Shanghai University
Study Abroad in China at Shanghai University Studies Program for 1 or 2 Semesters
Study Chinese economics, language and culture in the heart of China’s famous commercial hub! Live in the middle of 1,4 billion people and learn more about the fastest growing economy in the world. Apply now and join China at Shanghai University Studies Program for one or two semesters. It’s easy to apply, and you can get a confirmation of your study placement as quickly as one day.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Semesters
Spring (Mar – June),
Autumn (Sep – Dec)
Max. Credits
30 ECTS /
18 US credits
Program Content
Lectures and Assignments
Levels of Study
Bachelor, GAP year
Fees
Study Fields
Chinese language (Mandarin), Culture, Economics, International Trade and Business, Globalization, Social Sciences, Finance, e-Commerce, and Marketing.

Shanghai University
The best online credit program
#57
In East Asia
University
ranking
#81
In Asia
university
ranking
Accredited by AACSB
SEMESTER DATES
AUTUMN 2025*
- Semester dates
- September 1st – December 4th, 2025
- Orientation
- September 1st – 2nd, 2025
- Application deadline
- June 30th, 2025
- Holiday
- TBA
SPRING 2026*
- Semester dates
- March 6th - June 3rd, 2026
- Orientation
- March 4th - 5th, 2026
- Application deadline
- January 7th, 2026
- Holiday
- TBA
AUTUMN 2026*
- Semester dates
- September 1st – December 4th, 2026
- Orientation
- September 1st – 2nd, 2026
- Application Deadline
- May 31st, 2026
- Holiday
- TBA
SPRING 2027*
- Semester Dates
- March 8th - June 3rd, 2027
- Orientation
- March 4th - 5th, 2027
- Application Deadline
- January 7th, 2027
- Holiday
- TBA
You may apply for semesters in the upcoming years already.
*) Small changes possible
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Gain insight into one of the most powerful economies in today’s world
Study at one of the best universities in China and Asia (ranked in top 100 for both)
Get a solid introduction to Chinese language, culture and business
Explore life in the fast-paced commercial hub of China, also rated as one of the best student cities of the world
Meet with people from all over the world and expand your international network
STUDYING AT SHANGHAI UNIVERSITY
The China Studies Program introduces you to the Chinese language, business, culture, foreign relations, trade and more. The program’s goal is to give you a basic overview of the Chinese language and culture, the special features of the Chinese economy and business, and what has made China the powerful country it is today.
Who is the program for?
- You’re a university student, a high school graduate or between degrees
- You’re interested in learning more about China or even becoming a China expert
- You want to learn Mandarin Chinese and improve your intercultural communication skills
- You want to live in one of China’s most modern and international cities and network with people from all over the world
- You want to boost your CV and your professional expertise
Shanghai University Courses and Studies
You can choose 4-6 out of the following courses:
- China and Globalization (5 ECTS) (Syllabus)
- Chinese Culture (5 ECTS) (Syllabus)
- Intercultural Business Communication (5 ECTS) (Syllabus)
- E-commerce (5 ECTS) – (Syllabus)
- Marketing Strategy (5 ECTS) – (Syllabus)
- Finance (5 ECTS) – (Syllabus)
- Chinese Language (5 ECTS) (Syllabus for beginner level; Syllabus for intermediate level)
- Asian Economic – The objectives of the course are to enable each student to get the basic framework of some Asian countries and area’s economics. The simple history, the politic system, the economic environment, and the basic economic systems of 10main Asia countries and area, such as Japan, South Korea, HK, Singapore, Thailand, India, Taiwan, Mainland of P. R. China, Malaysia, Indonesia are introduced. Some basic economic data are compared among those countries and areas. In the Asian economic course, the student will understand the different Asia countries or areas are experiencing different economic increasing models. Different views and points are encouraged in the class discussion.
A course will be arranged if a minimum of 10 students enrolls. This applies to all courses, including the language courses. All courses are Bachelor’s level courses.
eCampus
In addition to the courses mentioned above, you have the chance to attend additional distance learning courses in the fields of Economics, Marketing, Sociology, and Politics. All the courses are taught from a distance and can be joined independently from place and time. This gives you the ultimate flexibility to combine your study abroad experience with various academic courses.
All information about the eCampus can be found here.
You have the chance to opt for distance learning courses during your application process. Please note that each distance learning course is worth 5 ECTS and comes at an additional charge of 199 EUR/ 297 USD.
After completing your eCampus courses, you will receive an academic transcript issued by Undiknas University. Additionally, you will receive a participation certificate for each completed distance learning course.
The credits are granted directly in ECTS. Each course is worth 5 ECTS / 3 US credits. Remember to ask your home institution about credit transfer. Please take copies of the learning agreements with you to Shanghai.
