Tuition Fees in Shanghai for International Students
When choosing a university, it is important to look at the area that you are going to study because there are a lot of wonderful countries and cities that need to be visited to learn new information and achieve great experiences. When it comes to formal education, it is evident that Shanghai, which is one of the locations in China, tries to the best of its abilities to provide good education levels.
Public universities are often good options for international students because they allow students to access well-established education under governmental support. Students that are interested in entering a public university in Shanghai should know that there are 31 universities here, and they need to research the most suitable for them.
The education system is changing every day, and universities are becoming more popular and widespread in every country. Private Universities are liked by many students because they offer opportunities that sometimes cannot be found in the public system. There are 3 private universities out of 34 institutions in Shanghai, which offer various opportunities for students, and these universities provide a great value for students because it allows them to choose based on quality and assurance and not only on popularity.
Tuition fees are among the most significant factors students weigh when it comes to their university applications. Fortunately, knowing about tuition fees ahead of time can help you prepare for this challenge. In this article, we will be looking at tuition fees in Shanghai.
Are there any free tuition universities in Shanghai?
No, there are no free-tuition universities in Shanghai. Students are expected to be capable of financing their education and paying their tuition fees. However, students may check the universities here if they offer financial help, such as grants, scholarships, or work-study opportunities. It’s also worth checking the cheapest universities in Shanghai to find the most affordable study destinations.
Is Shanghai affordable for International Students?
Those pursuing bachelor's degree studies as an international student in Shanghai spend an average of 18,000 RMB annually on tuition fees. On top of this, they also need to consider other costs, such as accommodation, food, and transport. With all these, those looking to study in Shanghai need to prepare well, as these expenses can easily add up to make a significant dent in their finances.
Meanwhile, international students in master's programs might not find Shanghai friendly to their wallets. The average tuition rate here is 19,100 RMB. This along with living costs and miscellaneous expenses can quickly add up and make budgeting quite a challenge.
Tuition Fees in Shanghai
There are multiple universities in Shanghai that are welcoming to both international and domestic students, and they provide great educational values with different tuition fee values. Here are the tuition fee ranges of universities in Shanghai, based on student type and degree.
Tuition fees in Universities in Shanghai
1. Shanghai University of Electric Power
- Shanghai University of Electric Power
- Bachelor’s international tuition fee: 16,000 RMB - 16,000 RMB
- Master’s international tuition fee: 20,000 RMB - 20,000 RMB
Established in the early 1950s, Shanghai University of Electric Power offers courses focused mainly on engineering, science, and technology. The university has around 12,000 students all studying to pursue their dreams. The university is striving to educate these students to change their communities and make the world of electronics, engineering, and science a better place.
2. Tongji University
- Tongji University
- Bachelor’s international tuition fee: 20,000 RMB - 33,800 RMB
- Master’s international tuition fee: 23,000 RMB - 79,000 RMB
Tongji University is a comprehensive university located in Shanghai, China. Founded in 1907, it is one of China’s oldest and most prestigious universities. TJU is known for its excellence in engineering, architecture, environmental science, business, and other disciplines. The University attracts a significant number of international students from around the world. The university provides programs and support services specifically designed for international students, creating a diverse and multicultural learning environment.
3. Shanghai Normal University
- Shanghai Normal University
- Bachelor’s international tuition fee: 19,800 RMB - 19,800 RMB
- Master’s international tuition fee: 23,000 RMB - 23,000 RMB
One of Shanghai’s top centers of learning for tertiary students is none other than Shanghai Normal University (SHNU). It is a public research university that was established more than 50 years ago. Moreover, as one of the city’s best institutions, it is noted for producing graduates who turn out to be successful individuals in their chosen fields.
4. Shanghai Maritime University
- Shanghai Maritime University
- Bachelor’s international tuition fee: 20,000 RMB - 20,000 RMB
- Master’s international tuition fee: 23,000 RMB - 23,000 RMB
Founded in 1959, Shanghai Maritime University is a public university in China. It offers degree programs in various disciplines aligned with the shipping and logistics industries. With over 26,000 students taking English and Chinese courses, the university is among the significant providers of globally competitive education in the country.
5. Shanghai University of Political Science and Law
- Shanghai University of Political Science and Law
- Bachelor’s international tuition fee: 21,500 RMB - 21,500 RMB
- Master’s international tuition fee: 23,000 RMB - 23,000 RMB
Situated at the foot of Sheshan Mountain, Shanghai University of Political Science and Law offers a warm environment for both its domestic and international students. The university vouches for practicality and application, producing intellectual students with realistic skills. For decades, the Shanghai University of Political Science and Law has already secured a spot among excellent political science universities in Shanghai.
