China city guide
Study in Shanghai
Shanghai is a major international business and finance city on China's east coast. This guide covers who it tends to suit and how to compare programs located there.
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✓ Programs and universities
✓ Scholarships and total cost
✓ Requirements and deadlines
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Last verified 10/01/2026. Admission, tuition, scholarship, and visa information can change. Use this guide to compare options, then confirm current details with the university and official sources such as Chinese Ministry of Education, China Scholarship Council (CSC), National Immigration Administration of China before applying.
The kind of student Shanghai tends to suit
Shanghai's international and commercial character often attracts students of business, finance, design, logistics and related fields, as well as those who want a cosmopolitan setting. It may appeal if you value networking opportunities and diverse communities. It may be less comfortable if you want low living costs or a quiet environment, since a major port city can be fast-paced and expensive.
Comparing universities and programs in Shanghai
Fudan University and Shanghai Jiao Tong University are located in Shanghai and are examples worth researching. This is not a ranking or an admission claim. Compare specific programs on subject focus, teaching language, entry requirements and campus location. Shanghai is spread across a wide area, and campuses can sit far from the center, so check practical details like commute and housing.
- Subject focus of the specific program
- English-taught versus Chinese-taught delivery
- Campus location and commute to housing
- Internship or industry links stated by the program
Climate, transit and language environment
Shanghai has a humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and cool, damp winters. Heating in older buildings can be limited, so ask about winter comfort in student housing. The metro is extensive and widely used, and the city is a major rail and air hub. Mandarin is the main language, with Shanghainese spoken locally. You are more likely to encounter English here than in many other cities, but daily tasks are still easier with basic Chinese.
How Shanghai compares on cost
As one of China's most developed cities, Shanghai tends to have high housing costs relative to many other cities, particularly in central areas. Daily costs depend heavily on your neighborhood and habits. Compare scenarios for Shanghai and at least one other city in the cost calculator, then confirm campus housing details with the university.
Find Shanghai programs and universities on WiseAdmit
Enter Shanghai in the WiseAdmit universities or programs search to narrow results to that city. Use it to see which institutions and programs are located in the city. Open each listing to confirm level, subject, teaching language and intake, and check the official program page before you apply. WiseScore and the cost calculator can help you compare shortlisted options.
Frequently asked questions
Is Shanghai expensive for students?
Housing in Shanghai generally costs more than in many other Chinese cities, especially in central areas, though costs vary by neighborhood. Build a budget for your specific campus and compare it with another city before deciding. Compare campus housing with off-campus options near your university, and check whether a more distant campus changes your daily commuting needs.
Is English widely spoken in Shanghai?
You may hear more English in international settings than in many other cities, but daily life is still mostly in Mandarin. Do not assume English will be enough for services, housing or official procedures. Learning basic Chinese before you arrive will smooth everyday tasks, whatever the English level of the place where you live.
How do I search for Shanghai programs?
Use WiseAdmit's universities or programs search and enter Shanghai. Then review each listing for level, teaching language and intake, and verify the details on the official program page before applying. Shortlist a few listings, compare their locations and teaching languages, and use the cost calculator to compare Shanghai with another city.