Shanghai University Fees
Tuition fee:
Application fee:
See what’s included in the fees.
Many of our students apply for national student funding such as PROMOS, BAföG, or CSN.
Are you from North/South America & Oceania? Find out more about the fees.
Benefits when applying via Asia Exchange
- Confirmation even in one day
- Asia Exchange Guide with lots of information about studies, visas, accommodation and other tips
- Orientation days
- No English proficiency test required
discount when you apply for two semesters.
Shanghai University Minimum requirements
- Minimum age of 18 years
- To follow the instruction, you should have sufficient English skills. No language test is required.
See the additional requirements.
- An official transcript of records in English or if you are not currently enrolled at an institution of higher education, a copy of your high school diploma (or similar document)
- A copy of the identification page of your passport (please note that your passport must be valid for at least six months after your trip starts)
- Financial Statement
APPLY to the Shanghai University in Shanghai, China
DOCUMENTS
Get the required documents
APPLICATION
Fill out and submit the online application form together with the required documents
CONFIRMATION
You’ll get a confirmation of your study placement within one week, at best as quickly as in one day.
- Flexible application: You can apply even if you’re not yet certain of your plans. Cancel at no extra cost up to 1 month before the program starts.
- Get access to comprehensive information materials such as an Asia Exchange Guide after you apply.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Scan all the required attachments to your computer in PDF format.
- Fill out the online application form below and submit it with the required attachments.
Uploading and submitting the attachments
- Please upload the attachments in PDF format.
- If possible, please submit all the attachments together with the application. If you’re missing some attachment(s) when you first apply, you can later send the missing document(s). However, please note that we won’t process applications without any attachments whatsoever.
- All attachments must be sent to us within 30 days of applying or by the application deadline at the very latest.
- You can submit all the documents electronically. Please don’t send anything via regular mail.
- There is a late application fee for applications or attachments submitted after the application deadline.
Confirmation, official acceptance letter and visa
You’ll get a confirmation of your study placement in 1-7 days, starting from when your application is complete with all the required documents. You’ll receive the official acceptance letter 1.5 months before the semester starts at the latest. We’ll send it to the street address you have provided in your application. Please let us know if this address changes at any point. You need the official acceptance letter to apply for a student visa.
Fees
The application fee invoice will be sent to you soon after the initial acceptance letter. This fee will be due within 10 days of receiving your confirmation. The application fee is non-refundable even if you decide to cancel (see below). You’ll receive the invoice for the tuition fee about 2.5 months before the semester starts.
Cancellation
If you’re unable to participate in the study abroad semester, you have the right to cancel your participation up to 1 month before the semester starts with no extra cost (the application fee will not be refunded, however). Let us know about your cancellation by writing us an email at info[at]asiaexchange.org. Cancellations notified via phone, SMS or by any other means will not be considered. For more detailed information on our cancellation policy, please see the terms and conditions for cancellation. We also reserve the right to cancel your participation if any of your fees becomes overdue. For more information, please see our terms and conditions.
Travel insurance
You are required to have a valid accident and health insurance either from your home country or insurance recommended by HUFS for the whole duration of the program. The university may request a copy of the insurance certificate at the beginning of the semester. See our recommended travel insurance providers.
ABOUT SHANGHAI UNIVERSITY
Located at the heart of Shanghai, the university gained its current form in 1994 after four different universities in Shanghai merged, all of the leaders in their respective fields of expertise. Coincidentally, the current Shanghai University enjoys an excellent curriculum across different fields of studies. Learn more about Shanghai University.
Shanghai University Address
Shanghai University College of International Exchange 149 Yanchang Road Shanghai
Contact person at Shanghai University
Ms. Xin HUANG
Shanghai University Accreditation
- Accredited by China Education Association for International Exchange
- Chinese Ministry of Education’s Quality Assessment Certificate for International Students Studying in China
- One of the host universities for international students supported by the Chinese Government Scholarship and Shanghai Municipal Government Scholarship
- Member of Project 211 of China – a project sponsored by the Ministry of Education in China that aims at raising the research standards of high-level universities and cultivating strategies for socio-economic development
- Member of Project 111 of China – The Program of Introducing Talents of Discipline to Universities
- “Demonstration Base [a model university] for Foreigners Studying in China” established by the Ministry of Education
- 4 stars in QS Stars Business Schools
- Ranked 48th in Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2016/17: Ranking in China
- Ranked 19th in QS World University Rankings 2016/17: Ranking in China
- Ranked 1st in China and 61-71 in the world in QS ‘Top 50 under 50’ (fastest-rising institutions of higher education founded less than 50 years ago) 2016/17
- Ranked 69th in QS Asia University Rankings 2016
- Ranked 32nd in the QS BRICS Rankings 2016
- Ranked 35th in China in World University Rankings 2017 by Webometrics
- Ranked 75th in Universities Ranking of China 2016 by CUAA (Chinese Universities Alumni Association)
- Member of The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
Shanghai University Activities Outside Class
For those with an athletic bent, there are numerous indoor and outdoor sports facilities available. There are, for example, 22 tennis courts, two beach volley courts and several gyms and pools the students are free to use. Most of the facilities are located on the Baoshan campus, but a university shuttle service bus runs every hour between the campuses. The university also arranges trips and excursions to locations in and around Shanghai.
