Introduction

Looking to study in China at a top-ranked university without worrying about tuition costs? The Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) Graduate Funding 2026 could be your golden opportunity. One of China’s most prestigious universities is once again offering generous scholarships for international students to pursue fully funded Master’s and PhD degrees.

This scholarship isn’t just about financial aid—it’s a chance to become part of a globally competitive academic institution with state-of-the-art research labs, world-class faculty, and a vibrant international community. Whether you’re interested in engineering, medicine, social sciences, or business, SJTU has a place for you.

With application deadlines set for December 15, 2026 and March 31, 2026, now is the perfect time to prepare your application, gather your documents, and aim high. This article will walk you through everything you need to know about this funding opportunity—from eligibility to benefits to how to apply. Let’s dive in.

About Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU)

Founded in 1896, SJTU is not only one of China’s oldest universities, but also one of the most respected. Located in Shanghai, China’s largest and most international city, SJTU has grown into a comprehensive research university with:

  • 30+ schools and departments

  • 31 research institutions

  • 13 affiliated hospitals

  • Multiple campuses, including the renowned Minhang Campus

SJTU is consistently ranked among the Top 100 universities in the world by QS World University Rankings and ARWU (Academic Ranking of World Universities). The university is part of the C9 League, China’s equivalent to the Ivy League, which means it’s in elite academic company.

The university’s global partnerships with institutions like MIT, University of Michigan, and Oxford make it a magnet for academic excellence and international collaboration.

Why Choose SJTU for Graduate Studies?

Choosing SJTU means more than just getting a degree. It’s about becoming part of a thriving academic ecosystem where research, innovation, and multiculturalism intersect.

Here’s why thousands of students apply each year:

  • World-Class Faculty: Learn from renowned researchers and industry professionals.

  • Research Excellence: Participate in cutting-edge research in fields like AI, biomedicine, clean energy, robotics, and economics.

  • Innovation Culture: SJTU fosters entrepreneurship, with student startups and innovation labs supported across campus.

  • Global Exposure: You’ll be studying in Shanghai—Asia’s financial capital—which means endless networking opportunities, internships, and job prospects.

  • International Student Community: SJTU has thousands of foreign students from over 100 countries, creating a culturally rich campus life.

In short, SJTU offers everything you need to thrive—not just academically, but personally and professionally.

Overview of SJTU Graduate Funding 2026

The Graduate Funding 2026 offered by SJTU is a partial tuition scholarship aimed at non-Chinese international students pursuing Master’s or Doctoral (PhD) programs at the university.

Here are the basics:

  • Degree Levels: Master’s and Doctoral (PhD)

  • Fields Covered: All academic fields offered by SJTU

  • Nationality: Open to all international students (non-Chinese citizens)

  • Access Mode: Online application system

  • Number of Awards: Limited (Only 6 slots mentioned officially—may vary by year and department)

  • Application Rounds:

    • First Deadline: December 15, 2026

    • Second Deadline: March 31, 2026

The scholarship is awarded on merit, taking into account academic records, recommendation letters, personal statement, and future potential.

Programs Offered Under the Graduate Funding

SJTU offers a wide range of graduate programs across multiple disciplines. All programs under the Graduate School of SJTU are eligible for this funding.

🧠 Popular Master’s & PhD Programs:

  • Engineering: Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, Computer, Environmental

  • Sciences: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Life Sciences

  • Medical & Health Sciences: Biomedical Engineering, Pharmacy, Public Health

  • Business & Economics: MBA, International Business, Finance

  • Humanities & Social Sciences: Law, International Relations, Education

  • Information & Communication: AI, Data Science, Cybersecurity, Robotics

You can check the full list of available programs on SJTU’s official graduate admissions portal.

Eligibility Criteria for SJTU Graduate Scholarship

Before applying, make sure you meet all the criteria. SJTU is strict about eligibility, and incomplete or ineligible applications are rejected without review.

✅ You are eligible if:

  • You are a non-Chinese citizen in good physical and mental health.

  • You are applying for a Master’s or Doctoral degree.

  • You hold a Bachelor’s degree when applying for Master’s.

  • You hold a Master’s degree when applying for PhD.

