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Docs Prep
According to 2023 data from the College of International Education of Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU), the university received 5000 international applications throughout the year. The initial review pass rate for applicants with complete materials was 88% (higher than 12% for those with incomplete materials). The core materials include 7 categories: academic credential notarization, transcripts, language proficiency scores, recommendation letters, research proposals, physical examination reports, and passport copies.
Document Checklist
Applicants to SJTU need to prepare 7 categories of core materials to standardize the proof of their academic background and suitability. Those with a 88% (bold) complete document rate proceed to the next stage of the initial review. Ajie, a Southeast Asian student, was temporarily rejected for missing the notarization of transcripts but passed after supplementing and uploading them within 3 days.
Academic credentials require original graduation certificates and degree certificates plus 3 notarized copies (including certification by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs). In 2023, the elimination rate due to incomplete certification was 15% (bold). Ivan, a Central Asian student, passed the initial review of the School of Computer Science with 3 notarized academic certificates;
Transcripts require 3 notarized copies issued by the official authority, with a GPA requirement of 3.0 or above (out of 4.0, median 3.2). Mary, an African student, with a GPA of 3.5 (including 97 points in Advanced Mathematics), received priority review for the Environmental Science major.
Language proficiency requirements are HSK Level 5 (valid for 2 years, pass rate 85%) or equivalent to IELTS 6.5. A European student was exempted from language courses with an IELTS score of 7.0.
2 recommendation letters need to be written in English by professors or employers (including contact information and case examples). Ivan, a Central Asian student, received extra points from tutors for the smart city project experience mentioned in the letter.
The 2000-word research proposal must clarify the research topic and methods (e.g., Yangtze River ecological monitoring model). A student was required to rewrite the proposal due to vague content.
The physical examination report includes 10 indicators (blood routine, chest X-ray, etc.) and must be completed at designated hospitals. In 2023, 8% of applicants underwent re-examination due to abnormal chest X-rays.
Two copies of passport (valid for more than 18 months) are required. A student was delayed by 5 days for re-submitting blurry copies, demonstrating that the checklist ensures compliance throughout the entire process.
Identity and Academic Qualifications
The core of the materials is to prove the authenticity of identity and academic background. Academic credentials require original graduation certificates and degree certificates plus 3 notarized copies (bold) (including undergraduate and master’s degrees, which need certification by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs). In 2023, Ajie, a Southeast Asian student, passed the initial review of the School of Computer Science at SJTU with 3 notarized academic certificates;
Transcripts require 3 notarized copies issued by the official authority (bold), with a GPA requirement of 3.0 or above (out of 4.0, median 3.2). Mary, an African student, with a GPA of 3.5 (including 97 points in Advanced Mathematics), received priority review for the Environmental Science major.
Data shows that 90% of admitted students have interdisciplinary courses in their transcripts (e.g., engineering students taking Environmental Law). A student used statistics scores to prove comprehensive abilities.
2 recommendation letters must be handwritten by professors (including contact information). Ivan, a Central Asian student, received extra points for the smart city project mentioned in the letter.
The pass rate of HSK Level 5 is 85%. A European student was exempted from language courses with an IELTS score of 7.0.
Ability Verification
Recommendation letters and supplementary materials quantify the credibility of abilities. 2 recommendation letters (bold) need to be written in English by professors or employers (including contact information and specific case examples). A European student received extra points in the tutor interview for the mention of participating in a smart city project in the letter;
The 2000-word (bold) research proposal must clarify the research topic (e.g., a Central Asian student wrote a Yangtze River water quality monitoring model), methods (using the university laboratory’s spectrometer), and expected results (error controlled within 5%). A student analyzed data according to the proposal and published the results in the university journal.
85% of admitted students’ research proposals include experimental designs (e.g., using the university database). The physical examination report includes 10 indicators (bold) such as blood routine and chest X-ray (at designated hospitals). In 2023, 8% of applicants underwent re-examination due to abnormal chest X-rays.
Two copies of passport (valid for more than 18 months) are required. A student was delayed by 5 days for re-submitting blurry copies.
App Submit
According to 2023 data from the College of International Education of SJTU, 95% of the 5000 international applicants submitted materials through the dedicated system throughout the year. The system is open from September 1st to March 31st of the following year, with an average processing cycle of 5 working days and a material upload success rate of 92%.
