Do you dream of spending a semester abroad at one of Asia’s most prestigious universities, right in the heart of one of the world’s most exciting megacities? Then Fudan University in Shanghai is the perfect place for you. Here, you’ll combine academic excellence with global flair and vibrant city life, study at one of China’s few double-accredited elite universities, and build an international network that will stay with you throughout your entire career. Your semester abroad in Shanghai is more than just a line on your resume—it’s an experience that will change your perspective forever.
Founded in 1905 and now ranked among the top 50 universities worldwide, Fudan University is one of Asia’s leading universities and a symbol of academic excellence in China. Its name is derived from a classical Chinese text and roughly translates to “The light of heaven shines, day after day.” This philosophy of enduring excellence continues to shape the university to this day. What began in 1905 as a small college in Shanghai has long since grown into a global research and teaching institution with an international reputation. Alongside Peking University and Tsinghua University, Fudan University is one of the so-called “C9 Universities”—China’s most prestigious group of universities, the equivalent of the Ivy League.
The School of Management, which is particularly relevant to MBS students, was (re)established in 1985 as part of China’s reform and opening-up policy and has since developed into one of Asia’s leading business schools. It is one of the few universities in China to hold both AACSB and EQUIS accreditation—a mark of quality held by only about five percent of all business schools worldwide. The curriculum combines academic depth with a strong practical focus: case studies from the Chinese and international market environments, close collaborations with global players, and a wide range of English-language courses make the School of Management the ideal place for international exchange students.
Fudan University has a strong international focus: approximately 7,000 international students from over 170 countries are enrolled, and the university maintains partnerships with more than 200 universities worldwide. At the same time, it is a hub of innovation with a robust research infrastructure—spanning the natural sciences and engineering to medicine, economics, and the social sciences. Students here don’t just learn in lecture halls; they experience China’s rapid economic and social transformation firsthand—a perspective that is invaluable in a world increasingly shaped by China.
MBS students enrolled in the following master’s programs can spend a semester abroad at Fudan University: Master in Finance, Master Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Master International Business as well as Master International Marketing and Brand Management.
Anyone who steps onto Fudan University’s Handan Campus immediately senses that this is a place where history meets the present, and tradition meets innovation. The main campus in the Yangpu district is the oldest and largest of Fudan’s four campuses in Shanghai. Spacious green spaces, historic buildings dating back to the university’s founding, and modern research facilities come together in perfect harmony. The heart of the campus is the so-called Guanghua Tower—a striking building that has become a symbol of the university. Surrounding it are libraries housing millions of volumes, modern laboratories, study rooms, and a well-developed sports and recreational infrastructure featuring athletic fields, fitness centers, and student clubs of all kinds.
The School of Management is located on the Jiangwan Campus—a modern campus in northern Shanghai that opened in 2015 and features contemporary architecture, spacious seminar rooms, a business lab, and direct connections to Shanghai’s business community. Both campuses are easily accessible via the Shanghai Metro.
International student life on campus is vibrant: hundreds of student organizations, cultural events, sports teams, and regular networking events ensure that, alongside your studies, your social life is never neglected. If you want to experience the pulse of the city after class, all you have to do is take the metro—Shanghai’s downtown is just a few minutes away.
Shanghai never sleeps—and anyone who has ever lived in this city understands why it captivates so many. With a population of around 25 million, Shanghai is one of the world’s largest metropolises and the economic heart of China. The city fascinatingly combines the colonial heritage of old Shanghai—evident in the magnificent Art Deco buildings along the Bund or in the narrow alleys of the French Concession—with the futuristic spectacle of Pudong’s skyline and its iconic silhouette of skyscrapers. Hardly any other city in the world exudes such electrifying energy.
For students, Shanghai is a paradise: A seemingly endless array of restaurants serving cuisines from around the world, a vibrant art, music, and club scene, numerous museums, parks, and markets, as well as excellent shopping options ranging from local to international. Add to that a well-developed metro system with over 20 lines that connects every corner of the city. For those who want to travel: Shanghai’s international airport connects you to the rest of Asia and the world—Beijing, Tokyo, Seoul, Bangkok, and Singapore are just a few hours’ flight away.
