Shanghai Government Scholarship 2026 — Eligibility & How to Apply

Shanghai is home to several of China's best-known universities, including Fudan, Shanghai Jiao Tong and Tongji. Alongside the national Chinese Government (CSC) Scholarship, the Shanghai municipal government offers its own scholarship for international students — the Shanghai Government Scholarship, often shortened to SGS. It is one of the most searched city scholarships in Pakistan.

This guide explains how the scholarship works, which universities list it in our records, and how to apply. Coverage levels and deadlines are set each year by the universities and the Shanghai authorities, so always confirm the details in the official notice of your target university.

What is the Shanghai Government Scholarship?

The Shanghai Government Scholarship is funded by the Shanghai municipal government to attract international students to Shanghai's universities. Unlike CSC, you do not apply to a central national portal — you apply through the Shanghai university you want to attend, and the university handles the nomination.

What does it cover?

The scholarship is usually offered in more than one category, from full awards covering tuition, accommodation, a living allowance and insurance, to partial awards covering tuition only or part of it. Which category you receive is decided by the university. Read the coverage table in your university's official scholarship notice.

Shanghai universities that list it in our records

In our university database, Fudan University and Shanghai Jiao Tong University list the Shanghai Government Scholarship, and several other Shanghai universities list a Shanghai provincial-level scholarship:

• Fudan University — Shanghai Government Scholarship
• Shanghai Jiao Tong University — Shanghai Government Scholarship
• Tongji University — Shanghai provincial scholarship
• East China Normal University — Shanghai provincial scholarship
• Shanghai University — Shanghai provincial scholarship
• Donghua University, Shanghai Maritime University and others — Shanghai provincial scholarship

Each university decides how many awards it offers and for which programs. Open the university's profile on our site for its full scholarship list, fees and programs.

Who can apply?

• Non-Chinese citizens in good health.
• Applicants to degree programs (bachelor, masters or PhD) at a participating Shanghai university.
• Good academic results — universities usually look for strong grades.
• Language ability that meets the program's requirement (English or Chinese).
• Age and other limits as stated by the university.

How to apply

1. Choose a Shanghai university and program, and check that it offers the Shanghai Government Scholarship this year.
2. Read the university's scholarship notice for categories, documents and deadline.
3. Prepare your passport, degree, transcripts, study plan and recommendation letters.
4. Apply for admission and select the Shanghai Government Scholarship in the university's online application system.
5. Wait for the university's admission and scholarship decision.

Shanghai Government Scholarship vs CSC

Many students apply for CSC and a Shanghai scholarship in the same cycle. If you are not selected for CSC, a Shanghai award can still reduce your costs. Follow each university's rules on holding more than one scholarship.

Tips to improve your chances

• Apply early, when the university still has scholarship places.
• Write a study plan that names the university's specific programs or labs.
• Keep your documents clean, attested and complete.
• Apply to more than one Shanghai university if allowed.

Documents you will usually need

Shanghai universities set their own document lists, but most ask for a similar set. Preparing these early saves time, because attestation in Pakistan can take several weeks.

• Passport photo page
• Highest degree certificate and transcripts, attested as required
• Study plan (bachelor's and masters) or research proposal (PhD)
• Two recommendation letters
• Language certificate or English medium of instruction letter, if the program asks
• Foreigner Physical Examination form, if required at this stage
• A non-criminal record certificate, if the university asks for one

Choosing the right Shanghai university

Shanghai's universities have different strengths. In our records, Fudan University and Shanghai Jiao Tong University are comprehensive research universities with MBBS, business and postgraduate programs; Tongji University is well known for engineering and architecture; East China Normal University is strong in education and social sciences. Our Engineering in Shanghai page compares the engineering options. Pick a university where your field is strong, not only the one with the biggest name — scholarship committees look for a good match between your background and the program.

Mistakes that cost scholarships

• Applying after the university's scholarship deadline, even if admission is still open
• Forgetting to select the scholarship option in the university's online system
• Sending a study plan that could fit any university
• Uploading unclear scans or missing pages
• Not checking whether the program is English- or Chinese-taught

If you are unsure which Shanghai university or scholarship category fits you, a mentor can review your grades and field and suggest a realistic shortlist.