Shanghai Jiao Tong University Scholarship 2026 — Fully Funded Master’s & PhD
Quick snapshot — What this post covers
- What is the Shanghai Jiao Tong University Scholarship 2026 and who is eligible
- Benefits: tuition, living stipend, housing & travel support
- Programs covered (Master’s & PhD) and language options (English / Chinese)
- Step-by-step online application guide (Study@SJTU / apply.sjtu.edu.cn)
- Complete list of documents, supervisor contact rules and translation requirements
- Deadlines, fees, selection process, and detailed tips to strengthen your application
- FAQs with quick answers for applicants
Why choose Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) in 2026?
Founded in 1896, Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) is one of China’s most prestigious and internationally recognized universities. SJTU consistently ranks among the top global universities and is renowned for engineering, science, business, medicine, and interdisciplinary research. With over 100 graduate programs offered in English and Chinese and a long history of international collaboration, SJTU is an attractive destination for ambitious Master’s and PhD applicants who want world-class training and research opportunities in Shanghai—one of Asia’s leading innovation hubs.
Who can apply? — Eligibility summary
General eligibility for SJTU international graduate programs and scholarship consideration includes:
- Non-Chinese citizens holding a valid ordinary passport.
- Good physical and mental health; meet medical exam requirements for China and SJTU policies.
- No criminal record and willingness to follow Chinese laws and university rules.
- Academic requirements: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent for Master’s; Master’s degree or equivalent for PhD. Some doctoral programs accept outstanding Bachelor’s holders for direct entry—check specific program pages.
- Language proficiency (English or Chinese) as required by the selected program—many programs offer English-taught options.
- Scholarship-specific age limits: typically under 35 for Master’s applicants and under 40 for doctoral applicants (CGS rules may apply).
Important deadlines (Beijing Time)
- Opening of applications: October 15, 2025
- Round 1 CGS (apply through SJTU) Deadline: December 15, 2025
- Final CGS Deadline (SJTU channel): February 15, 2026
- SJTU & SGS scholarships deadline: March 31, 2026
- Self-funded application deadline: May 31, 2026
Note: Scholarship deadlines and opening dates are strict. Always submit required materials before the specific deadline for your chosen scholarship type (Type A via embassy / Type B via SJTU). See official portal: http://apply.sjtu.edu.cn and SJTU International Office: ISC.SJTU — International Graduate Admissions Guide.
What does the SJTU Scholarship typically cover?
Depending on the scholarship source (CGS, SGS, SJTU Fellowship, School Scholarship), coverage may include:
- Full tuition fee coverage for the program duration (common for CGS and top SJTU Fellowships).
- Monthly living stipend — amount varies by scholarship type and program level (Master’s vs. PhD).
- On-campus housing or subsidy — SJTU offers accommodation support; many scholarships include housing or a housing allowance.
- Travel/reimbursement — some scholarships include initial travel allowance for arrival or round-trip support.
Always verify exact coverage for the scholarship you are awarded—SJTU and scholarship policies can differ by faculty and year.
Which programs are eligible?
SJTU offers more than 100 graduate programs in English and Chinese across numerous schools. Eligible programs include Master’s and PhD tracks in disciplines such as:
- Engineering & Computer Science (Mechanical, Electrical, Computer Science, Integrated Circuits)
- Materials Science & Engineering
- Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry
- Life Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Business, Management, Economics
- Law, Design, Smart Energy, Interdisciplinary programs
Some schools (Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Integrated Circuits, Materials, Math, Life Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, Chemistry, Pharma, etc.) require prospective PhD applicants to contact a prospective supervisor and obtain a supervisor acceptance/confirmation letter before application. Always check the program page for this supervisor-contact requirement.
How to apply — Step-by-step (Type B via SJTU)
- Create an account & login: Visit http://apply.sjtu.edu.cn, register an applicant account and log in.
- Choose your program: Select the specific Master’s or PhD program and check if supervisor acceptance is required.
- Complete the online application form: Fill in personal data, academic background, program choices, and contact info.
- Upload required materials: Follow the checklist below (degree certificates, transcripts, passport scan, photo, statement, recommendations, language proof, supervisor letter if required).
- Select scholarship type (if applying): When applying for scholarships via SJTU (Type B), select the scholarship application option and note the agency code (SJTU agency code often used for CGS applications).
- Submit & pay application fee: RMB 800 (non-refundable) — pay by the portal’s payment methods (RMB or USD accepted).
- Await result notifications: Check Study@SJTU portal and your email for interview invites, scholarship decisions, or admission letters.
Language requirements — English & Chinese
Programs have specific language requirements. Many graduate programs offer English-taught options; others require Chinese. If your program requires language proof, upload official test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, or HSK for Chinese) or provide prior degree evidence showing instruction language. Check the exact minimum scores for your chosen program in the SJTU program catalogue.
Application fee & tuition expectations
The application fee is RMB 800 (≈ USD 120) and is non-refundable. Tuition varies by program—consult the SJTU International Graduate Programs Catalogue for program-specific tuition figures. Scholarship awards may cover full tuition plus living costs depending on the scholarship source.
Applying for scholarships — Type A vs Type B explained
International applicants can apply for scholarship funding via two channels:
- Type A (Embassy channel): Apply through your country’s Chinese Embassy/Consulate. The embassy handles preselection and will forward recommended candidates to SJTU. Timelines vary by country (typically Nov–Apr for embassy windows).
