Student Guide: Living in Shanghai
Shanghai is China's most cosmopolitan city and financial center, offering the best career prospects for international graduates. It's the most expensive city for students but provides an unmatched international lifestyle and networking opportunities.
Key Highlights
- China's most international city
- Strong job market for graduates (finance, tech, trade)
- Vibrant nightlife and cultural scene
- Many international restaurants and services
Cost of Living
| Monthly Expense | Min | Average | Max |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent | $400 | $600 | $1000 |
| Food | $180 | $250 | $400 |
| Transport | $15 | $30 | $50 |
| Total Monthly | $700 | $1000 | $1500 |
* Last verified: 2026-03-06
Climate
Subtropical: mild winters (2-8°C), hot humid summers (30-38°C). Rainy season in June-July (plum rain).
Halal Food
Good
Moroccan Community
Medium
Airport
PVG (Pudong) / SHA (Hongqiao)
Top Universities in Shanghai
What it costs and where you would study
A student month in Shanghai runs $700 to $1,500, averaging $1,000, which makes it the 10th cheapest of the 10 Chinese cities Foorsa places students in, against a $600 median.
Rent accounts for most of it at $600 a month on average ($400-$1,000), with food around $250 and transport about $30.
Shanghai has roughly 64 universities in total. 15 of them are in the Foorsa catalogue, 5 of those ranked in the QS world list, with tuition from $2,200 to $7,500 a year.
Halal food availability is good, the Muslim community is sizeable and the Moroccan student community is sizeable. You would fly into PVG (Pudong) / SHA (Hongqiao).
Subtropical: mild winters (2-8°C), hot humid summers (30-38°C). Rainy season in June-July (plum rain).
Universities we place students in here
- Fudan University — QS 39 · $2,600-$7,500/yr
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University — QS 45 · $2,400-$7,000/yr
- Tongji University — QS 192 · $2,200-$6,500/yr
- Shanghai University — QS 436 · $2,200-$5,500/yr
- East China Normal University — QS 529 · $2,200-$5,500/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to live in Shanghai as a student?
Between $700 and $1,500 a month, $1,000 on average: about $600 for rent, $250 for food and $30 for transport. That is the 10th cheapest of the 10 Chinese cities Foorsa works in.
Which universities can I apply to in Shanghai?
15 of the 149 universities in the Foorsa catalogue are in Shanghai, 5 of them QS-ranked. They include Fudan University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University and Tongji University.
Is it easy to find halal food in Shanghai?
Halal food availability in Shanghai is good, and the city has a sizeable Muslim community.
What is the weather like in Shanghai?
Subtropical: mild winters (2-8°C), hot humid summers (30-38°C). Rainy season in June-July (plum rain).
Are there other Moroccan students in Shanghai?
The Moroccan student community in Shanghai is sizeable. Foorsa introduces you to students already there before you travel.
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Start Your Application Get Free ConsultationLast verified: 2026-03-06