Looking for answers on international admissions?
International Students Office has gathered the top FAQs, complete with the original, unedited English questions and our official solutions.
Scroll down and find your answers now!
01-1
Can I submit my undergraduate program application online before I receive my official CSCA score report?
Yes, you can initiate your online application before receiving your official CSCA score report.
For undergraduate program applicants, it is mandatory to submit a China Scholastic Competency Assessment (CSCA) Test Report, which typically covers subjects such as Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Humanities Chinese or STEM Chinese.
Special Note: Applicants may initially fill in their personal information on the online platform and upload a “CSCA registration confirmation/screenshot” as a placeholder. However, an official CSCA score report must be submitted no later than June 10. Failure to do so will result in the application not advancing to the review stage.
01-2
Should I sit for the math and physics test if I opt for German from UG?
Hi，
For Liberal Arts Majors, Mathematics is listed as a compulsory exam subject for application purposes, even if it has minimal presence in the actual curriculum.
Physics and Chemistry are not required either in the curriculum or for admission for Liberal Arts programs.
Therefore, although the German major does not include mathematics courses in its academic program, you are still required to take the Mathematics test as part of the application process. The Physics test is not required.
02
If I am interested in artificial intelligence and big data, what are some possible master's degree programs I could consider?
If you are interested in artificial intelligence and big data, here are some relevant master's degree programs at University of Shanghai for Science and Technology (USST) that you could consider:
03
I’m planning to move to China to study the language before applying for a scholarship for an undergraduate program. I have a deep passion for languages.
That's wonderful to hear about your passion for languages and your plan to study in China! Here is some important information to help guide your journey:
Chinese Language Preparatory Program
You can apply for a Chinese Language Preparatory Program at University of Shanghai for Science and Technology (USST) to improve your language skills before applying for an undergraduate degree. This program is designed for international students who plan to pursue academic studies in Chinese-taught programs.
Application Periods:
Autumn Semester: April 1 to June 15
Spring Semester: October 1 to December 30
Program Duration: Each semester lasts from February–June (spring) or September–January (autumn).
Objective: To enhance your Chinese language proficiency and cultural understanding to meet the requirements for entering higher education institutions in China.
More Information: You can find details here:
https://sc.usst.edu.cn/11248/list.htm
Please note that the Chinese language preparatory program is self-funded and not covered by any scholarship, including the Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) or Shanghai Government Scholarship (SGS). You will need to cover tuition and living expenses independently during this period.
Pathway to Undergraduate Studies with Scholarship
After completing the language program, you should aim to achieve HSK Level 4 certification (with a score of 180 or above). Once you have this qualification, you can use it to apply for scholarship-funded undergraduate programs.
For undergraduate programs taught in Chinese:
All courses at USST’s Jungong Road Campus are conducted in Chinese, so HSK-4 is a mandatory requirement.
To graduate, you must reach HSK Level 5; otherwise, your degree certificate will be withheld.
To apply for scholarships such as the Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC-A), you must submit your application through the dispatching authority in your home country (e.g., the Chinese Embassy or Consulate). USST can provide a Pre-admission Letter to support your scholarship application.
Tips for Success:
Start preparing early for the HSK exams.
Take advantage of immersive language practice while living in China.
Maintain strong academic records if you're currently studying.
Reach out to USST’s International Students Office for guidance on future applications.
We welcome passionate learners like you and look forward to supporting your educational goals!
04
-Whether your university offers a March or Spring 2026 intake for international undergraduate students;
-Which programs or majors are available for that intake (if any); and
-The application requirements and deadlines for international applicants.
University of Shanghai for Science and Technology (USST) does not offer a March or Spring 2026 intake for international undergraduate students.
The university only offers an annual intake in September (Fall semester) for all degree programs, including undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral levels.
As such:
There is no Spring 2026 intake available.
Therefore, no majors or programs are offered for a March/Spring entry.
The application cycle is designed around the September intake, with applications typically opening in January and closing around June 10th of the admission year.
Application Requirements for International Undergraduate Programs (2026 Intake – September Entry)
l Note on Majors: All undergraduate programs at Jungong Road Campus are taught in Chinese, except those offered by the Sino-British College (SBC) at Fuxing Road Campus, which are delivered in English. However, SBC programs are part of cooperative education projects and are NOT eligible for CSC or SGS scholarships.
l Important Update for 2026: The International Economics and Trade undergraduate program will be suspended for the 2026 intake and will not be available for selection.
