Introduction
Choosing a high school in Shanghai can be difficult for international families. Parents need more than strong academics—they also need clear foreign-student eligibility, language support, transparent fees and a school that can help their child adapt to studying in China. No. 2 High School of East China Normal University (HSEFZ) is one of Shanghai’s best-known public schools with a dedicated International Division.
Founded in 1958, HSEFZ has developed a strong academic reputation over more than six decades. Its International Division was established in 1999 and is described by the school as one of Shanghai’s earlier institutions engaged in international education. It has since enrolled students from many countries and regions, including the United States, Japan, Singapore, Australia, Canada, South Korea, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan.
The International Division is based at HSEFZ’s Zhangjiang campus in Pudong New Area, an important technology and research district of Shanghai. The school moved to this campus in 2002.
For families considering HSEFZ International Division in 2026–27, the most important questions are practical: Does HSEFZ accept foreign students? How much is tuition? Is boarding available? What curriculum does the school offer? What entrance tests are required?
This guide answers those questions using current HSEFZ official sources and direct 2026–27 information provided by the International Division. It covers foreign-student eligibility, tuition and boarding fees, curriculum pathways, entrance examinations, student support, campus information and the key points parents should confirm before applying.
Key Takeaways
- HSEFZ International Division charges RMB 38,000 per semester in tuition for 2026–27, or RMB 76,000 across two semesters. The school also directly confirmed boarding at RMB 5,000 per semester, an activity fee of RMB 2,000 per semester, and books/materials at RMB 1,000 per semester. Meals are paid separately through the student’s meal card.
- HSEFZ accepts eligible foreign-passport students. Its current admissions information also covers eligible students from Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan, while families holding overseas permanent-residence status are advised to confirm their specific eligibility with the admissions team.
- Applicants should expect an entrance assessment rather than admission based only on school records. The school confirmed directly that applicants take an offline written examination and interview. For students entering Grade 6 in September 2026, the official written test covers Chinese, Mathematics and English.
- The International Division was established in 1999 and is one of Shanghai’s earlier public-school international divisions. International students study on the same school system as HSEFZ and have access to the wider academic resources of the school.
- HSEFZ offers different curriculum pathways according to grade and student goals. Its international education includes bilingual junior-secondary study, Chinese university pathways and international high-school options incorporating AP courses. The school’s official materials also identify the International Division as an AP school.
- Chinese-language education is a major strength of HSEFZ International Division. The school is recognized as a national Chinese international-promotion base and operates one of the earliest HSK testing centres established at a secondary school in China, allowing students to develop and formally assess their Chinese proficiency on campus.
- The International Division has long served students from a wide range of countries and regions. Official school information lists students from countries including the United States, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Indonesia, Sweden, Italy, the Philippines and South Korea, as well as Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan.
- The school is located at HSEFZ’s Zhangjiang campus in Pudong. Current admissions information lists the main address as No. 555 Chenhui Road, Pudong New District, Shanghai, with admissions enquiries handled through 021-50804157 and guojibu@hsefz.cn
HSEFZ School Overview and History
Academic Standing and Recognition
HSEFZ is one of Shanghai’s well-known key high schools and is directly affiliated with East China Normal University. This connection supports the school’s academic development, research opportunities and access to wider university-level educational resources.
The International Division is recognized as a national “Chinese International Promotion Base.” This reflects HSEFZ’s long experience in Chinese-language education and international student programmes. Few secondary schools in China have developed the same combination of Chinese-language teaching and international education.
HSEFZ also has a long history of international educational exchange, giving students exposure to overseas academic cooperation, cultural programmes and global learning opportunities.
Location and Facilities
HSEFZ’s Zhangjiang campus is located at No. 555 Chenhui Road in Pudong New Area, within Shanghai’s Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park. The official school site states that the campus covers 150 mu (about 25 acres), with approximately 52,000 square metres of building space.
