The Best Chinese Language Schools in Shanghai for Foreigners 

Shanghai has some of China’s best language schools for foreigners, from flexible private schools near Jing’an Temple to full-time university programs at Fudan and Tongji. This guide covers what to expect and which options suit different goals and schedules.

Learning Chinese is so important for anyone living in Shanghai, China, especially if you are going to be working in business. It is also just great for your brain, for your comfort in navigating the city, and for making friends and blending in. 

Although Shanghai is an international place to live, it may be challenging to find an English speaker sometimes. As you prepare to move to China, it is recommended to learn at least basic Chinese. You can do it online before you even get there but once you are in the country, it can be more fun to learn the language in school.

Language schools have an excellent reputation in Shanghai. In general, you should expect teachers to have a university degree and experience in teaching Mandarin to foreigners from different countries.

Expats who have studied at multiple schools in Shanghai report that the quality gap between the major private schools is small; the bigger differentiator is your own consistency outside the classroom. Students who combine class time with daily app use (Pleco for vocabulary, Anki for character review) progress noticeably faster than those who rely on class time alone.

They use specific methods which help to get comfortable with this new language. Teachers usually use English language for instruction at the beginner level, and once you move further, they will switch to Chinese immersion methods, allowing you to practice listening and speaking.

Things to Consider

The Chinese language might look impossible to learn, but nothing is impossible! Millions of people speak it and it is a globally important language. 

Key Questions 

Before digging in and choosing a school, you need to ask yourself some key questions: 

• How much time do you want to spend learning Chinese?

• What is the level you want to achieve?

• What is your purpose for learning? 

• When can you study? Only weekends? Weekdays? Evenings? 

• What location is most convenient? 

• How much money do you want to spend? 

Trial Classes 

Most of the language schools in Shanghai offer free trial classes. You can try several classes at different schools so it will be easier to decide which school you prefer. 

Universities do not offer trial classes, but some of them can return partial money after one week in case you change your mind. Check this with them before signing up.

Materials

Schools will provide study materials. Some schools include the cost of the materials in the tuition fee, and some do not. Check with them before signing up. Generally, you will have a theory book and a practice book. The teacher will additionally provide you with homework materials. Schools might have online teaching platforms.

Class Sizes 

At language schools, you can enroll in group or private classes. Group classes tend to be between 4 and 8 people. At university courses, you will have a much bigger group. It can count up to 25 people.

University or Language School? 

In Shanghai, you can learn Chinese at private language schools or at universities. 

Chinese universities offer only group courses for one or two semesters. If you are committed to learning for the long term, you will achieve good results at a Chinese university with their rigorous curriculum. 

Language schools, on the other hand, will offer shorter courses, though they will often want to upsell you on a package for at least a year. Private language schools are more suited to the casual learner who may be strapped for time. 

Both universities and some licensed language schools in Shanghai can assist you in obtaining an X student visa. Universities and schools often offer intensive, full-time summer language programs. These can be a great option for those on extended vacation in China or those with a long summer break who want to stay busy.

For registration, they may ask you to provide:

• passport
• valid visa
• photo (university requirement)
• proof of admission or enrollment forms issued by the school or university
• insurance
• sometimes, financial proof

Student Visas for Mandarin Study in Shanghai

You need an X2 student visa for a course of 180 days or less and an X1 visa for anything longer. Your school provides the form you take to the embassy. Fudan, for example, issues a JW202 form for study of 180 days or more and a DQ form for shorter courses. (Verified October 2026.)

• University programs. Fudan says its admission package takes another 2 to 4 weeks after your online admission is done. You then download the form from the Study in China website with your name, passport number and email.
• Private schools. That’s Mandarin runs a Chinese Visa Program built on the X2 visa. Its courses last 12 to 24 weeks, and it supports a 3-month or 6-month visa.
• Residence permit. If you hold an X1, you must apply for a residence permit within 30 days of entering China.

Don’t renew your passport between applying and registering. Fudan warns that your form becomes invalid if the passport number changes before you register on campus. Our student visa guide covers the rest of the process.

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Language Schools in Shanghai 

If you need total flexibility and aren’t ready for a physical classroom yet, an online platform like ChineseClass101 is a great way to learn at home and yourself a head start. 

