In short
Fudan University, a C9 League member in Shanghai, offers elite education with strong global rankings and extensive research opportunities. It provides English-medium programs for international students and significant scholarship support.
Key facts
- Type
- Public
- Founded
- 1905
- Students
- 36,233
- International students
- 3,672
- Acceptance rate
- 8%
- Tuition (intl)
- €3–6k/yr
- Languages
- EN, ZH
- Location
- Shanghai, China
Fudan University is one of China's most prestigious research universities, founded in 1905 in Shanghai by Ma Xiangbo. It is a Double First-Class Construction university, a C9 League member, and one of the leading comprehensive universities in Asia. After merging with Shanghai Medical University in 2000, Fudan greatly expanded its medical portfolio and now operates 17 affiliated hospitals alongside world-class faculties in science, humanities, law, economics, and engineering.
Why study here
- One of Asia's top 50 universities by QS rankings, ranked 3rd in China, offering elite academic credentials recognised worldwide.
- Located in Shanghai — China's global financial and cultural capital — with unrivalled access to internships, research partners, and career opportunities.
- English-medium undergraduate and postgraduate programmes specifically designed for international students.
- Cutting-edge research infrastructure: 19 disciplines in the global top 1% by ESI and partnerships with hundreds of world-leading institutions.
- Rich campus life in a vibrant residential college system with extensive cultural, sports, and community activities.
Student life
Fudan University's sprawling campus in Yangpu, Shanghai, offers a vibrant residential college system where students live, study, and socialise together. Hundreds of student clubs cover arts, culture, sports, entrepreneurship, and academic disciplines. The university hosts regular international festivals, cultural performances, and sports tournaments. Shanghai itself provides world-class dining, entertainment, transport connections, and one of Asia's best job markets, making life at Fudan both academically stimulating and personally enriching.
Fees
InternationalApproximately CNY 28,000–45,000 per year (around EUR 3,000–5,500) for undergraduate programmes; CNY 40,000–60,000 per year for postgraduate programmes, varying by faculty.
HomeDomestic students pay regulated tuition of approximately CNY 5,000–6,000 per year for most programmes.
LivingMonthly living costs in Shanghai typically range from CNY 3,000–6,000 (EUR 380–760), covering accommodation, food, transport, and personal expenses.
Scholarships such as the Chinese Government Scholarship and Fudan University Scholarship can significantly offset tuition costs for international students.
Admissions
Academic qualificationCompleted secondary education (undergraduate) or bachelor's degree (postgraduate) with strong academic record
Application periodTypically December–April for autumn intake
Recommendation lettersTwo academic references required for graduate programmes
Statement of purposeRequired for postgraduate applicants
IELTS6.5 overall (undergraduate English-medium programmes)
TOEFL iBT90 (undergraduate English-medium programmes)
HSKHSK 4 or above for Chinese-medium programmes
Rankings
QS World University Rankings 202544
QS China Rankings3
Times Higher Education World University Rankings 202575
US News Global Universities70
Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU)48
University scholarships
Chinese Government Scholarship (CGS)Full tuition + living stipend CNY 3,000/month
Fudan University Academic Excellence ScholarshipCNY 15,000–40,000 per year
Shanghai Government ScholarshipCNY 50,000–80,000 per year (full)
Accreditation
Fudan University is accredited by the Ministry of Education of China and is designated a Double First-Class university. Medical programmes are accredited by relevant national bodies. Fudan is a member of the C9 League and Universitas 21.
Programs
a selectionFudan University · China
Materials Science and Engineering
The Materials Science and Engineering program at Fudan University offers advanced study in the field, focusing on research and development of new materials. The department is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of materials science, with a strong emphasis on practical applications and technological innovation. Students engage with cutting-edge research in areas such as semiconductor materials, energy storage, and nanotechnology.
Master's
Level
—
Tuition
24 mo
Duration
Fudan University · China
Middle Eastern Studies
The Fudan University Institute of International Studies (FIIS) offers a program focused on Middle Eastern Studies. Established in October 2020, the center aims to contribute to the development of Middle Eastern studies within China and to foster a deeper understanding of the region. The program benefits from a dedicated team of researchers and engages in rigorous academic discourse through various platforms. This program is designed for students interested in the complex political, social, and cultural dynamics of the Middle East. It emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical research methodologies, including extensive fieldwork. Students will have the opportunity to engage with leading scholars and experts in the field, contributing to the advancement of regional and country-specific research.
Master's
Level
—
Tuition
24 mo
Duration
Fudan University · China
Program in International Relations
Fudan University's School of International Relations and Public Affairs (SIRPA) offers a PhD program focusing on International Relations. This program provides advanced academic training and research opportunities for students aiming for careers in academia, research institutions, government, or international organizations. The curriculum is designed to foster critical thinking and in-depth understanding of global political dynamics. The program leverages Fudan University's strong academic tradition and its location in Shanghai, a key global hub. Students will engage with faculty who are leading researchers in their fields, contributing to scholarly discourse on international affairs. The research environment encourages interdisciplinary approaches and comparative analysis of political systems.
