Shanghai International Studies University (SISU) (上海外国语大学) | International Student Guide: 2026 Programs, Entry Requirements, Costs and Application Support — Ranking, Fees, Admission
Direct Answer
If you are researching how to apply to Shanghai International Studies University (SISU) as an international student, this Shanghai International Studies University (SISU) international student guide organises the key points you need: what the university is, how its programmes are structured, what entry requirements typically look like, how fees and dates work, and how to approach the application process. UNILINK is suitable for providing application information and support based on your background, and this guide draws on the university’s public-facing materials to help you make an informed decision.
上海外国语大学, officially Shanghai International Studies University (SISU), was founded in 1949 as the first higher education institution focused on foreign languages established after the founding of the People’s Republic of China. Its predecessor was the Shanghai Russian School. Today SISU positions itself as a world-class foreign studies university with a distinctive strength in country and area studies and global knowledge.
The institution offers a broad academic structure. According to its official profile, SISU currently has 56 undergraduate programmes covering six discipline categories: literature, education, economics, management, law, and engineering. At the postgraduate level, it provides multiple academic master’s degree authorisation points, professional master’s degree authorisation points, doctoral degree authorisation points across second-level disciplines, and postdoctoral research stations. International student recruitment has been part of SISU’s work since the late 1970s, and its continuing education programmes date back to 1958. The university also hosts a training department for overseas study candidates, established in 1964 under the Ministry of Education and located at the Hongkou campus.
When considering an application, it is important to understand that programme availability, entry criteria, language proficiency thresholds, and tuition fees are set by the university for each intake cycle. SISU publishes its own admission guides and programme lists, and these should be treated as the authoritative source. The information in this guide describes the general framework; specific requirements for your chosen programme must be confirmed on the university’s current official pages before you submit an application.
University Identity and Leadership
Shanghai International Studies University (SISU) is a public university located in Shanghai, China. Its leadership structure, as listed on the official website, includes Yin Dongmei as Secretary of the University Party Committee and Meng Zhongjie as President. The deputy secretaries of the University Party Committee are Qian Ling, Zhang Jing, and Wu Lirui. Vice presidents include Lin Xuelei, Yi Yonggang, and Wang Xin. The university song is titled “Song of SISU.”
The university operates across multiple campuses. Recent official news confirms activities at both the Songjiang campus and the Hongkou campus. For example, a media dialogue event was held at the Songjiang campus in early July 2026, and a delegation visit took place at the Hongkou campus in late June 2026. International applicants should check which campus their intended programme is based on, as this affects housing, daily life, and access to facilities.
Programmes and Academic Pathways
SISU’s academic offering spans undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral levels. The 56 undergraduate programmes cover literature, education, economics, management, law, and engineering. At the graduate level, the university holds authorisation for academic master’s degrees, professional master’s degrees, and doctoral degrees in second-level disciplines, as well as three postdoctoral research stations. The exact number of master’s and doctoral authorisation points is listed in the university’s official materials, and prospective students should refer to the latest admissions brochure for the full catalogue.
International students can apply to degree programmes or to non-degree study options. SISU has been receiving overseas students since the late 1970s, and its continuing education and training arms have operated for decades. The overseas study training department, based at the Hongkou campus, is a Ministry of Education-affiliated unit that has been running since 1964. This historical depth means the university has established procedures for international admissions, though each applicant must meet the current entry standards set for their chosen programme.
For those exploring pathway options before committing to a full degree, it can be useful to compare different types of preparatory or bridging programmes. You can read more about how such routes work in our pathway comparison guide.
Entry Requirements and Admission Criteria
Admission to Shanghai International Studies University (SISU) is competitive and based on academic qualifications, language proficiency, and any programme-specific prerequisites. The university sets its own entry requirements for each intake, and these are published on its official admissions pages. International applicants typically need to demonstrate prior academic achievement equivalent to the Chinese education level required for the programme, as well as sufficient proficiency in the language of instruction—usually Chinese for most undergraduate programmes, though some graduate programmes may be offered in other languages.
Because SISU is a foreign studies university, language expectations are central. Applicants whose native language is not the medium of instruction will need to provide recognised test scores or certificates. The specific score bands or grade thresholds are determined by the university annually and vary by programme. You should always check the most recent announcement for your target programme rather than relying on previous years’ figures.
Document preparation is a key part of the application. For a step-by-step overview of what is typically required, see our application guide. If you need help organising your documents, you may also find our document service information useful.