  • You are not a freshman in a professional degree program.

  • You meet the language requirements (see below).

📌 Note: Students applying for professional degrees such as JD, MD, or MBA may not be eligible unless specified.

Detailed Admission Requirements

Admission to SJTU graduate programs is highly competitive, especially when funding is involved.

Here’s what you’ll need to meet the academic bar:

For Master’s Programs:

  • A recognized Bachelor’s degree (4-year)

  • Minimum GPA equivalent to 3.0/4.0 or higher

  • Strong academic background in the relevant field

  • Some programs may require work experience or entrance exams

For Doctoral Programs:

  • A recognized Master’s degree

  • Academic publications or research experience preferred

  • Letter of recommendation from thesis supervisor is a plus

Applicants must also demonstrate academic motivation and research potential through a personal statement and study plan.

Scholarship Benefits: What’s Included?

While this isn’t a fully funded package like CSC (China Scholarship Council), it still offers significant financial relief—especially considering the prestige of SJTU.

🎓 Tuition Coverage:

  • Master’s Programs: RMB 28,900 per year (~USD 4,200)

  • Doctoral Programs: RMB 45,500 per year (~USD 6,600)

That’s a huge portion of your study costs covered directly by the university.

🔍 Other Potential Benefits:

  • Access to university housing (at subsidized rates)

  • Student insurance and medical services

  • Access to career and academic workshops

  • Possible internships or TA/RA positions within departments

📌 Note: The scholarship does not include living expenses, travel, or meals. Make sure to budget separately for that.

Application Deadlines and Important Dates

Timing is key when applying for the SJTU Graduate Funding 2026. Missing a deadline—even by a day—can result in automatic disqualification. SJTU follows a structured timeline to ensure a smooth application and review process.

Here’s the timeline you should mark on your calendar:

Event Deadline
Early Round Application Deadline December 15, 2026
Final Round Application Deadline March 31, 2026
Document Review & Evaluation Period April–May 2026
Interview Calls (If Applicable) May 2026
Final Admission Decision June–July 2026
Scholarship Confirmation Deadline July 31, 2026
Visa Processing & Departure August–September 2026

📌 Pro Tip: Apply as early as possible—especially for competitive programs like engineering, business, and medical sciences. Early applications are often reviewed more favorably due to scholarship budget allocations.

How to Apply for Shanghai Jiao Tong Graduate Funding 2026

Ready to take the leap? The application process is straightforward but requires attention to detail. Follow these steps to submit a strong application:

📝 Step-by-Step Guide:

  1. Choose a Program

    • Visit SJTU’s Graduate School website and select your desired Master’s or PhD program.

  2. Create an Online Account

  3. Fill Out the Application Form

    • Complete all sections carefully (personal info, academic background, intended research area, etc.)

  4. Upload Required Documents

    • See detailed checklist below.

  5. Pay the Application Fee

    • Application fee is generally RMB 800 (~USD 110)

    • Payment is made through the online portal and is non-refundable

  6. Submit and Track Your Application

    • Once submitted, you can track your application status through the portal.

  7. Wait for Review & Interview Call (if needed)

    • Some departments may conduct online interviews or require additional documents.

Required Documents Checklist

Ensure that all documents are clear, translated (if applicable), and properly scanned. Incomplete applications will be automatically rejected.

📎 Essential Documents:

  • Scanned Copy of Valid Passport

  • Notarized Degree Certificates (Bachelor’s for Master’s, Master’s for PhD)

  • Notarized Academic Transcripts

  • Personal Statement (approx. 1000 words)

  • Study Plan or Research Proposal (especially for PhD applicants)

  • Two Recommendation Letters from associate professors or higher academic ranks

  • Language Proficiency Certificate (IELTS, TOEFL, or waiver letter)

  • Health Examination Report (if required)

  • Other Documents: Awards, publications, or work experience certificates (optional but helpful)

📌 Note: All documents must be translated into English or Chinese and uploaded in both original and translated versions.

English Language Requirements

Language proficiency is an essential part of your application—especially if the program is taught in English.

