Shanghai International Studies University (SISU)About
Shanghai International Studies University is a public university in Shanghai, known for foreign languages, international studies, strong research, and solid support for international students.
History
Shanghai International Studies University was first established in December 1949, starting as the Shanghai Russian School affiliated with East China People’s Revolution University. It was one of the earliest places in China focused on foreign language higher education. Over the decades, it expanded into a full university known for modern languages, intercultural studies, and global studies.
Education
SISU offers a wide range of academic programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels. It has strong language and cultural studies at its core, with small discussion-style classes and a comprehensive liberal education approach. The university also hosts special programs, like the China Studies Program taught in English, which covers Chinese history, politics, society, and is designed to train international students for careers related to China.
Research
Research at SISU is a key part of the university’s mission. The university has many research institutes and centers focused on areas such as linguistics, international politics, culture, regional studies, and language education. These units act as think tanks and contribute to advancing social sciences in China. SISU also publishes a number of peer-reviewed academic journals and offers strong research facilities, including advanced language labs.
Shanghai International Studies University (SISU)Key Statistics & Highlights
#1401Ranking
34Scholarships
Public Institution Type
Shanghai International Studies University (SISU)Overview
Shanghai International Studies University (SISU)Scholarships
Shanghai International Studies University (SISU) Scholarships
Below you will find scholarships related to Shanghai International Studies University (SISU). Distinction can be made between scholarships provided by the University and those provided by independent providers.
Shanghai International Studies University (SISU)Rankings
Study Portals Meta Ranking
Top %China
Top %Worldwide
Studyportals ranking look at the scores of the most used ranking systems and present you with one number of how well this University performs.
QS World University Rankings
1401
By TopUniversities
The university hasn’t moved up or down in the rankings over the past year.
QS World University Rankings is one of the top international rankings measuring the popularity and performance of universities all over the world. They measure university reputation based on the impressions of higher education experts, companies who hire graduates, and teaching quality. QS also considers the ratio of international teachers and students present at universities, as well as the times research papers were mentioned by researchers. After calculating and comparing these criteria, QS ranks the universities accordingly.
3 year trend QS World University Rankings
2025
2026
2027
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1401
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
Best Global Universities Rankings
1693
By U.S. News & World Report
The university hasn’t moved up or down in the rankings over the past year.
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report presents all the top universities from the U.S. and 60 other countries around the world. They measure the rate of students going to their second year of studies, as well as the rate of students who graduate. It also asks university representatives on the performance of universities, and evaluates university resources, teacher salaries, graduation rates, student academic achievements and satisfaction. After calculating and comparing these criteria, U.S. News ranks the top international universities accordingly.
3 year trend Best Global Universities Rankings
2025
2026
2027
-
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1693
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
SISU has support services for students, including Int’l Service Stations that help international students with everyday needs while on campus. These services act as a point of contact for advice and practical help. SISU also has an Office of International Student Affairs that handles admissions, visas, medical insurance, and other services for overseas students.
Housing services
The university provides on-campus housing for students. This includes modern residence halls in both the Hongkou and Songjiang campuses. All on-campus accommodation has internet access, and wireless coverage is available throughout campus areas.
Library services
SISU has two main libraries:
Run Run Shaw Library on the Hongkou Campus
Library and Information Center on the Songjiang Campus
Together they hold over 1.3 million printed volumes and more than 1.74 million electronic documents, including rich foreign language collections. The libraries offer group study rooms, silent areas, self-service copy and binding, Wi-FI.
ICT services
Campus internet is available for students in residences and across campus, with wireless connections that can be accessed using a SISU portal account. SISU email accounts are provided to international students and can be accessed from anywhere online.
Medical services
There are university clinics at both the Hongkou and Songjiang campuses where students can receive basic care. SISU also works with the Shanghai First People’s Hospital International Health Center for more comprehensive medical needs. Full-scholarship international students receive a medical card from the Office of International Student Affairs, which provides free medical care.
Campus life
SISU has two campuses in Shanghai. The Hongkou Campus is in the city center with a calm, elegant setting facing Lu Xun Park. The Songjiang Campus is larger, set in a university town with green spaces and distinctive international-style buildings that reflect the university’s global focus.
Sports facilities
Students have access to a range of sports facilities including two stadiums, a gymnasium, a 50-meter swimming pool, and numerous outdoor and indoor courts and fields. Annual sports events help build teamwork and a healthy campus culture.
Student clubs
SISU has many student clubs and societies in areas like volunteering, arts and culture, sports and fitness, and academics. Popular clubs include outdoor travel, badminton, and language clubs. These groups run activities and recruit members each year.
Accreditation
SISU is recognized by the Chinese Ministry of Education and is part of China’s Double First Class and Project 211 university initiatives. These designations show it meets China’s national standards for high-level research and teaching.
Shanghai International Studies University (SISU)Campus Locations