Application Deadline
Deadline for 2026 September Intake: Expected to be June 10, 2026
Applications must be submitted online via:
USST International Student Service Platform:
https://usst.at0086.cn/Student
Or CSC Application Portal (for scholarship applicants):
Applicants are strongly advised to prepare documents early and initiate the CSCSE degree verification process (if applicable) at least 4 weeks before submission, as it takes a minimum of 20 working days.
05
I would like to ask whether your university accepts the Duolingo English Test (DET) as proof of English proficiency.
Could you please confirm if the DET is accepted for admission, and if so, what is the minimum required score?
The University of Shanghai for Science and Technology (USST) has specific policies regarding the acceptance of the Duolingo English Test (DET).
General Policy:
For degree programs at the Jungong Road Campus (Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D.), USST does NOT accept the Duolingo English Test (DET) as proof of English proficiency.
The officially accepted English language tests are:
IELTS (International English Language Testing System): Minimum overall band score of 6.0
TOEFL iBT: Minimum total score of 80
Exception – Sino-British College (SBC):
The only exception is for applicants to the Sino-British College (SBC) located at the Fuxing Road Campus, which offers single-degree or dual-degree programs in English.
These requirements apply only to SBC programs and are not valid for other undergraduate or postgraduate programs at the main campus.
06
For the past two years, I have been studying at UWC Changshu China (UWC CSC), where I am completing the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme. I am writing to express my strong interest in pursuing a bachelors degree in computer science and technology. I have been actively studying Mandarin Chinese throughout my time here, which has brought me to my current HSK level 3.
Could you please provide me with information on the following?
1）. The application process and requirements for the one-year Chinese Language Program.
2）. The specific procedure and requirements for transitioning from the language program to the bachelor’s degree in computer science after obtaining a sufficient HSK certificate.
Thank you for your interest in the University of Shanghai for Science and Technology (USST) and for sharing your academic background from UWC Changshu China.
Below is detailed information tailored to your situation as an International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma candidate with HSK Level 3 proficiency who wishes to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and Technology.
1）Application Process and Requirements for the One-Year Chinese Language Program
The Chinese Language Preparatory Program at USST is designed for international students aiming to improve their Mandarin skills before entering a full-time undergraduate program taught in Chinese.
✅ Key Information:
Item | Details |
Program Type | Non-degree, full-time language training |
Duration | One academic year (September – June), or semester-based options |
Intake Periods | - Autumn Semester: September intake (application deadline: June 15) |
Language of Instruction | Chinese (all levels: beginner to advanced) |
Tuition Fee | Approximately 18,000 CNY/year (subject to change; check official website) |
u Note: This program is self-funded and does not qualify for any scholarships, including CSC or SGS.
u More details: https://sc.usst.edu.cn
u Contact: scie@usst.edu.cn
u Phone: +86-21-55271930
2）Procedure and Requirements for Transitioning to the Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science and Technology
After completing the language program and achieving the required HSK level, you may apply for admission into the Bachelor of Computer Science and Technology program.
✅ Step-by-Step Pathway:
u Step 1: Achieve Required HSK Level
You must reach HSK Level 4 (score of 180 or above) to be eligible for undergraduate admission.
Since you are currently at HSK 3, the one-year language program will help you progress to this level.
u Step 2: Apply for Undergraduate Admission
You can apply through one of two pathways:
Option | Description |
Shanghai Government Scholarship (SGS) | Apply directly via USST portal. Requires HSK-4. Covers tuition, accommodation, insurance, and monthly stipend. |
Self-Funded Admission | No scholarship; pay full tuition (~30,000 CNY/year). Still requires HSK-4. |
！Important: There is no direct internal transfer from the language program to the degree program. You must submit a formal application and meet all standard admission requirements.
u Step 3: Take the CSCA Entrance Exam
All applicants to undergraduate programs must take the China Scholastic Competency Assessment (CSCA) exam, which includes:
Mathematics
STEM Chiese (for science & engineering majors)
Fundamental Sciences (Physics recommended)
This test evaluates your academic readiness for university-level study in China.
