Master of International Public Policy (IPP)

School of International Relations and Public Affairs, Fudan University

PROGRAM INTRODUCTION

Fudan University, situated in Shanghai—China’s most vibrant and international metropolis—is a world-class comprehensive university. In the QS World University Rankings (2025), Fudan is ranked 39th globally, in the Times Higher Education (THE) - World University Rankings 2026, Fudan is ranked 36th globally, both perfectly reflecting its superb academic excellence and international reputation. The School of International Relations and Public Affairs (SIRPA) stands as a leading institution in the fields of politics and public affairs. Its Politics discipline is ranked 20^th worldwide in the QS World University Rankings by Subject (2025), highlighting SIRPA’s global influence and academic distinction. Supported by its interdisciplinary structure, strong international publications and exchanges, faculty resources and frontier research, SIRPA has been running several English-taught MA programs, including Chinese Politics and Diplomacy, Europe and Asia in Global Affairs (double degree with Science Po Paris), International Public Policy, BRICS Countries and the Global South as well as two English-taught Ph.D. programs, one in International Politics and the other in Public Administration and Policy.

In response to the demand for policy analysts and practitioners with an international vision, SIRPA started to build a two-year MA program in International Public Policy (IPP) in 2014. This is a two-year, full-time, English-taught program. This program combines multiple strengths. First, China, after decades of rapid development, is now the world’s second largest economy. China’s domestic demands for policy experts are proliferating. Meanwhile, as China is becoming a key player in global governance, more opportunities for international jobs are being created. Second, Shanghai is China’s economic capital and a vibrant global city. It has China’s first Free Trade Zone and is accommodating the head-quarter of the New Development Bank.

The IPP program welcomes students with diverse academic background such as social sciences, natural sciences, and engineering, among others. The program emphasizes strong analytical capacities, quantitative skills, policy orientation, and an international vision. The training in IPP will prepare students for leadership and analytical positions in public, private, and nonprofits organizations in or out of China. It also sets solid foundation for further Ph.D. studies.

Highlights of the program

(a) All courses except the Chinese language courses are taught in English. There are some distance learning courses co-organized with our international partners.

(b) Most faculty members are Chinese with a Ph.D. degree from top universities in the world. There are also foreign faculty members.

(c) The program is composed of half international students and half Chinese students.

(d) Courses are designed with an interdisciplinary focus and a methodology focus.

(e) Internship in local or foreign agencies is important for developing a policy design or a thesis.

(f) Ample opportunities for international exchanges including double degree programs.

Training goals for students

(1) Grasp basic skills of policy analysis and program evaluation and have a solid knowledge of social science research methods.

(2) Have considerable understanding of certain issues in international public policy and can systematically analyze domestic and international public policies.

(3) Independently carry out academic research and write professional articles and consulting reports.

(4) Have strong abilities to research and write on policy issues and to design and propose policy recommendations.

CURRICULUM

Public courses (7 credits):

l Chinese Students (At least two courses and 3 credits in total.)

中国特色社会主义理论与实践研究 (2 credits)

马克思主义与社会科学方法论 (1 credits)

自然辩证法概论 (1 credit)

English Language Course I (2 credits)

English Language Course II (2 credits)

l International Students

Chinese Society: Past and Present (3 credits)

Chinese Language I (2 credits)

Chinese Language II (2 credits)

Required Courses (15 credits)

Quantitative Research Methods (3 credits)

Qualitative Research Methods (3 credits)

Public Economics (3 credits)

Global Public Policy (3 credits)

Policy Analysis and Program Evaluation (3 credits)

Elective Courses (11 Credits)

International Politics and Theories (3 credits)

Public Management Theories (3 credits)

Studies of China’s Foreign and Security Policies (2 credits)

Public Innovation Technology Integration and New Public Operation (2 credits)

Global Environmental Governance (2 credits)

Cross-Cultural Communication (2 credits)

Social Policy (2 credits)

Global Governance (2 credits)

Chinese Public Administration (3 credits)

Comparative Politics (3 credits)

Economics and Policies of Technological Innovation (2 credits)

Risk Management in Development Process (2 credits)

International Political Economy (3 credits)

International Relations in East Asia (2 credits)

Comparative East Asian Politics (2 credits)

Foreign Policy Analysis (2 credits)

Thesis Writing (2 credits)

Note: although not a required course, Thesis Writing is strongly recommended for IPP students.

