Fudan University

Overview

Fudan University is a major public research university located in Shanghai, China. It was founded in 1905 by Chinese Jesuit priest Ma Xiangbo. It boasts of being the first higher education institution that was founded by a Chinese person. The university’s mission is to provide students with a first-rate education that cultivates their talents and upholds moral integrity within an educational system with global influence.

Fudan University offers 70 bachelor’s degree programs, over 200 master’s degree programs, and more than 150 doctoral degree programs. There are more than 50 programs taught in English for undergraduate and graduate courses, while there are also short- and long-term Chinese language programs for international students. Students can also pursue joint degree or double degree programs through the university’s partnerships with other schools around the world.

The university had its early beginning in 1902 when Ma Xiangbo put up the Zhendan Academy.
Later on, this became the Fudan Public School. By 1942, the school was nationalized, which allowed the school access to funds for its improvement. In 1959, it was designated as one of 16 key national universities. It again received state priority in 1984 when it became part of a project for elevating the standards of higher education institutions. At the turn of the 21st century, it merged with the Shanghai Medical University, turning it into a comprehensive university for the arts, sciences, and medicine.

Fudan University has produced accomplished alumni. These include Li Yuanchao, former vice president of the People's Republic of China; TV journalist Lüqiu Luwei, the first female reporter to cover the 2001 Afghan war; and economist Zhu Min, deputy managing director of the International Monetary Fund.

Fudan University is considered one of the top five universities in mainland China. It has also been ranked within the top 10 to 20 universities in Asia. Globally, it has received placement within the top 100 to 200 rankings by QS, Times Higher Education, US News, and Academic Ranking of World Universities.

Fudan University has recently partnered with Huawei to build a smart campus. The university upgraded its dormitory campus network using the Huawei Campus OptiX solution.

The university is also eyeing on expanding its footprint overseas. It has signed an agreement with the government of Hungary to build its first foreign campus in Budapest. The Budapest campus is expected to open in 2024, and will welcome around 5,000 to 6,000 students taking up masteral programs.