants from all nationalities (except Chinese citizens) are welcome to apply, and the university places strong emphasis on academic excellence, research potential, and genuine motivation to study in Shanghai.

Shanghai Jiao Tong University Scholarships Summary in Table

Eligibility for Shanghai Jiao Tong University Scholarships

General Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Shanghai Jiao Tong University Scholarships, applicants must not hold Chinese citizenship and should be in good physical and mental health. Candidates must agree to comply with Chinese laws as well as the internal rules and regulations of SJTU. A genuine interest in the chosen field of study and a clear academic or research motivation are also expected from every applicant.

Age and Academic Requirements

Bachelor’s degree applicants generally need to hold a senior high school diploma with strong academic results. Master’s program applicants must hold a recognized bachelor’s degree, while doctoral applicants must hold a master’s degree, although some programs allow direct entry from a bachelor’s degree for exceptional candidates. Proficiency in Chinese or English is required depending on the language of instruction of the chosen program, and most tracks expect applicants to be within a reasonable age range suited to the degree level they are applying for.

Benefits of Shanghai Jiao Tong University Scholarships

Financial Benefits

Recipients of the Shanghai Jiao Tong University Scholarships receive a full tuition fee waiver for the entire duration of their program. Scholars also receive comprehensive medical insurance coverage, on-campus accommodation or a housing subsidy, and a monthly living stipend that can reach up to CNY 3,500 depending on the degree level and scholarship category.

Academic and Personal Benefits

Beyond financial support, scholars gain access to SJTU’s world class faculty, modern research facilities, and a vibrant international student community representing nearly 100 countries. Students also benefit from strong career development support, opportunities to collaborate on cutting-edge research, and the chance to build a global academic network while living in one of China’s most dynamic cities.

Documents Required for Shanghai Jiao Tong University Scholarships

• Completed online application form
• Valid passport copy
• Highest academic degree certificate and transcripts
• Language proficiency certificate (Chinese or English, as applicable)
• Two academic recommendation letters
• Personal statement or study plan
• Physical examination record (for enrolled students)
• Passport-sized photograph

How to Apply for Shanghai Jiao Tong University Scholarships

Step-by-Step Application Process

Applicants should first visit the official SJTU International Student Admission System and create an account. Next, they need to select their preferred degree program and complete the online application form with accurate personal and academic details. All required documents should then be uploaded in the specified format, followed by payment of the non-refundable application fee of approximately CNY 800. Applicants should double check their email address before submission, as all further communication and results will be sent there. Once submitted, applicants can track their application status through their online account, and admitted students must later bring original certificates for registration on the date listed in their admission letter.

Application Tips for Shanghai Jiao Tong University Scholarships

Apply as early as possible since some scholarship quotas are filled on a rolling basis before the final deadline. Make sure every document is translated into English or Chinese and properly notarized where required. Write a clear, focused personal statement that connects your background to your chosen program, and reach out to the International Students’ Office by email if any part of the process is unclear.

Deadline for the Shanghai Jiao Tong University Scholarships

The application window for the Shanghai Jiao Tong University Scholarships typically opens on December 15, 2026 and closes on March 31, 2027 for most master’s and doctoral programs, based on SJTU’s established annual application cycle. Bachelor’s program deadlines vary slightly by track, so applicants are strongly advised to confirm the exact date for their specific program on the official SJTU admissions portal, since final 2027 dates are confirmed closer to the intake period.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)