Most international students choosing a Shanghai university are weighing a standard three-year bachelor's against the idea of adding graduate study years later. East China University of Science and Technology, better known as ECUST, has built a different option around that decision.
Through its Joint Multi-Degree (JMD) program, students can graduate with two bachelor's degrees, and an optional master's, in the same four-year window. For students who are not quite ready for direct admission, ECUST also runs a one-semester CSCA Pre-University Program that serves as a structured bridge into the undergraduate programs.
ECUST has been operating since 1952 and sits in the southwest of Shanghai, close to the city's finance, technology, and industrial centers. It was the first research-intensive university in China built around the chemical industry, and today it hosts over 31,000 students and 3,000 faculty across 303 programs spread over three campuses.
Here is what international applicants actually need to know for the 2026-2027 cycle.
Why ECUST Ranks Where It Does
Rankings matter for two reasons: they influence how degrees are recognized internationally, and they shape graduate employer interest. ECUST's current position in the data:
- Chemistry: top 0.1% globally, based on Essential Science Indicators
- Materials Science, Engineering, and related disciplines: top 1% globally
- #5 in China for Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, according to QS
- 16th in China for graduate employability
- Three Shanghai campuses, all running English-taught tracks for international students
Joint Multi-Degree (JMD) Program
The JMD is the main draw for students who want more academic weight on their resume without adding extra years. The program is taught entirely in English, and faculty are pulled from global universities, so the classroom experience is international from day one.
Four tracks are currently open to JMD applicants:
- International Economics and Trade. Coursework combines economic theory with applied business analysis. Graduates go into multinational firms, foreign trade companies, and government departments working on international trade policy. The program leans heavily on Shanghai's position as a finance and trade hub, so students get exposure to the actual market, not just the textbook version of it.
- Computer Science and Technology. Established in 1985, the program now focuses on AI, machine learning, and big data mining. ECUST is known specifically for its machine olfaction research, which is applied in bio-fermentation and petrochemicals. The mix of theoretical coursework and applied research makes the track useful for students aiming at technology careers or graduate study.
- Chemical Engineering and Technology. This is ECUST's flagship. It was designated a first-class Distinctive Program in Higher Education in 2007 and is part of China's "Outstanding Engineer Training Plan." It remains one of the oldest and most respected chemical engineering programs in the country.
- Visual Communication Design. For students drawn to design rather than STEM, the program covers brand and packaging design, digital media, UI design, and the application of AI in visual communication. Shanghai's design industry gives students working exposure to a real market rather than studio-only practice.
Annual tuition for the JMD program is 70,000 RMB, which is roughly 9,872 USD. Accommodation is separate. Scholarships cover from 10% to 100% of one year's tuition and accommodation, depending on academic performance at the time of application.
How to Apply
Application deadline: July 20, 2026
Eligibility
- Foreign nationality
- Completed high school with a high school diploma or higher academic qualifications
- No criminal records and in good physical and mental health
- Aged 16 or above. Those under 18 must provide a letter of guarantee from a legally recognized adult guardian residing in China
Application Documents
- Passport
- Passport size photo
- Proof of English – IELTS ≥6.0/ TOEFL ≥80 or other equivalent
- Personal statement (no more than 800 words)
- The highest academic certificate and official transcript
- Guarantor letter
Learn more and apply for ECUST’s programs
CSCA Pre-University Program
If your IELTS score is sitting below 6.0 or your TOEFL is under 80, or you want a semester to settle into Shanghai before committing to a full four-year degree, ECUST's CSCA Pre-University Program is built for exactly that situation.
The program runs for one semester, is taught in English (with Chinese language options also available), and follows the CSCA syllabus, which is the standardized framework international students follow when preparing to enter Chinese universities. Students who perform well during the semester can transition directly into ECUST's undergraduate programs, including the JMD tracks.
In the video below, Ms. Vika from ECUST walks through how to prepare for the CSCA exam, what the syllabus covers, and what the prep experience looks like on campus.
Frequently Asked Questions about ECUST
Is there a scholarship available for the JMD program?
Yes. ECUST offers generous scholarships to support highly qualified and talented students who have been successfully admitted to the JMD programme. You can learn more here.
How much does the JMD program cost per year?
Tuition is 70,000 RMB per year, which is roughly 9,872 USD. This does not include accommodation or living expenses in Shanghai.
Can the JMD really be completed in four years?
Yes. The program is structured so students finish two bachelor's degrees in four years, with the option of adding a master's within the same four-year window.
Can international students apply for the JMD program?
Yes. The JMD program is designed specifically for international students and follows international curriculum standards.
