Second-Ranked TCM University
Ranked 2nd nationally among Chinese medicine universities and 69th overall on the 2026 ShanghaiRanking.
Shanghai, China
Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Chinese medicine in China’s most international city — clinical training since 1956
Founded in 1956 as one of the first four higher institutions of traditional Chinese medicine established in New China, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (SHUTCM) is a Double First Class university jointly built by the Shanghai Municipal Government and the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Both of its core disciplines — Chinese Medicine and Chinese Pharmacy — hold national Double First Class construction status, and ShanghaiRanking 2026 places SHUTCM 68th nationally and second among all Chinese TCM universities. The main campus sits inside the Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park in Pudong, alongside Shanghai’s biomedicine and pharmaceutical research cluster, and teaching is delivered through nine affiliated hospitals led by Longhua Hospital, Shuguang Hospital and Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Medicine — giving students unusually deep clinical exposure for a TCM degree. SHUTCM hosts the WHO Collaborating Centre for Traditional Medicine and the world’s largest museum of Chinese medicine, and it was the first Chinese university to run TCM degree programs taught fully in English. With academic partnerships in more than 60 countries and regions, it is the natural choice for international students who want authentic Chinese medicine training in a city with world-class hospitals, research funding and English-language support.
Double First-Class
- Location
- Shanghai, China
- Founded
- 1956
- International Students
- 1,500+
- Teaching Language
- English / Chinese
- Tuition
- CNY 42,000 - 60,000 / year
- Intake
- September
- Application Deadline
- June 30
Why Choose
Why Choose Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Key reasons international students choose Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine for their studies in China.
Two Double First Class Disciplines
Both Chinese Medicine and Chinese Pharmacy hold national Double First Class construction status.
Nine Affiliated Hospitals
Clinical rotations across Longhua, Shuguang and Yueyang hospitals give students large-scale real patient exposure.
First English-Taught TCM Degrees
The first Chinese university to deliver complete traditional Chinese medicine degree programs entirely in English.
Zhangjiang Biomedicine Campus
Located inside Shanghai’s Zhangjiang pharmaceutical and life-science research park in Pudong New Area.
WHO Traditional Medicine Centre
Hosts a WHO Collaborating Centre for Traditional Medicine and the world’s largest Chinese medicine museum.
Rankings & Recognition
Academic Reputation
National designations and world rankings that signal academic strength and prestige.
China National Ranking#69
National Designations
Double First-Class
Programs
Programs for International Students
Explore the degree programs and academic strengths available to international students at Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Clinical Medicine (MBBS)
BachelorLanguage: English
Duration: 5 years
Tuition: CNY 42,000 / year
Intake: September
Scholarship: Shanghai Government Scholarship eligible
Traditional Chinese Medicine
BachelorLanguage: English
Duration: 5 years
Tuition: CNY 42,000 / year
Intake: September
Scholarship: SHUTCM International Student Scholarship eligible
Acupuncture & Tuina
BachelorLanguage: Chinese
Duration: 5 years
Tuition: CNY 42,000 / year
Intake: September
Scholarship: Shanghai Government Scholarship eligible
Chinese Pharmacy
BachelorLanguage: Chinese
Duration: 4 years
Tuition: CNY 42,000 / year
Intake: September
Scholarship: SHUTCM International Student Scholarship eligible
Traditional Chinese Medicine
MasterLanguage: English
Duration: 3 years
Tuition: CNY 51,000 / year
Intake: September
Scholarship: CSC full scholarship eligible
Integrated Chinese & Western Medicine
DoctorLanguage: English
Duration: 3 years
Tuition: CNY 60,000 / year
Intake: September
Scholarship: CSC full scholarship eligible
Admission
Admission Requirements
What you need to apply to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine as an international student.
- Academic RequirementsHigh school diploma with solid results in biology and chemistry for bachelor’s; a relevant medical or pharmacy bachelor’s or master’s degree for graduate programs.
- Language RequirementsEnglish-taught: IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL 80, or prior education in English. Chinese-taught: HSK Level 4 or 5 depending on the program level.
- Selection ProcessDocument review followed by an online interview assessing academic background, motivation for Chinese medicine and language ability.
- Required DocumentsPassport, transcripts, graduation certificate, study plan, language certificate, two recommendation letters and a non-criminal record certificate.
- Application DeadlineMaster’s and doctoral applicants: May 15. Bachelor’s applicants: June 30.
- Application FeeCNY 500, non-refundable, paid through the online application system.
- Medical ExaminationA Foreigner Physical Examination Form is required after admission and re-checked in Shanghai after arrival.
- Visa DocumentsSHUTCM issues the JW202 form and Admission Notice so you can apply for an X1 student visa at a Chinese embassy.
Tuition & Scholarships
Costs & Funding
Transparent tuition, living costs and scholarship options for international students.
Cost Breakdown
- Annual Tuition
- CNY 42,000 - 60,000 / year
- Accommodation
- CNY 1,200 – 2,400 / monthOn-campus international dormitory in Zhangjiang
- Application Fee
- CNY 500 (one-time)
- Medical Insurance
- CNY 800 / yearCompulsory comprehensive insurance for international students
- Estimated Living Cost
- CNY 3,000 – 4,500 / monthMeals, transport & personal expenses in Shanghai
Estimated First-Year CostCNY 85,000 – 125,000
Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC)
Coverage: Full tuition, on-campus accommodation, monthly stipend and comprehensive insurance.
