Programs

International Applicants FAQ

How to Apply

Where can I start my application and how may I know all the deadlines for 2027 Fall entry?

Please click here to start and complete your application before the deadlines below. Admission interviews are usually organized shortly after each deadline upon invitation. Early submissions may be considered for later rounds and get more scholarship opportunities.

Round 1: Dec 15, 2026
Also the deadline for 1st Round CSC/CGS application on SJTU portal

Round 2: Feb 15, 2027
Also the deadline for 2nd (Last) Round CSC/CGS application on SJTU portal

Round 3: Mar 31, 2027
Also the deadline for SGS & SJTU Scholarship application on SJTU portal

Round 4: May 31, 2027
Deadline for regular application

Regarding the admissions process, do I need to complete the SJTU online application before submitting the SAIF MF application?

Yes, we strongly recommend submitting the SJTU application first, as it initiates the university level preliminary review. Please note that both applications are MANDATORY – completion of both applications is required for application eligibility, admission evaluation and scholarship consideration.

Step 1: Complete SJTU Online Application for university-level preliminary review
Step 2: Complete SAIF MF Online Application for institute-level review
Step 3: Attend an Interview (by Invitation Only)
Step 4: Admissions Decision

How much is the application fee?

Please be advised that at SJTU university level (SJTU portal), you will be required to pay the application fee of RMB 800 (approximately USD 120). At SAIF institute level (SAIF portal), there is no application fee.

If I got admitted by the MF-General track, could I transfer to the MF-FinTech track afterwards?

The two tracks have different emphases in their curriculum design and do not allow for interconversion. However, the compulsory and restrictive courses for each track are open to the other as elective courses.
Read curriculum information here.

Do I need to ask for an acceptance letter from any professors in SAIF?

No, contacting SAIF professors are not necessary for applying to SAIF MF program. Please note that once applications are successfully submitted and reviewed, qualified candidates will receive positive feedback from the MF program, rather than from individual professors.

Scholarships

What kind of scholarships do you offer?

We provide different kinds of scholarship opportunities for excellent international applicants, such as Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC/CGS), Shanghai Government Scholarship (SGS), SJTU Scholarship, Tuition Scholarships and Global Impact Scholarships (merit-based and provided by SAIF MF).

How can I apply for these scholarships?

Incoming international graduate students have two options for scholarship applications: through Chinese Embassies/Consulates in the home country or through Shanghai Jiao Tong University. Applicants may choose only one application channel; submitting duplicate applications through multiple channels is not permitted.

Applying for scholarships through Chinese Embassies/Consulates in the home country

Applicants may apply for scholarship opportunities through the Chinese Embassies or Consulates in the home country. The application schedule varies by country (usually from November to April). Please consult the Chinese Embassy/Consulate regarding its application schedule, eligibility, requirements, procedures, necessary documents, agency number, program categories, and other relevant information in advance. For the contact information for Chinese Embassies and Consulates, please visit the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China at http://www.fmprc.gov.cn/mfa_eng/.

Applying for scholarships through SJTU

Details about each scholarship (CGS/SGS Scholarship, SJTU Scholarship, Tuition Scholarships) can be found in the application system at http://apply.sjtu.edu.cn/. When applying, applicants should choose “apply for scholarship through SJTU” and follow the online instructions. It is important to complete the scholarship application procedures on time, according to the university's requirements. The agency code for SJTU is 10248. The sooner an applicant completes the application, the sooner he or she will receive an admission offer and scholarship, provided that the university's review results are positive. Applicants can check the scholarship result through the application system. For Shanghai Government Scholarship (SGS), SJTU Scholarship and Tuition Scholarship, applicants will be automatically considered if they are not recommended as a CSC Scholarship candidate through the SJTU application channel, so no extra application is needed.

For the above two options, which one would you recommend more?

Based on previous cases, our international students successfully applied for CSC from both categories. Since the applications are received and reviewed by different agencies (Type A: embassies and consulates; Type B: colleges and universities), they cannot be compared as for the awarding probability. Affecting factors include, but are not limited to the number of applications that year, the excellence of the applicants, and the number of places given by CSC, etc. Students are encouraged to search for more detailed information before applying.

