Step 1: Choose Your Program
Fudan University offers undergraduate, master, and PhD programs across humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, engineering, medicine, and business. Start by browsing programs on the Fudan international admissions portal at iso.fudan.edu.cn. Each program page lists specific admission requirements, tuition fees, and available scholarships. Many programs at Fudan are available in English at the graduate level, including the International MBA, the Master of Finance, and programs at the School of International Relations. For Chinese-taught programs, HSK Level 4 or higher is required. Take time to carefully research programs before applying, as each has specific requirements and application deadlines.
Step 2: Check Requirements
Academic Requirements
Undergraduate applicants need a high school diploma with a strong academic record. Competitive applicants typically have grades well above minimum requirements. Master applicants need a bachelor degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0. PhD applicants require a master degree with demonstrated research capability. Some competitive programs may require higher GPAs or specific prerequisite coursework. For graduate programs, it is advisable to identify potential supervisors whose research interests match yours.
Language Requirements
For English-taught programs, IELTS 6.0 overall or TOEFL 80 is the minimum. Competitive applicants typically have IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 90. For Chinese-taught programs, HSK Level 4 for undergraduate and HSK Level 5 for graduate. Applicants who completed their previous degree in English may request a waiver.
Step 3: Prepare Documents
| Document | Details |
| Notarized Diploma | Highest degree with notarized translation |
| Transcripts | Complete academic records |
| Passport | Valid for 6+ months |
| Study Plan | 800 words explaining your academic goals |
| Recommendations | 2 letters from professors |
| Language Scores | IELTS, TOEFL, or HSK |
| Physical Exam | Foreigner Physical Examination Form |
Step 4: Submit Online Application
Create an account on the Fudan application portal at iso.fudan.edu.cn. Complete the form, upload documents, and pay the application fee of 800 RMB for degree programs or 400 RMB for non-degree programs. Submit before the deadline. Scholarship applicants must also apply through campuschina.org for the CSC scholarship. After submission, you will receive a confirmation email with your application number.
Step 5: Review and Admission
Fudan reviews applications on a rolling basis, typically taking 4 to 8 weeks. Some programs require an interview via video call. Prepare by reviewing your study plan and being ready to discuss your background and reasons for choosing Fudan. Successful applicants receive a pre-admission notice, followed by the Letter of Admission and JW201 visa form. These documents are essential for the visa application process.
Step 6: Visa and Arrival in Shanghai
With your admission documents, apply for an X1 student visa at the Chinese embassy. Processing takes 4 to 7 business days. Book your flight to Shanghai Pudong or Hongqiao airport. Fudan offers airport pickup for new international students during registration. Upon arrival, register with the International Students Office within 24 hours and apply for a residence permit within 30 days. Fudan provides comprehensive orientation programs to help new students settle in Shanghai.
Preparing a Strong Application
A strong application to Fudan University requires careful preparation. Your study plan should be approximately 800 words and address your academic background, reasons for choosing Fudan specifically, and your future career plans. Mentioning specific professors, research centers, or programs at Fudan demonstrates genuine interest and can significantly strengthen your application. Your recommendation letters should come from professors who know your academic work well and can speak to your potential for success in your chosen field. Submit your application well before the deadline to allow time for any issues to be resolved. Scholarship applicants should apply as early as possible since many scholarships are awarded on a first-come first-served basis within the pool of qualified candidates. Contact the Fudan International Students Office at iso.fudan.edu.cn if you have questions about the application process.
Preparing for Arrival in Shanghai
Once you receive your admission letter and visa, start preparing for your move to Shanghai. Book your flight to Shanghai Pudong International Airport. Fudan offers airport pickup services for new international students during the registration period. Pack for Shanghai climate which features hot humid summers and cool winters. Bring essential documents including your passport, admission letter, visa, and academic certificates. Upon arrival at Fudan, you will need to register with the International Students Office, complete the residence permit application, and attend orientation activities. The orientation program typically lasts one week and includes campus tours, administrative registration, bank account setup, and social activities. Fudan also offers Chinese language placement tests for students who want to take Chinese language courses during their studies.
Preparing a Strong Fudan Application
A successful application to Fudan University requires careful preparation. Your study plan should be approximately 800 words and specifically address why you want to study at Fudan rather than other Chinese universities. Mention particular programs, research centers, or professors at Fudan that align with your academic interests. Your recommendation letters should come from professors who can speak to your academic abilities and potential. All documents must be in English or Chinese with notarized translations if needed. Submit your application well before the deadline to allow time for any issues to be resolved. After submission, monitor your email for updates from the admissions office. Some programs may require an interview, so be prepared to discuss your academic background and reasons for choosing Fudan.
Application Timeline for Fudan
October to December is the best time to research programs and prepare your application documents. January to March is the application submission period, with the CSC scholarship deadline falling in February or March. April is the deadline for the Shanghai Government Scholarship. April to June is the application review period during which some programs may conduct interviews. June to August is when successful applicants receive their admission letters and visa forms, and should apply for their X1 student visa. Late August to September is the arrival period when new international students travel to Shanghai and register at Fudan. Following this timeline helps ensure a smooth and successful application process to Fudan University.
Back to Fudan University (??????) ??Complete Guide for International Students 2026