APPLICATION AND REQUIREMENTS

The program admits both degree and non-degree students.

For application procedures, please refer to the website of International Students Office of Fudan University http://iso.fudan.edu.cn/

Application Procedure

1. Log into the website (https://istudent.fudan.edu.cn/apply/#/user/login) to register and complete the application form online, upload the application documents and submit the application.

2. Pay application fee RMB 800 (Degree) online after preliminary review. Afterwards any application information cannot be modified.

Application cycles

The IPP program offers 2 application cycles annually to accommodate applicants’ diverse preparation schedules. Applicants can submit their documents within the time frame listed below. Applicants who wish to apply for scholarships are strongly encouraged to submit their applications in the first cycle.

Application documents should include:

For Degree students

• One original application form with the applicant’s signature and photo.

• One official copy of diploma from each previous college-level degree program or proof of impending graduation (for applicants in their final year of study).

• One official copy of transcript for each previous college-level degree program.

• Two letters of recommendation, at least one from a faculty member of your previous academic program (applicants who have submitted the electronic recommendation letters online should also submit originals of both two recommendation letters).

• We encourage applications from students in academic fields such as public policy, international economics and trade, finance, and other related disciplines.

• Evidence of English language proficiency. Applicants whose native language is not English must meet one of the following English proficiency criteria:

Otherwise they should have received a bachelor's or postgraduate degree from an institution in which the official language of instruction is English and he or she was enrolled in that school for at least two years.

• Resume.

• Statement of purpose (approximately 1000 words). Should address the following: 1, preparation for pursuing the IPP master degree; 2, a description of one research project you would like to undertake for your master research (most important); 3, your future career plans; 4, Reasons for choosing the IPP program at SIRPA; 5, Names of two potential supervisors. The statement must be written clearly in English, contain all the 5 parts, and remain strictly within the word limit.  

• Writing sample (approximately 2000 words). It can be your previous research (published or unpublished) or your future research plan, which is to show your ability of academic writing.

• Copy of valid passport identification page, and it should be an ordinary passport and be valid until Mar. 1^st,2027.

Non-degree students

If you are interested in this option, please consult: sirpa_io@fudan.edu.cn

Admission Schedule

Degree students are admitted for fall semester only.

Non-degree students are usually admitted for both fall and spring semesters.

Degree and Requirements

1) The standard duration of the program is 2 years, students who exceed the required study period must complete the relevant university regulations for extension procedures.

2) Fulfill all curriculum requirements with passing grades.

3) Complete practical training as specified in the program.

4) To apply for the dissertation defense, students must have completed the required credits, with all courses passed and an average GPA of at least 2.5 for degree courses.

5) Complete the dissertation and pass the defense.

6) Meet all other graduation and degree requirements set by the university

TUITION AND SCHOLARSHIP

Tuition:

Foreign Degree student: 120,000 RMB per year (240,000 RMB for two years)

Scholarships:

For students supported by Chinese government scholarship, the tuition will be waived for two years.

Notes:

1. The applicant should apply online (https://istudent.fudan.edu.cn/apply/#/user/login) as a self-support student first.

2. Application documents for scholarship can be submitted together with admission documents.

3. First get acceptance from the University, then an applicant may have the opportunity to get the scholarship.

SIRPA provide financial support for students to participate in international academic conferences and other activities, subject to SIRPA's relevant funding policies.

Accommodation at Fudan Campus

An on-campus International Students Dormitory is available. For fee-related questions, please check the website of International Student Office for further information: https://iso.fudan.edu.cn/isoenglish/

CONTACT INFORMATION

IPP Program Director

Prof. Haimo Li

Email: li_haimo@fudan.edu.cn

Address: Room 709, Wenke Building, 220 Handan Rd., Shanghai, China 200433

International Exchange and Cooperation Office of SIRPA

Email: sirpa_io@fudan.edu.cn

Tel: +86-21-55665488

Address: Room 610, Wenke Building, 220 Handan Rd., Shanghai, China 200433

Website: https://sirpa-en.fudan.edu.cn/

Please see more info provided by International Students Office (ISO), Fudan University on: https://iso.fudan.edu.cn/isoenglish/.