Learn more about CSCA: http://www.campuschina.org
u Step 4: Complete Degree Requirements
Once admitted, you will need to fulfill the following during your studies:
Ø Maintain good academic standing
Ø Pass HSK 5 before graduation (mandatory for degree conferral)
Ø Complete all required courses in the Computer Science and Technology curriculum
About the Major – Computer Science and Technology (1208)
Taught enirely in Chinese
Duration: 4 years
Total credits: 158
Core subjects include: Programming, Data Structures, Algorithms, AI, Big Data, Software Engineering, Networking
Graduates receive a Bachelor of Engineering degree
Math & Science Foundation:
Math courses: 5 (including Calculus, Linear Algebra, Probability)
Physics courses: 2 (University Physics I & II)
Chemistry: Not required
Recommendation for You
Given your strong academic background (IB Diploma Programme) and existing HSK 3 level:
Enroll in the one-year Chinese Language Program at USST starting in September 2026.
Focus on advancing to HSK 4 by mid-2027, then apply for the Bachelor's program in Computer Science and Technology for the 2027–2028 academic year.
Prepare for the CSCA exam in mathematics and STEM subjects.
With consistent effort, you can successfully transition into a top-tier engineering program in China.
07
For undergraduate admission in Computer Science, is there any entrance exam requirement for international students in the 2026 intake?
Yes, for undergraduate admission to the Computer Science and Technology program at the University of Shanghai for Science and Technology (USST) in the 2026 intake, there is a mandatory entrance examination requirement for all international applicants.
This requirement applies regardless of whether you are applying with an IB diploma, A-levels, or any other high school qualification.
✅ Required Entrance Exam:
China Scholastic Competency Assessment (CSCA)
The CSCA is a standardized academic proficiency test developed by China’s National Scholarship Council and is mandatory for all international students applying to undergraduate programs at USST.
Subjects Required for Computer Science and Technology:
ØThe CSCA assesses both language ability and academic foundation in core subjects.
ØAll exams are multiple-choice and scored on a 100-point scale per subject.
ØTest dates: Available globally in January, March, April, June, and December. Plan accordingly.
ØOfficial CSCA Website: https://csca.cn/home
l Why Is This Test Mandatory?
` It serves as a unified academic benchmark for international applicants.
` Results are used for admission decisions and may be considered during scholarship evaluations.
Even if you have strong IB/A-level scores, the CSCA result is still required.
❗Note: There is no English-medium undergraduate program in Computer Science and Technology at the main campus. Only the Sino-British College (SBC) offers English-taught degrees, but they do not include Computer Science.
✅ Next Steps:
.Register for the CSCA exam at https://csca.cn/home
.Prepare for Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and STEM Chinese
.Ensure your HSK-4 certificate (≥180 points) is valid
.Submit your application via:
USST Portal: https://usst.at0086.cn/Student
Or CSC Portal (for scholarship applicants): www.campuschina.org
For program details: International Student Undergraduate Major List
08
1. Could you please share the list of English-taught Master’s programs available for international students under the SGS scheme?
2. I would also like to confirm the language requirements:
3. Are there any HSK requirements for English-taught programs?
4. What are the English proficiency requirements?
5. Can I apply using an English Proficiency Certificate issued by my previous university (as my last degree was taught in English)?
Thank you for your inquiry. Below is the official information regarding English-taught Master’s programs at the University of Shanghai for Science and Technology (USST), eligibility under the Shanghai Government Scholarship (SGS), and language requirements.
✅ 1) List of English-Taught Master's Programs Eligible for SGS
The following Master’s programs are offered in English medium and are eligible for application under the Shanghai Government Scholarship (SGS) scheme.
l Source: https://isoe.usst.edu.cn/9785/list.htm
l Note: While these majors are listed as potentially available in English based on institutional capability and supervisor support, applicants must confirm availability through an official Supervisor Acceptance Letter indicating English instruction.