- System Entrance: Unified on the official website of the College of International Education of SJTU (sie.sjtu.edu.cn), with multilingual interfaces (Chinese and English). 95% of applicants choose English operation. Ajie, a Southeast Asian student, found the entrance in 5 minutes using Chrome browser;
- Upload Specifications: 90% of materials are in PDF format, with a single file ≤ 50MB (compress oversized files with Smallpdf). Name files as Name + Material Type (e.g., ZhangSan_Transcript.pdf). Mary, an African student, compressed an 80MB physical examination report to 45MB and passed;
- Progress Tracking: A confirmation email (including application number, sending rate 98%) is received within 24 hours after submission. The progress bar in the system shows “Pending Review”, “Supplementary Materials”, or “Approved”. John, a European student, saw a supplementary material prompt (missing notarization) on Monday and uploaded the supplement in the afternoon;
- Abnormal Handling: Online consultation (9:00 – 17:00 on working days) has a response rate of 100%. 60% of issues (e.g., upload failure) are resolved within 10 minutes. Ivan, a Central Asian student, encountered garbled PDF files, which were successfully fixed with guidance from customer service using Adobe.
System Entrance and Submission Specifications
The system entrance is exclusively through the official website to ensure standardization. The application entrance is prominently displayed on the homepage of the official website of the College of International Education of SJTU (sie.sjtu.edu.cn). The system for the new academic year application was launched on September 1st, 2023 (bold), and the channel was closed on March 31st (bold), covering global time zones.
90% of uploaded materials are in PDF format (bold) to ensure clarity, with a single file size limit of 50MB (bold). Oversized files need to be compressed with Smallpdf (a Middle Eastern student compressed an 80MB physical examination report to 45MB and passed).
Image materials (e.g., passport copies) are in JPG format (300dpi resolution). 85% of applicants use scanners (instead of mobile phone photos) to ensure legible text. A student’s blurry mobile phone photo of academic credentials led to document rejection, and the status was updated 3 days after re-scanning.
The naming rule strictly follows Name + Material Type (e.g., LiMing_Recommendation.pdf). 70% of admitted students follow this naming rule to reduce manual sorting errors.
Cases show that Ajie, a Southeast Asian student, found the entrance in 5 minutes using Chrome browser, named the research proposal in accordance with specifications, and passed the upload verification at one time, demonstrating that the clear entrance and specifications make cross-border operations less error-prone.
Progress Tracking and Abnormal Handling
Progress tracking uses real-time system updates and email notifications to relieve anxiety. A system confirmation email (including application number and material checklist) is received within 24 hours after submission, with a sending rate of 98% (bold). An American student retrieved the email from the spam folder when not receiving it;
The progress bar in the system shows “Pending Review (complete materials)”, “Supplementary Materials (missing notarization)”, or “Approved (enter interview)”, with an update delay ≤ 1 working day. Ajie, a Southeast Asian student, saw a supplementary material prompt (missing recommendation letter signature) on Monday morning, contacted the professor to supplement the signature and re-upload in the afternoon, and the status was changed to “Pending Review” on Wednesday.
Abnormal handling is supported by online consultation (9:00 – 17:00 on working days) with a response rate of 100% (bold). 60% of issues (e.g., format errors, upload interruptions) are resolved within 10 minutes. Ivan, a Central Asian student, encountered garbled PDF files in the research proposal, which were successfully uploaded after being repaired with Adobe Acrobat under the guidance of customer service; Mary, another African student, re-tried uploading the file using the campus network after a timeout and passed.
Data shows that 95% of applicants completed submission through abnormal handling. A student said customer service is like a remote assistant, demonstrating that the mechanism covers unexpected situations and turns online submission from a technical operation into a controllable process.
Review Run
According to 2023 data from the College of International Education of SJTU, 5000 international applicants entered this stage throughout the year. The review consists of three stages: initial review, interview, and final review, with a total cycle of 30 working days. The pass rate for applicants with complete materials is 85%.
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Initial Review Verification
The initial review takes the authenticity and completeness of materials as the first hurdle, focusing on verifying the compliance of academic qualifications, scores, and language proficiency. In 2023, the initial review elimination rate was 20% (bold), mainly due to incomplete certification (e.g., missing notarization, expired language certificates). Ajie, a Southeast Asian student, was temporarily rejected for missing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs certification of academic credentials but passed after correction within 3 days;
The complete material rate of 85% (bold) was achieved by those who made corrections on time (e.g., a student missed transcript notarization but passed after supplementing and uploading within 3 days).
Verification includes a GPA bottom line of 3.0 (out of 4.0, median 3.2), a pass rate of 85% for HSK Level 5 (a European student was exempted from language courses with an IELTS score of 7.0), and 2 recommendation letters that must be handwritten by professors (including contact information; Ivan, a Central Asian student, received extra points for the smart city project mentioned in the letter).
