East China Normal University: Fees & Admission 2026

East China Normal University (ECNU) is one of China’s most prestigious universities, with strong academic programmes that attract international students who want to study in China. Admission requirements, fees and scholarship chances vary by subject and level of study, but the university is a good choice for students looking for a global education in a diverse and safe environment. If you are considering East China Normal University for 2026, this guide covers the essentials: available majors, how to apply, tuition costs, funding options and even everyday life for international students in Shanghai.

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Tuition fees at East China Normal University 2026

Tuition fees at East China Normal University vary by subject and level of study, but they are reasonable compared with Western universities, and scholarships can reduce them further.

Bachelor’s: about 22,000 to 28,000 CNY per year (about US$3,100–3,900) for Chinese-taught programmes (and 50,000 to 54,000 CNY for English-taught programmes).
Master’s: about 25,000 to 32,000 CNY for Chinese-taught programmes and 35,000 to 50,000 CNY for English-taught programmes (around 84,000 CNY for business administration).
PhD: about 30,000 to 38,000 CNY for Chinese-taught programmes and 45,000 CNY for English-taught programmes.

These prices cover tuition only; they do not include accommodation, insurance or living costs. Living in Shanghai costs somewhat more than in other Chinese cities, but it is still moderate compared with many European and Western cities. Check the university’s dormitories, canteens and sports facilities for current prices and availability.

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Study programmes at East China Normal University 2026

East China Normal University offers a wide range of programmes, with a strong focus on education, the humanities and applied sciences, which makes it a good choice for international students who want to build an international career.

Main fields of study

Education: notable programmes in teaching Chinese to speakers of other languages (CTE), educational psychology and curriculum development.
Languages and translation: majors in Chinese, translation and foreign languages (English, French, Arabic).
Natural sciences and engineering: physics, chemistry, computer science and software engineering.
Social sciences: political science, international relations and sociology.
Arts and design: graphic design, fine arts, and film and drama.

Many programmes are taught in English, especially at postgraduate level, so international students can enrol without being fully fluent in Chinese. However, some majors, particularly those linked to education or translation, require strong Chinese.

Chinese language programmes

If you are not fluent in Chinese, East China Normal University offers intensive Chinese language programmes before your studies begin, helping students adapt to the academic environment. These programmes are designed for international students and are an important step towards passing the HSK test, which may be required for some majors or for academic progress.

Explore Chinese language programmes in China

Admission requirements at East China Normal University 2026

Admission requirements at East China Normal University vary by level of study and major, but clear academic and documentary standards apply to all international applicants.

Bachelor’s admission

A secondary school certificate from your country with at least a good grade (an average of 75% or equivalent).
Completion of the required subjects for your chosen major (for example sciences or humanities).
Proof of English proficiency through tests such as IELTS (minimum 6.0) or TOEFL (80+).
If the programme is taught in Chinese, proof of Chinese proficiency through HSK 3 or 4.
A CV and a personal statement.

Master’s and PhD admission

A bachelor’s degree in a related field (average of 70% or higher).
Proof of language proficiency (English or Chinese, depending on the programme).
A research statement or, for a PhD, a research proposal.
An application form submitted through the university’s online system.
An academic interview may be required for some majors.

Note: requirements and deadlines vary by major and university, so check the university’s official website or contact the admissions office directly.

Scholarships at East China Normal University 2026

East China Normal University offers a range of scholarships to international students to reduce financial burdens and let them study at a high standard.

Main scholarships available

CSC scholarship (Chinese Government Scholarship): a full scholarship from the Chinese government covering tuition, accommodation, comprehensive medical insurance and a monthly stipend (2,500 CNY for bachelor’s, 3,000 for master’s and 3,500 for PhD). It is offered to bachelor’s, master’s and PhD students.
University scholarships: ECNU awards these to some students based on academic performance (check the percentages and criteria on the university’s website).
Subject-specific scholarships: available for some fields, such as education, social sciences and translation.
Scholarships through embassies and partnerships: some are offered through embassies or educational partnerships and are usually announced through official channels.

Learn about the Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) for international students

The international student experience at East China Normal University

The experience of international students at East China Normal University is generally positive, thanks to a diverse international student community, university support and comfortable living conditions in Shanghai.

Daily life in Shanghai

As China’s economic capital, Shanghai is a modern, safe city that is easy to get around by metro and public transport.
Shanghai has many halal restaurants, which makes it practical to keep halal dietary rules.
Friday prayers are held at mosques in Shanghai.
Ask the university’s international students’ office what support is available for Muslim students.

If you are Muslim, Shanghai is one of the easier cities in China for a Muslim student. There are mosques in the city, and we advise asking the university whether halal meals are available in the campus canteens.

Is China suitable for Muslim students? A practical guide

Application and visa steps 2026

After you are admitted to East China Normal University, you must follow official steps to complete your student visa and enter China.

Application steps

Register online through the university’s website.
Upload the required documents (certificates, CV, recommendation letters).
Pay the application fee (800 CNY).
Wait for the official admission offer.
Apply for a student visa (X1) at the Chinese embassy or consulate in your country.

Visa procedure

Receive the admission letter from the university.
Fill in the visa application form and submit the JW201 or JW202 form issued by the university together with the admission letter.
Bring a valid passport, a passport photo and financial documents proving you can cover your costs.
Attend an embassy interview (depending on the country).
Receive an X1 visa (for study of more than 180 days) to enter China, register with the police within 24 hours of arrival, then convert the visa into a residence permit within 30 days of arrival.

The university supports students with visa procedures and sends the admission confirmation documents used in the official steps.

Step-by-step guide to getting a student visa for China

Frequently asked questions

Can I study at East China Normal University without knowing Chinese?

Yes, you can join some programmes taught in English, especially at master’s and PhD level. However, strong Chinese is required for certain programmes such as teaching Chinese or translation, so we recommend taking language courses before you start.

What are the requirements for a scholarship at East China Normal University?

Requirements depend on the type of scholarship. The CSC scholarship requires excellent academic performance, admission by the university and an application through the official system. University scholarships are awarded based on academic performance, community contribution and field of study.

Are there mosques or prayer rooms on the East China Normal University campus?

We could not verify mosques or prayer rooms on campus from official ECNU pages. There are mosques elsewhere in Shanghai. Ask the international students’ office about halal food and the nearest mosque before you arrive.

How long do bachelor’s and master’s programmes last?

Bachelor’s: 4 years. Master’s: 2–3 years. PhD: 3–5 years. Duration varies by major and programme.

Can international students work while studying in China?

International students may not take regular employment. Only university-organised work-study is allowed (a maximum of 8 hours per week and 40 hours per month), and an internship outside the university requires the employer to be added to the residence permit.