Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) at SJTU
The Chinese Government Scholarship is the most comprehensive funding option for international students at Shanghai Jiao Tong University. It covers full tuition for the entire program duration, free on-campus accommodation, a monthly living stipend, and comprehensive medical insurance. Monthly stipend amounts are 3,000 RMB for undergraduate students and 3,500 RMB for master and PhD students. The scholarship is available through three channels: bilateral agreements between China and the students home country, the Chinese embassy in the students home country, and direct application through SJTU. The application opens in November and closes by March each year. Students must submit applications through both the CSC portal at campuschina.org and the SJTU admissions portal. Required documents include academic transcripts, degree certificates, a study plan of approximately 800 words, two recommendation letters, and language proficiency test scores. The CSC scholarship is highly competitive, with acceptance rates varying by country and program.
SJTU University Scholarships
SJTU provides its own scholarship program for outstanding international students across three tiers. These scholarships are awarded based on academic merit during the admission review process, so no separate application is required. The selection committee evaluates high school or university GPA, language test scores, recommendation letters, and the quality of the study plan.
| Tier | Coverage | Monthly Stipend | Selection Rate |
| First-Class | Full tuition + housing + insurance | 2,500 RMB | Top 5% |
| Second-Class | 50% tuition waiver + housing + insurance | – | Top 15% |
| Third-Class | 25% tuition waiver + insurance | – | Top 30% |
All SJTU scholarships are renewable annually. To maintain the scholarship, students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0 and complete the required credit hours each semester. The renewal review takes place at the end of each academic year. Students who fail to meet the requirements may have their scholarship downgraded or revoked. The first-class scholarship is particularly valuable because it includes a monthly stipend of 2,500 RMB, which covers most living expenses. For undergraduate students with standard tuition of 24,800 RMB per year, a third-class scholarship (25 percent waiver) reduces this to 18,600 RMB per year, while a second-class scholarship (50 percent waiver) brings it down to 12,400 RMB per year.
Shanghai Government Scholarship
The Shanghai Government Scholarship is available for international students studying at Shanghai universities, including SJTU. This scholarship provides partial to full tuition coverage depending on the applicants academic merit and financial need. The application deadline is typically in April, and the application is submitted through the SJTU admissions portal. The Shanghai Government Scholarship covers between 25 percent and 100 percent of tuition depending on the applicants profile and available funding. It is particularly useful for students who do not qualify for the CSC but still need financial assistance.
External Scholarship Opportunities
Beyond university and government scholarships, international students at SJTU can explore additional funding sources. The Confucius Institute Scholarship supports students studying Chinese language and culture, covering tuition, accommodation, and a living allowance for Chinese language study programs lasting from one semester to two years. The Belt and Road Scholarship is available for students from countries participating in China Belt and Road Initiative, providing full or partial funding for degree programs. Some students also receive funding from their home governments through bilateral educational agreements with China.
Many students also fund their studies through a combination of scholarships and personal savings. Even without a scholarship, the standard tuition at SJTU is only 24,800 RMB per year, significantly less than equivalent programs in Western countries. International students in China are permitted to work part-time on campus for up to 40 hours per month, with positions including teaching assistant, research assistant, library work, and administrative support, typically paying 30 to 60 RMB per hour.
Scholarship Comparison Summary
| Scholarship | Tuition Coverage | Stipend | Deadline |
| CSC | 100% | 3,000-3,500 RMB/mo | Feb-Mar |
| SJTU First-Class | 100% | 2,500 RMB/mo | Mar-May |
| SJTU Second-Class | 50% | – | Mar-May |
| SJTU Third-Class | 25% | – | Mar-May |
| Shanghai Gov | 25-100% | – | April |
The CSC scholarship offers the most comprehensive coverage including the highest monthly stipend, making it the most competitive option. SJTU First-Class is the best university-funded option for those who qualify. For students who do not receive full scholarships, the combination of a Second-Class or Third-Class scholarship with part-time work can still make studying at SJTU very affordable. The Shanghai Government Scholarship serves as a good backup option for students who miss the CSC deadline or do not qualify for university scholarships. Students are encouraged to apply for multiple scholarships simultaneously to maximize their chances of receiving financial support.
Scholarship Application Timeline
| Period | Activity |
| November – January | CSC application opens; prepare and submit all required documents |
| February – March | CSC priority deadline; SJTU scholarship review begins |
| April | Shanghai Government Scholarship deadline |
| June – July | Scholarship results announced; admission letters issued |
| September | Enrollment and scholarship activation |
Tips for Scholarship Applicants
Apply as early as possible. The earlier you submit, the more likely you are to be considered for all available options. Ensure all documents are complete, as missing recommendation letters or incomplete transcripts are the most common reasons for rejection. Write a strong study plan that clearly explains your academic goals and how studying at SJTU will help you achieve them. Mention specific professors or research areas at SJTU that interest you. Students from developing countries should check whether their home government has a bilateral agreement with China that provides full CSC sponsorship. Finally, apply to multiple scholarship programs simultaneously to maximize your chances of receiving funding.
Common Application Mistakes to Avoid
Many scholarship applications are rejected due to easily preventable mistakes. The most common error is submitting incomplete documents, particularly missing translated or notarized copies of diplomas and transcripts. Another frequent issue is a weak study plan that is too generic or does not specifically mention SJTU. Applications submitted past the deadline are automatically rejected regardless of quality. Language test scores that do not meet the minimum requirements are another common reason for disqualification. Finally, some applicants fail to check whether their home country has specific application requirements or additional documentation needed for the CSC bilateral program. Taking the time to carefully review all requirements before submitting can significantly improve your chances of receiving a scholarship.