The Shanghai Government Scholarship offers a partially and fully funded sponsorship for international students aiming to study in Shanghai, China. This financial aid program is designed to attract and support top-tier students at undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral levels across diverse disciplines. Hence, if you’re seeking a chance to pursue your academic dreams in China, the Shanghai Government Scholarship could be the ideal fit for you.
Typically, Shanghai is a beautiful city that is notable for openness, innovation, and inclusiveness. It is the heartbeat of China’s economic and cultural progress, described as the best commercial city in China by Forbes and ranked 3rd in the 2020 edition of the Global Financial Centers Index. Shanghai is not just a city; it’s an experience! Now, picture yourself not just visiting but living and studying in this incredible city, supported by the prestigious Shanghai Government Scholarship. Whether you’re an aspiring engineer, artist, or scientist, Shanghai offers programs designed to help you thrive.
However, the SGS is a very competitive program with only about 20 percent of all applicants accepted every year. The scholarship has a very rigorous selection process. Hence, to stand a chance of being chosen, you need to present a very unique application. This post will walk you through all you need to know about this scholarship. You will learn about how you can present an outstanding application that’ll improve your chance of being among the few applicants who will be selected for this year’s award.
Scholarship Summary
Summary
About the Host of the Shanghai Government Scholarship
The Shanghai Government Scholarship is a prestigious funding opportunity hosted by the Shanghai Municipal Government. This scholarship is hosted in collaboration with local universities to attract international talents to its educational institutions. The Shanghai Education Commission was established in 1998, it serves as the primary administrative body overseeing education in Shanghai.
The commission was founded to promote international academic exchange. As a result, it has successfully positioned Shanghai as a leading global education hub, hosting over 60,000 international students annually. It has also partnered with over 40 universities in Shanghai, including renowned institutions like Fudan University and Shanghai Jiao Tong University.
The program aims to promote cultural exchange, build international relations, and provide global students with an opportunity to thrive in a multicultural environment. As the host, Shanghai offers an exceptional platform for academic growth, personal development, and career opportunities. The city’s strategic location and global connections make it a prime destination for students looking to expand their horizons.
You can also check out the Austria Government Scholarships 2026 | Eligibility Requirements
Why Apply for the Shanghai Government Scholarship?
The Shanghai Scholarship provides partial and full support. Through this program, you’ll study at top-ranked Chinese universities with full tuition, accommodation, medical insurance, and a monthly stipend. You will also be opportune to learn Mandarin Chinese. Furthermore, you’ll have access to quality research facilities and collaborate with leading academics, gain valuable international experience, and gain certification that opens doors to global job markets and networking opportunities.
How Much is the Shanghai Government Scholarship Worth?
The Shanghai Government Scholarship offers both partially funded and fully funded financial aid. Below are the values for the various scholarship types:
How Many People Are Going to Win the Award?
The Shanghai Government aims to award more than 500 scholarships across all academic levels and fields of study for this year’s scholarship program. However, don’t allow this to disturb you. Just focus on meeting the scholarship requirements and strictly follow the recommendations on this post, and you may have a better chance to be awarded a scholarship.
What is the Acceptance Rate of the Shanghai Government Scholarship?
The acceptance rate for the Shanghai Government Scholarship is not publicly disclosed, but it’s estimated to be about 15-20%, making it a very competitive scholarship program.
You can also check out the KAIST Undergraduate Scholarship 2026-27 | How to Apply
Eligible Nationality
The scholarship is open to all international students from any country outside mainland China.
Host Nationality
The scholarship is hosted in Shanghai municipality, in China.
Which Course of Study is Eligible for the Shanghai Government Scholarship?
The scholarship covers various courses in Bachelor’s, master’s degree, and PhD programs including:
Which Level is Eligible for the Shanghai Government Scholarship?
The Shanghai Government Scholarship is available for undergraduate programs, Master’s degrees, Doctoral degrees, and Non-degree Chinese language programs.
Eligibility Criteria
If you’re interested in applying for SGS award, you must:
You can also check out the Google Summer Internship 2026 ($3300 Stipend + Certificate)
Age Requirements
To be eligible for this scholarship, applicants must not be more than 25 years old for a Bachelor’s degree, and under 35 and 40 years old for masters and doctoral programs.
How to Apply for the Shanghai Government Scholarship?
