Are you looking for a prestigious opportunity to study abroad without financial burden? The Shanghai Jiao Tong University Scholarship 2026 offers a fully funded pathway for international students to pursue master’s and PhD degrees in China.
Through this scholarship, all major costs, including tuition, accommodation, and living expenses, are covered, enabling you to focus entirely on your academic and professional growth at one of China’s top-tier universities.
Overview of the Shanghai Jiao Tong University Scholarship 2026
Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) is known globally for its research strength, academic quality, and cutting-edge facilities. The SJTU Scholarship 2026 is designed to attract the brightest international students who seek graduate studies in engineering, science, humanities, business, and many other fields. By granting full financial support, the university ensures that eligible students can thrive without the stress of paying for tuition or accommodation.
The scholarship is available to international students applying for master’s or doctoral (PhD) programs. It includes benefits such as a full tuition waiver, a monthly stipend for living costs, accommodation allowance (or housing), and health insurance. The objective is to make world-class Chinese higher education accessible to talented individuals from across the globe, while enhancing SJTU’s own academic diversity and research collaboration.
Summary of Key Details
| Category | Details |
| Host Country | China |
| University | Shanghai Jiao Tong University |
| Scholarship Type | Fully Funded Graduate Scholarship |
| Study Levels | Master’s and PhD (Doctoral) programmes |
| Eligible Candidates | International (non-Chinese) students |
| Fields of Study | Engineering, Science, Humanities, Social Sciences, Business, etc. |
| Benefits | Full tuition waiver, monthly stipend, accommodation allowance or housing, and health insurance |
| Application Rounds | Round 1 & Round 2 CGS; SJTU scholarship round |
| Important Deadlines | December 15, 2025 (Round 1 CGS); February 15, 2026 (Round 2 CGS); March 31, 2026 (SJTU internal deadline); May 31, 2026 (self-supported) |
| Enrollment Begins | September 2026 (Beijing Time) |
Why the SJTU Scholarship 2026 Is Worth Applying For
First, because the scholarship is fully funded, you will not need to worry about paying tuition, securing accommodation, or covering basic living expenses while enrolled. Secondly, SJTU is internationally ranked, highly regarded in research and graduate education. Therefore, by receiving this scholarship, you gain access to world-class supervision, state-of-the-art laboratories, and a vibrant academic environment.
In addition, as an international student, you will become part of a multicultural campus, which fosters collaboration and cross-cultural learning. Networking with peers and professors from different countries may lead to future research partnerships or career opportunities. Moreover, successful scholars often benefit from SJTU’s strong global reputation when applying for academic or industry roles afterwards.
Furthermore, the scholarship is offered for a wide range of disciplines. Whether your background is engineering, life sciences, design, economics, or public policy, SJTU likely has a program suited to you. This versatility means that many applicants can find a good match for their academic interests.
Finally, because SJTU has structured deadlines and multiple application rounds, there is room for planning and preparation. If you miss one round, you may still apply in another, depending on your eligibility and program.
Available Fields & Programmes
Applicants may choose from numerous schools and departments at SJTU for master’s or doctoral study. Some of the fields available are:
- School of Media and Communication
- School of Aeronautics and Astronautics
- School of Design
- School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology
- School of Biomedical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Antai College of Economics and Management
- School of Electronic Information and Electrical Engineering
- School of Materials Science and Engineering
- School of Humanities and Foreign Languages
- UM-SJTU Joint Institute
- Koguan Law School
- School of Environmental Science & Engineering
- China-UK Low Carbon College
- Shanghai Advanced Institute of Finance
These options vary by degree level (some programmes are offered for master’s degrees, others for PhD), and durations typically range from two to three years for master’s and four years for doctoral degrees.
Because the fields span engineering, science, social sciences, law, design, and public affairs, you may tailor your application to fit your academic background and research interests.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the Shanghai Jiao Tong University Scholarship 2026, you must satisfy the following:
- Be a non-Chinese citizen and hold citizenship in your home country.
- Demonstrate outstanding academic performance and potential.
- Hold a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) if you are applying for a master’s program; for a PhD, you must hold a master’s degree.
- Be physically and mentally healthy.
- Prove sufficient proficiency in Chinese or English, depending on your program requirements. Where education has been conducted fully in English, you might be exempt from providing an English test.
- Submit all required supporting documentation (transcripts, recommendation letters, research proposals for graduate applicants, etc.).
Meeting these eligibility criteria does not guarantee selection, since the competition is high and the candidate pool is global. It is therefore essential that your application is well-prepared, timely, and compelling.
Application Timeline & Process
Because there are multiple rounds and deadlines, you should carefully monitor the calendar. Key dates include:
- December 15, 2025: First round of Chinese Government Scholarship (CGS) application (Round 1)
- February 15, 2026: Second (and final) round for CGS
- March 31, 2026: SJTU & SGS internal scholarship deadline
- May 31, 2026: Deadline for self-supported applications (if applicable)
- September 2026: Academic enrolment begins (subject to acceptance and visa formalities)
It is recommended that you submit your applications well ahead of deadlines to allow time for document verification, translation (if required), or clarifications by the admissions office.
To apply, you will typically follow these steps:
- Choose a Program: Decide which master’s or PhD program you wish to pursue, and verify that it is eligible under the SJTU Scholarship scheme.
- Prepare Required Documents: These usually include academic transcripts, recommendation letters, a research proposal (for PhD or some master’s with thesis), proof of language proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL or a Chinese language test such as HSK), a passport copy, and any additional forms requested by the university.
- Register on the SJTU Online Application Portal: Create an account and fill in your personal, academic, and program-choice information.
- Apply for the China Government Scholarship (CGS): If required, submit your CGS application via the CSC (China Scholarship Council) website. Select SJTU as your host institution.
- Pay Application Fee & Submit: Some applications may require a non-refundable fee as part of the process. Ensure you submit all your documents and complete the form before the relevant deadline.
- Track Your Application Status: After submission, you may follow up via the portal to see if any additional documents or clarifications are needed. Respond promptly if requested.
- Admission & Visa: If accepted, you will receive an admission letter. You should then proceed with visa application, travel plans, and accommodation arrangements ahead of the enrollment period.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the Shanghai Jiao Tong University Scholarship 2026?
International students (non-Chinese citizens) who are applying for master’s or PhD programs at SJTU and who meet its academic, language, and health requirements.
What does “fully funded” mean under this scholarship?
It means that tuition is waived, accommodation or housing allowance is provided, health insurance is included, and a monthly stipend is paid to cover day-to-day living costs.
Do I need to know Chinese to apply?
It depends on the program. Some degrees require proficiency in Chinese (e.g., HSK), while others accept English versions. If your prior education was conducted fully in English, you may not need to submit an English test.
Can I apply for both a master’s and a PhD under this scholarship?
Yes, the scholarship is open to both master’s and doctoral level candidates, provided the chosen programme is listed under SJTU’s scholarship-eligible fields.
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