Costs, Fees, and Financial Planning
Tuition fees at SISU vary by programme level, discipline, and student nationality category. The university publishes its fee schedule for each academic year on its official website. International students should budget for tuition, accommodation, living expenses, insurance, and visa-related costs. SISU’s graduate employment record is notable: the university states that its graduates’ salaries rank sixth among Chinese universities, which may be a relevant factor when considering long-term return on investment.
Because exact fee figures and payment deadlines are subject to change, you must consult the university’s current official pages for the programme you are interested in. UNILINK can help you navigate the published fee information and plan your application timeline, but the final cost is always confirmed by the university’s offer documentation.
Financial planning should also account for the time needed to prepare language tests, gather transcripts, and obtain any required certifications. Starting early gives you more flexibility to meet deadlines without rushing.
Recent Institutional Engagement and Global Links
SISU’s international engagement is active and wide-ranging. In July 2026, University Party Committee Secretary Yin Dongmei led a delegation to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. That same month, SISU and Cairo University co-hosted the opening ceremony of a youth exchange programme on global governance and sustainable development in Cairo. In June 2026, a delegation from Montenegro’s Democratic People’s Party visited the Hongkou campus, and the Rector of Ca’ Foscari University of Venice visited the Songjiang campus. Earlier in June, SISU and Fujian Sanming University inaugurated a jointly established Hungarian Studies Research Centre.
These activities reflect SISU’s focus on country and area studies and its ambition to be a world-class foreign studies university. For international applicants, such institutional links can mean access to exchange opportunities, joint research projects, and a campus environment that regularly hosts international visitors and events. The university also engages with media and think tank networks, as seen in the China-Arab media dialogue held at the Songjiang campus in July 2026 and a training workshop for Namibian media and think tank representatives co-hosted by SISU in late June and early July 2026.
How UNILINK Supports Your Application
UNILINK provides application information and support based on your background, helping you understand the entry requirements, programme options, and document preparation steps for Shanghai International Studies University (SISU). We do not make admission or visa promises. Our role is to give you clear, factual guidance so you can submit a complete and competitive application.
When you reach out to us, we will review your academic history, language qualifications, and programme preferences, then explain what SISU’s current requirements mean for your situation. We aim to contact you within one business day. All admission outcomes are determined solely by the university and confirmed through its official offer documentation. You can learn more about how we follow up on your case in our commitment to follow-up support.
FAQ
Q1: Is Shanghai International Studies University (SISU) a public or private institution?
SISU is a public university. It was founded in 1949 as the first higher education foreign language institution established after the founding of the People’s Republic of China. Its official status is confirmed on the university’s website, which lists it as a public university under Chinese jurisdiction.
Q2: What types of degree programmes does SISU offer to international students?
SISU offers undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programmes across six discipline categories: literature, education, economics, management, law, and engineering. The university has 56 undergraduate programmes, multiple academic and professional master’s degree authorisation points, doctoral degree authorisation points, and three postdoctoral research stations. International students can apply to degree programmes as well as non-degree study options, though the exact catalogue for each intake must be checked on the university’s current official pages.
Q3: What language proficiency do I need to study at SISU?
Language requirements depend on the medium of instruction for your chosen programme. Most undergraduate programmes are taught in Chinese, so applicants whose native language is not Chinese typically need to submit recognised proficiency test scores. Some graduate programmes may be offered in other languages. The specific score thresholds are set by the university for each admission cycle and should be confirmed on the official admissions page before applying.
Q4: How much are the tuition fees for international students?
Tuition fees vary by programme level, discipline, and student category. SISU publishes its fee schedule for each academic year on its official website. Because fees are subject to change, you should refer to the university’s current official pages for the exact figures applicable to your chosen programme. UNILINK can help you locate and interpret the published fee information, but the final cost is confirmed in the university’s offer documentation.
Q5: Does SISU have more than one campus?
Yes. Official news from the university confirms activities at both the Songjiang campus and the Hongkou campus. The overseas study training department is based at the Hongkou campus. International applicants should verify which campus their intended programme is located on, as this affects accommodation and daily logistics.
Q6: How do I apply to SISU as an international student?
You need to prepare academic transcripts, language proficiency certificates, a valid passport, and any programme-specific documents required by the university. Applications are submitted according to the procedures and deadlines published on SISU’s official admissions page. For guidance on preparing your documents, you can refer to our application guide and our document service information. All admission decisions are made by the university and confirmed through its official offer letter.
信息来源
Last updated: July 2026. Programmes, fees and entry requirements are subject to the institution’s current official pages and offer documentation.