China’s Top Normal University
The first normal university of the People’s Republic and still the national leader in education research and teacher training.
Shanghai, ChinaQS #394
East China Normal University
China’s university of education — shaping teachers, minds and cities since 1951
Established in October 1951 on the former site of Great China University and Kwang Hua University, East China Normal University (ECNU) was the first normal university founded in the People’s Republic of China and remains its most prestigious. A 985, 211 and Double First Class university, ECNU holds national first-class status in education, statistics and ecology, and its education and training discipline ranks 46th worldwide in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026. The riverside Putuo campus on North Zhongshan Road and the larger Minhang campus on Dongchuan Road together host around 6,000 international students from more than 130 countries each year. English-taught degrees in business administration, political science, comparative literature, curriculum leadership and early childhood education, plus the NYU Shanghai and Asia Europe Business School joint ventures, make ECNU the clearest choice for international students focused on education, social sciences, psychology and the environmental sciences.
Project 985Project 211Double First-Class
- QS World Ranking
- #394
- Location
- Shanghai, China
- Founded
- 1951
- International Students
- 6,000+
- Teaching Language
- English / Chinese
- Tuition
- CNY 22,000 - 54,000 / year
- Intake
- September
- Application Deadline
- June 1
Why Choose
Why Choose East China Normal University
Key reasons international students choose East China Normal University for their studies in China.
Education Ranked 46th Globally
QS Subject Rankings 2026 place ECNU education and training 46th worldwide — among China’s highest-ranked disciplines.
Three Double First Class Fields
National first-class status in education, statistics and ecology, an unusual combination of humanities and quantitative science.
NYU Shanghai Founding Partner
Co-founded NYU Shanghai and the Asia Europe Business School, giving students genuine Sino-foreign academic environments.
Psychology And Brain Science
School of Psychology and Cognitive Science plus AI education research make ECNU a hub for learning science.
Two Central Shanghai Campuses
Putuo campus sits inside inner Shanghai while Minhang offers a spacious modern research and residential campus.
Rankings & Recognition
Academic Reputation
National designations and world rankings that signal academic strength and prestige.
QS World University Ranking#394
China National Ranking#29
National Designations
Project 985Project 211Double First-Class
Programs
Programs for International Students
Explore the degree programs and academic strengths available to international students at East China Normal University.
Business Administration (BBA Single Degree)
BachelorLanguage: English
Duration: 4 years
Tuition: CNY 54,000 / year
Intake: September
Scholarship: ECNU Excellent Freshmen Scholarship eligible
Political Science & International Relations
BachelorLanguage: English
Duration: 4 years
Tuition: CNY 28,000 / year
Intake: September
Scholarship: Shanghai Government Scholarship eligible
Design
BachelorLanguage: English
Duration: 4 years
Tuition: CNY 50,000 / year
Intake: September
Scholarship: ECNU Excellent Freshmen Scholarship eligible
Comparative Literature & World Literature
MasterLanguage: English
Duration: 3 years
Tuition: CNY 33,000 / year
Intake: September
Scholarship: CSC full scholarship eligible
Global Curriculum Leadership
MasterLanguage: English
Duration: 2 years
Tuition: CNY 40,000 / year
Intake: September
Scholarship: Shanghai Government Scholarship eligible
Early Childhood Education In A Cross-Cultural Context
DoctorLanguage: English
Duration: 4 years
Tuition: CNY 42,000 / year
Intake: September
Scholarship: CSC full scholarship eligible
Admission
Admission Requirements
What you need to apply to East China Normal University as an international student.
- Academic RequirementsHigh school diploma with a strong academic transcript for bachelor’s; a relevant bachelor’s or master’s degree for graduate programs.
- Language RequirementsEnglish-taught: IELTS 6.0 or equivalent for non-native speakers. Chinese-taught: HSK Level 5 (180+), or HSK Level 4 (180+) for Chinese studies, design and certain language majors.
- Entrance AssessmentShortlisted applicants take a school-level written test and interview; graduate applicants submit a research or study proposal.
- Required DocumentsPassport, transcripts, graduation certificate, study plan, language certificate, recommendation letters, financial guarantee and a non-criminal record certificate.
- Application DeadlineScholarship applicants: March 31. Self-funded applicants: June 1.
- Application FeeCNY 800, non-refundable, paid through the ECNU online application system.
- Medical ExaminationA Foreigner Physical Examination Form is required after admission and verified in Shanghai after arrival.
- Visa DocumentsECNU issues the JW201 or JW202 form and Admission Notice so you can apply for an X1 student visa at a Chinese embassy.
Tuition & Scholarships
Costs & Funding
Transparent tuition, living costs and scholarship options for international students.
Cost Breakdown
- Annual Tuition
- CNY 22,000 - 54,000 / year
- Accommodation
- CNY 1,500 – 2,100 / monthOn-campus international dormitory (CNY 50–70 per day)
- Application Fee
- CNY 800 (one-time)
- Medical Insurance
- CNY 800 / yearMandatory comprehensive insurance for international students
- Estimated Living Cost
- CNY 3,000 – 4,500 / monthMeals, transport & personal expenses in Shanghai
Estimated First-Year CostCNY 60,000 – 110,000
Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) Type A
Coverage: Full tuition, on-campus accommodation, comprehensive insurance and a monthly stipend of CNY 3,500.