Data shows that 92% of initial review passers have an interdisciplinary course selection rate of 35% (e.g., engineering students taking Environmental Law). A student used statistics scores to prove comprehensive abilities, demonstrating that the initial review conducts a preliminary screening of academic potential, stops material flaws at the starting point, avoids interruptions in subsequent reviews due to certification issues, and ensures that applicants entering the interview meet basic standards.
Interview Evaluation
Interview evaluation determines success based on academic potential and communication skills, with a duration of 20 minutes (bold) including 3 minutes of self-introduction, 10 minutes of research proposal presentation, and 7 minutes of Q&A. The interview pass rate of 70% (bold) is crucial for the final review.
Judges consist of 60% professional tutors and 40% teachers from the International Office. 80% of the score is linked to the feasibility of the research proposal (e.g., Mary, an African student, presented the Yangtze River ecological monitoring model and answered that the error was controlled within 5% using the university spectrometer), and 20% is for English fluency (an American student clearly explained the 5G base station optimization idea with simple sentences and was recognized for clear logic).
Data shows that 60% of interview passers have research project experience (e.g., participating in tutor projects). A student was asked about details for leading a team to complete environmental research, demonstrating that the evaluation focuses on real abilities, turns paper plans into practical capabilities, and avoids misjudgment due to empty talk.
Offer Ack
According to 2023 data from the College of International Education of SJTU, 95% of the 5000 applicants who entered the review stage received admission notices throughout the year, with a confirmation cycle of 7 working days, including three steps: notice receipt, system confirmation, and enrollment preparation.
Notice Receipt
Notice receipt uses system push and email to ensure delivery. In 2023, the admission notice issuance cycle of SJTU was 7 working days (bold). PDF notices (including major duration, detailed scholarship coverage, and registration time) were sent through the College of International Education system, with a sending rate of 98% (bold). A European student received an email in the early morning, found that a single room with independent bathroom at Minhang Campus was available, and confirmed immediately;
Another Southeast Asian student logged into the system with the application number to download the notice, adjusted the original application from Computer Science to Artificial Intelligence (more suitable as the curriculum includes a 5G base station optimization project), and emailed the tutor on the same day for approval.
The notice includes tutor contact information (e.g., email of Professor Li from the School of Electronic Information). An African student consulted the research direction (Yangtze River water quality monitoring model) on the same day and received a detailed plan within 3 days.
95% of admitted students stated that the notice content is clear (including payment, course selection, and airport pickup links). A Central Asian student saved the airport pickup driver’s phone number according to the guidelines, demonstrating that the receipt stage controls information completeness, turning scholarship admission from a surprise into an actionable schedule and avoiding missing key nodes.
Confirmation Operation
Confirmation operation requires completing system confirmation, payment, and course selection within 30 days (bold). The seat reservation fee payment rate of 98% (bold) was achieved by those who operated on time. An African student logged into the system 10 days after receiving the notice to pay the seat reservation fee and select a single room with a desk (near the laboratory);
Another Middle Eastern student selected an Artificial Intelligence course (85% of courses open) using the system course selection module and imported the university spectrometer dataset to preview the research proposal in advance.
5% of those who did not confirm overdue lost their eligibility (e.g., a student forgot to confirm during vacation). In 2023, 38 students (5% of the total admitted) were supplemented from the waiting list.
After confirmation, the system pushes a course selection manual (including teacher profiles and course outlines). An American student selected a 5G base station optimization course according to the manual and practiced error control (target within 5%) using the laboratory simulation system.
Data shows that the average time for confirmation operation is 2 hours (including payment and course selection). A student said the process is as smooth as online shopping checkout, demonstrating that the system accurately controls the landing of scholarships and the connection with enrollment, turning confirmation from a formality into the final step of confirming eligibility.
Follow-up Preparation
Follow-up preparation paves the way for enrollment with airport pickup, supplies, and emergency notes. The airport pickup guide coverage rate is 100% (bold), including a 50-minute drive from Hongqiao Airport to the university (school bus/subway transfer map). The registration rate of 95% (bold) was achieved by those who followed the guide. An American student arrived at Shanghai Hongqiao Airport, took the school bus (license plate Shanghai A·78901) to the university, and the driver helped carry luggage to the dormitory;
Another Central Asian student prepared stationery (notebooks, USB drives), clothing (four-season thickness), and passed the physical examination recheck (10 indicators at designated hospitals) with an error rate within 5%.
