Quick Summary
Since 1949, Shanghai International Studies University has been one of China's prominent publics, based in Shanghai. Ranked #1001-1200 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 15000 students including 20% from outside China. Known for strengths in Linguistics, Modern Languages, Communication and Media Studies, it maintains an acceptance rate of 25%.
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Institutional Profile
Who they are
Premier global institution for language and area studies with a massive international alumni network and prime Shanghai location.
Subject Strengths
LinguisticsModern LanguagesCommunication and Media StudiesEnglish Language and Literature
Founded1949
TypePublic
Total Students15000
Intl Students20%
Faculty Ratio12
CampusUrban and Suburban (Hongkou and Songjiang)
Campus Size74 hectares
Affiliated HospitalsNot Available
AccreditationMinistry of Education of China, AMBA, EQUIS
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Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#1001-1200
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#1201-1500
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#801-900
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Undergraduate, Postgraduate, PhD, Non-degree Language Programs
Programs
Foreign Languages and Literatures, Political Science, Business Administration, Education
PhD Programs
Not Available
Online Programs
Middle East Studies Institute, Center for British Studies, Institute of Corpus Studies and Applications
Research Centers
High
Research Output
Ministry of Education of China, AMBA, EQUIS
Accreditation
04
Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate25%
IELTS6.5
TOEFL90
Min GPA3
GRENot Available
GMATNot Available
SATNot Available
ACTNot Available
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · June 30
SPRINGApplication Deadline · December 31
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Highlight language proficiency, global awareness, and extracurricular involvement in international exchange programs.
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Cost Ledger
Amounts in Renminbi
UG Tuition
¥21,500/yr
per year · CNY
Living Cost
¥70,000/yr
per year · CNY
PG Tuition
¥29,000/yr
per year · CNY
Application Fee
$115
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
¥92,300/yr
tuition + living + essentials · CNY
Scholarships AvailableChinese Government Scholarship, Shanghai Government Scholarship, SISU Excellence Scholarship
Avg Scholarship$5,500
Financial AidAvailable
Work-StudyAvailable
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Undergraduate, Postgraduate, PhD, Non-degree Language Programs programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Translation and Interpreting | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Business English | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| International Relations | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Journalism | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Finance | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$18,500
Average Salary After Graduation
96%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementStrong connections with UN, mainstream media, and Fortune 500 companies in Shanghai.
Industry Connections
United NationsReutersByteDanceHuaweimajor international banks
Notable Alumni
Wang Yeping, Joan Chen, Zhou Mingwei
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Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
On-campus available
Sports Facilities
Indoor swimming pools, multi-purpose gyms, tennis courts, athletic tracks
Student Clubs
Over 100 clubs including Model UN, Drama Club, and International Cultural Festival
Library Resources
Extensive multilingual collections, digital research databases, specialized archives in linguistics
Exchange Programs
Partnerships with 440+ universities in over 60 countries
Summer Programs
Chinese Language and Culture Summer Program