Programme Introduction

With over a century of academic excellence, the Civil Engineering discipline at Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) has cultivated 38 academicians and a legacy of distinguished leaders in academia and industry. As one of the first group of disciplines selected for China’s prestigious “Double First-Class” Initiative, we maintain a preeminent international reputation. In the 2025 QS World University Rankings by Subject, SJTU Civil Engineering was ranked No. 16 globally and No. 3 in China.

Our department drives innovation across a broad spectrum of research areas, such as:

· Smart and Sustainable Construction

· Marine and Coastal Infrastructure Engineering

· Advanced Structural and Construction Materials

· Urban and Infrastructure Resilience

Students benefit from the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Digital Operation and Maintenance for Public Buildings and Infrastructure. This world-class platform focuses on intelligent sensing, digital twins, and smart maintenance, offering a premier environment for interdisciplinary research.

What You’ll Study

This program is a direct response to the global demand for intelligent, sustainable, and low-carbon transformation within the construction industry. By integrating cutting-edge technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Smart Construction, and Carbon-Neutral Engineering, we utilize a “Theory–Practice Dual-Helix” education model.

Key Curriculum Highlights:

· Specialized Tech Courses: Master Digital Twin Technology, Smart Construction Robotics, Intelligent Sensing, Green Buildings, and Sustainable Design

· Project-Based Learning and Industry-Embedded Learning: Engage in project-based training with global leaders such as CSCEC, Shanghai Construction Group (SCG), Arup and Shanghai Urban Construction Investment Group

· Comprehensive Skillset: Develop deep engineering fundamentals alongside innovation capabilities and the global vision required to solve complex engineering challenges.

Our mission is to empower the next generation of civil engineers to drive industrial transformation and lead international practice.

Program Highlights and Career Prospects

Graduates emerge with a competitive edge in AI-based design, disaster-resilient infrastructure, and green construction technologies.:

Your Future Career:

· Global Impact: Participate in major national and international infrastructure projects, including the Belt and Road initiatives.

· Advanced Academia: Pursue postgraduate excellence at world-renowned universities.

· Diverse Sectors: Secure leadership roles in government agencies, consulting firms, research institutes, and top-tier construction enterprises.

SJTU graduates are globally recognized as essential contributors to the digital and sustainable evolution of the industry. Emerging fields for our alumni include Digital Twins, Smart Cities, Urban Renewal, and Robotics.

Faculty and Facilities

Learn from a distinguished faculty of 63 academic staff, over 80% of whom bring international research experience. Our education is further enriched by adjunct professors who are senior experts and engineers from industry-leading firms.

Students have access to an expansive laboratory complex exceeding 3,000 m², housing over 400 sets of advanced equipment.

· Core Labs: Soil Mechanics, Structural Engineering, and Building Materials.

· Specialized Labs: Vibration Table, Rock Mechanics, and Geophysical Exploration.

Global Mobilities

The University/Department maintains close partnerships with more than 100 world-class universities, including the National University of Singapore, University of California, Berkeley, UCL, University of New South Wales, and Imperial College London.

Internationalization is deeply embedded in education and research through:

· Joint research projects and academic exchanges

· Visiting professorships and international workshops

· Frequent engagement with international scholars and institutions

Online Application

https://apply.sjtu.edu.cn/

Admission Prerequisites

1. Graduation from high school or equivalent educational background. Prospective graduates must provide a pre-graduation certificate issued by their school and obtain their high school diploma before enrollment.

2. Non-Chinese citizens holding a valid foreign passport, in compliance with the relevant regulations of the Chinese Ministry of Education, including the “Document No. 12 (2020) of Ministry of Education of the PRC”

(http://www.moe.gov.cn/srcsite/A20/moe_850/202006/t20200609_464159.html) etc.

3. Applicants should be in good physical and mental health, and meet the medical examination requirements of both the country and the university. Applicants should not have criminal record and maintain a friendly attitude towards China. Furthermore, applicants must be well-behaved and willing to comply with Chinese laws and regulations, as well as the rules of SJTU.

Application Materials

*All materials should be in English. Documents in other languages must be accompanied by certified English translations.

1. China Scholastic Competency Assessment (CSCA, https://csca.cn/home), Score with Mathematics is required. Physics score is not mandatory but preferred. Applicants who have not yet taken the CSCA may submit other materials initially. Those who pass the university's selection process will receive a pre-admission notice and must supplement their CSCA scores by June 30, 2027. Upon passing the final selection, a formal admission notice will be issued.

2. English language requirements

For non-native speakers of English, either TOEFL (iBT, code: 6210) or IELTS score is required.

    2.1 TOEFL iBT – exams taken before January 21, 2026: minimum 90 (0–120 scale); exams taken on or after January 21, 2026: minimum 4.5 (1–6 scale).

