Graduate program

Master's Programs: 2-3 years

Doctoral Programs: 4 years

Starting Date: Early September 2026

Application Deadline: Please refer to the table below. For detailed scholarship information, please refer to scholarship.

*Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their applications as early as possible to have more opportunities.

1. Non-Chinese citizen with a valid passport.

The applicant's nationality is subject to the final determination of the Exit and Entry Administration of China. If an applicant is found to hold Chinese nationality during or after the admission process, the University reserves the right to cancel the application, admission, or student status.

2. Applicants should demonstrate good conduct, have no criminal record, and comply with the laws and regulations of China as well as the rules and policies of the University.

3. Degree Requirements:

●For Master's program applicants: a Bachelor's degree or its equivalent (or higher) recognized in China.

●For Doctoral program applicants: a Master's degree or its equivalent (or higher) recognized in China.

4. Language Requirements (Please refer to the Language Proficiency Certificate section for additional details):

●For Chinese-taught programs:

    Liberal arts and economics majors: HSK 5 ≥ 210 or HSK 6 ≥ 180

    Art, physical education and science majors: HSK 5 ≥ 180

●For English-taught programs:

    Non-native English speakers should provide one of the following English proficiency certificates: IELTS ≥ 6.0 / TOEFL ≥ 80 / Cambridge English (C1 Advanced (CAE)): ≥ 169.

NOTE: All the documents uploaded in the application system must be scanned copies of the original documents. Any documents not in Chinese or English should attach the notarized translation in Chinese or English.

1. Photocopy of Passport and Visa

Please provide a passport information page that remains valid for at least six months after enrollment. Please attach Chinese visa pages if applicable.

* If your passport does not meet the validity requirement, please renew it in time and use the new passport for the application.

2. Graduation & Degree Certificates and Official Academic Transcript

Master's program applicants should submit a Bachelor's degree certificate and a complete academic transcript from the undergraduate studies.

Doctoral program applicants should submit both Master's and Bachelor's degree certificates and complete academic transcripts from both graduate and undergraduate studies.

* Applicants who have not yet graduated should submit an up-to-date academic transcript and an expected graduation certificate which specifies the expected graduation date when applying. Applicants must obtain the official degree and diploma certificates no later than September 1, 2026. Those who fail to do so will not be eligible to apply for 2026 graduate programs. Admitted students must present the original degree and diploma certificates for verification upon registration.

* Official transcripts must include all course titles and grades. Transcripts marked with words such as "unofficial" or "copy" are not acceptable.

3. Language Proficiency Certificate

(1) For Chinese-taught programs:

① HSK certificate (valid within 2 years):

    Liberal arts and economics majors: HSK 5 ≥ 210 or HSK 6 ≥ 180

    Art, physical education and science majors: HSK 5 ≥ 180

② Certificate of Chinese-Medium Instruction

Applicants who have completed their undergraduate or master's studies in Chinese language at a higher education institution in China may submit a Certificate of Chinese-Medium Instruction issued by the university's registrar or graduate office. The certificate must be printed on official letterhead. Upon verification and approval by our university, the applicant may be exempted from submitting the HSK certificate.

(2) For English-taught programs:

① English Proficiency Test Certificate

Applicants must submit an effective English proficiency test certificate, or other equivalent certificates reviewed and approved by ECNU: IELTS ≥ 6.0 / TOEFL ≥ 80 / Cambridge English (C1 Advanced (CAE): )≥ 169

② Certificate of English-Medium Instruction

Applicants whose entire undergraduate or master's program was taught and assessed in English may submit a Certificate of English-Medium Instruction issued by the university's registrar or graduate office. The certificate must be printed on official letterhead. Upon verification and approval by our university, the applicant may be exempted from submitting an English language proficiency test certificate.

* Native English speakers applying for English-taught programs are exempted from this requirement.

* For applicants to the International Business Double Degree Program, language requirements are subject to the joint program agreement. Please refer to the program description for details.

4. Two Recommendation Letters

华东师范大学国际学生申请推荐信模板.docx

Must be written in Chinese or English by scholars with the title of associate professor or higher, or by senior professionals in a related field. The letter should include but is not limited to the applicant's character, academic background, research ability, academic or professional achievements, and potential for future development.

The recommendation letter should be issued after September 1, 2025 and MUST include the recommender's job title, place of work, contact number, email address, and signature.

* Applicants need to provide the referees' information in the online application system. The system will automatically send an email invitation to each referee, who can then complete the recommendation online following the instructions. Applicants may also upload the recommendation letters directly.

5. The Personal Statement

Length: Minimum of 1,000 words for Master's program applicants and 1,500 words for Doctoral program applicants.

Language: it should be written in Chinese for Chinese-taught programs applicants, and in English for English-taught program applicants.

Content: Should include, but is not limited to, academic background, research experience and achievements related to the chosen field, research interests or proposed direction for graduate study, and personal goals after graduation. Academic and research abilities can be highlighted.

6. Research Achievements

Provide a catalog and abstract of published papers, or other original research achievements (if applicable) to demonstrate academic capability.

Doctoral program applicants should submit the abstract of the Master's thesis rather than the full text.

7. Research Proposal (Doctoral Program Applicants)

8. Photo

Applicants must upload a recent color ID photo with a plain background, showing a full-face, uncovered head. Black-and-white, artistic, or non-ID photos will not be accepted.

9. Award Certificates (if applicable)

* Doctoral program applicants are encouraged to contact with the prospective academic supervisor in advance. 

