PhD in China Studies

For PhD in China Studies, the tuition fee is 28,000 CNY per year; applications for the Sep 2027 intake close on Jun 15, 2027.

The PhD in China Studies at Shanghai International Studies University is a 4-year program for students who want to earn a PhD degree. It's taught in English and focuses on the study of China's history, culture, politics, and society.

The curriculum includes subjects like Chinese history, politics, economy, and foreign policy. Students develop skills in research, analysis, and critical thinking through comparative studies of Chinese and foreign cultures and societies.

Graduates can pursue careers as China Specialists, Research Analysts, Policy Advisors, Cultural Consultants, or University Professors in fields like international relations, business, or education.

Shanghai International Studies University (SISU) is a leading institution in China known for its strengths in languages, diplomacy and international studies. Established from early language schools after 1949, SISU has grown into a multidisciplinary university with programs in roughly 27 languages and a distinctive emphasis on cross-cultural competence. It operates two campuses in Shanghai and maintains partnerships with more than 330 institutions worldwide, creating abundant exchange and collaborative research opportunities.

The university excels in translation, interpretation and international relations, highlighted by the Graduate Institute of Interpretation and Translation, which ranks among the world’s top conference interpreting programs. SISU supports research centers addressing language policy, global public opinion and diplomatic studies, and provides modern facilities such as linguistic labs and simultaneous interpretation suites. Academic programs combine rigorous language instruction with practical internships, cultural immersion and interdisciplinary study.

Campus life at SISU is energetic and culturally rich, with festivals, arts, athletics and volunteer activities that connect students to Shanghai’s global environment. Accommodation ranges from university guesthouses to campus dormitories, and international students receive orientation and academic support to adapt quickly. For students focused on language mastery, international affairs, or careers in diplomacy and global business, SISU offers a specialized, internationally-minded education in one of China’s most dynamic cities.