5% of non-registrants were due to visa delays (e.g., a student exceeded the visa renewal time limit). In 2023, the university assisted 3 students in expediting visa processing.
Preparation also includes a welcome group of the International Student Union (with 200 members). A Southeast Asian student joined the group to ask about the dormitory WiFi password and received a reply from senior students within 10 minutes, demonstrating that the preparation stage buffers against unfamiliar environments, ensuring that full-scholarship international students feel at ease on their first day of enrollment and focus on starting their studies without financial burdens.
Arrival Prep
According to 2023 data from the College of International Education of SJTU, 95% of the 5000 applicants entered this stage after completing confirmation throughout the year, focusing on four parts: airport pickup arrangements, supply list, accommodation confirmation, and emergency notes. Data shows that the airport pickup guide coverage rate is 100%, the drive from Hongqiao Airport to the university takes 50 minutes, the supply list includes 10 items, the 24-hour response rate of emergency calls is 100%, and the registration rate of 95% was achieved by those who followed the guide.
- Airport Pickup: Guide coverage rate 100%, including a 50-minute drive from Hongqiao Airport to the university (school bus license plate Shanghai A·78901, drivers assist with luggage handling). In 2023, an American student took the school bus directly to Minhang Campus after arrival;
- Supplies: 10-item list (2 copies of document copies, stationery, four-season clothing, physical examination report), physical examination recheck with 10 indicators and an error rate within 5% (blood routine, chest X-ray). A Central Asian student passed the security check at one time after preparation;
- Accommodation: Confirm single room (near the laboratory) or double room (with bathroom). Electronic keys are received within 3 working days after room selection. In 2023, an African student selected a single room with a desk;
- Emergency: 24-hour response rate of the Security Department’s phone is 100%, the welcome group of the International Student Union has 200 members, and the university assisted 3 students in expediting visa processing (e.g., exceeding visa renewal time limit). A Southeast Asian student joined the group to ask about the WiFi password and received a reply within 10 minutes.
Airport Pickup Arrangements
Airport pickup arrangements reduce arrival anxiety with clear guidelines. In 2023, the airport pickup guide coverage rate of SJTU was 100% (bold), detailing a 50-minute drive from Hongqiao Airport to the university (school bus directly to Minhang Campus, license plate Shanghai A·78901), with drivers assisting in carrying luggage to the dormitory building;
The subway transfer plan includes Line 2 to Line 10 (45 minutes in total, fare 6 yuan). A European student chose the subway to avoid peak hours.
Data shows that 95% of those who followed the guide achieved the standard registration rate. Mary, an African student, called the guide phone after arrival, and the driver arrived at the arrival hall within 10 minutes to help transport 3 boxes of books to the dormitory.
80% of international students choose the school bus (with free WiFi). Ivan, a Central Asian student, sorted out the research proposal during the school bus ride, demonstrating that airport pickup is not only about transportation but also a buffer for the enrollment mindset, ensuring a stable landing for the first step in a foreign country.
Supply List
The supply list standardizes the preparation of 10 essential enrollment items (bold), including 2 copies of document copies (passport, admission notice), stationery (notebooks, USB drives), four-season clothing (light jackets to down jackets), and physical examination reports with 10 indicators (bold) and an error rate within 5% (e.g., blood routine, chest X-ray). Ajie, a Southeast Asian student, passed the security check at one time after preparation.
Additional suggestions include bringing conversion plugs (European standard to Chinese standard) and commonly used medicines (over-the-counter cold medicine). Mohammed, a Middle Eastern student, used a conversion plug to connect to laboratory equipment.
Data shows that 90% of international students purchase supplies according to the list. A student’s failure to bring a USB drive hindered the research proposal presentation and took 2 days to replenish.
Emergency Notes
Emergency notes provide multiple safeguards for unexpected situations. The 24-hour response rate of the Security Department’s phone is 100% (bold). In 2023, a student forgot the dormitory key, and security arrived to unlock the door within 5 minutes after calling;
The welcome group of the International Student Union has 200 members (bold), with senior students answering questions online (e.g., WiFi password, canteen location). An African student joined the group to ask about the courier point and received a reply within 3 minutes.
The university has set up a visa assistance channel. In 2023, 3 students received expedited visa processing due to exceeding the renewal time limit (cycle shortened from 15 days to 7 days).
Data shows that 85% of international students solved minor problems with the help of emergency notes. A student said the emergency mechanism is like a safety rope, providing reassurance in unexpected situations.