As a young university located in Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park, one of China’s most innovative zones, ShanghaiTech offers a vibrant study and research environment for students all over the world. Every summer, ShanghaiTech provides a unique research opportunity for a small number of undergraduates from partner institutions, organized and coordinated by the Office of International Affairs (OIA).
This is a non-credit and tuition-free program for international students who seek to perform summer research in a different cultural setting under the guidance of our professors, most of whom have international education and work experience. You can choose a lab that aligns with your research interest. Once accepted, you will have the chance to do experiments on world-class research facilities and national science platforms that are not easily accessible to students outside ShanghaiTech. In addition to a complimentary cultural tour, the OIA will organize a visit to startup companies in Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park for 2026 Summer Lab participants. This visit will offer students an immersive experience in Shanghai’s vibrant innovation and entrepreneurship community.
The following is the information about the 2026 Summer Lab Program.
Duration
Minimum stay: 6 weeks; maximum stay: 8 weeks
The program starts on June 29 (Monday), 2026.
Eligibility
- Be a current undergraduate student enrolled at one of the ShanghaiTech partner institutions or institution by invitation.
- Have completed at least one academic year at home university
- Have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher (4.0 scale)
- Good English communication skills (Chinese language is plus but not a must)
How to Apply
Identify a lab of your interest, fill in the International Visiting Student Application Form, and submit the form and the following documents to the coordinator at your home university:
1. Resume
2. Statement of Purpose (Please specify your research orientation and detailed plan)
The coordinator will then send the application materials to ShanghaiTech.
- You may be approached for a virtual interview if the ShanghaiTech professor deems it necessary.
- If admitted, you will receive an acceptance letter via email. Please confirm if you will accept the offer before the stipulated date.
- An official invitation letter for visa application will be sent after you confirm your acceptance.
Application deadline: April 30, 2026
Visa
All participating students are required to apply for a student visa from the Chinese consulate in their home country. Students who study in China for less than 180 days will usually be given a single-entry X2 visa.
Insurance
According to the regulations issued by the Chinese Ministry of Education, international students are required to purchase the mandatory Comprehensive Insurance & Protection Scheme for Foreigners Staying in China before entering the university. The Office of International Affairs will inform students of the detailed information.
Fees
Tuition and registration fees are WAIVED for students from partner institutions and institutions by invitation.
- The Summber Lab Program does not provide accommodation on campus. Students are expected to seek short-term housing off-campus while in Shanghai.
- Participants should begin looking for accommodations soon after receiving the acceptance letter, as summer housing fills up quickly.
- For reference, the monthly rent for a single room (approx. 30-40 square meters) near campus is about $500-600.
Housing near ShanghaiTech University (for reference only):
- Shengda Youth Apartment (盛大青春里), 288 Shengrong Road, Pudong
- Port Apartment (泊寓), No. 31, 167 Baiye Road, Pudong
*Beware of internet housing scams
Never wire money or provide sensitive personal information to someone you don’t know on the internet before you view the apartment or room. When using the internet to research housing options, always make sure that the person renting out the apartment or room is the owner or the property manager. If you cannot view the apartment or room in person, make sure to arrange a live virtual viewing with the owner or property manager.
You can contact OIA by email before signing a lease agreement or wiring money, and the office will be glad to assist you with any questions you may have.
On-Campus Dining
Three university dining halls serve 3 meals a day, with options for Chinese and western food. Meals can be purchased using rechargeable campus card.
Cancellation and Refund
Should you decide to withdraw from the 2026 ShanghaiTech Summer Lab Program, please inform the coordinator at your home university and the OIA program coordinatior before May 30, 2026.
Cultural Tour
The OIA organizes a free cultural tour in the city or nearby. All program participants are welcome to join.
Certificate of Completion
Participating students who successfully complete summer research will be given a certificate of completion from ShanghaiTech University.
OIA Coordinator
Ms. QIAN Lele, qianll@shanghaitech.edu.cn
Opening positions for the Summer Lab Program can be found HERE.
Check out our press releases:
- ShanghaiTech University hosts 2025 Summer Lab Program for International Students
- ShanghaiTech hosts 2024 Summer Lab for International Students