Applying to Shanghai Jiao Tong University as an international student requires careful preparation and attention to deadlines. The application process typically opens in October for the following September intake and closes in May. However, scholarship applicants should apply by February-March for priority consideration. The application is submitted through the SJTU online application portal, where students create an account, fill in personal and academic information, and upload required documents.
The required documents include: a notarized copy of the highest diploma (high school for undergraduate, bachelor for master, master for PhD), official academic transcripts with GPA, a valid passport copy (valid for at least 6 months), passport-sized photographs, a detailed study plan or research proposal (500-800 words), two recommendation letters from professors or academic supervisors, a physical examination form completed by a licensed physician, a bank statement proving sufficient funds (if self-funded), and language proficiency test scores (IELTS 6.5+ or TOEFL 90+ for English programs, HSK 5+ for Chinese programs).
After submitting the online application, the university review process takes 4-8 weeks. Successful applicants receive a pre-admission notice followed by the official Letter of Admission and Visa Application Form (JW201 or JW202). These documents are required to apply for the X1 student visa at the Chinese embassy or consulate in the applicants home country. The entire process from application to arriving on campus typically takes 4-6 months, so early planning is essential.