- Type B (SJTU channel): Apply directly through SJTU’s online portal apply.sjtu.edu.cn. If not selected for CGS via SJTU channel, applicants may automatically be considered for SJTU or SGS scholarships—no need to apply multiple times.
Scholarship selection & notification process
After submission, SJTU’s admission committee and scholarship panels evaluate applications based on academic excellence, research potential, fit with supervisor/program, recommendation strength, and language readiness. Shortlisted applicants may be invited to an interview. Scholarship decisions are posted on the Study@SJTU portal—SJTU does not issue separate printed letters for scholarship results.
On contacting supervisors — best practice
If your chosen school requires supervisor acceptance, contact potential supervisors well before applying. A successful supervisor approach should include:
- A concise, personalized email with a clear subject (e.g., “Prospective PhD student — research on [topic] — Application for SJTU 2026”).
- A 1-page research summary or study plan and an updated CV (education, publications, research experience).
- Why your background fits the professor’s research and how you propose to contribute.
- Availability: mention your application timeline and the phrase “I plan to apply through Study@SJTU (apply.sjtu.edu.cn) for the 2026 academic year.”
Tips to strengthen your SJTU Scholarship 2026 application
- Start early: Contact supervisors (if required) and collect recommendation letters and translations early. Supervisor acceptance can make a decisive difference in STEM PhD shortlists.
- Polished personal statement: Make your research/study plan specific, mention faculty/lab fit, and include timeline & a realistic research question or project outline.
- Strong recommendations: Prefer referees who can comment on research potential and independent working ability (associate professors, heads of labs, industry senior researchers where relevant).
- Language evidence: If you lack a formal test score but studied in English, provide a certificate from your prior institution confirming English as the medium of instruction.
- Publications & projects: Highlight relevant peer-reviewed papers, conference presentations, or technical reports—especially for PhD applicants.
- Professional presentation: Upload clear, legible scanned documents. If originals are not in English/Chinese, provide certified translations side-by-side.
- Follow instructions: Double-check file formats, photo requirements, file sizes (e.g., passport photo <200 KB), and ensure your passport has at least 12 months validity from registration date.
Contact & official resources
- Admission Website / Apply portal: http://apply.sjtu.edu.cn
- SJTU International Graduate Admissions Guide: https://isc.sjtu.edu.cn/EN/content.aspx?info_lb=38&flag=2
- Email (Graduate School Admissions): gs**********@******du.cn
- Phone: +86-21-34208238
- International Affairs Office (Address):
International Affairs Office, Graduate School
Room 331, Chen Ruiqiu Building, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, China
Application timeline example (recommended workback schedule)
Use the deadlines below to create a calendar and track documents:
- October 15, 2025: Portal opens — register & browse programs.
- October–November 2025: Contact supervisors, request recommendation letters, prepare translations and CSCSE planning.
- November–December 2025: Finalize study plan, upload transcripts, and submit early CGS round materials if applying for embassy channel.
- December 15, 2025: First round CGS deadline via SJTU channel (if applicable).
- February 15, 2026: Final CGS deadline via SJTU channel.
- March 31, 2026: SJTU & SGS scholarship final deadline.
- May 31, 2026: Self-funded application close.
- June–July 2026: Admission & scholarship results released (timing varies by program).
- September 2026: Enrollment & orientation at SJTU.
FAQs — Quick answers for busy applicants
Q1: Can I apply to SJTU without IELTS/TOEFL?
A: Some programs accept applicants without IELTS/TOEFL if they can prove prior education in English or meet program-specific exemptions. However, many scholarship selections favor formal language certificates—check your program’s language rules carefully.
Q2: Do I need to contact a supervisor for all PhD programs?
A: Not all PhD programs require pre-contact, but several schools (Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Integrated Circuits, Materials, Math, Life Sciences, Biomedical, Chemistry, Pharmacy, etc.) explicitly require an acceptance letter from a supervisor prior to application. Always check the program page.
Q3: What if my degree is not in English or Chinese?
A: You must provide certified translations of your documents (English or Chinese) by an authorized translation agency and upload both original and translated versions.
Q4: Are international scholarships renewable?
A: Scholarships like CGS, SGS, and SJTU Fellowship usually require annual reviews and are typically awarded for the normal duration of the academic program. Extensions are rare—maintain good academic progress to remain eligible.
Final checklist before you hit Submit
- All required documents uploaded and legible (degrees, transcripts, passport scan).
- Supervisor acceptance letter uploaded (if required).
- Personal statement tailored to SJTU and the program.
- Two strong academic recommendation letters uploaded.
- Language proof uploaded or exemption documented.
- Application fee paid and confirmation saved.
- Scholarship option selected (if applying) and deadlines observed.
Conclusion — Should you apply?
If you aim to study at a top research university in China and want the possibility of a fully funded graduate education, applying to Shanghai Jiao Tong University for 2026 is a strong move. With world-class faculty, broad English-taught program options, and multiple scholarship streams (CGS, SGS, SJTU), SJTU offers excellent research training and the chance to live in Shanghai—a major global city. Prepare early, follow the checklist above, contact potential supervisors when required, and present a focused study plan. Good luck!
Useful links (official)
- Apply portal — Study@SJTU (apply.sjtu.edu.cn)
- SJTU International Graduate Admissions Guide (ISC.SJTU)
- gs**********@******du.cn — Graduate School Admissions, SJTU
