East China Normal University – 华东师范大学

East China Normal University (ECNU) is a major public research university founded in Shanghai in October 1951. It is widely recognized as one of the most prestigious universities in China and is supported by the national top university construction programs Project 211 and Project 985. In 2017, it was selected as one of the 36 Class A universities under the Double First Class University Plan released by the central government of China.

Located in Shanghai, China East Normal University has built a strong reputation for excellence in research, teaching, and innovation, and is especially well known for strengths in education, humanities, psychology, and sciences. Since China’s reform and opening period beginning in 1978, the university has developed rapidly into a comprehensive research institution with broad disciplinary coverage.

In the QS World University Rankings:

• Ranked 501st worldwide (2025 edition)
• Ranked #=433 worldwide (2026 edition)

The university is often described as a Garden University due to its green landscape and campus environment.

Undergraduate Admission Requirements

• Completion of high school education or equivalent
• Chinese proficiency for Chinese-taught programs
• English proficiency for English-taught programs (such as Business Administration)
• High school transcripts and academic records
• Personal statement or essay
• Letters of recommendation
• Application fee payment

Postgraduate Admission Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution
• Chinese proficiency for Chinese-taught programs
• English proficiency for English-taught programs
• Undergraduate transcripts and degree certificate
• Research proposal or study plan
• Letters of recommendation
• Application fee payment

Undergraduate Tuition Fees

• Chinese-taught programs: approximately CNY 23,000 per year
• English-taught programs (e.g., Business Administration): approximately CNY 26,000 per year

Postgraduate Tuition Fees

• Master’s programs: approximately CNY 30,000 per year
• Doctoral programs: approximately CNY 35,000 per year

Chinese Language Programs (Non-Degree)

• Standard Chinese Program: 9,800 RMB per semester
• Business Chinese Program: 15,000 RMB per semester

Scholarships for Degree Programs

East China Normal University offers a variety of scholarships to support students financially. Here are some of the key scholarships available:

Chinese Government Scholarship — Bilateral Program

• Full scholarship: tuition waiver, on-campus accommodation, insurance, monthly allowance
• Partial scholarship: accommodation, insurance, monthly allowance
• Apply through local Chinese embassy or consulate

Chinese Government Scholarship — Independent Enrollment

• Graduate programs only
• Details provided through official channels

Shanghai Government Scholarship

• Undergraduate and graduate programs
• Type A: full scholarship (tuition, accommodation, insurance, stipend)
• Type B: partial scholarship (tuition + insurance)

International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarship

• Full scholarship coverage
• Tuition, accommodation, insurance, monthly allowance

Excellent Freshman Scholarship

• Financial support for outstanding new students

China East Normal University operates two major campuses in Shanghai:

• Putuo District Campus
• Minhang District Campus

Together they cover more than 207 hectares. Both campuses combine academic buildings, residential areas, research facilities, and landscaped green spaces.

The university system includes:

• 4 faculties
• 30 full-time schools
• 4 colleges
• 8 advanced research institutes
• 1 college of further education
• 1 national training center for secondary school principals

There are also 47 affiliated primary schools, secondary schools, and kindergartens, forming an extended education network.

Library

• Modern library system
• Extensive academic resources
• Large study areas
• Multi-discipline collections
• Over 4.8 million volumes

Laboratories

• Equipped with current research and experimental technology
• Supports science, engineering, and psychology research

Research Platforms and Academic Infrastructure

The university maintains a large number of national and ministerial research platforms, including:

• 2 State Key Laboratories
• 1 National Engineering Research Center
• 1 National Field Observation and Research Station
• 7 Key Labs or Engineering Centers
• 6 Key Research Bases for Humanities and Social Sciences
• 1 Ministry of Education Strategic Studies Base
• 1 Ministry of Education International Cooperation Laboratory
• 10 additional Key Labs or Engineering Centers
• 7 Social Sciences Innovation Bases and Studios
• 2 Shanghai municipal university think tanks

ECNU also sponsors or supervises nearly 30 academic journals and periodicals.The university library system holds over 4.8 million volumes.

Sports Complex

• Multi-sport indoor and outdoor facilities
• Fitness and recreation spaces

Putuo Campus

• Indoor badminton stadium — building No. 23 or 3
• Indoor ping-pong stadium — building No. 23
• Indoor basketball stadium — building No. 23 or 3
• Swimming pool — building No. 10
• Outdoor basketball court — near Dorm No. 2
• Outdoor soccer court — near Dorm No. 2

Minhang Campus

• Badminton / ping-pong stadium — No. 26
• Indoor swimming pool — No. 26
• Outdoor basketball and football courts — near No. 27

Student Accommodation

Putuo (Zhongbei) Campus Housing

Dorm No.1

• Near campus clinic and student activity center
• Shared restroom and shower
• Shared kitchen with refrigerator
• Laundry room
• Room facilities: Internet, AC, desk, closet

Dorm No.2

• Near west dining hall and outdoor sports courts
• Shared restroom and shower
• Shared kitchen with refrigerator
• Laundry room
• Room facilities: Internet, AC, desk, closet

Shanghai International Students Service Center

• Near ECNU main gate and Global Harbor
• Kitchen and laundry facilities
• Room facilities: AC and Internet

Minhang Campus Housing

International Students Dorm (Minhang)

• Near Qiulin dining hall and student center
• Shared kitchen and laundry
• Rooms include:
  • Private bathroom
  • Air conditioning
  • Internet

Accommodation costs (from your original blogpost): Typically CNY 1,200–1,800 per month, depending on room type.

Dining and Canteens

Putuo Campus Dining

• Dining Hall East — building 6
• Dining Hall West — building 38
• Liwa Dining Hall — building 35
  • Includes Western restaurant
  • Muslim canteen (2nd floor)
• Yifu canteen — building 18
• 24-hour book café — building 18
• Manner Coffee — building 7

Students can use the campus card as a meal card at all dining halls.

Minhang Campus Dining

• Dining Hall Qiulin — No. 24
• Dining Hall Xiayu — No. 23
• Dining Hall Qiushi — No. 28
• Dining Hall Dongyue / Dongri — No. 32

ECNU’s campus is designed to provide a supportive and enriching environment for students, fostering both academic and personal development.

ECNU has a large and highly qualified academic staff and student population.

Faculty:

• About 4,000 faculty members
• 1,969 professors and associate professors
• 18 academicians from the Chinese Academy of Sciences or Chinese Academy of Engineering

Students:

• 16,273 full-time undergraduate students
• 18,935 graduate students
• About 1,527 international students

Shanghai, where East China Normal University is located, is one of the most vibrant cities in China. Known for its blend of modernity and tradition, Shanghai offers a rich cultural experience with numerous museums, theaters, and historical sites.

The city’s efficient public transportation system makes it easy for students to explore and enjoy all that Shanghai has to offer.

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