CO2 OFFSETTING
Unfortunately, traveling by plane to study abroad increases the carbon footprint of each student. Over the past years, it has become more apparent than ever: we face a climate crisis and air transport is responsible for up to 10% of humankind’s contribution to global warming. But should students stop pursuing their dreams of studying abroad and sacrifice their future goals? We don’t think so!
We see it as our responsibility to preserve our environment, live a sustainable life, and minimize the carbon footprint of each of our students. Consequently, Asia Exchange has chosen to work with Atmosfair, a non-profit organization that actively contributes to CO₂ mitigation and offers Co2 offsetting. You can now easily donate a free amount of money to Atmosfair’s projects dedicated to offsetting Co2 emissions. During the application process for your study abroad program, you have the opportunity to donate and mitigate your flight emissions.
Simultaneously, Asia Exchange will support your efforts to reduce their carbon footprint when studying abroad by doubling your donations and contributing equally. Let’s make this world a better place!
Click here to find out more about offsetting your flight emissions
Explore virtually – interactive destination tour
MOST FREQUENT QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Q: How do I select my courses?
A: We will ask you to select your courses online after the application period has ended.
Q: What study level are the courses at Shanghai University?
A: All courses are Bachelor-level courses.
Q: When do the exams take place?
A: Exams will be organized during the last few weeks of the semester. All courses and exams will be finished by the announced semester ending date.
Q: What type of visa do I need to have to study in China?
A: Depending on whether you have applied for one or two semesters, the correct visa type is either an X2 or an X1 visa.
Q: When can I apply for my visa?
A: You can start your visa application process after receiving the official acceptance letter from the university. The letter will be sent to you at the latest one month before the start of the semester. Read our general visa instructions here.
Q: Is there on-campus accommodation available at Shanghai University?
A: Yes. You can read more about the campus dormitories and room options here.
Q: When do I know if I will receive a dormitory room?
A: Shanghai University will confirm the dormitory placements at the latest two weeks before the semester starts.
Q: When can I move into the dormitory, and how long can I stay there?
A: Check-in and check-out dates will be confirmed separately for each semester. Normally, you can check in 3 days before the start of the semester, and you must check out at the latest 3 days after the end of the semester.
Q: Which vaccinations do I need to take?
A: In addition to the basic vaccinations (MMR and diphtheria-tetanus), travelers are most often advised to get vaccinated against Hepatitis A and B. Vaccinations always depend partly on the individual, so remember to consult your physician.
Q: Do I need insurance?
A: All students are required to have valid travel insurance for the duration of the semester. See our recommended travel insurance providers here.
Q: What kind of costs should I be prepared for?
A: In addition to tuition fees, you should be prepared to pay for the student visa, flights, accommodation and other living costs. The costs of living in Shanghai are slightly lower than in many Western cities, but the real costs will depend on your individual lifestyle. Find a list of general living costs here. Read more about budgeting your study abroad semester.
Q: I need to have my learning agreement/certificate of enrollment signed. What should I do?
A: Please fill out the document and send it to info@asiaexchange.org.
Q: When will I receive my Official Acceptance Letter?
A: The official letter of acceptance will be delivered to you approximately one month before the semester starts. We’ll send it to your home address you have provided in your application. Please let us know if this address changes at any point.
Q: When will I receive my Transcript of Records?
A: The university prepares and sends the transcripts of records usually within 2-3 months after the end of the semester.
Q: Do I need to know any Chinese beforehand?
A: It is not mandatory to know any Chinese (Mandarin) beforehand. However, knowing only a few basic words and phrases in advance will already help you a lot!
Q: What is a VPN and do I need it in China?
A: A VPN (Virtual Private Network) creates a private and secure Internet connection. A VPN will allow you to access websites (e.g., Facebook, Google, Instagram, etc.) normally blocked in China. There are free VPN providers, but commercial ones, such as ExpressVPN, work best in China. When establishing a VPN, you should download the required software beforehand in your home country, as VPN providers also tend to be blocked in China.




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