The cost of living in Shanghai is lower than in major Western European cities. Eating at local restaurants is inexpensive, public transportation is affordable, and shopping can be either very cheap or very expensive, depending on your preferences. If you embrace the local cuisine and culture, you can get by just fine on a moderate budget.
On-campus housing is available for exchange students at Fudan University. The rooms are simple but functional, and living on campus makes it much easier to settle in—both in terms of getting to know other international students and managing daily life in a city that may still feel unfamiliar at first. Those who prefer private housing will find shared rooms and studios in the surrounding districts of Yangpu and Wujiaochang at prices comparable to or slightly lower than those in downtown Shanghai.
One thing is certain: Anyone who spends a semester in Shanghai will return home with a worldview that no textbook can replace.
Munich Business School (MBS) offers you the opportunity to combine a master’s degree in Munich with a semester abroad at Fudan University in Shanghai—all within a single program! You can complete your semester abroad at Fudan University as part of the master’s programs in Finance, International Business, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and International Marketing and Brand Management at MBS. Learn more about our programs today!
Note: Although we take great care to maintain the accuracy of our content, specific details regarding study abroad semesters may occasionally change. For definitive and up-to-date information, we recommend checking our partner university database.
Have you found a degree program that interests you? If so, you can easily apply through the MBS application portal. Provided you meet the necessary academic and language requirements, you will then be invited to a selection interview. We recommend applying early to give yourself the best chance of being accepted to both Munich Business School and Fudan University!
Once your application to Munich Business School has been accepted and you have successfully enrolled in a master’s program, your time as a student in Munich begins. During your first semesters at Munich Business School, you will acquire essential business fundamentals, choose your concentration and electives based on your program and interests, and collaborate with your fellow students on exciting projects.
Your first semesters at Munich Business School are the perfect time to start planning your semester abroad at Fudan University. In the Master’s program, the semester abroad is scheduled for the third semester. The MBS International Center is here to help you plan your semester abroad at Fudan University and answer any questions you may have about course selection, housing, and student life.
Now that you’ve successfully completed your first semesters at Munich Business School and finalized your plans for your semester abroad at Fudan University, it’s finally time to get started. Yay, your semester abroad in Shanghai is about to begin! Immerse yourself in the new university and city culture, make new friends, soak up everything around you, try new things, and create memories that will last a lifetime! One thing is certain: the experience of studying abroad in China will stay with you forever, and you’ll return a changed person. After your semester abroad, you’ll complete your studies with your master’s thesis at Munich Business School.
To qualify for a business degree program at Munich Business School—and thus also at Fudan University—you must meet certain academic and language requirements. MBS offers several application rounds. We recommend applying early, as the number of available spots is limited.
A semester abroad at Fudan University in Shanghai is an extraordinary opportunity—but it’s also a big step that requires careful preparation. At the same time, studying abroad in China raises many practical questions, from the language of instruction to the cost of living. To help you get the best possible start, here are answers to the most frequently asked questions about studying at Fudan University.
Fudan University is one of Asia’s most prestigious universities and consistently ranks among the top 50 in global rankings. As a member of the “C9 Universities”—China’s equivalent of the Ivy League—it enjoys the highest recognition in both the academic world and the business community. The School of Management is also AACSB- and EQUIS-accredited, placing it among the elite of international business schools. A semester abroad at Fudan University is therefore not only a formative experience but also an internationally recognized achievement on your resume.
Yes—the School of Management offers a wide range of courses taught in English, particularly for international exchange students. Knowledge of Chinese is not a prerequisite for a successful semester abroad, although it certainly enriches the experience of living in Shanghai. Many students use this time to acquire a basic knowledge of Mandarin—a clear competitive advantage in the global job market.
As an MBS exchange student, you won’t have to pay any additional tuition fees at Fudan University—you’ll continue to pay only your MBS fees. The cost of living in Shanghai is moderate: on-campus housing is inexpensive, local food is affordable, and public transportation costs just a few cents per ride. Of course, if you regularly visit Western restaurants, bars, and boutiques, you may spend more. With a monthly budget of €700–1,000, you can live very comfortably in Shanghai—significantly less than in many Western European cities.
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