China’s Number One Textile Discipline
ShanghaiRanking places DHU first nationally in textile engineering, fibre materials science and fashion design.
Shanghai, ChinaQS #851
Donghua University
China’s textile, fibre and fashion university — in the heart of Shanghai since 1951
Founded in June 1951 as the East China Institute of Textile Technology and renamed China Textile University in 1985 and Donghua University in 1999, DHU is administered directly by the Ministry of Education and is both a 211 Project and Double First Class university. Its Textile Science and Engineering discipline is the Double First Class field that anchors the university, and ShanghaiRanking places DHU first in China for textile engineering, fibre materials science and fashion design. The Songjiang campus hosts most undergraduate teaching while the historic West Yan’an Road campus in Changning District houses design and postgraduate work close to central Shanghai. DHU was among the first Chinese universities authorised to enrol international students and today hosts roughly 4,800 students from almost 140 countries — one of the highest international shares of any Chinese university — with English-taught business and trade degrees, Chinese-taught engineering and design majors, and design partnerships including the Royal College of Art Shanghai Centre and Shanghai International College of Fashion and Innovation.
Project 211Double First-Class
- QS World Ranking
- #851
- Location
- Shanghai, China
- Founded
- 1951
- International Students
- 4,800+
- Teaching Language
- English / Chinese
- Tuition
- CNY 22,000 - 98,000 / year
- Intake
- September
- Application Deadline
- May 31
Why Choose
Why Choose Donghua University
Key reasons international students choose Donghua University for their studies in China.
National Fibre Materials Laboratories
State key laboratory and national engineering centres in advanced fibres, composites and functional textile materials.
Royal College Of Art Partnership
The RCA Shanghai Centre at DHU is the first strategic design-education platform of its kind in China.
Top Five For Internationalisation
Among China’s most international universities, with 4,800 students from close to 140 countries on campus.
Shanghai Fashion Industry Access
Located in China’s fashion and trade capital, with direct links to global apparel brands and manufacturers.
Two Complementary Campuses
Modern Songjiang campus for teaching plus the historic Yan’an Road design campus inside central Shanghai.
Rankings & Recognition
Academic Reputation
National designations and world rankings that signal academic strength and prestige.
QS World University Ranking#851
China National Ranking#72
National Designations
Project 211Double First-Class
Programs
Programs for International Students
Explore the degree programs and academic strengths available to international students at Donghua University.
Business Administration
BachelorLanguage: English
Duration: 4 years
Tuition: CNY 26,000 / year
Intake: September
Scholarship: Shanghai Government Scholarship eligible
International Economics & Trade
BachelorLanguage: English
Duration: 4 years
Tuition: CNY 26,000 / year
Intake: September
Scholarship: Shanghai Government Scholarship eligible
Textile Engineering
BachelorLanguage: Chinese
Duration: 4 years
Tuition: CNY 24,000 / year
Intake: September
Scholarship: DHU International Student Scholarship eligible
Fashion & Art Design
BachelorLanguage: Chinese
Duration: 4 years
Tuition: CNY 28,000 / year
Intake: September
Scholarship: DHU International Student Scholarship eligible
Textile Science & Engineering
MasterLanguage: English
Duration: 2.5 - 3 years
Tuition: CNY 32,000 / year
Intake: September
Scholarship: CSC full scholarship eligible
Materials Science & Engineering
DoctorLanguage: English
Duration: 4 years
Tuition: CNY 38,000 / year
Intake: September
Scholarship: CSC full scholarship eligible
Admission
Admission Requirements
What you need to apply to Donghua University as an international student.
- Academic RequirementsHigh school diploma with solid results for bachelor’s; a relevant bachelor’s degree for master’s and a master’s degree for doctoral programs. Design majors submit a portfolio.
- Language RequirementsEnglish-taught: IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL 80, or prior education in English. Chinese-taught: HSK Level 4 for undergraduate and HSK Level 5 for most graduate majors.
- Entrance AssessmentUndergraduate applicants must submit a China Scholastic Competency Assessment (CSCA) result in the language of their chosen program.
- Required DocumentsPassport, transcripts, graduation certificate or proof of expected graduation, study plan, language certificate, two recommendation letters and a non-criminal record certificate.
- Supervisor ContactMaster’s and doctoral applicants should contact a prospective supervisor early, as research fit strongly affects the outcome.
- Application DeadlineScholarship applicants: January 31 (first round) and April 15 (second round). Self-funded applicants: May 31.
- Application FeeCNY 800, non-refundable, paid through the DHU online admissions system.
- Medical ExaminationA Foreigner Physical Examination Form is required after admission and verified in Shanghai after arrival.
- Visa DocumentsDHU issues the JW202 form and Admission Notice so you can apply for an X1 student visa at a Chinese embassy or consulate.
Tuition & Scholarships
Costs & Funding
Transparent tuition, living costs and scholarship options for international students.
Cost Breakdown
- Annual Tuition
- CNY 22,000 - 98,000 / year
- Accommodation
- CNY 1,200 – 2,400 / monthOn-campus international dormitory, Songjiang or Yan’an Road
- Application Fee
- CNY 800 (one-time)
- Medical Insurance
- CNY 800 / yearCompulsory comprehensive insurance for international students
- Estimated Living Cost
- CNY 2,500 – 4,500 / monthMeals, transport & personal expenses in Shanghai
Estimated First-Year CostCNY 60,000 – 95,000
Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC)
Coverage: Full tuition, on-campus accommodation, comprehensive insurance and a monthly living stipend.
