Step 1: Find Your Program
The first step in applying to SJTU is identifying which program best matches your academic background and career goals. SJTU offers undergraduate, master, and PhD programs across engineering, medicine, business, law, humanities, and sciences. Many programs are available in English, especially at the graduate level, making them accessible to international students without Chinese language proficiency. Browse available programs on the SJTU international admissions portal at apply.sjtu.edu.cn. Each program page lists specific admission requirements, tuition fees, and available scholarships. Pay close attention to application deadlines, which vary by program and scholarship type. For scholarship applicants, the deadline is typically earlier than the regular admission deadline.
Step 2: Check Requirements
Academic Requirements
Undergraduate applicants must have a high school diploma with a minimum average of 75 percent or equivalent. Applicants for competitive programs such as Antai College or the Joint Institute may need higher grades. Master applicants need a bachelor degree from an accredited university with a minimum GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0. PhD applicants require a master degree with demonstrated research capability, usually evidenced by published papers or a strong research proposal. Some departments may also require applicants to contact a potential supervisor before applying, especially for PhD programs.
Language Requirements
For English-taught programs, the minimum requirement is IELTS 6.0 overall or TOEFL 80. For competitive programs such as those at Antai College or SAIF, higher scores of IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 90 are recommended. For Chinese-taught programs, undergraduate applicants need HSK Level 4 and graduate applicants need HSK Level 5. Applicants who completed their previous degree entirely in English may be exempt from providing English test scores, though they may need to submit a letter from their previous institution confirming the language of instruction.
Step 3: Prepare Documents
| Document | Details | Format |
| Diploma | Notarized copy of highest degree | Color scan, PDF |
| Transcripts | Official records with GPA | Color scan, PDF |
| Passport | Valid for at least 6 months | Color scan, JPG/PDF |
| Study Plan | 800 words explaining your goals | PDF or DOC |
| Recommendations | 2 letters from professors | Signed, scanned PDF |
| Language Test | IELTS, TOEFL or HSK | Official score report |
| Physical Exam | Foreigner Physical Examination Form | Hospital stamp, scanned |
| Bank Statement | Proof of funds (self-funded only) | Bank-issued, translated |
All documents not in English or Chinese must be accompanied by a notarized translation. Upload color scans through the online application portal. Keep the original documents for verification when you arrive on campus. Incomplete document submissions are the most common reason for application delays, so double-check your application before submitting.
Step 4: Submit Online Application
Create an account on the SJTU application portal at apply.sjtu.edu.cn. Complete the online form with your personal information, academic history, program preferences, and scholarship applications. Upload all required documents in the specified format. Pay the application fee of 64 to 113 USD using a credit card or international payment method. Review your application carefully before submitting to avoid errors. After submission, you will receive a confirmation email with your application number. Use this number for all future correspondence with the admissions office. Scholarship applicants must also submit a separate application through the CSC portal at campuschina.org if applying for the Chinese Government Scholarship.
Step 5: Review and Interview
The admissions office reviews applications on a rolling basis, typically taking 4 to 8 weeks. Some programs may require an interview via video call using Zoom or WeChat. The interview is conducted in the language of instruction of your program, either English or Chinese. Prepare by reviewing your study plan and being ready to discuss your academic background and reasons for choosing SJTU. Successful applicants receive a pre-admission notice via email, followed by the official Letter of Admission and the JW201 or JW202 visa application form. These documents are essential for the visa application process.
Step 6: Apply for Student Visa
With your Letter of Admission and JW form, apply for an X1 student visa at the Chinese embassy or consulate in your home country. The X1 visa is for long-term study exceeding 180 days. Required documents include the completed visa application form, your passport with at least two blank pages, passport photos, the original Letter of Admission, the JW form, and the physical examination record. Processing time is typically 4 to 7 business days. Some countries may require an in-person interview at the embassy. Once you receive your visa, book your flight to Shanghai. Upon arrival in China, you must apply for a residence permit at the local Public Security Bureau within 30 days. SJTU International Students Office provides guidance on this process.
Application Timeline Summary
| Month | Action |
| October – December | Research programs, prepare documents, take language tests |
| January – March | Submit applications (scholarship deadline is February-March) |
| April – June | Application review and interviews |
| June – August | Receive admission letter, apply for visa |
| Late August – September | Travel to Shanghai, register at SJTU, get residence permit |
← Back to Shanghai Jiao Tong University
Preparing a Strong Study Plan
The study plan is one of the most important parts of your SJTU application. A well-written study plan can significantly improve your chances of admission and scholarship consideration. Your study plan should be approximately 800 words and cover three main areas: your academic background and why you chose your field of study, your reasons for choosing SJTU specifically rather than other universities, and your future career plans after graduation. Mention specific professors, research centers, or programs at SJTU that interest you. Be specific and personal a generic study plan that could apply to any university will not impress the admissions committee.
What Happens After You Apply
After submitting your application, the SJTU admissions office will review your documents. This process typically takes 4 to 8 weeks. During this time, you may be contacted for an interview via video call. The interview is your opportunity to demonstrate your motivation and qualifications directly. Prepare by reviewing your study plan and practicing answers to common questions about your academic background, reasons for choosing SJTU, and future plans. If you are accepted, you will receive a pre-admission notice by email, followed by the official Letter of Admission and the JW201 or JW202 visa application form. These documents are sent by courier to your home address. Keep them safe you will need them for your visa application and for registration at SJTU.
Preparing for Departure
Once you have your visa and admission documents, start preparing for your move to Shanghai. Book your flight to Shanghai Pudong International Airport or Shanghai Hongqiao Airport. SJTU offers airport pickup services for new international students during the registration period, so check the international students office website for details. Pack appropriately 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 SJTU, 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 to help you meet other international students.