Do I need to apply for the Global Impact Scholarship?

Global Impact Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship provided by SAIF MF program. Admitted students will be automatically considered for this scholarship based on their academic excellence and their performance in the admission evaluation. No extra application is needed. Quarter to full-international tuition scholarships will be awarded.

Are these scholarships accumulative?

The CGS and SAIF MF program scholarships cannot be combined. Once a student is awarded the CGS, they will no longer be considered for SAIF MF program scholarships. This policy is designed to maximize overall scholarship coverage.

For specific questions about CSC, SGS, or SJTU scholarship coverage (tuition, accommodation, stipend), we recommend contacting the SJTU International Graduate Admissions Office directly at gs.admission@sjtu.edu.cn.

Will my scholarship amount remain for the second academic year?

Scholarships are awarded according to the length of the study period and are generally not extended. All scholarship recipients are obliged to participate in the annual scholarship review, which will confirm their scholarship status in the next academic year.

Language Requirements

Are there any English Language Requirements?

As one of the SJTU English-taught graduate programs, SAIF MF follows the university-level language requirements policy. For details, please refer to Language Requirements for SJTU International Graduate Programs.

How can I be exempt from submitting English Language Proficiency results?

Based on the language requirements from SJTU, all international applicants for admission to any SJTU program must provide evidence that their English language proficiency meets the minimum requirements for admission. Being born in a native English-speaking country is not a proof of your English proficiency. You will be deemed to have satisfied the English language requirements if you can provide evidence that you had prior study in the medium of English. Click here for a more detailed explanation.

Is Chinese proficiency test (HSK) a necessary requirement when applying for this program?

HSK is not a requirement for the application, though it can be included as supportive material. If you are planning to study and work in China, we strongly suggest you learn some Chinese and take the HSK test accordingly.

Recommendation Letters

Should my recommendation letters come from academic or professional references?

You are required to submit 2 letters of recommendation from scholars who are associate professors or above, or senior professionals in a related field. We strongly suggest at least one of the letters come from the academic recommendation.

What should I do if my referees have a problem uploading the recommendation letters?

Please follow the instructions on the SAIF MF application system for submission of online recommendation letters. If your referees cannot receive the link by any means or encounter a problem in submitting their letter via the link, you can upload scanned copies of the reference letters with original signatures in the “others” section of the document upload section in the SAIF system. If you are encountering any other problems with the recommendation letters, please feel free to email us at mf.admissions@saif.sjtu.edu.cn.

Can I submit my application first before the referees submitted the recommendation letters?

Yes, but your application won’t be reviewed until all the materials are received.

Logistics and Others

Do you provide on-campus accommodation?

The university offers a limited number of dormitory spaces on the SJTU Xuhui Campus at a reasonable price. Students may choose to apply for on-campus accommodation (single or double rooms) or live off-campus, depending on their scholarship coverage or personal budget.

Where is the SAIF MF program located?

SAIF is located on SJTU’s Xuhui Campus. It is highly convenient due to its central location in downtown Shanghai. With easy access to multiple metro lines — including Line 1, 9, 10, and 11 — students can reach any places in Shanghai conveniently. Nearby amenities, shops, and dining options further enhance its accessibility, making it an ideal spot for students.

SJTU’s Xuhui campus has over 120 years of history and is surrounded by famous sightseeing spots, such as Soong Ching Ling Memorial Residence, Shanghai Library, Wukang Mansion, and Tianzifang. These attractions highlight the blend of history, culture, and modernity around the campus, making it very worthy to explore.

What are the dining options on campus?

SJTU Xuhui Campus offers different kinds of dining options, including but not limited to No.2 Dining Hall (第二食堂), SJTU Restaurant（西餐厅）, Qingzhen Canteen(清真餐厅) , KFC, Starbucks, and Tim Hortons.

When should I apply for the Chinese Visa if I get admitted to the program?

Each year admitted students will receive the official admissions package in July or August, which includes detailed instructions regarding Visa application. The admission notices and JW201/JW202 form are key documents needed for visa application and university registration. Please note that international students should hold a valid study visa before entering China.