Engineering at SJTU
Shanghai Jiao Tong University is best known for its engineering programs, which consistently rank among the top in China and globally. The School of Mechanical Engineering offers programs in mechanical design, manufacturing, and automation. The School of Electronic Information and Electrical Engineering covers computer science, software engineering, electrical engineering, microelectronics, and automation. The School of Naval Architecture, Ocean and Civil Engineering is one of the best in China and reflects SJTU maritime heritage dating back to its founding as Nanyang Public School in 1896. The School of Materials Science and Engineering is a national leader in materials research. Most engineering programs are available in English at the graduate level. Undergraduate engineering programs are primarily taught in Chinese, with some English-medium options available at the Joint Institute. SJTU engineering graduates are highly sought after by major employers such as Huawei, Tencent, Alibaba, and Tesla. The university strong industry connections provide students with internship opportunities throughout their studies.
Business and Economics
The Antai College of Economics and Management at SJTU holds triple accreditation from AACSB, EQUIS, and AMBA, a distinction held by fewer than one percent of business schools worldwide. Antai offers undergraduate programs in economics, finance, business administration, and accounting. Graduate programs include the MBA, the MIB (Master of International Business), and specialized master programs in finance and management. The MIB program is taught entirely in English and designed specifically for international students. The Shanghai Advanced Institute of Finance (SAIF) offers elite finance programs for students targeting careers in investment banking, asset management, and financial technology. Both Antai and SAIF have strong placement rates in top-tier financial institutions.
Medicine and MBBS Programs
SJTU School of Medicine is one of the top medical schools in China, affiliated with several major teaching hospitals including Ruijin Hospital, Renji Hospital, and Xinhua Hospital. The MBBS program for international students is taught in English and lasts 6 years, including clinical rotations at affiliated hospitals. The curriculum covers basic medical sciences, clinical medicine, and Chinese medicine. Graduates are eligible to take the Chinese Medical Licensing Examination and have a strong track record of passing. Many SJTU medical graduates also successfully pursue residency positions internationally. Tuition for the MBBS program is approximately 45,000 RMB per year, significantly lower than equivalent programs in Western countries. The program admits approximately 50 international students each year, making it competitive.
Law Programs
The Koguan School of Law at SJTU offers a unique English-taught Chinese Law master program designed specifically for international students. This two-year program provides a comprehensive understanding of China legal system, covering constitutional law, contract law, company law, intellectual property law, international trade law, and dispute resolution. Tuition is 150,000 RMB total for the two-year program, paid in two installments. Graduates are well positioned for careers in international law firms, multinational corporations, and organizations dealing with China-related legal matters. The program does not require previous legal education, making it accessible to students from various academic backgrounds.
Humanities and Social Sciences
The School of Humanities offers programs in Chinese language and literature, history, and philosophy. The School of International and Public Affairs offers programs in international relations, public administration, and political science. These programs appeal to students interested in understanding Chinese culture, society, and governance from an academic perspective. Chinese-taught programs require HSK Level 4 or higher. The School of Media and Communication offers programs in journalism and communication studies, with a focus on digital media and cross-cultural communication.
| School | Key Programs | English-Taught |
| Mechanical Engineering | Mechanical Design, Automation | Graduate only |
| Electronic Information | CS, EE, Microelectronics | Graduate only |
| Antai College | Econ, Finance, Business | Undergrad + Graduate |
| School of Medicine | MBBS, Clinical Medicine | MBBS only |
| Koguan Law School | Chinese Law (Master) | Yes, full program |
| Joint Institute | Engineering + UMich | Yes |
English-Taught Programs
For international students who do not speak Chinese, SJTU offers a growing number of English-taught programs. At the undergraduate level, the Joint Institute programs are taught entirely in English and lead to dual degrees from SJTU and the University of Michigan. Antai College also offers some English-taught undergraduate courses. At the graduate level, most engineering schools offer English-taught master and PhD programs. The MIB program, Chinese Law program, and some Antai programs are fully English. PhD programs across all disciplines are available in English, as most supervisors can communicate in English and dissertations can be written in English.
Dual Degree and Exchange Programs
SJTU has partnerships with over 200 universities worldwide. The most notable is the SJTU-UMich Joint Institute, where students earn dual bachelor degrees. Exchange programs with UC Berkeley, Georgia Tech, TU Munich, and other top universities allow students to study abroad for one or two semesters. These programs provide valuable international experience and expand career opportunities. Some programs also offer dual master degrees where students split their time between SJTU and a partner university abroad.
How to Choose Your Program
When selecting a program at SJTU, consider the language of instruction. If you do not speak Chinese, focus on English-taught programs. Consider tuition costs, as standard programs are dramatically more affordable than premium programs at Antai or SAIF. Check the program duration. Bachelor programs take 4 years, master programs 2 to 3 years, and PhD programs 3 to 5 years. Research scholarship availability, as some programs have dedicated funding. Consider career outcomes because engineering and business graduates have the highest placement rates. Contact the SJTU International Students Office at global.sjtu.edu.cn for personalized advice about which program best fits your background and goals.
Career Prospects for Program Graduates
SJTU graduates enjoy excellent career prospects across all program areas. Engineering graduates are recruited by top companies such as Huawei, Tencent, Alibaba, Tesla, and Siemens. Business graduates from Antai College are hired by consulting firms, investment banks, and multinational corporations. Medical graduates secure residency positions at leading hospitals in China and abroad. SJTU Career Center provides comprehensive support including job fairs, internship matching, resume workshops, and networking events. Many international students also find employment in China after graduation through programs that allow graduates to work in China for one to two years after completing their degree. The combination of a degree from a top-50 global university and experience living in Shanghai gives SJTU graduates a significant advantage in the global job market.