2.2 IELTS: 6 or above

2.3 Duolingo English Test: 120 or above

    Exceptions: You may be exempted from providing any of these exams if your SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing score is 650 or above, if both your ACT Reading and English scores are 27 or above, or if you have recently completed at least 4 years of rigorous academic study in any of the following countries: Anguilla, Antigua, Barbuda, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Canada (except Quebec), Cayman Islands, Dominica, England, Federated, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Seychelles, Shetland Islands, St. Kitts-Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands, United States (other than Puerto Rico), US Virgin Islands, Wales, and Singapore. (Those in American Schools and British Schools abroad may also be exempted if at least 4 years of rigorous academic study have recently been completed and if test scores meet the above standards.)

3. Curriculum Vitae and Personal Statement

4. Two Recommendation Letters

·  One from a core academic subject teacher

·  One from a high school counselor, teacher, or other appropriate school official

5. High School Transcripts

We pay special attention to math, physics and other related subjects. Please arrange to have official copies of your transcripts in English sent to us by all high schools you attended.

6. Other documents

    6.1 Passport information page valid for more than 12 months. Once admitted, passport information cannot be changed until enrollment registration is completed.

    6.2 Proof of financial guarantee with a deposit of no less than RMB 100,000 (or equivalent in foreign currency).

6.3 The nationality or household registration of both the applicant's parents, such as passport or ID card.

    6.3 Applicants with one or both parents who are Chinese citizens must provide:

        6.3.1 Certificate of the applicant’s foreign nationality obtained at birth or afterward.

        6.3.2 For applicants who acquired foreign nationality at birth:

            a. If one or both parents were Chinese citizens and had permanent residence abroad at the time of the applicant's birth, provide the corresponding permanent residence proof of the parent(s).

            b. If one or both parents were Chinese citizens and did not have permanent residence abroad at the time of the applicant's birth, provide a certificate of the applicant's renunciation of Chinese nationality for at least four years by April 30 of the application year.

        6.3.3 For applicants who are originally Chinese citizens and later acquired foreign nationality, provide proof of cancellation of their Chinese residence registration and renunciation of Chinese nationality for at least four years by April 30 of the application year.

        6.3.4 All visas, residence permits, and entry/exit records for China, starting from the applicant's first passport.

    Note: Applicants who previously held a "People's Republic of China Travel Document" or "People's Republic of China Exit and Entry Permit" must provide the relevant documentation as in section 6.3.3

    6.4 Applicants under 18 years old by September 1 of the application year must submit a Guardian Guarantee Form.

Interview

Applicants who pass the initial document review will be invited to participate in an online interview.

Interviews will be organized in multiple rounds on a rolling basis, according to the time when a complete set of application materials is submitted. Early submission is therefore strongly encouraged.

The interview results will serve as an important reference for subsequent admission and merit-based scholarship consideration.

Application Deadlines

1. Early Action: November 9 - December 1, 2026 (Beijing Time, GMT+8)

2. Regular Application: December 1, 2026 - April 30, 2027 (Beijing Time, GMT+8)

Scholarships

Merit-based scholarships are available for outstanding applicants:

1.      First-Class Scholarship

· Full tuition waiver

· Living allowance: RMB 1,500/month

· Accommodation subsidy: RMB 1,100/month

· Health insurance: RMB 800/year

2.      Second-Class Scholarship

· 50% tuition waiver

· Accommodation subsidy: RMB 1,100/month

· Health insurance: RMB 800/year

3.      Third-Class Scholarship

· 25% tuition waiver

· Health insurance: RMB 800/year

Note：

· Applicants have been officially admitted by SJTU without being awardees of other scholarships at the same time;

· Scholarship is awarded based on the comprehensive ranking of applicant’s academic and interview performance;

· SJTU reserves the right of final explanation.

Fees

Application Fee: RMB 800 (non-refundable)

Tuition: RMB 100,000 /Academic year (Tuition rates are subject to the record-filing with the governing authorities)

Health Insurance: RMB 800/year (According to the regulations set forth by the Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China and the Management Regulations for International Students of SJTU, international students studying for more than 6 months are obligated to acquire the Group Comprehensive Insurance in the Chinese Mainland.)

Admission and Enrollment

1. The admission decision will be based on a comprehensive evaluation. Applicants can check their admission results in the application system (https://apply.sjtu.edu.cn).

2. Applicants are required to confirm their enrollment through the application system (https://apply.sjtu.edu.cn) within two weeks after admission results are released.

3. The “Admission Notice” will be issued gradually during July 2027.

4. All application materials and information provided by applicants must be authentic, accurate and fully complete. Otherwise, the applicant will be disqualified for application, enrollment or study.

Term begins

In early September 2027 (specific time will be informed in the admission letter)

Contact Information

Admission Office of International Student Center, SJTU

Address: Room 210, Donghui Building 3, 800 Dongchuan Road, Minhang District, Shanghai, China

Post code: 200240

Tel: +86-21-54743244

Email: isc.d@sjtu.edu.cn

Website: https://en.sjtu.edu.cn/

Department of Civil Engineering, SJTU

Address: Ruth Mulan Building, 800 Dongchuan Road, Minhang District, Shanghai, China

Post code: 200240

E-mail: ce.beng@sjtu.edu.cn