East China University of Science and Technology (ECUST) is a public university in Shanghai. As you may know, Shanghai is a global metropolis known for its outstanding individuals, diverse community, and remarkable attractions. ECUST is a key research university in China, offering a well-balanced curriculum across various disciplines, including science, engineering, materials, computer science, economics, management, arts, and law.
Tuition fees at ECUST are highly affordable, and the university strongly upholds its core values of industry engagement, pragmatism, inspiration, and ethics. Over the past 50 years, ECUST has nurtured generations of elite graduates who have gone on to contribute meaningfully to society.
For more details about studying in China, continue reading this article from Elm Vira.
University Name:
East China University of Science and Technology (ECUST)
Type:
Public
Year Established:
1952
Language of Instruction:
English – Chinese
QS Ranking:
681-690
History of ECUST
In October 1952, the East China Institute of Chemical Technology was established with approval from the central government. It was the first specialized chemical institute in China, formed through the merger of the chemistry departments of several institutions, including Jiao Tong University, Aurora University, Utopia University, Soochow University, and Jiangnan University. Notably, Professor Zhang Jiangsu, a distinguished educator and chemist, was appointed as the institute’s first president.
In November 1956, the institute was granted permission to admit graduate students and simultaneously began enrolling international students. By October 1960, it was recognized as one of China’s key national universities under the Ministry of Higher Education. In February 1993, the Ministry of Education officially renamed the institution to East China University of Science and Technology (ECUST). Later, in June 1996, ECUST was selected as one of the universities under China’s National 211 Project. Most recently, in December 2020, Xuan Fuzhen was appointed as the president of ECUST by the Ministry of Education of China.

Ranking of East China University of Science and Technology (ECUST)
ECUST is one of the top universities in Shanghai and is classified as a Category A institution by China’s Ministry of Education. With over 60 years of experience in education and international student services, it has established itself as a key research university. Originally founded as China’s first specialized higher education institute in chemical engineering, ECUST has evolved into a prestigious national research university. In the 2025 QS World University Rankings, ECUST is ranked 641-650 globally and holds the 109th position among Asia’s top universities.
ECUST Campus
Located in Southwest Shanghai, China’s hub for commerce, finance, culture, and industrial production, ECUST is a dynamic institution known for high-quality education and intensive research. Spanning over 1.7 million square meters, the university operates across three campuses.
The main campus, situated on Meilong Road in Xuhui District, is 17 km from Hongqiao Airport and covers approximately 415,000 square meters. It features 21 dormitory buildings with a total capacity of 15,000 students. The front gate provides easy access to various university facilities, including 56,000 square meters of classroom space and 118,000 square meters of laboratories.
This campus houses administrative offices, graduate and PhD students, international exchange programs, and language students. Additionally, it accommodates most of the university’s research facilities.
The ECUST-affiliated Middle School (华东理工大学附属中学) was founded in 1992 and is located in the southern part of Xuhui District, not far from the main campus. Currently, over 1,200 students are enrolled in this institution.
Academic Programs at ECUST
China’s favorable study conditions and ease of admission to its universities have made the country a top choice for international students. Among the leading institutions is the East China University of Science and Technology (ECUST), known for its affordable tuition fees and strong industrial partnerships. Over the years, ECUST has grown into a comprehensive, multidisciplinary university, offering a well-balanced curriculum in science, engineering, economics, management, law, humanities, and arts across 15 academic schools.
Currently, ECUST offers:
- 13 first-level doctoral programs
- 81 second-level doctoral programs
- 25 first-level master’s programs
- 147 master’s programs
- 65 undergraduate programs
The university has a total enrollment of 24,140 full-time students, including:
- 15,460 undergraduate students
- 7,110 master’s students
- 1,570 doctoral students
Since 2007, ECUST has maintained an exchange program with Lübeck University of Applied Sciences in Germany. Additionally, it collaborates with L’ École Nationale Supérieure de Chimie in Rennes, France, and operates a joint business school with Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu in Romania.
Key National-Level Programs
ECUST is distinguished for its eight nationally recognized disciplines, which include:
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemical Technology
- Biochemical Engineering
- Applied Chemistry
- Industrial Catalysis
- Chemical Process Equipment
- Control Theory and Engineering
- Materials Science
Faculties and Schools at ECUST
As a university with a strong industrial focus, ECUST houses the following faculties:
- School of Chemical Engineering
- School of Biotechnology
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering
- School of Materials Science and Engineering
- School of Pharmacy
- School of Engineering
- School of Electrical Engineering
- School of Mechanical Engineering
- School of Science
- School of Business
- School of Social Sciences
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering
- School of Arts
- School of Public Administration
- School of Media Studies
- School of Foreign Languages
- School of Design
- School of Sports Science
- School of Law

