The Shanghai Municipal Government has officially opened applications for the 2026 Shanghai Government Scholarship (SGS). This prestigious, fully funded program is designed to attract high-achieving Pakistani students to pursue Undergraduate, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees at top-tier universities in Shanghai, China.
Known for its world-class financial hubs and advanced research facilities, Shanghai offers an unparalleled academic environment for international students.
1. Scholarship Categories & Benefits
The SGS program is divided into two types to cater to different financial and academic needs.
| Benefit | Type A (Full Scholarship) | Type B (Partial Scholarship) |
| Tuition Fee | Fully Covered | Fully Covered |
| Accommodation | Free On-campus Dormitory | Not Included |
| Stipend (Monthly) |
PhD: RMB 3,500 Master: RMB 3,000 Bachelor: RMB 2,500 |
Not Included |
| Medical Insurance | Fully Covered (RMB 800/year) | Fully Covered (RMB 800/year) |
2. Eligibility Criteria
To ensure a successful application, Pakistani students must meet the following residency, age, and academic requirements:
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Nationality: Must be a non-Chinese citizen (Pakistani/AJK citizens are eligible; dual nationals are not).
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Health: Must be in good physical and mental health.
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Age Limits:
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Undergraduate: Under 25 years old.
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Master’s: Under 35 years old.
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Doctoral: Under 40 years old.
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Language Proficiency: * Chinese-taught: Minimum HSK 4 (some universities require HSK 5 for specific majors).
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English-taught: IELTS (minimum 6.0/6.5) or TOEFL equivalent. Some universities accept “English Proficiency Certificates” from previous Pakistani institutions.
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Academic Record: A strong GPA (generally above 3.0/4.0) is highly recommended.
3. Application Process: Step-by-Step
The application process is decentralized, meaning you typically apply through the specific university’s portal.
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Select a University: Research the 30+ participating universities (e.g., Fudan, Shanghai Jiao Tong, Tongji, or Shanghai University).
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Apply Online: Visit the Study in Shanghai portal (study-shanghai.cn) or the specific university’s international student portal.
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Upload Documents: Ensure all documents are notarized and translated into English or Chinese.
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Pay Application Fee: Most Shanghai universities require a non-refundable fee (approx. RMB 400–800).
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Interview: Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an online interview.
Required Documents Checklist:
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Notarized highest diploma and academic transcripts.
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A Study Plan or Research Proposal (min. 1,000 words for PhD).
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Two Recommendation Letters from Professors/Associate Professors.
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Foreigner Physical Examination Form (valid for 6 months).
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Non-Criminal Record Certificate (Police Clearance).
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Passport copy (valid beyond September 2026).
4. Critical Deadlines
While deadlines vary by institution, the general timeline for the 2026 intake is:
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Application Period: December 1, 2025 – April 30, 2026.
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Early Deadlines: Some graduate programs close as early as February 15 or March 31, 2026.
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Result Notification: Late June to July 2026.
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Course Start: September 2026.
5. Important Guidelines for Pakistani Applicants
Avoid “Middlemen”: There is no need to pay consultants or agents for these scholarships. The process is transparent and conducted directly through university portals.
The Pre-Admission Advantage: For Type A applicants, obtaining a “Pre-admission Letter” or an “Acceptance Letter” from a professor at your target Shanghai university significantly increases your chances of selection.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the 2026 Shanghai Government Scholarship (SGS)?
The 2026 Shanghai Government Scholarship (SGS) is a fully funded program offered by the Shanghai Municipal Government for international students to study in Shanghai.
2. Who can apply for the SGS 2026 scholarship?
Pakistani and AJK citizens who are non-Chinese nationals and meet age, academic, and language requirements can apply.
3. What does the Type A (Full) SGS scholarship cover?
Type A covers tuition, on-campus accommodation, monthly stipend (RMB 2,500–3,500), and medical insurance.
4. What is included in Type B (Partial) SGS scholarship?
Type B covers tuition and medical insurance but does not include accommodation or a monthly stipend.
5. What is the age limit for SGS 2026?
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Undergraduate: Under 25
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Master’s: Under 35
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PhD: Under 40
6. What language tests are required for SGS?
For Chinese-taught programs: HSK 4 or 5.
For English-taught programs: IELTS (6.0/6.5) or TOEFL equivalent.
7. How can I apply for Shanghai Government Scholarship 2026?
Applications are submitted through participating universities or the Study in Shanghai portal.
8. What is the application deadline for SGS 2026?
Most universities accept applications from December 1, 2025 to April 30, 2026, but some close earlier.
9. Is IELTS mandatory for Pakistani students?
Not always. Some universities accept English Proficiency Certificates from Pakistani institutions.
10. Do I need a consultant to apply?
No. The application process is direct and transparent. Avoid paying agents or middlemen.
