Introduction

Donghua University (DHU), located in Shanghai, is one of China’s most renowned universities, especially in the fields of fashion, textile engineering, and international business. Originally founded in 1951 as the China Textile University, it was renamed Donghua University in 1999 to reflect its broad academic offerings. Today, DHU is a national key university under the Ministry of Education and a member of China’s “Double First-Class” initiative.

With its strong international focus, Donghua University attracts over 4,700 international students annually from more than 140 countries, making it one of the top choices in China for overseas students. The university is particularly famous for programs in fashion design, textile science, business, and materials engineering, but it also offers a wide range of disciplines in arts, sciences, and management.

Location

Donghua University is located in Shanghai, China’s largest and most cosmopolitan city. Shanghai is an international hub for business, fashion, finance, and culture. It offers world-class infrastructure, a global workforce, and countless opportunities for networking, internships, and job placement.

DHU has two campuses: the Yanan Road Campus in downtown Shanghai, which houses most international programs, and the Songjiang Campus, a spacious and modern site in the university town of Songjiang District. The Yanan Road Campus is conveniently located in the city center, providing students with access to public transport, cultural landmarks, and vibrant urban life.

Programs Available

Donghua University offers a diverse range of programs for undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral degrees. It is particularly well-regarded for its engineering, design, management, and applied arts programs. Many degree programs are available in English, making them highly accessible to international students.

• Fashion & Design: Fashion Design, Textile Design, Visual Communication, Industrial Design
• Engineering & Technology: Textile Engineering, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Environmental Engineering
• Business & Economics: International Trade, Business Administration, Marketing, E-commerce
• Computer & Data Science: Information Technology, Artificial Intelligence, Software Engineering
• Languages & Culture: Chinese Language, Cross-cultural Communication, International Education

Popular English-taught programs for international students:

• Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)
• Bachelor of Fashion and Accessory Design
• Master of International Business (MIB)
• Master in Textile Engineering
• Doctor of Engineering in Materials Science

Scholarships Available

To encourage excellent international students, Donghua University offers a variety of scholarships that help cover tuition and living expenses. These scholarships are available for new applicants as well as continuing students based on merit.

• Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC): Full scholarship for master’s and PhD applicants, covering tuition, housing, insurance, and stipend
• Shanghai Government Scholarship (SGS): Offered to bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral students; includes full and partial options
• Donghua University President Scholarship: Awarded to outstanding self-funded students; renewable annually
• Confucius Institute Scholarship: Available for students pursuing Chinese language and cultural studies

Scholarship applications are reviewed based on academic transcripts, personal statements, recommendation letters, and language proficiency. Deadlines vary based on the type of scholarship.

How to Apply

International students can apply to Donghua University through our online portal. The process is streamlined and accessible, with support provided for every step — from choosing a program to visa application.

1. Step 1: Register on our website and complete your profile
2. Step 2: Choose your preferred program and indicate scholarship interest (if applicable)
3. Step 3: Upload required documents:
   • Passport copy
   • High school or university transcripts and certificates
   • Language test results (IELTS, TOEFL for English-medium; HSK for Chinese-medium)
   • Personal statement or study plan
   • Two letters of recommendation (for master’s or PhD)
   • Medical examination report
4. Step 4: Submit the application and track your progress online
5. Step 5: Receive pre-admission notice and scholarship results (if applicable)
6. Step 6: Collect official admission letter and JW202 form to apply for a student visa

Application Deadlines

• CSC Scholarship: January 1 – March 31
• Shanghai Government Scholarship: March – May (depends on level)
• Self-Financed Programs: Applications accepted until July 31 (for September intake)
• Spring Intake: Some programs allow February/March start (check availability)

We recommend applying 3–6 months in advance to increase your chances of receiving a scholarship and preparing all necessary documents.

Salient Features

• Top university in China for fashion, textile engineering, and creative arts
• Located in central Shanghai, one of the most dynamic cities in Asia
• Over 4,000 international students, creating a highly diverse academic environment
• Strong industry partnerships with fashion brands, tech companies, and research institutes
• Modern and internationalized campus with dedicated support offices for foreign students
• Frequent workshops, internships, competitions, and exhibitions for design and business students
• Affordable tuition and access to both full and partial scholarships
• Career development services, cultural exchange programs, and Chinese language learning opportunities