The contact info of the Doctoral Supervisors：https://yjszs-ks.ecnu.edu.cn/zsml/bszsml/index/2026

Supplemental Documents for Specific Programs:

1. Applicants for art-related majors should submit a portfolio.

2. Applicants for the Master's Program in Teaching Chinese to Speakers of Other Languages should submit an essay related to the field (approximately 1,000 words).

3. Applicants for the Doctoral Program in Teaching Chinese to Speakers of Other Languages should submit 2-year (or above) work experience certificate.

Supplemental Documents for Scholarship Applicants:

1. Scholarship applicants MUST provide a valid health certificate (within 6 months)

外国人体格检查表.pdf

The physical examination report must cover all items listed on the Foreigner Physical Examination Form, and include a detailed blood test report. Forms will be considered invalid if missing a sealed photograph of the applicant, the hospital's official stamp, or the physician's signature.

2. Scholarship applicants MUST provide a valid Non-Criminal Certificate

Submit a valid Non-Criminal Record Certificate (or Police Clearance Certificate), issued within 6 months before the application by the local public security authority (such as a police station). Applicants in China can obtain the Non-Criminal Record Certificate from the Exit-Entry Administration Bureau.

3. Applicants for the CSC A-Youth of Excellence Scheme of China must provide proof of at least three years of work experience and an employment certificate to show your current position.

4. Applicants for International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarship (ICLTS) and China Studies Programs (CSP) must submit an HSK certificate, which cannot be substituted with a Proof of Completion of a Chinese-taught Degree Program.

ICLTS Master's program: HSK 5 ≥ 210, HSKK Intermediate ≥ 60

ICLTS Doctoral program: HSK 6 ≥ 200, HSKK Advanced ≥ 60

CSP Doctoral program: HSK 5 ≥ 210 or HSK 6 ≥ 180

1. Apply online

Log in to the ECNU International Students online application website: http://lxsapply.ecnu.edu.cn/. Please register and submit the online application, upload application documents, and pay the application fee of 800 RMB online, which is non-refundable. Applications without payment of the application fee are invalid.

Each applicant may apply for only one program during a single application. If not admitted, the applicant may reapply for another program within the application period and must pay the application fee again.

* Scholarship applicants should also register and apply to the relevant scholarship website, depending on the scholarship type. Please refer to Scholarship for more information.

2. Review Process

The University will conduct a preliminary eligibility review based on admission requirements. Applicants who pass the preliminary review will be evaluated by the relevant school/department, and interviews may be arranged if necessary. Final admission decisions will be made on a comprehensive evaluation.

For applicants who apply for scholarships, after receiving a pre-admission decision, must wait for the further notice of the scholarship evaluation results.

3. Admission and Enrollment

Students who are officially admitted must log in to the designated website to download and print the electronic versions of the Admission Notice and the Confirmation Form for Study in China (JW201/JW202). The university will no longer issue paper copies.

Admitted students must register on the date specified in the admission letter and bring the original graduation certificate and diploma. Enrollment will be canceled if required certificates cannot be provided before September 1st, 2026.

* Track Application Status Online: Check your email or log in to your ECNU application account to track your application status. Please ensure that your email address is correct and checked regularly to avoid missing IMPORTANT INFORMATION, such as interview arrangements etc.

* Dorm: On-campus housing reservations will open during a designated period and are available only to officially admitted students who have either received a scholarship or completed tuition payment. Please refer to the following link for details: Accommodation

LI Laoshi

Email: jlli@gec.ecnu.edu.cn

YIN Laoshi

Email: yyin@ied.ecnu.edu.cn

Address: 2nd Floor Reception Hall, Global Education Center, Gezhi Building (Physics Building), 3663 North Zhongshan Road, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China

Tel: +86-21-62232013 / +86-21-62238353

Website: http://lxs.ecnu.edu.cn/

Official WeChat ID: ecnugec

Instagram: gececnu

Graduate Program:

The contact info of the Doctoral Supervisors: https://yjszs-ks.ecnu.edu.cn/zsml/bszsml/index/2026

The contact info of each department: https://yjszs-ks.ecnu.edu.cn/comm/yxlxfsnew

The degree diploma awarded by overseas universities should be authenticated by 留学服务中心网上服务大厅-学历学位认证

The degree diploma awarded by universities of Chinese mainland should be authenticated by Center for Student Services and Development,Ministry of Education,P.R.China（CSSD）.

1. Applicants are responsible for fully understanding the application procedures and requirements, completing all steps as instructed, and submitting a complete and qualified application before the deadline. Applicants should regularly check the application portal and email for updates. Any consequences resulting from failure to follow the requirements or personal negligence shall be borne by the applicant.

2. The University will not process the following applications:

(1) Applications with incomplete materials or without payment of the application fee.

(2) Applications that are not submitted in the online application system (such as mail, email, etc).

3. During the application process, the University reserves the right to request original hard copies of application documents or certified verification documents issued by designated authorities for further review.

4. The University reserves the right to withdraw admission or student status under any of the following circumstances:

(1) The applicant's nationality is subject to the final determination of the Exit and Entry Administration of China. If an applicant is found to hold Chinese nationality during or after the admission process, the University reserves the right to cancel the application, admission, or student status.

(2) Applicants must ensure that all information and materials submitted are authentic and accurate. If any falsification or misrepresentation is verified by the University or relevant authorities, admission or student status will be revoked.

(3) Applicants found to have issues related to academic integrity, professional ethics, honesty, or compliance with laws and regulations will not be admitted or will have their enrollment canceled.

(4) Students may not be concurrently registered at more than one institution (except for officially approved joint programs). Violation of this rule will result in the cancellation of student status.