In person classes are best for some but if you are busy and need basic Chinese, language schools may be a good option in Shanghai. They can adapt to your schedule and have a more individual approach. Here are some expats’ favorite schools in Shanghai:

Silk Mandarin 

Silk Mandarin is located 5 minutes from Jingan Temple, in the heart of Shanghai. They offer Group and Private classes, both offline and online. They have part-time group courses many times a week.

The Intensive Group Course is usually available on weekdays. Both the part-time and intensive course classes have 3 to 6 students. The class duration is 45 min. They also do an interesting course “Kick-off Class,” which is divided into four workshops, such as Chinese characters, pronunciation, grammar, and Chinese culture. 

They use the 3F concept for teaching: Fun, Faster, and Flexible. If you choose private classes, it can be 1-to-1, 1-to-2, or 1-to-3 to 5, so you take the course with your family or friends. You can get a free trial class. If you need the Chinese language for work, the school also offers a Business Chinese course. 

That’s Mandarin

That’s Mandarin is located on Wuding Road, which is very close to Changping Road Station, and a walkable distance from Jing’an Temple Station. The school offers offline and online classes. They have 1-to-1, part-time, intensive, and summer courses. 

The group course capacity is 4-8 students. The part-time course is two days per week and two classes per day. The duration of this course is 16 weeks. 

The intensive course covers 20 lessons per week. You can complete one level in 4 weeks. A private 1-to-1 course will take about 32 lessons to complete one level. Their classrooms are equipped with computers, and they offer free beverages. 

Universities in Shanghai 

If you want to become a master of Chinese, you can check the language courses at Chinese universities. Although they require a lot of discipline and are quite intensive, they are effective. 

There are top universities in Shanghai that offer Chinese language programs. They can also segue into a graduate or postgraduate degree if you want to pursue that path and become a full-time student in China. 

Donghua University 

Donghua University is a popular choice among foreigners of all ages for Chinese language courses. You will take the course at International Cultural Exchange School, which is on Yan’an Road West. 

They offer offline and online courses. The offline course is from Monday to Friday, normally from 09:00 to 12:15. They have strict rules about absence, so before registering check your schedule and plan your vacations during the Chinese national holidays. 

You will have two classes per day: reading and writing; listening and speaking. You also will have everyday homework. Donghua University also offers many offline and online activities organized by Chinese students. It is a great chance to practice your language skills with a native speaker. The teachers contact you via the WeChat app.

Fudan University 

Fudan University is a national public university, one of the best in China, and is located in the Yangpu District. 

They offer a long-term Chinese language program, which can be one or two semesters. The program has ten levels, grouped into fundamental, intermediate and advanced stages. Each level is about nine weeks long, so you finish two levels a semester. 

Shanghai Jiao Tong University 

Shanghai Jiao Tong University in Xujiahui offers Chinese language courses at all levels. You can also participate in their program for Chinese Heritage Learners, Advanced Culture and Business Course, and study Chinese Calligraphy and Taichi. 

A Chinese language course is one semester or one academic year long, and each semester takes 18 weeks. You will have 20 hours of classes per week. They focus on all four aspects: reading, writing, listening and speaking. 

Tongji University 

Tongji University is one of the top universities in Shanghai. It offers a non-degree in the Chinese Language Program. Duration ranges from one semester to three years at 20 hours per week. You can definitely become fluent after this intensive three-year course.

Additionally, they offer after-class activities, such as taichi, painting, calligraphy, and music. There are three levels: Junior, Intermediate and Advanced. The teachers have a wealth of experience teaching Chinese to foreigners. 

University Mandarin Programs: Dates and Age Limits

University Mandarin programs run by semester, and you apply months before the start. Fudan took applications for its 2026 autumn intake from 23 March to 12 June, for classes starting on 31 August. (Verified October 2026.)

University	Who can apply	Application windows
Fudan University (ICES)	Foreign citizens aged 18 to 60	Autumn 2026: 23 March to 12 June
Tongji University	Non-Chinese citizens aged 18 to 55 with high school education	Spring: 10 September to 20 December. Autumn: 10 March to 20 June

Tongji’s spring term starts in February or early March, so its 10 September to 20 December window is open right now. Tongji says it announces the exact dates each term, so check before you apply. If you come for a semester, our guide to renting in Shanghai helps you sort housing.