Eligibility: Outstanding non-Chinese applicants for master’s or doctoral degrees; apply through DHU agency number 10255.
Deadline: April 15
Shanghai Government Scholarship (Type A)
Coverage: Full tuition, accommodation subsidy, insurance and a monthly stipend.
Eligibility: High-achieving degree applicants in DHU’s priority disciplines, including textiles and materials.
Deadline: March 31
Shanghai Government Scholarship (Type B)
Coverage: Full or partial tuition award for degree-seeking international students in Shanghai.
Eligibility: Admitted or enrolled international students with strong academic records.
Deadline: March 31
DHU International Student Scholarship
Coverage: Partial tuition award reviewed annually on academic performance.
Eligibility: Self-funded degree students maintaining excellent grades and conduct at DHU.
Deadline: May 31
Campus Life
Life on Campus
What daily student life looks like at Donghua University.
Annual Fashion Design Week
Student runway shows and exhibitions present close to a thousand original design works each year.
International Dormitories
Dedicated international residences on both the Songjiang and Yan’an Road campuses with single and double rooms.
Textile Heritage Collections
The library and campus museum hold rare textile, costume and fibre-material collections built since 1951.
Songjiang Sports Facilities
Stadium, indoor gymnasium, courts and swimming facilities on the spacious Songjiang University Town campus.
One Of China’s Most Diverse Campuses
Around 4,800 international students from nearly 140 countries run societies, festivals and language exchanges.
Shanghai Metro Connections
Metro Line 9 links Songjiang to central Shanghai, with the Yan’an Road campus minutes from the city core.
Gallery
Campus Gallery
A visual tour of Donghua University.
Research & Innovation
Research Strengths
Research capacity and innovation ecosystem at Donghua University.
Advanced Fibre Materials
National-level laboratories developing high-performance, carbon and functional fibres for aerospace and industry.
Textile Manufacturing Technology
Research in smart spinning, weaving and nonwoven processes that supports China’s largest textile industrial base.
Smart Wearables Research
Recent breakthroughs in wearable sensing and human–computer interaction published in leading international journals.
Environmental Engineering
Work on fuel cells, food-waste humification and textile wastewater treatment published in Nature Communications.
Design Innovation Platforms
The RCA Shanghai Centre and Shanghai International College of Fashion and Innovation drive cross-border design research.
World Textile University Alliance
DHU convenes the global textile university alliance and hosts Sino-African and international textile symposia.
Career Outcomes
Graduate Outcomes
Where a degree from Donghua University can take you after graduation.
Global Fashion & Apparel Brands
Graduates join international apparel groups, sportswear brands and Shanghai-based design and buying offices.
Materials & Manufacturing Industry
Strong outcomes in advanced fibres, composites, chemical materials and industrial textile manufacturing.
Trade & Supply Chain Roles
Business and trade graduates work in sourcing, logistics and cross-border commerce across Asian markets.
Research & Doctoral Pathways
Many graduates continue to doctoral study at DHU or partner universities in Europe and Asia.
Textile Industry Alumni Network
Alumni lead textile enterprises, design studios and research institutes throughout China and abroad.
Shanghai Employment Market
Study inside China’s commercial capital, where multinational headquarters recruit directly from campus.
Student Support
International Student Support
How Donghua University helps international students settle in and succeed.
Accommodation Assistance
Help reserving an on-campus international dormitory room or nearby housing before you arrive in Shanghai.
Residence Permit
Guided assistance converting your X1 visa into a residence permit within 30 days of arrival.
Orientation
Orientation covers registration, campus systems, safety, banking and settling into life in Shanghai.
Academic Advising
College-level advisors support course selection, credit planning, studio work and laboratory placement.
Chinese Language Support
Mandarin courses through the International Cultural Exchange School, plus preparatory Chinese for degree entry.
Health Services
Campus clinic access, compulsory insurance enrolment and help with referrals to Shanghai hospitals.
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 festivals spanning nearly 140 countries.
Timeline
Application Timeline
Key dates and milestones for applying to Donghua University.
- November – December
Applications Open
The DHU online admissions system opens for the following September intake.
- By January 31
First Scholarship Round
Earliest deadline for scholarship applicants — the strongest round for CSC and Shanghai Government awards.
- January – April
Sit The CSCA Assessment
Undergraduate applicants register for and complete the China Scholastic Competency Assessment.
- By April 15
Second Scholarship Round
Final deadline for scholarship consideration, including CSC applications via agency number 10255.
- By May 31
Self-Funded Deadline
Final date for self-funded applicants to complete their application and upload all documents.
- June – July
Admission Results
Colleges review applications and successful candidates receive Admission Notices and scholarship decisions.
- July
JW202 & Visa Documents Issued
DHU sends your Admission Notice and JW202 form so you can begin your visa application.
- July – August
Apply For X1 Visa
Apply for your X1 student visa at the Chinese embassy or consulate in your home country.
- 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 Donghua University.
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