International Collaborations at ECUST
One of the key advantages of studying at
ECUST is its
affordable tuition fees and
strong international partnerships. The university has developed a
multi-level, all-encompassing global network by collaborating with over
130 higher education institutions and research organizations worldwide.
ECUST is committed to
advancing global science and technology through
high-level joint education and research programs, contributing to
scientific progress and social development.
Global Partnerships and Joint Programs
ECUST has
long-term academic collaborations with over
60 universities, companies, and research institutions worldwide. It also engages in
various multi-stage student programs, including
short-term exchanges, with leading universities such as:
- University of Oxford
- University of Cambridge
- Imperial College London
- Cornell University
- RWTH Aachen University
- University of Queensland
Additionally, ECUST offers
joint degree programs in collaboration with international partners, including:
- MBA Program – University of Canberra, Australia
- International Business Program – University of Wollongong, Australia
- Chemical Engineering & Technology Program – Lübeck University of Applied Sciences, Germany
- Project Management Program – University of Management and Technology, USA
ECUST Library and Student Facilities
One of the
notable advantages of studying at
ECUST is its
comprehensive student facilities, particularly its
library.
Founded in
1952, the
ECUST Library operates under the
direct supervision of the
Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China. Initially established as a
faculty-based library, it has evolved into a
leading research library covering disciplines such as:
- Chemistry
- Chemical Engineering
- Natural Sciences
- Engineering
- Management
- Liberal Arts
Key Features of the ECUST Library
- Member of the Shanghai Library System – offering interlibrary loan services
- Active role in academic research and literature search training
- Master’s degree in Information Science introduced in 2004, further strengthening its research contributions
- Comprehensive student services, including:
- Book lending services
- Language learning centers
- Foreign language academic materials
- Cultural resource distribution centers
- Online and in-person consultation services

Tuition Fees at ECUST
Studying in China is generally more affordable for international students compared to many other countries. At ECUST, students must pay a 400 RMB deposit and accommodation fees for one semester upon arrival. All payments must be made in cash at the university.
The university provides a dedicated dining hall for international students, and they also have access to multiple on-campus cafeterias. The average cost of meals is around 20 RMB per day, and students can also cook in the shared kitchens available in each dormitory building.
Each dormitory unit includes:
✔ Private bathroom
✔ TV and refrigerator
✔ Internet access and telephone
✔ Air conditioning
✔ Bed and essential furniture
The estimated monthly living expenses range from 400 to 3,000 RMB, depending on lifestyle.
Tuition Fees for the 2024-2025 Academic Year
ProgramTuition Fees (RMB)
Short-term Programs (Non-Degree) 0 – 18,000
Undergraduate (Bachelor’s) 22,000 – 26,000
Master’s Degree 28,000 – 34,000
PhD Programs 35,000 – 42,900
ECUST Scholarships
ECUST offers scholarships for undergraduate, master’s, PhD, and Chinese language programs. Scholarships help cover:
✔ Tuition fees
✔ Accommodation costs
✔ Health insurance
These scholarships are available only for non-Chinese citizens.
Required Documents for Scholarship Application:
- Copy of passport
- Highest academic degree & transcripts
- Medical examination certificate
- Language proficiency certificate
- Police clearance certificate
- Two recommendation letters from professors
- Published research papers (if applicable)
Conclusion
ECUST is officially recognized by China’s Ministry of Education as a university eligible to host international students under Chinese government scholarships. Since the 1950s, it has attracted thousands of students from over 80 countries.
With affordable tuition fees compared to other countries, ECUST is an excellent option for students seeking quality education abroad. If you are interested in studying at ECUST, you can request a free consultation from our experts at Elm Vira Immigration Institute.
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