6. Shanghai International Studies University
- Shanghai International Studies University
- Bachelor’s international tuition fee: 22,000 RMB - 23,000 RMB
- Master’s international tuition fee: 23,000 RMB - 64,000 RMB
Shanghai International Studies University specializes in teaching languages and literature. It actively encourages the development of a global perspective and offers excellent programs that aim to train future global leaders. It operates on two campuses and is home to state-of-the-art linguistic laboratories, interpretation systems, and vast libraries.
7. Shanghai University of Sports
- Shanghai University of Sports
- Bachelor’s international tuition fee: 22,000 RMB - 24,000 RMB
- Master’s international tuition fee: 24,000 RMB - 26,000 RMB
Shanghai University of Sports (SUS) is one of China’s “Double First-Class University”. It’s a recognition given to the country’s most elite universities and colleges. The institution is also the very first sports university in mainland China. SUS currently ranks first in Asia and top 51-75 worldwide for its outstanding performance in sports science and physical education-related courses. Not only does this university specializes in sports, but it’s a comprehensive and multidisciplinary institution offering degree programs in management, science, literature, medicine, and arts featuring sports.
8. University of Shanghai for Science and Technology
- University of Shanghai for Science and Technology
- Bachelor’s international tuition fee: 20,500 RMB - 38,000 RMB
- Master’s international tuition fee: 24,000 RMB - 35,000 RMB
The University of Shanghai for Science and Technology is a public institution focused on engineering and applied research in science, economics, arts, and other fields. It comprises two campuses (Jungong Road and Fuxing Road). It also works closely with other universities and institutions, forming alliances dedicated to engineering, medical engineering, and the machinery industry. For sure, opportunities abound for its students.
9. Shanghai University of Engineering Science
- Shanghai University of Engineering Science
- Bachelor’s international tuition fee: 20,000 RMB - 30,000 RMB
- Master’s international tuition fee: 25,000 RMB - 25,000 RMB
Shanghai University of Engineering Science (SUES) is a public institution focusing on engineering, economics, arts, management, and design. It comprises three campuses: Songjiang, Changning, and Hongkou. These campuses offer many undergraduate and graduate courses. These courses are high caliber, especially its engineering programs that are part of the world’s top 1%.
10. Shanghai Institute of Technology
- Shanghai Institute of Technology
- Bachelor’s international tuition fee: 18,000 RMB - 22,000 RMB
- Master’s international tuition fee: 25,000 RMB - 25,000 RMB
Shanghai Institute of Technology, founded in 1954, is one of the public academic institutions in Shanghai, China. It has more than 15,000 students across its two campuses in the city. The institute offers undergraduate and graduate programs in Engineering, Science, and Technology.
11. East China Normal University
- East China Normal University
- Bachelor’s international tuition fee: 22,000 RMB - 28,000 RMB
- Master’s international tuition fee: 25,000 RMB - 35,000 RMB
East China Normal University, founded in 1951, is one of the universities located in Shanghai, China. The university is known for its nickname “Garden University,” with its campuses in the Putuo and Minha districts occupying an area of more than 207 hectares. From its initial focus on teacher training, the university’s academic profile has extended to scientific research, talent training, global education, and community service.
12. Shanghai Second Polytechnic University
- Shanghai Second Polytechnic University
- Bachelor’s international tuition fee: 20,000 RMB - 20,000 RMB
- Master’s international tuition fee: 25,000 RMB - 25,000 RMB
Shanghai Second Polytechnic University, also referred to as Shanghai Polytechnic University, is one of the public institutions for higher learning in Shanghai, China. Since its foundation in 1960, the university has undergone significant improvements. At present, the university offers undergraduate and master’s degree programs in Engineering, Business, and Arts.
13. Donghua University
- Donghua University
- Bachelor’s international tuition fee: 22,000 RMB - 50,000 RMB
- Master’s international tuition fee: 26,000 RMB - 40,000 RMB
With three campuses, Donghua University has been educating students for over the last 70 years. Situated in the city of Shanghai, the university has a focus on the work of textile, research, chemistry, and biology. Training students to become the leaders of the future is the mind and goal of Donghua University.
14. Fudan University
- Fudan University
- Bachelor’s international tuition fee: 54,600 RMB - 54,600 RMB
- Master’s international tuition fee: 26,000 RMB - 30,000 RMB
Fudan University has four total campuses located throughout China. The university holds a variety of challenging courses of study, including history, science, research and more. Fudan University desires to challenge their students in the education of their chosen field and help them learn to take on the world.
15. Shanghai University
- Shanghai University
- Bachelor’s international tuition fee: 21,000 RMB - 39,000 RMB
- Master’s international tuition fee: 26,000 RMB - 114,000 RMB
Shanghai University was established in 1922, with the initial purpose of molding figures in the Chinese revolution. As a result of the Shanghai Massacre on April 12, 1927, the school was closed and was only reopened in 1983. Shanghai University, or SHU, has since become one of the renowned and recognized universities around the world.
