Shanghai is China’s largest and most international city, and it runs its own government scholarship program separate from CSC. The Shanghai Government Scholarship (SGS) is funded by the Shanghai Municipal Education Commission and is available to international students at participating Shanghai universities. If you want to study specifically in Shanghai, this is a direct route.
What is the Shanghai Government Scholarship?
The SGS is a merit-based scholarship for international students enrolling at designated universities in Shanghai. It covers various categories, from full scholarships (tuition plus living costs) to partial funding (tuition waiver only). The program is administered by the Shanghai Municipal Education Commission.
This is one of several municipal and provincial scholarships available in China, but Shanghai’s offering is among the most generous and well-organized.
Who qualifies?
- Non-Chinese citizens in good health
- Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD, or General Scholar (language) applicants
- Students enrolling at a participating Shanghai university
- Meet the academic and age requirements of the specific program
There is no country restriction, though some categories prioritize Belt and Road region applicants.
Benefits
| Category | Coverage |
|---|---|
| Category A (Full) | Tuition + accommodation + living stipend + insurance |
| Category B (Partial) | Tuition + accommodation |
| Category C (Tuition) | Tuition waiver only |
The exact stipend amount and coverage depend on the category and the participating university. Category A is comparable to a full CSC scholarship.
Participating universities
Major Shanghai universities that offer SGS include:
- Fudan University
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University
- Tongji University
- East China Normal University
- Shanghai University
- Donghua University
- Shanghai University of Finance and Economics
And more. Check the Shanghai Municipal Education Commission website for the complete list each year.
How to apply
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Choose a participating university in Shanghai.
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Check their SGS listing. Each university publishes its own SGS categories, available programs, and deadlines.
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Apply to the university directly. Most applications go through the university’s international admissions office, not a centralized portal.
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Submit SGS application materials. These typically include: application form, passport, transcripts, study plan, recommendation letters, and health examination form.
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Wait for the university’s decision. SGS awards are made by the university in coordination with the Shanghai Municipal Education Commission.
How does it compare to CSC?
| Feature | Shanghai Government Scholarship | CSC |
|---|---|---|
| Funding source | Shanghai municipal government | Chinese national government |
| Geographic scope | Shanghai universities only | 274+ universities nationwide |
| Application method | Through university directly | Embassy or university channel |
| Degree levels | All levels including language programs | All levels |
| Competitiveness | Lower than CSC (less well-known) | High |
| Full scholarship available | Yes (Category A) | Yes |
The main advantage of SGS is lower competition combined with the draw of studying in Shanghai. Read our guide on how city selection affects scholarship chances and experience for more about why location matters.
Tips
Apply to SGS and CSC simultaneously. They are separate programs. Having both applications active gives you a backup.
Shanghai is expensive. Even with a full scholarship, Shanghai has higher living costs than other Chinese cities. The stipend covers basics, but plan for tighter budgets compared to studying in a second-tier city.
Use the university channel. SGS applications go directly through the university, which is similar to CSC Type B. If you have a professor’s agreement, mention it. For guidance on university selection strategy, see our safe schools guide.
Language programs as a stepping stone. If you are not ready for a degree program, SGS funds General Scholar (language study) programs too. You can use this to learn Mandarin in Shanghai and then apply for a degree program later.
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply for SGS from any country?
Yes, there is no country restriction, though some categories may prioritize certain regions.
Is the Shanghai Government Scholarship the same as Fudan’s scholarship?
No. Fudan may offer its own university-specific scholarships in addition to participating in SGS. Check both.
Do I need HSK?
Only for Chinese-taught programs. English-taught programs at Shanghai universities do not require HSK.
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