QS #26
Fudan University
C9 LeagueProject 985Project 211
Medicine, Economics, Journalism
English / Chinese
Most Competitive
CNY 23,000 - 75,000 / year
Featured Institutions
Featured Universities in Shanghai
Explore CAC's curated selection of high-quality universities in Shanghai, grouped by admission competitiveness to help you find the best fit for your academic goals.
Shanghai at a Glance
- Population
- 25+ million
- Universities
- 60+
- International Students
- 60,000+
- Double First-Class
- 10+ universities
- Avg. Living Cost
- US$450–1,000 / mo
- Safety
- Very High
- Climate
- Humid subtropical
- Best Known For
- Finance, business & global links
Most Competitive
Most Competitive Universities in Shanghai
Shanghai's most selective institutions, attracting top talent worldwide.
QS #36
Shanghai Jiao Tong University
C9 LeagueProject 985Project 211
Engineering, Medicine, Computer Science
English / Chinese
Most Competitive
CNY 40,000 - 55,000 / year
QS #146
Tongji University
Project 985Project 211Double First-Class
Architecture, Civil Engineering, Urban Planning
English / Chinese
Most Competitive
CNY 33,800 - 50,000 / year
New York University Shanghai
Business & Finance, Computer Science & Data Science, Interactive Media Arts
English
Most Competitive
USD 68,576 / year (undergraduate, 2026–2027)
Competitive
Competitive Universities in Shanghai
Highly regarded universities in Shanghai with strong academic programs and research output.
QS #394
East China Normal University
Project 985Project 211Double First-Class
Education, Psychology, Statistics
English / Chinese
Competitive
CNY 22,000 - 54,000 / year
QS #670
East China University of Science and Technology
Project 211Double First-Class
Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Biotechnology
English / Chinese
Competitive
CNY 42,000 - 70,000 / year
QS #443
Shanghai University
Project 211Double First-Class
Mechanics, Metallurgical Engineering, Film & Television
English / Chinese
Competitive
CNY 24,000 - 75,000 / year
QS #851
Donghua University
Project 211Double First-Class
Textile Science & Engineering, Materials Science, Fashion Design
English / Chinese
Competitive
CNY 22,000 - 98,000 / year
Shanghai University of Finance and Economics
Project 211Double First-Class
Finance, Accounting, Economics
English / Chinese
Competitive
CNY 30,000 - 144,000 / year
ShanghaiTech University
Double First-Class
Physics, Computer Science, Life Science
English / Chinese
Competitive
CNY 8,000 - 45,000 / year
Shanghai International Studies University
Project 211Double First-Class
Foreign Languages & Literatures, Translation & Interpreting, International Relations
English / Chinese
Competitive
CNY 22,000 - 104,000 / year
Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Double First-Class
Chinese Medicine, Chinese Pharmacy, Acupuncture & Tuina
English / Chinese
Competitive
CNY 42,000 - 60,000 / year
Shanghai Normal University
Chinese Language & Literature, Education, Teaching Chinese to Speakers of Other Languages
English / Chinese
Competitive
CNY 19,800 - 30,000 / year
University of Shanghai for Science and Technology
Optical Engineering, Power Engineering & Engineering Thermophysics, Mechanical Engineering
English / Chinese
Competitive
CNY 20,500 - 40,000 / year
More Accessible
More Accessible Universities in Shanghai
Excellent universities in Shanghai with broader admission opportunities and diverse offerings.
Shanghai University of International Business and Economics
International Economics & Trade, Business Administration, Applied Economics
English / Chinese
More Accessible
CNY 23,000 - 33,000 / year
Shanghai University of Engineering Science
Mechanical Engineering, Transportation Engineering, Design
English / Chinese
More Accessible
CNY 20,000 - 30,000 / year
Explore More
Explore More Destinations
Find the city that best matches your academic goals, budget and lifestyle preferences.
28 Universities
Beijing
China's Academic Capital
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11 Universities
Guangzhou
Gateway to Southern China
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8 Universities
Shenzhen
Innovation & Technology Hub
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8 Universities
Hangzhou
E-commerce & Scenic City
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2 Universities
Chengdu
Relaxed Cultural Powerhouse
Explore Universities
2 Universities
Wuhan
University Hub of Central China
Explore Universities
2 Universities
Xi'an
Ancient Capital of Learning
Explore Universities
2 Universities
Nanjing
Historic City of Scholars
Explore Universities
2 Universities
Tianjin
Coastal Education Hub
Explore UniversitiesTake the First Step
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