PhD
Level
—
Tuition
48 mo
Duration
Fudan University · China
Reproductive Medical Sciences
Fudan University offers advanced studies in Reproductive Medical Sciences, focusing on the intricate mechanisms of gamete and embryo-derived diseases. This program delves into research aimed at understanding the origins of various health conditions from early developmental stages. The goal is to provide scientific evidence and intervention strategies for the primary prevention of chronic diseases. The research conducted within this field investigates critical areas such as the impact of maternal metabolic health (like hyperglycemia and lipid metabolism) on fetal development and subsequent offspring health. Studies also explore epigenetic reprogramming, circadian rhythm disruptions, and the influence of environmental factors on reproductive health and disease. The program is closely linked to clinical applications, aiming to translate research findings into effective diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.
PhD
Level
—
Tuition
—
Duration
Fudan University · China
This is China: The Military-Industrial Complex
This program, titled 'This is China,' offers an in-depth analysis of the American military-industrial complex. Through lectures and discussions, it explores the historical origins, evolution, and pervasive influence of this complex on American politics, society, and global affairs. The program delves into how the intertwining interests of the military, defense contractors, lobbying groups, think tanks, and media shape foreign policy and perpetuate conflict. Key themes include the economic drivers behind military spending, the role of the complex in technological advancements, its impact on domestic surveillance and civil liberties, and its methods of influencing public opinion both within the U.S. and internationally. The program aims to provide a critical understanding of how this complex operates and its consequences for global stability. Discussions also touch upon the broader implications of U.S. foreign policy, the concept of 'national security,' and the challenges in reforming a deeply embedded system. It contrasts the American approach with other international models and examines the long-term effects of military-driven economies.
Master's
Level
—
Tuition
—
Duration
Scholarships
for China
full fundingTsinghua University
Schwarzman Scholars
Open to applicants of any nationality who hold (or will hold) a bachelor's degree by the programme start and are under ~29 years old at the deadline. English proficiency is required; Chinese is not. Selection seeks demonstrated leadership, academic strength, and the potential to bridge China and the world.
full
Funding
€65k
Max
Oct 15, 2026
Deadline
full fundingTsinghua University (sponsored by Siemens Ltd., China)
Siemens China Scholarship at Tsinghua University
International students who meet Tsinghua University's PhD admission requirements, hold a strong academic background in computer science, engineering or AI, apply to one of the approved Siemens research fields, and do not hold another major PhD scholarship at Tsinghua. Applicants should be willing to collaborate on industry-focused research with Siemens.
full
Funding
€22k
Max
Feb 28, 2027
Deadline
full fundingChina Scholarship Council (CSC), Ministry of Education, People's Republic of China
Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC)
Open to non-Chinese citizens in good health who meet the academic and age requirements for their level (under ~25 for bachelor's, ~35 for master's, ~40 for doctoral, as a guideline). Applicants apply via a Chinese university, a Chinese embassy, or another dispatching authority, depending on the programme.
full
Funding
€20k
Max
Apr 30, 2027
Deadline
full fundingTsinghua University / China Scholarship Council (CSC)
Tsinghua University Chinese Government Scholarship (CGS)
For non-Chinese citizens in good health who apply for a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree at Tsinghua University in Beijing. The Chinese Government Scholarship is administered by Tsinghua as a designated host university; applicants apply both to the China Scholarship Council (CSC) and for Tsinghua admission, and must meet the relevant age and academic requirements.
full
Funding
€15k
Max
Mar 1, 2027
Deadline
full fundingShanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine (SHSMU)
SJTU School of Medicine Chinese Government Scholarship
Open to non-Chinese citizens in good health who are not currently studying in China. Master's applicants must hold a bachelor's degree and be under 35; doctoral applicants must hold a master's degree and be under 40. Applicants must show excellent academic records and must not hold any other Chinese government or organisation scholarship.
full
Funding
€15k
Max
Apr 14, 2027
Deadline
full fundingSoochow University
Soochow University Chinese Government Scholarship
Open to non-Chinese citizens in good health with a valid passport. Master's applicants need a bachelor's degree with good grades and should preferably be under 35; doctoral applicants need a master's degree with strong academic results and should preferably be under 40. Applicants must not already hold another Chinese government or university scholarship.
full
Funding
€14k
Max
Feb 28, 2027
Deadline
Frequently asked questions
What are the tuition fees for international students at Fudan University?
+
Undergraduate programmes typically range from CNY 28,000–45,000 per year, while postgraduate programmes vary by faculty, costing CNY 40,000–60,000 annually. Scholarships are available to help offset these costs.
What are the living costs for students in Shanghai?
+
Monthly living expenses in Shanghai are estimated to be between CNY 3,000–6,000, covering accommodation, food, transport, and personal needs.
What are Fudan University's rankings?
+
Fudan University is highly ranked, including 44th in the QS World University Rankings 2025 and 75th in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025. It is also ranked 3rd within China by QS.
What are the English language requirements for admission?
+
For undergraduate English-medium programmes, applicants typically need an IELTS score of 6.5 overall or a TOEFL iBT score of 90. For Chinese-medium programmes, HSK 4 or above is required.
What academic qualifications are needed to apply?
+
Applicants for undergraduate programmes need to have completed secondary education with a strong academic record. Postgraduate applicants require a bachelor's degree and typically two recommendation letters.
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