Student Category | School Name | Discipline-Program Code | Major (First-Level Discipline) | Research Direction | Language of Instruction | Duration (Years) | Tuition (CNY/Year) |
Master | Optical-Electrical and Computer Engineering | 83500 | Software Engineering | 01(FT) Distributed Computing and Parallel Information Processing | English | 3 | 35,000 |
Master | Health Science and Engineering | 83200 | Food Science and Engineering | 01(FT) Food Quality and Safety | English | 3 | 35,000 |
Master | Health Science and Engineering | 83100 | Biomedical Engineering | 01(FT) Medical Electronics and Information Engineering | English | 3 | 35,000 |
Master | Energy and Power Engineering | 80700 | Power Engineering and Engineering Thermophysics | 01(FT) Engineering Thermophysics | English (subject to supervisor approval) | 3 | 35,000 |
Master | Marxism & Sino-German College | 30500 | Marxist Theory | 01(FT) Basic Principles of Marxism | English (subject to supervisor approval) | 3 | 30,000 |
❗ Important Note on SGS Application:
The SGS scholarship covers full tuition, accommodation, medical insurance, and a monthly stipend.
You can apply via the USST Application Portal: https://usst.at0086.cn/Student
Application period for SGS Full-Ride: February to early April annually
✅ 2) Language Requirements for English-Taught Programs
l A. Chinese Language (HSK) Requirement
Yes, there is a mandatory HSK requirement, even for students enrolled in English-taught degree programs.
If you fail to meet this requirement, your degree certificate will not be issued, although you may still receive a completion certificate.
l Official Regulation:
International students in English-medium programs must possess professional work capability in English and reach at least HSK Level 3 in Chinese by graduation.
— USST Regulations on International Student Academic Management
l B. English Proficiency Requirement
Applicants must provide one of the following officially recognized test results:
❌ Duolingo English Test (DET) is not accepted for Master’s program admission at USST (except for Sino-British College programs).
l C. Can You Use an English-Medium Instruction Certificate from Your Previous University?
✅ Yes, you can use an official English Medium of Instruction (EMI) certificate issued by your previous university as an alternative to IELTS/TOEFL, provided that:
The certificate is officially issued and sealed by the academic registrar or international office;
It clearly states:
“The program was fully taught and assessed in the English language.”
It is submitted together with your transcript and degree certificate;
It is in English or accompanied by a notarized English translation.
This option is acceptable for both application and scholarship review purposes.
09
Could you list the supervisors focusing on blockchain technology and the contacts information as well?
Hi, the following supervisor at University of Shanghai for Science and Technology (USST) is actively engaged in research related to blockchain technology:
1. Professor Junxiang Li
Affiliation: Business School
Title: Professor, Doctoral Supervisor, Master’s Supervisor
Research Areas:
Supply Chain Management
Blockchain Applications
Smart Grids and Energy Systems
Operations Management
Quality and Reliability Engineering
Representative Publications on Blockchain:
[13] Junxiang Li*, Xuan Liu, Ru Wang, Deqiang Qu, Xi Wang. Differentiated Real-time Pricing Strategy for Maximizing Social Welfare Based on Blockchain technology. Computational Economics, 2024. (SCI & SSCI)
[18] Deqian Qu, Junxiang Li*, Yonglin Shang, Dan Wu, Zisen Fang. A novel convergent filled function algorithm for multi-dimensional global optimization. Optimization, 2023. (Related to blockchain-based optimization methods)
Research Projects Involving Blockchain:
Blockchain technology and its application in supply chain and energy fields — Ministry of Education Industry-University Cooperation Project (2023–2024)
Intelligent monitoring of service levels in call centers based on big data — National Natural Science Foundation of China (2016–2019)
Email:
junxiangli1971@163.com (primary)
lijx@usst.edu.cn
Office: Room A819
For official details: https://isoe.usst.edu.cn/9788/list.htm
________________________________________
2. Dr. Usharani Hareesh Govindarajan
Affiliation: Business School
Title: Lecturer, Master’s Supervisor
Research Areas:
Digital Transformation
Blockchain Technologies in Healthcare
Intellectual Property Analysis
Industrial 4.0
Intelligent Supply Chain
Representative Work on Blockchain:
Blockchain Technologies in Health Care: Emerging Trends, Adoption Barriers, and Clinical Use-Cases (Book Chapter, CRC Press, 2022)
Participated in national-level projects on intelligent digital supply chain orchestration using blockchain
Email: Hareesh.pillai@usst.edu.cn
Office: Room A315
