SILC Business School, Shanghai University

SILC Business School at Shanghai University represents one of China’s earliest and most distinguished Sino-foreign academic alliances, established in 1994 alongside the University of Technology Sydney (UTS). Located in the thriving Jiading district of Shanghai, this business school provides a blend of Eastern educational heritage and Western academic practices. Earning its AACSB accreditation in 2020, SILC holds elite recognition, placing it within the top 5% of business schools worldwide. The institution is driven by its core values––Scholarship, Innovation, Leadership, and Cooperation (SILC)––and centers its pedagogy on cultivating global business leaders adept in cross-cultural understanding and economic innovation.

Currently, the school provides education to over 4,000 students, including a diverse international population of more than 300 students representing 60+ countries. This cosmopolitan environment promotes global perspectives within the curriculum and social life. SILC offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in disciplines such as finance, international economics, business administration, and information management. Undergraduate tuition is competitively priced at approximately CNY 30,000 annually, making it affordable for international students seeking high-quality business education in a global center like Shanghai. With a mission to build a “Contemporary Silk Road,” SILC links international partnership and knowledge exchange, supported through its collaboration with more than 100 global universities.

The institution’s historical prestige includes its recognition as China’s first nationally accredited Sino-foreign business school (2006), and a top-ten joint venture in education (2009). Shanghai University’s wider academic reputation further enhances SILC’s value proposition, with QS rankings placing the university at 387th globally and 16th in Mainland China (2021). This academic environment prepares students to thrive in emerging economic sectors within China and beyond. The strategic relationship between SHU and UTS enables dual degrees, a globally-oriented curriculum, and access to academic and professional resources that empower students to become innovative, industry-ready professionals in a rapidly evolving global landscape.

SILC Business School offers students outstanding career development resources through strategic partnerships and experiential education. Leveraging its location in Shanghai—China’s commercial and financial hub—SILC fosters close ties with multinational companies (MNCs), local enterprises, and public institutions. These connections afford students access to internships, work-study projects, and employment pipelines within sectors such as finance, technology, consulting, and government services. Graduates benefit from a curriculum that integrates academic instruction with real-world application, often engaging in joint programs and mentorships facilitated through both UTS and SHU collaborations.

The strength of SILC’s employment ecosystem lies in its active global alumni network, which extends across Fortune 500 companies and innovative startups alike. This network provides career guidance, job placement opportunities, and specialized mentoring that prepares students to excel in competitive employment markets. Each year, SILC organizes recruitment fairs, corporate presentations, and industry-focused workshops, all aimed at equipping students with practical skills and international business acumen. Graduates secure positions in firms spanning Asia, North America, and Europe, with strong representation in influential sectors such as digital innovation, international trade, and banking.

Double-degree programs awarded by SHU and UTS significantly enhance employability, making SILC graduates attractive to recruiters seeking globally prepared professionals. The school emphasizes entrepreneurial readiness through student-led business establishments and innovation labs, where learners transform ideas into viable start-ups. Study-abroad exchanges with institutions like the University of East Anglia (UEA), combined with immersive career simulations and industry guest lectures, further reinforce SILC’s position as a launchpad for global business success. Over time, its graduates regularly ascend to leadership roles, reflecting the impact of a well-integrated academic and professional development framework tailored to address today’s rapidly changing business world.

Students seeking a distinctive international business education will find SILC Business School an ideal destination. As China’s first Sino-foreign joint business school, SILC delivers an academically rigorous and globally connected experience through its partnership with UTS and SHU. It offers double-degree options that merge Chinese economic insights with Australian educational standards, giving graduates a unique geopolitical advantage in today’s global market. The AACSB-accredited programs integrate innovative pedagogy and industry relevance, equipping students with tools to navigate challenges in sustainability, digital business, and financial systems. This foundation prepares leaders capable of thriving in fast-paced global industries.

What sets SILC apart is its commitment to high-impact learning and multicultural development. With a student body of over 4,000 learners from more than 60 countries, the diverse campus fosters interpersonal growth, global perspectives, and a tolerant academic atmosphere. Students benefit from over 100 international partnerships that support exchange programs, collaborative research, and immersive business projects. Further, SILC boasts strong credentials: China’s first nationally accredited joint business program (2006), elite AACSB status since 2020, and a curriculum built on experiential learning, sustainability, and leadership development. These pillars anchor SILC’s role in preparing students for roles in international finance, operations, entrepreneurship, and analytics.

SILC’s Jiading location offers unmatched access to multinationals and innovation districts, while providing a lower cost of living than many global financial hubs. The sub-tropical climate, urban infrastructure, and rich cultural assets of Shanghai enhance life outside the classroom. Automatic scholarship consideration for all applicants lowers financial entry barriers and supports merit-based advancement. Unique features like entrepreneurship labs, case competitions, and executive training initiatives ensure graduates enter the market with real-world credentials. For globally oriented students aiming to play a role in shaping business strategies in the 21st century, SILC stands as a transformative institution offering prestige, opportunity, and purpose.

