Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU), ranked 47th in the QS World University Rankings 2026, has officially opened its doors to international applicants for the 2026 academic intake. Recognized globally for its research excellence and world-class faculty, SJTU is now inviting talented international students to apply for its fully funded Master’s and PhD programs. This opportunity is supported by multiple scholarship schemes—most notably the Chinese Government Scholarship (CGS), Shanghai Government Scholarship (SGS), and SJTU’s very own fellowship programs.
If you’re an ambitious student dreaming of completing your graduate education in China with full financial support, this comprehensive guide outlines exactly what you need to know—from scholarships offered and eligibility criteria to the application process and deadlines for 2026.
A Life-Changing Opportunity: Fully Funded Scholarships at SJTU
Each year, SJTU offers a generous number of fully and partially funded scholarships to international graduate students who show academic promise, research capability, and a global mindset. These scholarships go beyond simply covering tuition—they often include a monthly living stipend, health insurance, accommodation allowance, and more.
For doctoral program applicants, the following scholarships are available:
- Chinese Government Scholarship (CGS) – covers tuition, accommodation, medical insurance, and stipend.
- SJTU Fellowship – university-funded scholarship with extensive coverage.
- Shanghai Government Scholarship (SGS) – supports excellent international students financially.
- SJTU Tuition Waiver and Departmental Scholarships – covers partial or full tuition, sometimes paired with living subsidies.
For master’s program applicants, these scholarships include:
- CGS (Type A or B) – the most prestigious scholarship funded by the Chinese Ministry of Education.
- SJTU Scholarships – including tuition waivers and departmental support.
- Shanghai Government Scholarship (SGS) – for top-performing applicants.
One of the best features of SJTU’s funding system is that if you apply for the CGS through SJTU (Type B) and are not selected, your application will automatically be considered for SGS and university-level scholarships—so there’s no need to submit multiple applications.
Who Can Apply? SJTU 2026 Admissions Eligibility Criteria
Before you begin your application, make sure you meet SJTU’s international admission requirements. The university has laid out clear and structured criteria for both master’s and PhD applicants.
First and foremost, all applicants must be non-Chinese citizens holding a valid private ordinary passport. Chinese nationals who have acquired foreign nationality must meet specific nationality verification rules issued by the Entry-Exit Administration of China.
Applicants are expected to be in good physical and mental health, free from any criminal record, and should demonstrate a respectful attitude toward Chinese culture, laws, and university regulations. SJTU emphasizes integrity and personal responsibility, especially for those seeking full financial sponsorship.
In terms of academic background:
- Applicants for master’s programs must hold a bachelor’s degree or an equivalent qualification recognized in China.
- Applicants for PhD programs must hold a master’s degree. However, exceptional students with a bachelor’s degree may apply directly to certain doctoral programs if eligible.
You must also provide proof of language proficiency:
- For English-taught programs: IELTS, TOEFL, Duolingo, or a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate may be accepted.
- For Chinese-taught programs: HSK is required, usually Level 4 or above depending on the program.
Some departments, such as Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Biomedical Engineering, Life Sciences, and Mathematics, require students to contact a faculty member and obtain an acceptance letter from a supervisor before applying. This pre-approval is mandatory for certain Master’s and PhD programs.
The Application Process for SJTU 2026: Step-by-Step Guide
The entire application process takes place online via SJTU’s official portal. You must first create an account, complete the form, upload all documents, and then choose your scholarship option (if applicable).
Official application portal: http://apply.sjtu.edu.cn (Once registered, you’ll need to upload the following documents:)
- Degree certificates: For Master’s—Bachelor’s degree; for PhD—Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. Students graduating in 2026 may submit a provisional certificate or expected graduation letter.
- Academic transcripts from all previously attended institutions.
- Language proficiency test results (IELTS, TOEFL, HSK, MOI, etc.).
- Passport scan, valid for at least 12 months after registration.
- Recent passport-sized photograph (JPG format, under 200 KB).
- Personal statement and study plan, outlining your academic goals and research interests.
- Two academic recommendation letters from professors or senior professionals in your field.
- Supervisor acceptance letter (only if required by your target program).
- Official translations of any non-English or non-Chinese documents must be included.
Once complete, you’ll be prompted to pay the non-refundable application fee of RMB 800 (~USD 120).
Application Routes for SJTU-CSC Scholarship 2026
There are two official scholarship application routes at SJTU:
1# Apply via SJTU – CGS Type B
This is the most popular route and allows you to apply for the Chinese Government Scholarship directly through the university. When filling out your online application, select “Apply for Scholarship through SJTU” and enter the agency code 10248. Your application will be considered for CGS, SGS, SJTU Tuition Waiver, and any applicable school/college-level scholarships.
2# Apply via Chinese Embassy – CGS Type A
Alternatively, you may apply for CGS through the Chinese Embassy or Consulate in your home country. Each country has different timelines and procedures—usually between November and April. After applying at the embassy, you must also complete the online application at SJTU to be eligible for enrollment.
Official Timeline for SJTU China Scholarship 2026 Applications
The official application timeline for Shanghai Jiao Tong University’s 2026 international graduate admissions begins on October 15, 2025, when the application portal opens. Applicants seeking the SJTU-Chinese Government Scholarship (CGS) Type B must submit their materials by the first-round deadline of December 15, 2025.
Those who miss the initial round can still apply before the final CGS Type B deadline on February 15, 2026. For candidates targeting the Shanghai Government Scholarship (SGS) or the SJTU internal scholarships, the application must be completed by March 31, 2026. If you are applying as a self-funded student, the final deadline to submit your application is May 31, 2026. Successful applicants will begin their studies with enrollment and registration taking place in September 2026.