SGS Scholarship is administered through Shanghai universities. As a result, you must apply to one of the universities. The Study in Shanghai platform lists participating institutions and you can find the list of universities accepting scholarship applications here. Meanwhile, below is a general procedures on how to apply for the Shanghai Government Scholarship program:
Time Needed : 2 hours 0 minutes
The following are the procedures required to apply for the SGS Scholarship program:
Identify a Participating University
Choose a university and program in Shanghai. Create an account and log in http://apply.shu.edu.cn to complete the online application, upload and submit application documents and scholarship application form and you’ll receive a pre-admission notice.Pay the Application Fee
After receiving the pre-admission notice, select the funding method, and fill in the SGS application code as: SGS2025 paying the non-refundable application fee (RMB 500).Review & Notification
The Shanghai University Scholarship Committee will review the application materials and determine the scholarship candidates’ list. Following this, the committee will publish the scholarship candidates’ list online. Selected candidates should confirm the scholarship and receive official admission documents.
Tools
- Laptop or mobile phone
Materials
- Online Application
What are the Documents Required for the Shanghai Government Scholarship Application?
When applying for the Shanghai Government Scholarship, you’ll need to submit the following documents:
You can also check out the Romania Government Scholarships 2026 | How to Apply
Is the Shanghai Government Scholarship Application Ongoing Now?
The application for the SGS Scholarship is currently ongoing. Ensure to apply early before the application window closes.
What Can I Do To Win a Shanghai Government Scholarship This Year?
The Shanghai Government Scholarship has a very low acceptance rate. So, among the thousands of applicants, only a few people will be selected. If you want to improve your odds of being among the selected few, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
Application Deadline
The application deadline for the SGS Scholarship is typically in April, but it can vary depending on the specific university and program you are applying to. Therefore, you must check the official website of your chosen institution in Shanghai for the exact deadline.
Selection Procedures
After the application deadline, the universities conduct an initial review of all submitted materials. This review assesses the academic qualifications and overall suitability of each candidate based on their academic records, research proposals, and relevant experiences. The University will also conduct a Security and Background Check (SBC) as well as a University Qualification Assessment for all international students. This is to check if the applicant’s condition is appropriate to enter the University.
You can also check out the Easiest Countries To Get Visa for International Students
Following this evaluation, universities will shortlist recommended candidates and submit them to the Shanghai Municipality Scholarship Panel for further review. The scholarship committee will make the final selection by evaluating the shortlisted candidates based on established criteria. Finally, successful applicants will receive official notifications from their respective universities regarding their scholarship status around mid-to-late June.
Does the Shanghai Government Scholarship Have Past Questions?
The Shanghai Government Scholarship doesn’t have entrance examinations. Shortlisted candidates will only be invited for a 10-15-minute online interview where they’ll be required to talk about their passion, interest, agenda, and reason for studying in Shanghai. Likewise, you have to meet academic requirements for your chosen program of study, secure admission from a Shanghai-based university, and demonstrate language proficiency and you’re good to go!
What Should I do if I don’t get the Shanghai Scholarship?
If you don’t win the Shanghai Government Scholarship, kudos for the attempt. You can also win another time so don’t give up. While you look up other opportunities and scholarship programs. You will find thousands of them in the US and Canada.
Meanwhile, you can find a good number of the Easiest scholarships to apply for and win easily here.
Kindly Check these International Scholarship
Check out various scholarship opportunities available for you to apply to study in any country of your choice. So, if you seek a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or Ph.D., you will find a scholarship in any of the countries you choose. Learn more about available scholarships in each country by visiting the respective scholarship links below:
FAQs About the Shanghai Government Scholarship
How can I get a full free scholarship in China?
To obtain a full scholarship in China, consider applying for the Shanghai Government Scholarship, Confucius Institute Scholarship, or Chinese Government Scholarship, which are both partially funded and fully funded.
What GPA is required for the Shanghai Government Scholarship?
The Shanghai Government Scholarship typically requires a minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0, though requirements can vary by program and university.
Can international students work in China?
Yes, international students are allowed to work in China, but they need to obtain a work permit.
How much can a foreigner earn in China?
Earnings vary, but foreigners can earn between CNY 10,000 to 30,000 monthly depending on the job.
Do you have to speak Chinese to study in China?
Not necessarily. Many programs are offered in English, but learning Chinese is beneficial for daily life and work opportunities.
Conclusion
Shanghai is a remarkable location for academic excellence, cultural diversity, and groundbreaking opportunities. If you’ve ever dreamed of studying in renowned universities like Fudan University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, or Tongji University and have a transformative experience, this scholarship is the doorway to turning your desire into reality. Don’t forget that early preparation and attention to application details will significantly enhance your chances of securing this prestigious scholarship.