Prices 

The courses at the private language schools will cost you more than the language courses at the universities. A one-semester language course at a Shanghai university costs about RMB8,200 at Tongji and RMB10,500 at Fudan, with 18 to 20 class hours a week. (Verified October 2026.)

In comparison, That’s Mandarin charges from RMB104 a class, so its 20-class-a-week intensive course comes to about RMB25,000 over 12 weeks. Silk Mandarin lists RMB12,800 per four weeks for 20 lessons a week and RMB19,200 for 30. (Verified October 2026.) 

Application fees at the universities run from about RMB400 at Fudan to RMB600 at Tongji and are usually not refundable. Many schools include the registration fee and the materials in their price. Clarify this with the school.

The classes at the university are less expensive, but they require a lot of time and discipline. Although the language school is more expensive, they can adapt to your needs. 

What Mandarin Classes Cost in Shanghai

A semester of Mandarin at a Shanghai university costs about RMB8,200 to RMB10,500, while a private school charges from RMB104 a class. The private schools cost more over the same stretch of time, and you get smaller classes and more flexible hours. (Verified October 2026.)

Provider	Course	Price
Fudan University (ICES)	Semester, about 18 class hours a week	RMB10,500 a semester (RMB21,000 a year)
Tongji University	Semester, 20 class hours a week	RMB8,200 a semester (RMB16,400 a year)
That’s Mandarin	Intensive group, 20 classes a week	From RMB104 a class
Silk Mandarin	Intensive group, 20 or 30 lessons a week	RMB12,800 or RMB19,200 per 4 weeks
Silk Mandarin	Private 1-on-1 lesson	RMB400 a lesson

Twelve weeks of the That’s Mandarin intensive course is about 240 classes, or roughly RMB25,000. A Fudan semester runs about 18 weeks for RMB10,500.

Tuition isn’t the whole bill. Tongji charges a RMB600 application fee and RMB400 a semester for insurance. For rent and daily costs, see our guide to the cost of living in Shanghai.

Private Versus Group Lessons 

It is really up to you, whether you want to have an individual or group class. Some people believe they can focus better in the 1 to 1 course. Others prefer group lessons, as it is more fun. Both options have advantages.

Private Lessons

Private language schools offer private lessons. There are many benefits of registering for private tutoring courses. The private tutor will focus on your needs and requirements, so you may notice the results much faster. They can adjust their timing to yours for maximum flexibility. 

Group Lessons 

In the group lesson, the attention will not be all on you, but you will have an international environment, so you can easily make new friends from all over the world. The group courses also will offer you many extra-curricular activities. If you are new to Shanghai, registering for such a course will be beneficial, as you can discover the city during the course activities and make new friends. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to learn Chinese in Shanghai?

A semester at Tongji costs RMB8,200 and a semester at Fudan costs RMB10,500. Private schools start around RMB104 a class for group courses, and Silk Mandarin charges RMB400 a lesson for 1-on-1 teaching.

Do I need a student visa to study Mandarin in Shanghai?

For courses longer than 180 days you need an X1 visa, and for courses of 180 days or less you need an X2 visa. Your school supplies the admission letter and the JW202 or DQ form you take to the embassy.

How long does it take to learn Mandarin in Shanghai?

It depends on the school’s pace. That’s Mandarin says its intensive course finishes one level in 4 weeks, and about 6 months gets you to roughly HSK 3. Fudan runs 10 levels of about 9 weeks each, so you finish two levels per semester.

Is there an age limit for university Mandarin programs?

Yes. Fudan accepts foreign citizens aged 18 to 60, and Tongji accepts non-Chinese citizens aged 18 to 55. Tongji asks for guardian details if you’re under 18.

How big are the classes at Shanghai language schools?

Private schools keep groups small. Silk Mandarin runs 3 to 6 students per class, and That’s Mandarin averages 4 to 5 students with a maximum of 6 on its intensive course and 8 on its part-time course.

Now, on to You

The Chinese language is not as tough as it seems. Just give it a try. Learning from a native Mandarin speaker with experience in teaching will make things easier for you, there are good teachers and bad teachers everywhere, finding one to suit you is important so take advantage of those free trial lessons. 

University or a private school depends on your needs, timeline, and desired outcome. If you want to become fluent, and you have the time, we strongly suggest an intensive university course. During the first weeks, it might feel like boot camp, but after some time, you will understand people around you and you will suddenly realize that you can express yourself in Chinese. 

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