上海比较好的大学

folks, let’s talk about Shanghai universities. Choosing a university is a big deal, and Shanghai has a lot of options. It can be confusing. I’m going to break it down for you, tier by tier, so you can get a clearer picture.

The Unquestionable Top Two: Fudan and Jiao Tong

Let’s get the big names out of the way first. When people talk about the best universities in Shanghai, two names always come up: Fudan University and Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU). They’re like the Harvard and MIT of Shanghai. Both are part of the C9 League, which is China’s version of the Ivy League, and they are consistently ranked among the top universities in the country and the world.

So, what’s the difference?

Fudan University (复旦大学) is traditionally known for its strength in humanities, social sciences, and medicine. Its philosophy, Chinese language and literature, and history programs are top-notch. If you’re into journalism or international relations, Fudan is also a powerhouse. The medical school, merged from the former Shanghai Medical University, is one of the best in China. The vibe at Fudan is often described as more “liberal artsy” and free-spirited. It’s a place with a deep historical and cultural foundation, founded in 1905, making it the first institution of higher learning founded by a Chinese person.

Shanghai Jiao Tong University (上海交通大学), on the other hand, has its roots in engineering. Its predecessor, Nanyang Public School, was founded in 1896, and it earned the reputation of being the “MIT of the East.” SJTU is a beast in fields like mechanical engineering, naval architecture and ocean engineering, and electrical engineering. In recent years, it has also developed very strong programs in business (Antai College of Economics and Management is famous), life sciences, and medicine. The culture at SJTU is generally seen as more pragmatic and down-to-earth. They get things done.

Choosing between Fudan and SJTU often comes down to your field of interest and personality. Are you more of a poet or an engineer? A debater or a builder? Both are incredibly difficult to get into, with admissions scores being very close, though sometimes one edges out the other depending on the year and the specific major.

The Next Tier: Solid 985 Universities

Right below the top two, you have another pair of excellent universities that are also part of the “985 Project,” a government initiative to fund a group of elite universities. These are Tongji University and East China Normal University.

Tongji University (同济大学) is an absolute giant in architecture, civil engineering, and urban planning. Seriously, if you want to build cities, this is the place to be. It has a very strong German academic heritage, which is reflected in its rigorous engineering programs. It’s widely considered the third-best university in Shanghai. While its focus is on engineering, it’s a comprehensive university with programs in other fields as well. Getting into Tongji is still very competitive, but slightly more manageable than Fudan or SJTU.

East China Normal University (华东师范大学), or ECNU, as its name suggests, started as a university for training teachers. As one of the top two normal universities in China (the other being Beijing Normal University), it’s outstanding in education-related fields, psychology, and geography. But don’t let the “Normal” in its name fool you. ECNU has developed into a comprehensive research university. Its software engineering program, for instance, is surprisingly strong. With the increasing popularity of teaching as a profession, ECNU’s admission scores have been on the rise.

These four universities—Fudan, SJTU, Tongji, and ECNU—form the top echelon of Shanghai’s higher education. Graduates from these four schools enjoy a special perk: they can directly obtain a Shanghai hukou (household registration), which is a big deal for finding a job and settling in the city.

The Strong Contenders: Specialized and Comprehensive Universities

Beyond the top four, Shanghai has a host of other fantastic universities, many of which are part of the “211 Project,” another government initiative for high-quality universities. These schools often excel in specific fields.

Shanghai University of Finance and Economics (上海财经大学), or SUFE, is a top-tier university for economics, finance, and business. It’s often considered the best in China for finance and economics, alongside a few others in Beijing. Its graduates are highly sought after by financial institutions. The admission score is extremely high, often rivaling those of some 985 universities. The school’s foreign language programs also have a unique business focus, aiming to produce graduates skilled in both language and finance.

East China University of Science and Technology (华东理工大学), or ECUST, is a powerhouse in chemical engineering. Originally the East China Institute of Chemical Technology, it has the strongest chemical programs in the country. It has since expanded to other fields like materials science, biology, and pharmacy, but its core strength remains in chemistry-related disciplines.

Donghua University (东华大学) is unique for its focus on textile science and engineering, where it is ranked number one globally. It has also developed strong programs in design and material science. If you’re interested in fashion or material innovation, Donghua is an excellent choice.

Shanghai University (上海大学), or SHU, is a large, comprehensive 211 university that has seen rapid development thanks to strong municipal support. It’s a good all-around university with solid programs in sociology, material science, and communication. While it might not have the prestige of the top 985 schools in the eyes of some locals, it offers a huge range of programs and is a very strong institution in its own right. Fun fact: SHU used to accept high-scoring students who failed to get into Fudan or SJTU, serving as a safety net for ambitious local students.

Shanghai International Studies University (上海外国语大学), or SISU, is one of China’s top two foreign language universities. It offers an impressive number of language programs and is known for its “multi-language+” strategy, which combines language skills with other fields like journalism, law, and business.

ShanghaiTech University (上海科技大学) is a new and innovative research university jointly established by the Shanghai Municipal Government and the Chinese Academy of Sciences. It focuses on science and technology and is known for its small class sizes, English-language instruction, and high proportion of students who go on to pursue graduate studies abroad. Despite its short history, its reputation and admission standards have soared, surpassing many established 985 universities.

Life in Shanghai as a Student

Studying in Shanghai isn’t just about the university; it’s about the city itself. It’s a fast-paced, international metropolis. The cost of living can be high. On average, a student might spend around 1,750 yuan per month on basic necessities like food, transport, and utilities, which is higher than in many other Chinese cities. But the opportunities are also immense, with countless internships, cultural events, and a vibrant social scene.

Ultimately, the “best” university is a subjective choice. It depends on your academic interests, career goals, and personal preferences. Do your research, look at specific departments and professors, and maybe even visit the campuses if you can. Shanghai has a university for almost every type of student. You just need to find the right fit.