If you are looking at business schools in China, Fudan School of Management is probably already on your radar. It is one of the oldest business schools in the country, founded back in 1929, and sits in the middle of Shanghai — which honestly gives it an edge that a campus in a smaller city just cannot match. The school is part of Fudan University, a C9 League member, and consistently ranks among the top business schools in Asia.
But here is the thing — Fudan does not have just one MBA program. It actually runs several, each designed for a different type of student. The biggest decision you will face is figuring out which one fits your situation. Let me break them down.
The Programs at a Glance
The most well-known is the Fudan MBA (Part-time), which runs for 2.5 years and costs a total of ¥539,800. This one is designed for working professionals in or near Shanghai. Classes happen in the evenings and on weekends, so you can keep your job while studying. Then there is the Fudan International MBA (Full-time), a two-year program run in partnership with MIT Sloan, priced at ¥369,800 total. This one is taught entirely in English and attracts a much more international crowd.
If you are an international student coming from outside China, the newer option worth looking at is the Fudan Global MBA. Launched specifically for the global market, it is also a two-year part-time program costing ¥348,000. The curriculum is built around five “immersion weeks” — some in China, some abroad — combined with digital learning. The first cohort starts in September 2026, so it is brand new. It is designed for students from Belt and Road countries, Asia, the Middle East, and the Global South who want to understand Chinese business from the inside.
Why the Rankings Matter Here
Fudan’s MBA program ranked 30th globally in the 2026 Financial Times Global MBA Ranking. That is the highest among all mainland Chinese business schools. More interestingly, the FT ranked Fudan 3rd in the world for career services, and reported a 173% salary increase for graduates three years after completing the program. The school also ranks 1st in mainland China in the UTD Research Ranking (2025), which measures faculty research output in top journals.
What do these numbers actually mean? If you graduate from Fudan’s MBA program, your salary three years later is likely close to three times what it was before you started. That is the kind of ROI that makes the tuition fee less intimidating. Of course, results vary by industry and role, but the trend is consistent across multiple years of FT data.
Scholarships That Actually Make a Difference
The sticker price on Fudan’s MBA programs is steep compared to regular master’s degrees in China, but the scholarship options are surprisingly generous. The school runs a “Silk Road” Belt and Road Scholarship that covers up to 45% of tuition for international students from developing countries. There is also a “Xing Quan” Belt and Road International Student Award that provides up to ¥250,000 per recipient — and they fund about two students each year.
Beyond those, you can apply for merit-based scholarships like the GMAT Excellence Scholarship (up to 100% tuition for GMAT 750+), the Women’s Leadership Scholarship (up to 30%), the Tech Leadership Scholarship (up to 30%), and the Young Talent Scholarship (up to 30%). One catch — you cannot stack these. If you qualify for multiple, they give you the highest one only. But even a 30% reduction on ¥348,000 is over ¥100,000 saved.
What About Standard Master’s Programs?
Not everyone wants an MBA. Fudan School of Management also runs Masters in Finance, International Business, and Business Analytics under its Professional Master’s track. These are typically two-year programs, taught in English, and cost significantly less than the MBA — think ¥29,000 to ¥50,000 per year depending on the specific program. Entry requirements are similar to other graduate programs: a bachelor’s degree, decent GPA (3.0+), IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 90, and relevant academic background.
The application timeline for these programs usually opens in October for the following September intake. The admissions committee looks at your undergrad transcript, statement of purpose, recommendation letters, and any relevant internship or work experience. Competition is stiff — Fudan gets thousands of applications every year for its business programs — so a solid application matters more than just meeting the minimum requirements.
Living in Shanghai as a Business Student
Shanghai is not cheap by Chinese standards, but compared to London, New York, or Singapore, it is a bargain. Monthly living costs for a student run around ¥3,000 to ¥5,000. On-campus dormitories cost ¥1,000 to ¥2,000 per month. Food is another ¥1,000 to ¥2,000 if you eat at university cafeterias and local restaurants. The subway system is excellent — you can get from the Handan Road campus to Lujiazui (Shanghai’s financial district) in about 30 minutes.
For business students, being in Shanghai is a massive advantage. The city is home to the Shanghai Stock Exchange, regional headquarters for most global banks, and a booming startup scene. Many Fudan MBA students land internships at companies like McKinsey, Goldman Sachs, Alibaba, and PwC during their studies. The school’s career office actively helps with placements, and the FT ranking suggests they do it well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to speak Chinese to study at Fudan School of Management?
Not for the International MBA or Global MBA — both are taught in English. But learning some Chinese will make your life in Shanghai way easier, and it looks great on your resume if you plan to work in China after graduating.
Can I work while studying?
If you are on a full-time program (International MBA), you can work up to 20 hours per week on campus with a student visa. Part-time programs are designed for people who already have jobs, so working is the whole point.
Is the Fudan MBA worth the money?
Based on the FT data showing a 173% average salary increase, yes — if you get into a good industry after graduating. The tuition is high but the scholarship options are real, and the network you build in Shanghai is hard to replicate elsewhere.
What GMAT score do I need?
For the International MBA, a GMAT of 650+ puts you in scholarship range. The Global MBA is currently offering a limited GMAT waiver, so check with the admissions office. For the regular MBA, they look at the national exam (for domestic students) or GMAT (for internationals).
How hard is it to get in?
Fudan is selective. They get far more qualified applicants than seats. A strong application typically has above-average work experience (3+ years for MBA), clear career goals, and good interview performance. The school values diversity, so coming from an underrepresented country or industry can help.
Can I stay in China after graduating?
Yes. China offers a work visa pathway for graduates who find a job within a certain timeframe. Many Fudan business graduates stay in Shanghai and work for multinational companies or Chinese tech firms. The school’s career services team provides guidance on visa transitions.