East China Normal University (ECNU) is one of the top universities in China, located in the bustling city of Shanghai in the eastern part of the country. Established in the mid-20th century, its mission is to become a world-class research institution. ECNU is a public university, offering affordable tuition compared to many other institutions globally.
Shanghai, being one of the world’s most important economic hubs, is not only known for its economic advancements but also for its significant focus on scientific and academic development. The city, with its excellent economic potential and presence of top-tier universities like ECNU, has emerged as a prominent educational destination worldwide. This makes studying in Shanghai an excellent opportunity for international students.
Here are some details about the university:
- Name: East China Normal University
- Latin Name: ECNU
- Type: Public
- Languages of Instruction: English and Chinese
- QS Ranking: 511
East China Normal University (ECNU) was officially established in 1951 following the merger of Great China University and the arts and sciences departments of Kwang Hua University. Around the same time, faculty members from Fudan University and Tongji University also joined ECNU.
By 1959, just eight years after its founding, ECNU had earned a place among the 16 key universities in China. The university boasts two beautiful campuses in Shanghai, covering a total area of about 207 hectares.
The two campuses are Minhang, located in the Minhang District, and Zhongbei, in the Putuo District. Today, ECNU is considered a prestigious national university directly overseen by China’s Ministry of Education and is known for its picturesque campuses, often referred to as “The Garden University” due to their natural beauty.

East China Normal University (ECNU) is renowned for its teacher training programs, having started offering secondary education teacher training in 1952. From its early years, ECNU played a pivotal role in shaping educators for primary and secondary education across China. In addition to its affordable tuition fees, ECNU, with its international outlook, places great emphasis on global development. The university has established strategic partnerships with many prestigious universities around the world.
ECNU is supported by the Chinese government’s national university projects, “Project 211” and “Project 985,” and was listed among the 36 Class A universities in China in 2017 as part of the “Double First Class” initiative.
Ranked 441 globally in the 2024 QS World University Rankings, ECNU is also one of the top public universities in Shanghai and mainland China. The university is home to four colleges, 30 full-time schools, four research institutes, and a graduate school. It offers 84 undergraduate programs across various fields, 30 PhD programs, 36 master’s programs, professional doctoral programs, and postdoctoral research stations.
ECNU is recognized for its beautiful campuses, covering a total area of 207 hectares in Minhang and Putuo districts of Shanghai. It is often referred to as a “garden university” due to its scenic environment.
In terms of specific academic areas, ECNU ranks impressively in several disciplines, such as urban planning (80th globally), landscape architecture (83rd), and hydrology and water resources management (122nd).

Admission Requirements for East China Normal University (ECNU)
Studying in China is a great option for Iranian students seeking educational migration but unable to meet the admission and visa requirements of countries like Canada or the USA. One of the advantages of studying in China is the ease of obtaining a student visa and the affordability of tuition fees, including those at East China Normal University.
To apply for admission to Chinese universities, students need to submit the required documents specific to each university and program. The list of required documents may vary depending on the chosen university and major. For ECNU, the following documents are typically required:
For Bachelor’s Degree:
- High school graduation certificate
- Academic transcripts from high school
- Statement of purpose
- Proof of proficiency in English or Chinese
- Official translation of all documents into English or Chinese
- Valid passport copy
For Master’s Degree:
- Bachelor’s degree certificate
- Academic transcripts from undergraduate studies
- Resume
- Two letters of recommendation
- Proof of proficiency in English or Chinese
- Official translation of all documents into English or Chinese
- Valid passport copy
Note that ECNU offers programs in both Chinese and English. For programs taught in English, students must provide one of the following English language proficiency tests:
- IELTS with a minimum score of 6
- TOEFL with a minimum score of 80
- Cambridge English with a minimum score of B2
Programs Offered at ECNU
East China Normal University offers a wide range of programs, ensuring that international students can find courses that match their interests. Over 150 programs are available in various fields, with some being exclusively for international students. Notable areas of study include:
- Education and Technology
- Public Administration
- Art Education
- Early Childhood Education
- Special Education
- Psychology (Early Childhood Education specialization)
- Human Resource Management
- Business Administration (English-taught)
- Media and Communications
- Language and Literature (Chinese, English, Japanese, German, French, Russian, Spanish)
- Law
With its diverse academic offerings and relatively low tuition fees, ECNU provides an excellent opportunity for international students to pursue their higher education in China.

Tuition Fees at East China Normal University (ECNU)
The academic year at ECNU is continuous, with no breaks between courses. Tuition fees at ECNU are calculated annually. For international students, the tuition fees vary depending on the chosen program, with the cost starting at approximately $5,377 per year. It’s important to note that in addition to tuition, students should consider additional living expenses, such as accommodation (either in dormitories or private housing), meals, and transportation. These costs should be factored in along with the annual tuition.
Scholarships at ECNU
To help international students cover their educational expenses, ECNU offers several scholarship programs, some of which can fully cover tuition costs. Among the scholarships available:
- Chinese Government Scholarship (CGS): This scholarship is highly competitive and has specific age and academic requirements. For instance:
- Undergraduate applicants: Maximum age of 25 years
- Master’s applicants: Maximum age of 35 years
- Doctoral applicants: Maximum age of 40 years
- Applicants need to have strong academic records from their previous studies to be eligible for this scholarship.
These scholarships play a crucial role in making higher education more affordable for international students at ECNU, allowing them to focus more on their studies while managing financial costs.
Shanghai Government Scholarship for ECNU Students
The Shanghai Government Scholarship (SGS) has been available since 2006, aimed at promoting the development of international education in Shanghai and encouraging more international students and scholars to study at East China Normal University (ECNU). The eligibility requirements for this scholarship, similar to those for the Chinese Government Scholarship, include age and academic criteria, and applicants cannot use other scholarships simultaneously.
Student Accommodation at ECNU
ECNU offers a variety of dormitory options for international students to help manage living expenses in Shanghai. There are five dormitory complexes with different room types and facilities. The costs of accommodation vary depending on the type of room, starting from 1,050 CNY per month and going up to 4,350 CNY per month for some rooms. If students wish to extend their stay in the dormitory, they must apply one month in advance.
Summary
ECNU is one of the top educational institutions in China, offering affordable tuition compared to other countries. With various scholarship options like the Shanghai Government Scholarship and reasonable accommodation costs, ECNU provides a great opportunity for international students looking to study in China. To learn more about ECNU and to receive free counseling, you can visit the Elm Vira website and submit a consultation request form.
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