📚 Accepted Language Scores:

  • IELTS: Minimum score of 6.0

  • TOEFL iBT: Minimum score of 90

However, you can apply without IELTS/TOEFL if:

  • Your first language is English

  • You obtained a degree from an English-taught program in an English-speaking country

  • You submit a language proficiency waiver letter endorsed by your university

Some departments may still ask for additional proof of communication skills, particularly if the research involves teamwork or international collaboration.

Selection Process and Criteria

Once your application is submitted, it goes through a rigorous multi-stage evaluation. Here’s what happens behind the scenes:

🔍 Review Process:

  1. Document Screening

    • SJTU checks for eligibility, academic background, and completeness of the application.

  2. Departmental Review

    • Faculty members assess your transcripts, study plan, and recommendation letters.

  3. Merit Ranking

    • Candidates are ranked based on academic performance, research potential, and alignment with the program’s focus.

  4. Interview (If Applicable)

    • Shortlisted candidates may be invited for a video interview. Prepare to discuss your academic goals and background.

  5. Final Decision

    • Top candidates are offered admission with or without funding, depending on merit and budget.

📌 Tip: Strong recommendation letters and a well-written study plan can significantly boost your chances.

Life at SJTU as an International Student

Moving to Shanghai? Expect an exciting, enriching, and occasionally challenging experience. Life at SJTU is a blend of rigorous academics and vibrant cultural immersion.

🏫 Campus Life:

  • SJTU has multiple modern campuses, but most graduate programs are based in the Minhang Campus.

  • Facilities include libraries, tech labs, sports centers, cafeterias, and on-campus housing.

🌏 Cultural Diversity:

  • Over 6,000 international students from 100+ countries.

  • International student organizations host events, city tours, language exchanges, and workshops.

🛏️ Accommodation:

  • On-campus dorms available at subsidized rates (about RMB 1,000–1,500/month)

  • Options include shared or single rooms with internet, laundry, and basic utilities.

💬 Language and Lifestyle:

  • While many programs are in English, learning basic Chinese will enrich your social life and help in daily situations.

  • Shanghai is safe, clean, and one of Asia’s most cosmopolitan cities.

Tips to Strengthen Your Application

Want to stand out from the competition? Here are some expert tips:

  1. Customize Your Study Plan

    • Tailor it to the department’s research interests and align it with China’s academic landscape.

  2. Choose Strong Referees

    • Pick professors who know you well and can write detailed, personalized recommendation letters.

  3. Avoid Generic Statements

    • Be specific about your goals, experiences, and why you chose SJTU.

  4. Check Spelling and Formatting

    • Your personal statement and documents should be free of grammar or formatting issues.

  5. Apply Early

    • Early applicants often have higher chances of receiving funding.

Conclusion

The Shanghai Jiao Tong University Graduate Funding 2026 is more than just financial assistance—it’s your ticket to one of the most dynamic academic environments in Asia. From cutting-edge research labs to vibrant student life in Shanghai, SJTU offers everything a serious scholar could dream of.

By covering full tuition and offering unparalleled academic opportunities, this funding program ensures that money doesn’t stand in the way of talent. If you’re an ambitious, motivated international student, now is the time to prepare your application, polish your study plan, and secure your future at SJTU.

Don’t let this opportunity pass you by. Start your journey toward academic excellence in China—apply before the deadline, and make your mark.

FAQs

1. Can international students apply without IELTS or TOEFL?
Yes. If you’re a native English speaker or completed your last degree in an English-speaking country, you may be exempt. A language proficiency waiver letter may also be accepted.

2. Is the SJTU Graduate Scholarship renewable each year?
Yes, but only if you maintain satisfactory academic progress. You’ll need to meet the program’s GPA and research standards annually.

3. How competitive is SJTU funding for graduate students?
Highly competitive. Thousands apply worldwide. A strong academic background, research interest, and application presentation are crucial.

4. Does the funding include accommodation or living costs?
No. The funding covers tuition only. Accommodation and living expenses must be arranged separately, though on-campus housing is subsidized.

5. Can I apply to more than one program or scholarship at SJTU?
Yes, you may apply to multiple programs, but you need to submit separate applications and indicate preferences. Each program evaluates independently.