16. East China University of Political Science and Law
- East China University of Political Science and Law
- Bachelor’s international tuition fee: 24,000 RMB - 40,000 RMB
- Master’s international tuition fee: 28,000 RMB - 54,000 RMB
The East China University of Political Science and Law in Shanghai, China, is a public institution specializing in legal and political science subjects. It comprises 22 faculties and two campuses (Changning and Songjiang). Students get to choose from many specialized undergraduate and graduate courses.
17. East China University of Science and Technology
- East China University of Science and Technology
- Bachelor’s international tuition fee: 22,000 RMB - 26,000 RMB
- Master’s international tuition fee: 28,000 RMB - 34,000 RMB
The East China University of Science and Technology (ECUST) is located in the dynamic area of Shanghai. The institution puts importance on both education and research. It offers a wide variety of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, some of which are offered in the English language. The school is also selective when it comes to admissions since they are only accepting students who reached the top 5% in the National College Entrance Examination.
18. Shanghai Jiao Tong University
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University
- Bachelor’s international tuition fee: 24,800 RMB - 24,800 RMB
- Master’s international tuition fee: 28,900 RMB - 94,000 RMB
Shanghai Jiao Tong University, founded in 1896, is one of the best universities in China and has been among the top 100 in several prestigious university rankings. There are more than 31,000 students in the university and over 2,500 international students. The university focuses on the internationalization of its academic prestige, strengthening its global influence and future-oriented strategies.
19. Shanghai Ocean University
- Shanghai Ocean University
- Bachelor’s international tuition fee: 19,800 RMB - 21,500 RMB
- Master’s international tuition fee: 29,000 RMB - 33,000 RMB
Shanghai Ocean University is a public institute of tertiary studies in China. Its historical roots can be traced back to 1912, and at the time, it was named Jiangsu Provincial Fisheries College. Today, it has two campuses and offers various courses spread out across its 14 faculties.
20. Shanghai University of International Business and Economics
- Shanghai University of International Business and Economics
- Bachelor’s international tuition fee: 20,000 RMB - 40,000 RMB
- Master’s international tuition fee: 30,000 RMB - 50,000 RMB
Shanghai University of International Business and Economics is a public center of learning in China. It was formerly named Shanghai Institute of Foreign trade until the year 2013. Furthermore, it is regarded as an excellent business school not just in the city of Shanghai, but also throughout the whole country.
21. Shanghai University of Finance and Economics
- Shanghai University of Finance and Economics
- Bachelor’s international tuition fee: 30,000 RMB - 30,000 RMB
- Master’s international tuition fee: 34,000 RMB - 144,000 RMB
The roots of the Shanghai University of Finance and Economics can be traced to 1917, when a business program under a higher normal school was opened and 1921, when the first commercial university in China was established. Since then, the institution has been transformed from a single program into elite university offering courses in economics, law, management, arts, and science. It is also a Double First-Class and Project 211 University.
22. Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine
- Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine
- Bachelor’s international tuition fee: 20,000 RMB - 42,000 RMB
- Master’s international tuition fee: 34,000 RMB - 51,000 RMB
Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine was established in 1956. It was formerly known as Shanghai Traditional Chinese Medicine College before officially using its current name in 1993. The university is one of the pioneers in providing higher education in the specialized field of Chinese medicine. As the institution progresses, its primary goal is to provide improved and advanced teaching and research to its students without straining the original context of traditional Chinese medicine.
23. Shanghai Theatre Academy
- Shanghai Theatre Academy
- Bachelor’s international tuition fee: 36,000 RMB - 45,000 RMB
- Master’s international tuition fee: 36,000 RMB - 45,000 RMB
Shanghai Theatre Academy (STA) is a public art institution in China and was formerly known as the Shanghai Municipal Experimental Theatre School. The academy covers various art disciplines, including theater, Chinese opera, dance, film, TV, etc. Four campuses comprise STA: Huashan, Lianhua, Hongqiao, and Changlin. Each campus is home to a specific discipline.
24. Shanghai Conservatory of Music
- Shanghai Conservatory of Music
- Bachelor’s international tuition fee: 32,000 RMB - 32,000 RMB
- Master’s international tuition fee: 40,000 RMB - 40,000 RMB
The Shanghai Conservatory of Music was originally named the National Conservatory of Music when it was established in 1927. It is known as the first tertiary academic institution for music in China. SHCM has earned its nickname as “a cradle for musicians” because of its excellence in education and research in the performing arts and for producing numerous notable artists for over 90 years.
The primary goal of this article is to provide information about tuition fees in Shanghai and to assist students in their quest to achieve their goals. By describing the average tuition fees and providing you with the best ones available, we hope to help you make an informed decision about your education. Remember that studying in Shanghai can be a financially viable option, so don't let the cost of tuition prevent you from pursuing your dreams.
And make sure to check out the most affordable universities in Shanghai to learn more about making the best out of your finances as an international student.