As a young university located in Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park, one of China’s most innovative zones, ShanghaiTech offers a vibrant study and research environment for students all over the world. Every summer, ShanghaiTech provides a unique research opportunity for a small number of undergraduates from partner institutions, organized and coordinated by the Office of International Affairs.
This is a non-credit and tuition-free program for international students who seek to perform summer research in a different cultural setting under the guidance of our professors, most of whom earned their Ph.D. abroad. You can choose a lab of research interest in our schools and institutes, with the chance to do experiments on world-class research facilities and national science platforms that are not easily accessible to students outside ShanghaiTech. To enrich students’ experience, the Office of International Affairs may also organize a free cultural tour in the city or the nearby water town.
The following is the information about the 2025 Summer Lab Program.
Duration: six to eight weeks, starting on June 25 (Wednesday)
How to Apply
Please fill in the International Visiting Student Application Form and the following documents, and submit them to the coordinator at your home university:
1. Resume
2. Statement of Purpose (Please specify your research orientation and detailed plan)
The coordinator will then send the application materials to ShanghaiTech.
- You may be approached for a virtual interview if a ShanghaiTech professor deems it necessary.
- If admitted, you will receive an acceptance letter via email. Your coordinator will also be informed.
- You will have about one week to accept the offer. An official invitation letter for visa application will be sent once you confirm your acceptance.
- Application deadline: April 30, 2025
Eligibility
Students wishing to participate in the Summer Lab Program must meet the following criteria:
- Be a current undergraduate student enrolled at one of the ShanghaiTech partner institutions
- Have completed at least one academic year at their home university
- Have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher (4.0 scale)
- Good English communication skills (no Chinese language skills required)
Visa
All participating students are required to apply for a student visa from the Chinese consulate in their home country. Students who study in China for less than 180 days will usually be given a single-entry X2 visa.
Insurance
According to the regulations issued by the Chinese Ministry of Education, international students are required to purchase the mandatory Comprehensive Insurance & Protection Scheme for Foreigners Staying in China before entering the university. The Office of International Affairs will inform students of the detailed information.
Fees
Tuition and registration fees are WAIVED for students from partner institutions.
- Due to the limited number of beds, students are expected to seek short-term housing off-campus while in Shanghai.
- Visiting students should begin looking for accommodations soon after receiving the acceptance letter, as summer housing fills up quickly.
- For reference, the monthly rent for a single room (approx. 30-40 square meters) near campus is about $500-600.
Housing near ShanghaiTech University (for reference only):
- Shengda Youth Apartment (盛大青春里), 288 Shengrong Road, Pudong
- Port Apartment (泊寓), No. 31, 167 Baiye Road, Pudong
*Beware of internet housing scams
Never wire money or provide sensitive personal information to someone you don’t know on the internet before you view the apartment or room. When using the internet to research housing options, always make sure that the person renting out the apartment or room is the owner or the property manager. If you cannot view the apartment or room in person, make sure to arrange a live virtual viewing with the owner or property manager.
Please contact the Office of International Affairs by email (see the Contact section below) before signing a lease agreement or wiring money. We will be glad to assist you with any questions you may have.
On-Campus Dining
Three university dining halls serve 3 meals a day, with options for Chinese and western food. Meals can be purchased using rechargeable campus card.
Cancellation and Refund
Should you decide to withdraw from the 2025 ShanghaiTech Summer Lab Program, please inform the coordinator at your home university and the contact person of ShanghaiTech’s Office of International Affairs before May 30.
Cultural Tour / Company Visit
The Office of International Affairs may organize free cultural tours or company visits in the city or nearby. All program participants are welcome to join.
Certificate of Completion
Participating students who successfully complete summer research will be given a certificate of completion from ShanghaiTech University.
Contact: Ms. QIAN Lele, Office of International Affairs, ShanghaiTech University
Opening positions for the Summer Lab Program will be released soon.
Check out our press releases:
- ShanghaiTech hosts 2024 Summer Lab for International Students
- UC Berkeley visiting student spends his summer at ShanghaiTech