Eligibility: Outstanding non-Chinese applicants for master’s or doctoral degrees at SHUTCM.
Deadline: April 30
Shanghai Government Scholarship
Coverage: Full or partial tuition award, with stipend and insurance for selected full awards.
Eligibility: Degree-seeking international students with strong academic records studying at Shanghai universities.
Deadline: April 30
SHUTCM International Student Scholarship
Coverage: Partial tuition award renewed annually on academic and clinical performance.
Eligibility: Self-funded degree students maintaining excellent grades and conduct.
Deadline: June 30
Chinese Medicine Talent Scholarship
Coverage: Partial tuition award for applicants committed to Chinese medicine research or practice.
Eligibility: Applicants to TCM, acupuncture or Chinese pharmacy programs with relevant background or experience.
Deadline: June 30
Campus Life
Life on Campus
What daily student life looks like at Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Chinese Medicine Museum
The world’s largest museum of Chinese medicine sits on campus, holding thousands of historical medical artefacts.
International Dormitories
Dedicated residences on the Zhangjiang campus with single and double rooms and study facilities.
Medicinal Botanical Garden
A campus garden of medicinal plants used in teaching, letting students identify herbs they later prescribe.
Taijiquan And Qigong
Regular taiji, qigong and martial arts training treated as part of Chinese medicine practice, not just sport.
Clinical Skills Competitions
Student teams compete in acupuncture, tuina and diagnosis skills contests held between Chinese medicine universities.
Pudong Zhangjiang Location
Metro Line 2 links the campus to central Shanghai, Lujiazui and both international airports.
Gallery
Campus Gallery
A visual tour of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Research & Innovation
Research Strengths
Research capacity and innovation ecosystem at Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Chinese Pharmacy Research
Double First Class research into herbal pharmacology, quality standards and modern drug development from classical formulas.
Clinical Evidence Studies
Large clinical trials run through nine affiliated hospitals build evidence for Chinese medicine treatments.
WHO Collaborating Centre
A WHO Collaborating Centre for Traditional Medicine contributing to international standards and terminology.
Rehabilitation Science
National-level work combining acupuncture, tuina and modern rehabilitation for stroke and chronic pain recovery.
Digital TCM Diagnosis
Research on instrumented tongue and pulse diagnosis, bringing sensors and AI to classical assessment methods.
International Research Network
Joint research and teaching agreements with medical institutions in more than 60 countries and regions.
Career Outcomes
Graduate Outcomes
Where a degree from Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine can take you after graduation.
Clinical Practice Pathways
Graduates practise Chinese medicine, acupuncture and integrated medicine in hospitals and clinics across Asia and beyond.
Pharmaceutical Industry
Chinese pharmacy graduates join herbal medicine producers, quality laboratories and drug development companies.
Rehabilitation And Wellness
Strong demand in rehabilitation centres, sports medicine, wellness clinics and health management services.
Research And Doctoral Study
Many graduates continue to master’s and doctoral research at SHUTCM or partner medical universities abroad.
Growing Global TCM Market
Rising international regulation and insurance coverage of acupuncture and herbal medicine expands practitioner demand.
Practitioner Alumni Network
Alumni run clinics, teach and lead TCM associations in more than 60 countries and regions.
Student Support
International Student Support
How Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine helps international students settle in and succeed.
Accommodation Assistance
Help reserving an on-campus international dormitory room or nearby Pudong housing before you arrive.
Residence Permit
Guided assistance converting your X1 visa into a residence permit within 30 days of arrival.
Orientation
Orientation week covers registration, clinical rules, safety, banking and daily life in Shanghai.
Academic Advising
College advisors support course selection, credit planning and hospital rotation placement.
Chinese Language Support
Mandarin and medical Chinese courses so English-track students can communicate with patients on rotation.
Health Services
Access to affiliated hospitals, mandatory insurance enrolment and help with medical referrals.
Emergency Assistance
Round-the-clock campus security and international office contacts for urgent situations.
Visa Guidance
Support with JW202 forms, visa renewals, exit-entry procedures and travel documentation.
Student Community
International student associations, national societies and cultural events across 60+ countries.
Timeline
Application Timeline
Key dates and milestones for applying to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
- December – January
Applications Open
The SHUTCM international student online application system opens for the September intake.
- January – April
Prepare Documents
Assemble transcripts, language certificates, study plan and recommendation letters for review.
- By April 30
Scholarship Deadline
Submit CSC and Shanghai Government Scholarship applications with all supporting documents.
- By May 15
Graduate Deadline
Final date for master’s and doctoral applicants to complete their application.
- By June 30
Bachelor Deadline
Final date for undergraduate applicants to submit documents and complete the online interview.
- June – July
Admission Results
Colleges review applications and successful candidates receive Admission Notices and scholarship decisions.
- July – August
JW202 & X1 Visa
SHUTCM sends your Admission Notice and JW202 form so you can apply for your X1 student visa.
- Early September
Arrival & Registration
Arrive in Shanghai, move into your dormitory, register, complete the medical check—then classes begin.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions international students ask most about Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
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