Eligibility: Outstanding non-Chinese applicants for full-time bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degrees at ECNU.
Deadline: March 31
Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) Type B
Coverage: Full or partial award covering tuition and comprehensive insurance.
Eligibility: Graduate applicants nominated through the ECNU university-level channel for eligible programs.
Deadline: March 31
Shanghai Government Scholarship
Coverage: Type A full scholarship with tuition, accommodation, insurance and a CNY 3,500 monthly allowance; Type B covers tuition and insurance.
Eligibility: Degree-seeking international students with strong academic records studying in Shanghai.
Deadline: March 31
ECNU Excellent Freshmen Scholarship
Coverage: Monthly allowance of CNY 2,500 for 12 months.
Eligibility: High-performing incoming international undergraduates in eligible full-time programs.
Deadline: June 1
Campus Life
Life on Campus
What daily student life looks like at East China Normal University.
Riverside Putuo Campus
The Suzhou Creek runs through the Putuo campus past the cherry blossom path, one of Shanghai’s best-known campus scenes.
International Dormitories
International Exchange Service Center residences on both campuses offer economy and standard rooms billed by the day.
Education And Humanities Library
Libraries strong in education, literature, history and psychology, plus major Chinese and international research databases.
International Cultural Festival
The annual Global Village festival lets students from 130+ countries present their food, dress and traditions.
Sports And Recreation
Stadiums, swimming pools, courts and student sports clubs across the Putuo and Minhang campuses.
Connected Shanghai Living
Metro links put both campuses within easy reach of the Bund, Xujiahui and Shanghai’s cultural districts.
Gallery
Campus Gallery
A visual tour of East China Normal University.
Research & Innovation
Research Strengths
Research capacity and innovation ecosystem at East China Normal University.
Education Science Research
The Faculty of Education leads national policy research on curriculum, teacher development and educational assessment.
Psychology And Cognitive Science
The School of Psychology and Cognitive Science studies learning, brain function and mental health with modern labs.
Estuarine And Coastal Ecology
The State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research studies the Yangtze delta and coastal environments.
Statistics And Data Science
A Double First Class statistics discipline supporting research across finance, biostatistics and social measurement.
AI In Education
AI+X micro-majors and an AI education centre apply intelligent technologies to teaching and learning research.
Sino-Foreign Research Platforms
Joint platforms with NYU, French PRoSFER partners and European business schools support cross-border research.
Career Outcomes
Graduate Outcomes
Where a degree from East China Normal University can take you after graduation.
Education Sector Careers
Graduates enter international schools, universities, curriculum organisations and education technology companies.
Shanghai Business Recruitment
BBA and business graduates recruit into multinationals, consulting and finance firms headquartered in Shanghai.
Data And Analytics Roles
Statistics and data science training leads to analytics roles in finance, technology and research institutes.
Policy And Public Sector
Political science and international relations graduates work in government bodies, NGOs and diplomatic organisations.
Strong Domestic Reputation
An ECNU degree carries high recognition across Chinese education, media, cultural and research institutions.
Global Alumni Network
Alumni lead schools, universities and cultural institutions across China and internationally.
Student Support
International Student Support
How East China Normal University helps international students settle in and succeed.
Accommodation Assistance
Help reserving an International Exchange Service Center room on the Putuo or Minhang campus before arrival.
Residence Permit
Guided assistance converting your X1 visa into a Shanghai residence permit within 30 days of arrival.
Orientation
Orientation covers registration, campus systems, safety, banking and settling into life in Shanghai.
Academic Advising
School-level advisors and program coordinators support course selection, credits and thesis planning.
Chinese Language Support
Mandarin courses through the School of International Chinese Studies, from beginner to HSK preparation.
Health Services
Campus clinic access, mandatory insurance enrolment and referrals to Shanghai hospitals.
Emergency Assistance
Round-the-clock campus security with International Students Office contacts for urgent situations.
Visa Guidance
Support with JW forms, visa renewals, exit-entry procedures and travel documentation.
Student Community
International student associations, national societies and the annual cultural festival across 130+ countries.
Timeline
Application Timeline
Key dates and milestones for applying to East China Normal University.
- December – January
Applications Open
The ECNU international student online application system opens for the September intake.
- January – March
Prepare Documents & Language Tests
Secure your IELTS or HSK certificate, transcripts, study plan and recommendation letters.
- By March 31
Scholarship Deadline
Submit your application to be considered for CSC, Shanghai Government and ECNU scholarships.
- By June 1
Self-Funded Deadline
Final date for self-funded applicants to complete their application and upload documents.
- June – July
Admission Results
Schools review applications and successful candidates receive Admission Notices and scholarship decisions.
- By July 31
Confirm Place & Visa Documents
Self-funded students pay tuition and ECNU issues the Admission Notice and JW form for your visa.
- July – August
Apply For X1 Visa
Apply for your X1 student visa at the Chinese embassy or consulate in your home country.
- Early September
Arrival & Registration
Arrive in Shanghai, move into your dormitory, register, complete the medical check—then classes begin.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions international students ask most about East China Normal University.
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