The Shanghai Government Scholarship (SGS) is one of China’s most prestigious fully funded scholarship programs designed to support outstanding international students who wish to pursue higher education in Shanghai. Established in 2006 by the Shanghai Municipal People’s Government, the scholarship aims to strengthen international academic exchange and attract talented students from around the world to study in Shanghai’s leading universities.
This scholarship provides financial assistance for undergraduate, master’s, doctoral, and pre-college programs, making it an excellent opportunity for students seeking high-quality education in China.
Overview of the Shanghai Government Scholarship
The Shanghai Government Scholarship is awarded annually to international students enrolling in participating universities across Shanghai. The program supports students at multiple academic levels, including:
Pre-College Programs
Undergraduate (Bachelor’s) Degrees
Master’s Degrees
Doctoral (PhD) Degrees
The scholarship is open to applicants from all countries, promoting cultural diversity and global academic collaboration.
Why Study in Shanghai?
Shanghai is one of Asia’s most vibrant and internationally connected cities. Known for its rapid development, advanced research institutions, and multicultural environment, the city provides international students with:
Access to modern research facilities
Opportunities to learn Chinese language and culture
Strong international networking prospects
Career opportunities in global industries
A dynamic and safe urban lifestyle
Studying in Shanghai allows students to experience both traditional Chinese culture and modern innovation in one of the world’s leading financial and educational hubs.
Scholarship Categories and Benefits
The Shanghai Government Scholarship offers two main categories of funding:
Type A – Full Scholarship
The Type A scholarship is the most comprehensive package and includes:
Full tuition fee exemption
Free on-campus accommodation (usually shared room)
Monthly living allowance
Comprehensive medical insurance
Possible housing allowance (if living off-campus with approval)
Typical monthly stipends may vary by academic level:
Undergraduate students often receive around ¥2,500 per month
Master’s students may receive around ¥3,000 per month
Doctoral students may receive around ¥3,500 per month
Type B – Partial Scholarship
The Type B scholarship generally includes:
Full tuition fee exemption
Comprehensive medical insurance
This option is ideal for students who can manage living expenses independently but require support for tuition.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the Shanghai Government Scholarship, applicants must meet the following conditions:
General Requirements
Must be a non-Chinese citizen
Must be in good physical and mental health
Must have an excellent academic record
Must meet the admission requirements of the chosen university
Must fulfill language proficiency requirements (Chinese or English depending on the program)
Academic and Age Requirements
Pre-College Program: High school diploma and typically under 23 years old
Undergraduate Program: High school diploma and usually under 25 years old
Master’s Degree: Bachelor’s degree and typically under 35 years old
Doctoral Degree: Master’s degree and usually under 40 years old
Specific requirements may vary depending on the university and program of study.
Required Documents
Applicants are generally required to submit the following documents:
Completed scholarship application form
Highest academic diploma or graduation certificate
Academic transcripts
Valid passport copy (bio-data page)
Language proficiency certificate (HSK, IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent if required)
Physical examination form for foreigners
Additional documents may include:
Personal statement or study plan
Two recommendation letters (for postgraduate programs)
Research proposal (for PhD applicants)
Applicants should carefully check the exact documentation requirements of their selected university.
Application Process
The application process for the Shanghai Government Scholarship usually involves the following steps:
Select a participating university in Shanghai.
Apply for admission through the university’s international student application portal.
Indicate interest in the Shanghai Government Scholarship during the application process.
Submit all required documents before the specified deadline.
Await evaluation and final results from the university.
Applicants are advised to apply early to avoid last-minute delays.
Application Deadline
For the 2026 academic session, the general application deadline is typically around mid-April 2026. However, exact dates may vary depending on the university. Candidates should confirm deadlines directly with their chosen institution.
Fields of Study
The Shanghai Government Scholarship supports a wide range of disciplines, including:
Engineering and Technology
Business and Economics
Medicine and Health Sciences
Arts and Humanities
Natural Sciences
Social Sciences
Information Technology
Environmental Studies
This broad range of programs allows students from various academic backgrounds to apply.
Final Thoughts
The Shanghai Government Scholarship provides a fully funded opportunity for international students seeking high-quality education in China. With benefits covering tuition, accommodation, living expenses, and medical insurance (depending on the scholarship type), the program significantly reduces financial barriers to studying abroad.
Beyond financial support, recipients gain access to world-class education, multicultural exposure, and valuable global networking opportunities. For students aspiring to study in China’s most dynamic city, the Shanghai Government Scholarship represents a powerful step toward academic and professional success