Students considering China often compare universities, programs, costs, and admission requirements before choosing a higher education institution and attempting to gain admission. Studying abroad is a major investment, so applicants should carefully review official information before applying.
China offers several government- and university-funded scholarships for international students. Fudan University’s current admissions materials list opportunities such as the Chinese Government Scholarship, Shanghai Government Scholarship, and Fudan University International Students’ Scholarship. Among the country’s institutions, Fudan University is one of its leading research universities.
Fudan University was established in 1905 as Fudan Public School and was the first institution of higher education founded by a Chinese person. It offers programs across fields including the arts, sciences, medicine, engineering, economics, law, and management. Fudan is ranked 26th in the QS World University Rankings 2027 and fifth in the 2026 Best Chinese Universities Ranking.
The university provides undergraduate and graduate education. Its current institutional profile lists 76 undergraduate majors, 43 first-level academic master’s disciplines, 37 first-level academic doctoral disciplines, 32 professional master’s degree programs, and four professional doctoral degree programs.
To explain Fudan University’s admission procedures and the steps involved, we have prepared the guide below. Requirements differ by level, program, and language of instruction, so applicants should always consult the current official admissions notice for their chosen program.
Admissions Process at Fudan University
Fudan University’s School of Management is accredited by AACSB for business education; this accreditation does not apply to every school or program at the university. Fudan’s admission procedures vary by applicant level and program. We have summarized the process in six steps for convenience.
Step 1. Browse the University Program Offerings
Learn more about Fudan University’s academic offerings and choose the program that best matches your educational interests and professional goals. Pay attention to the language of instruction, duration, tuition, prerequisite subjects, and admission assessments. Fudan offers Chinese-taught programs and a smaller selection of English-taught programs. For the 2026 intake, it lists five English-taught undergraduate programs, while postgraduate offerings are published in separate program lists.
Step 2. Prepare for the Application
Applicants should present a strong academic record, particularly in subjects related to their intended program. However, Fudan’s current general international admissions guidance does not establish a university-wide minimum GPA of 3.5. Academic thresholds and prerequisite subjects vary by program.
Review the current rules for standardized tests instead of assuming that the SAT or ACT is required for every applicant. For Chinese-taught undergraduate admission, applicants must take the China Scholastic Competency Assessment, or CSCA. English-taught undergraduate programs also specify their own CSCA subjects. The Chinese-taught undergraduate brochure lists HSK Level 5 with a score of at least 210 or Level 6 with a score of at least 180 as scores applicants may submit, but it marks the HSK certificate as nonmandatory for that application route.
For English-taught postgraduate programs, the general English-language minimums for 2026 are TOEFL iBT 90, IELTS Academic 6.5, Duolingo English Test 110, or PTE Academic 61. Some programs require higher scores, such as an overall IELTS score of 7.0, or may request GRE or GMAT results. Always follow the requirements published by the relevant school or department.
Prepare the documents required for your applicant category. These commonly include a valid passport, diploma or expected-graduation certificate, academic transcripts, relevant test results, proof of no criminal record, and evidence of financial capacity or support. Postgraduate applicants generally need two academic recommendation letters. Scholarship applicants may also have to submit a physical examination form. Additional nationality and guardianship documents may be required in certain cases.
Step 3. Apply Online
Visit Fudan University’s International Students Office admissions page and open the official online application system. Create an account, choose the correct applicant category and program, complete the application form, and upload color scans of the required documents before the applicable deadline.
Check that all information is accurate before submitting the application because additional or replacement documents may not be accepted afterward. The required identification photo must be a recent, full-face color photograph without a hat and with a white or blue background.
Step 4. Pay the Application Fee
For the 2026 degree-program applications covered by Fudan’s current international admissions materials, the application fee is RMB 800. It must be paid online and is nonrefundable. An application is considered invalid if the required fee is not paid. The current guidance does not list a separate general “entrance fee.”
After submission and payment, the relevant school or department assesses the application. Applicants check their status and results through the online application system. For 2026 Chinese-taught undergraduate admission, applicants who receive pre-admission must pay their first-year tuition within two weeks of the result announcement to confirm enrollment. There is no general rule stating that an admission letter will be issued within seven to ten business days after payment.
Step 5. Take the Required Admission Test or Await for an Interview
Depending on the program, applicants may need to complete the CSCA, attend an interview, or undergo another assessment organized by the relevant school or department. For Chinese-taught undergraduate programs, qualified applicants proceed to an interview that primarily evaluates their overall qualities and Chinese-language proficiency. Postgraduate assessment arrangements are determined by the individual school or department. Monitor the application system and your email for instructions.
Step 6. Get Student Visa
After receiving the required admission documents, apply for an X1 or X2 student visa through the appropriate Chinese embassy, consulate, or visa application center. Applicants generally need a valid passport, the university’s admission notice, the relevant JW201, JW202, or DQ form, and a physical examination report when required.
An X1 visa is generally for study lasting more than 180 days, while an X2 visa is for study lasting no more than 180 days. X1 visa holders must apply for a residence permit within 30 days of entering China. Applicants do not submit their individual visa applications directly to the Chinese Ministry of Education.
Tips to Get Into Fudan University
In addition to following the basic application process, the following tips may help applicants prepare a stronger submission.
1. Strive for Recommendations
Where recommendation letters are required, approach academic referees who know your work well. For 2026 postgraduate applications, Fudan requires two letters from professors or associate professors. The letters must be in Chinese or English and include each referee’s handwritten signature.
Provide your recommenders with your résumé, academic history, intended program, research interests, and career plans so they can prepare a detailed recommendation letter. Do not write or sign the letter on the recommender’s behalf.
2. Showcasing the Ability and Passion in Research
Applicants to research-oriented graduate programs should clearly explain their academic interests, previous research experience, relevant skills, and reasons for choosing Fudan. They should review the work of faculty members and identify how their proposed area of study relates to the department’s research strengths.
Fudan’s 2026 postgraduate application instructions state that doctoral applicants must contact a proposed supervisor before submitting the online application and apply only after the supervisor agrees to accept them. Otherwise, the doctoral application is considered invalid. Applicants should therefore communicate professionally and present a focused, realistic research proposal.
Participation in research projects, academic conferences, publications, or other relevant scholarly activities may be included as supporting evidence when appropriate.
3. Abilities in Cross-Cultural Learning
Highlight experiences that demonstrate your ability to learn and work in an international environment. Relevant examples may include collaborating with people from different cultural backgrounds, participating in international initiatives, studying another language, or adapting to an unfamiliar academic setting.
Use specific examples to explain how these experiences developed your communication, teamwork, independence, or problem-solving abilities. Connect those qualities to the demands of studying at an international university in Shanghai.
Fudan University is a highly ranked research institution that attracts applicants from around the world. However, its admission criteria, assessments, and required documents vary substantially by degree level and program. Applicants should rely on the latest official program notice rather than assuming that one set of requirements applies throughout the university.
We hope this article clearly explains the process of applying to Fudan University as an international student. To learn more about studying abroad, visit our Study in China guide for additional articles, and explore the Available Programs page for programs currently accepting international students.
