General Information

The Shanghai University of Finance and Economics (SUFE), founded in 1917, is a top-ranked, world-renowned research university. As the oldest financial university in China, SUFE has developed its own spirit over the years. SUFE places much emphasis on being industrious, having a consciousness of all things economic, and making contributions to society. With SUFE now increasingly opening itself to the outside world, it aims to showcase this spirit as well as its outstanding teaching quality.

Focusing on Applied Economics and Management Science, SUFE’s approach is multidisciplinary, utilizing elements of finance, economics, management, law and science. China’s rapid economic expansion has much impacted SUFE, which is now bustling with activity. In 1981, SUFE became the first financial university awarded the right to grant doctoral degrees. In addition, it was among the first nine schools to be selected as an MBA Experimental Education Base and one of the first schools to set up a post-doctoral program in economics. In 1996, SUFE joined the “211 Project,” a program to build 100 key universities, after a fierce competition, and in the same year, it also became a member of another national project to build outstanding universities. In 2002, SUFE became the first mainland university to offer master’s programs in Hong Kong. Moreover, all of its programs continue to exceed world standards and are imbued with modernity, internationality and cutting-edge information.

The school gate of SHUFE		School Motto

History of SUFE

SUFE’s history can be traced back to the fall of 1917 when a commerce program was established at the Nanjing Advanced Normal School. In 1921, the program was transferred east to Shanghai and became the Shanghai University of Commerce. This university was the first commerce university on the mainland. It was run by Southeast University and Jinan University. Guo Bingwen, a PhD from Columbia University, was the first Chancellor. Ma Yinchu, another PhD from Columbia University, became the first Director of Academic Affairs. Many other Chinese scholars who had studied abroad also joined the faculty. To illustrate this, in the 1923-1924 academic year, 11 of the 16 Chinese teachers at the Shanghai University of Commerce had earned their degrees from outstanding foreign universities like Harvard University, Columbia University, the University of Pennsylvania, the University of Illinois and Edinburgh University. 

In 1928, the university changed its name to the School of Commerce of Central University. The school became independent of Central University in 1932 and was then called the National Shanghai College of Commerce. With this transition, it became the first completely independent commerce university on the mainland. In 1950, the college was again renamed, becoming the Shanghai College of Finance and Economics. SUFE became the only financial university in East China after the adjustment of faculties in the 1950s.

In 1985, it adopted its present name, the Shanghai University of Finance and Economics, and Great Elder Chen Yun (1905-1995), one of modern China’s most influential leaders, inscribed the university’s name and presented it to SUFE as a gift. In 1997, CPCCC General Secretary Jiang Zemin also made an inscription at the celebration of the university’s 80th anniversary. He wrote, “With eyes toward the new century, go forth and thoroughly transform the Shanghai University of Finance and Economics into a first-rate socialist university.” In 1999, Yang Xingfu, a graduate of Harvard University, was appointed as Professor and Dean of Commerce. Over the years, SUFE has cultivated many now well-renowned scholars, including Ma Yinchu (1882-1982), Sun Yefang (1908-1983), Chu Fengyi (1898-1975), Gong Qinghao (1909-2001), Li Hongshou (1909-1998), and Sun Huairen (1909-1992).

The teaching building		School logo

Centers and Research Institutes

SUFE’s guiding principle is that scientific research is necessary for the evolution of academic disciplines and that such development in turn fosters economic growth. Accordingly, SUFE houses many dynamic think-tanks. Among the most renowned of these are the Institute of Accounting and Finance, the Institute of Finance & Economics Research, the Institute of Higher Education, the Research Center for Regional Economics, the Research Center of Public Policy, the Modern Finance Research Center, the Research Center of Marketing, the Center for Economic Philosophy Studies, the Research Center for Applied Statistics, the Research Institute of Marxism, the Institute of World Expo Economics, the Financial Education Performance Evaluation Center, and the Research Center for Top 500 Enterprises.

Teaching Resources

SUFE has quite advanced teaching resources. For example, there is a brand-new E-center for Independent English Learning that houses a rich selection of English-learning tools. The university also uses the Blackboard Academic Suite, which helps teachers and students electronically connect, communicate and collaborate most effectively. In addition, there are cutting-edge laboratories and abundant research materials on campus serving the fields of Finance, Economics, Accounting and Economic Journalism. Furthermore, SUFE has an internet-enabled computer network that links administrative offices, academic departments, student dormitories and classrooms. 

International Cooperation

SUFE has embraced internationalization and regularly collaborates with such institutions as the World Bank’s Economic Development Institute (EDI), the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP). In addition, SUFE works well with international professional organizations, such as the UK’s Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), Canada’s Certified General Accountants (CGA), the USA’s Life Office Management Association (LOMA), the UK’s Chartered Insurance Institute (CII), and the British Insurance Actuary Association (BIAA). In addition, SUFE also cooperates with many foreign universities, including Webster University (USA), the University of Southampton (UK), the University of Brunel (UK), Deakin University (Australia), the University of Vaasa (Finland), Hong Kong Polytechnic University, and Gifu University (Japan). So far, SUFE has created six joint undergraduate programs, has signed multiple foreign-exchange agreements and has established several training centers for international examinations.

International students in class		Main building

Campuses

SUFE has four campuses. The main campus, the undergraduate education hub, is on Guoding Road. The North Zhongshan No.1 Road Campus is home to MBA programs, international students and many talented professionals. The Wuchuan Road Campus is a new education base for both undergraduate and graduate students. Finally, there is the Wudong Road Campus, which is currently under construction. 

Main Features

In all, SUFE’s undergraduate program has three main features: 1) a comprehensive, multi-pronged monitoring and evaluation mechanism, 2) a strong desire to cultivate innovative experts in Finance, Economics and Management and 3) a focus on worldwide cooperation.