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2026 Shanghai Normal University (SHNU) International Student Pre-College Application Guidelines

SISP Program Shanghai International Student Pre-College (SISP), sponsored by Shanghai Municipal Education Commission, has been operated by Shanghai Normal University (SHNU) since 2012, which undertakes its curriculum design, teaching delivery and daily management.Backed by a highly qualified and experienced faculty team, SISP adopts the standardized education model of the Chinese Government Scholarship Preparatory Program, and offers tailor-made curricula to meet the needs of international students. The program is designed to help students consolidate practical Chinese language proficiency, build a solid foundation in humanities and science fundamentals, and enhance cross-cultural communication competence, ensuring they fully meet the academic requirements for undergraduate programs at universities in Shanghai. SISP warmly welcomes all applicants who seek to enhance their academic capabilities in Shanghai, a vibrant international metropolis.

ApplicantSISP is open to foreign nationals who intend to pursue undergraduate studies in Shanghai and need to further improve their Chinese language proficiency, cross-cultural communication competence and the academic abilities required for undergraduate studies locally.

CourseSISP Program offers a one-year full-time intensive curriculum with the following modules:First semester: intensive Chinese (listening, speaking, reading, writing) and Mathematics, 30 credit hours per week;Winter term: intensive Chinese and HSK preparation courses, 26 credit hours per week;Second semester: intensive Chinese, HSK preparation courses, and CSCA-aligned courses in Chinese culture, mathematics, physics and chemistry, 30 credit hours per week;Extracurricular Activities: Dragon Boat Race, Tai Chi Practice, International Cultural Festival,New Year’s Gala, and other cultural events.

Living FacilitiesSISP offers students comprehensive academic and living support services.The classrooms are all equipped with air conditioners and multimedia facilities, and there are also language laboratories with digital voice equipment. Inside the teaching building, there are coffee machines, water dispensers, etc. The on-campus accommodation comes standard with air conditioner, refrigerator, en-suite bathroom, shared kitchen, laundry room, etc.The International Student Center features multi-functional spaces for classes, independent study and club activities, which fosters academic and cultural exchanges.

Fees  1. Application fee: RMB 520 or USD 80 (non-refundable).2. Tuition fee: RMB 17,000 per semester. 3. Comprehensive medical insurance: RMB 800 per year.4. Accommodation: All on-campus accommodations are located on Xuhui Campus.Double Room: RMB 90 per room per day Single Room: RMB 80 per room per day

  1. HSK test fee (if applicable).6. Textbook fee.

Requirements1. Non-Chinese citizens aged 17 or above; scholarship applicants must be under 23 years of age (as of September 1, 2026)2. In good health (A Physical Examination Form for International Students must be issued by an authorized hospital)3. An outstanding academic record in high school4. Additional Requirements for Scholarship Applicants a. GPA or average score (grade): Good or above.b. Chinese Proficiency: HSK Level 3 or above.c. Meet the undergraduate admission requirements of the host university. d. Not granted any other Chinese government scholarships.

 How to Apply1. Apply to the universities located in Shanghai for your undergraduate studies. Follow the application procedures and requirements of your target university and just directly contact the university.2. For applicants who wish to study their undergraduate program in SHNU, directly apply to SHNU. Visit https://apply.shnu.edu.cn for online application and submit relevant materials and documents. 3. For self-financed applicants, apply to SHNU directly. Visit https://apply.shnu.edu.cn for online application and submit relevant materials and documents. 

Materials to be submitted1. Bank transfer voucher of the application fee (RMB 520 or USD 80). The fee can also be paid online (once the fee is paid, it is non-refundable).2. Physical Examination Record Form for Internationals. It must be provided by authorized hospitals. 3. Certified scan copy of secondary school graduation certificate and transcripts (Fresh graduate may submit proof for possible graduation).4. Certified scan copy of secondary school academic transcripts.5. National college entrance examination record. If not applicable, do provide relevant statements.6. Other certificates proving academic performance or social capabilities.7. HSK Level 3 certificate or above, or Chinese learning certificates issued by authorities.8. Personal statement, 800-1000 words, stating personal strengths, study plan, and reasons for choosing the program.9. CV (State your study and work experience, including part-time job, starting from senior secondary school.)10. Two recommendation letters from high school teachers or experts. (The letter should indicate the occupation and contact information of the referee.)11. Guarantee Letter (required for applicants aged below 18) 12. None-criminal Proof Letter from the police or schools.13. Photocopy of the passport information page (applicants in China need to provide a photocopy of the currently valid visa page or residence permit page.)14. Passport-sized electronic photo.Note: 1. Should the materials listed above are not complete, the application is considered invalid.2. Notarized Chinese or English translated copy is required for non-Chinese or non-English documents.3. For more info about application, please scan the QR code below or contact us via telephone, e-mail, Wechat, etc. See Contact Info.

Application DeadlineScholarship Applicants: May 31, 2026Self-financed Applicants: June 30, 2026Admission results will be sent to all applicants via email by mid-July.Note: Applicants are advised to check their email inboxes regularly and log in to the SISP online application system to view their application status.

Registration TimeThe academic year commences in September (please refer to the admission letter for the exact date). All successful applicants must complete registration at SHNU on the specified date. Failure to register without a valid reason will result in the cancellation of the scholarship and the program.

OthersSISP students with an outstanding academic record will be given priority to apply for the Shanghai Government Scholarship (Tier A or B) for their undergraduate studies at the host university.