SILC Business School is a trailblazer in thought leadership, supporting projects that align business education with technological change and sustainable development. A cornerstone of the school’s impact has been its emphasis on applied research, particularly in international business strategy, digital transformation, and leadership ethics. Joint collaborations with UTS and more than 100 global academic institutions drive cutting-edge innovation in curriculum and research output. SILC also fosters entrepreneurship through incubator programs and student-led innovation platforms that support ventures in finance, sustainability, tech, and policy analysis. These real-world projects link classroom theory with pressing global issues in a rapidly evolving marketplace.

SILC’s sustainability commitment is reflected in its green campus initiatives, blended learning models, and responsible business education. Faculty leverage tools such as virtual classrooms and live simulations to deliver immersive pedagogy. Teaching now often includes modules on carbon trading, ESG investing, and artificial intelligence, equipping students to address today’s most urgent challenges. The digital transition of academic delivery—through hybrid classes, flexible assessments, and AI-integrated coursework—places SILC at the forefront of academic modernization. This environmental and technological focus not only enhances education quality but also prepares students to lead ethical businesses in dynamic and uncertain environments.

Through years of impactful research and progressive teaching, SILC has achieved milestones such as national accreditation in 2006 and AACSB accreditation in 2020. These distinctions affirm quality while reinforcing the school’s mission as a “Contemporary Silk Road” of knowledge exchange between East and West. Alumni actively contribute to global finance, manufacturing innovation, trade policy, and leadership development across sectors. By merging SHU’s academic history with UTS’s applied focus, SILC creates a unique bridge for students to explore innovation, sustainability, and cross-cultural competence. In doing so, it plays a central role in shaping next-generation leaders for Asia’s economic ascent.

Q1: What academic programs are available, and can students obtain dual degrees?
SILC offers robust programs in Economics (International Trade), Finance, Business Administration, and Information Management at the undergraduate level. Postgraduate options include Master’s in Management and Finance. Enrolled students may pursue double degrees awarded by both Shanghai University and the University of Technology Sydney, boosting international recognition and competitiveness.

Q2: How culturally diverse is the student body, and what provisions exist for international students?
With more than 4,000 students including 300+ from over 60 nations, SILC provides a globally inclusive learning environment. Facilities for international students encompass dedicated dormitories, visa support, cultural integration programs, career counseling, and orientation services to ensure smooth academic and social transition.

Q3: How does SILC support students' career development?
Career support includes internships through over 100 industry partnerships, alumni mentorship programs, on-campus job fairs, and career preparation workshops. The school’s strong reputation and AACSB accreditation enhance graduate placement in multinational companies and high-growth sectors.

Q4: What is campus accommodation like, and are there budget-friendly options?
Dormitories are available on Jiading, Baoshan, and Yanchang campuses with single (CNY 100/day), double (CNY 60/day), and four-person (CNY 30/day) rooms, offering air conditioning, internet, kitchens, and private bathrooms. Off-campus options also exist, ranging from CNY 1,500–2,000/month depending on proximity and amenities.

Q5: Are English courses sufficient, or is Mandarin fluency necessary?
English-taught programs are standard, especially in international business tracks. However, students are encouraged to learn basic Mandarin for daily life and internships. Language support and courses are available on campus to help international students integrate smoothly.

The admissions procedure for SILC Business School is both streamlined and accessible for international applicants. Prospective students apply through the official SILC portal, submitting academic transcripts, identification documents, and English proficiency results (TOEFL, IELTS, etc. as required). Undergraduate applicants are automatically screened for merit-based scholarships based on academic performance. Postgraduate students can be considered for financial aid from national entities such as the Chinese or Shanghai Government Scholarship programs, or direct SILC awards, typically without separate applications required.

Application deadlines vary by intake: September cohort applications should be submitted by June, while March intake deadlines run through December. Tuition fees are competitively priced at CNY 30,000/year for undergraduates and CNY 158,000–160,000 for Master’s programs (two years in duration). Students will also need to budget for insurance and visa costs (CNY 1,200–1,600) and estimate a monthly living expense of CNY 3,000 to 6,000 depending on lifestyle. Housing is cost-effective, with on-campus dormitory options in Jiading, Baoshan, and Yanchang, and accessible metro and shuttle services between campuses (CNY 3–10 per trip).

Each admitted international student undergoes an orientation and comprehensive health check upon arrival. Useful contact points include admission.silc@oa.shu.edu.cn or phone number +86 21 6998 0028 ext 92011 for guidance. The Jiading district supports a high quality of living with nearby dining, medical services, supermarkets, and bookstores. While most academic programs are taught in English, applicants should prepare to learn some basic Mandarin for everyday navigation. Shanghai’s subtropical climate allows for year-round engagement in academic and co-curricular activities, making SILC an enriching environment for globally minded scholars.