The campus is divided into teaching, sports and residential areas, with connected academic buildings, open walkways and landscaped green spaces. The design separates quieter study areas from sports and daily-life facilities while keeping the campus easy to move around.
Its Zhangjiang location is also practical for families living in Pudong. The area is served by Shanghai’s public transport network, including Metro Line 2, providing connections toward central Shanghai, Lujiazui and other major districts. For international students considering boarding, HSEFZ’s current 2026 admissions information also confirms that the Zhangjiang campus operates as a modern boarding high school, with day-school attendance available where applicable.
Global Student Community
HSEFZ International Division has enrolled students from a wide range of countries and regions, including the United States, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Indonesia, Sweden, Italy, the Philippines and South Korea, as well as Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan. The school describes this international mix as an important part of its cross-cultural learning environment.
Students can also join dozens of clubs and elective activities alongside their academic studies. Current official information lists Model United Nations, Drama Club, Artificial Intelligence Programming, UAV activities, basketball, football and badminton among the available options. HSEFZ also gives International Division students access to a wider range of electives offered by the main school, including technology, science, arts and communication courses.
Activities such as the Artificial Intelligence Programming Club help students explore interests beyond the classroom while creating opportunities for international and Chinese students to participate in the wider HSEFZ school community.
Chinese Academic Studies and Language Programmes
Programme Structure
HSEFZ International Division uses different academic pathways according to a student’s grade and future study plans. For international students in Grades 6–12, the school combines Chinese-language courses with HSEFZ’s own academic courses, while junior-high students follow a bilingual programme that blends Chinese and international teaching approaches.
Core subjects include Chinese, Mathematics, English, Physics, Chemistry, History and Geography, with additional courses such as Biology, Physical Education, Fine Arts and Psychology depending on the programme.
For senior-high students planning to study abroad, HSEFZ offers its own specialised courses together with Advanced Placement (AP) courses. The school’s international curriculum also draws on Chinese core subjects, science and technology education, school-based courses and AP study.
The International Division describes its approach as small-class teaching with individualised academic support. At junior-high level, Chinese and foreign teachers also work together in a co-teaching model designed to support both subject learning and cross-cultural communication.
Chinese Language Teaching
Chinese-language education is a major part of HSEFZ International Division. For foreign students in Grades 6–12, the school offers Chinese-language courses alongside HSEFZ’s specialised academic courses, with teaching designed to improve students’ practical Chinese proficiency.
HSEFZ also has a strong connection with the HSK standards. In 2009, it became the first HSK test centre established at a secondary school in China. The school also built China’s first Chinese international education and HSK testing-centre building for primary and secondary education, allowing eligible students to take the official HSK Chinese proficiency test on campus.
The International Division is recognized as a national “Chinese International Promotion Base for Primary and Secondary Schools” and a Shanghai Chinese Education Base. These roles reflect the school’s long-standing focus on Chinese-language education for international students.
Rather than using one fixed course for every learner, HSEFZ combines Chinese study with academic courses according to students’ grade level and future study plans. Foreign students planning to attend universities in mainland China can also follow a pathway designed to strengthen both their Chinese proficiency and academic preparation.
Support Systems for Learning
HSEFZ International Division provides academic, cultural and daily-life support to help international students adjust to studying in Shanghai. The school describes its approach as a “growth support system” combined with close, family-style care for students.
At junior-high level, Chinese and foreign teachers use a bilingual co-teaching model. The school says these teachers act not only as language mentors but also as cultural guides, helping students develop academically while adapting to a different learning environment.
New students also receive structured orientation covering school culture, academic planning, campus rules and student development. Boarding students receive additional guidance from dormitory teachers on accommodation, safety and everyday residential life.
International students can take part in the wider HSEFZ community through dozens of clubs and electives, including Model United Nations, Drama, Artificial Intelligence Programming, UAV activities, basketball, football and badminton. Psychology is also included among the school’s quality-development courses.
These academic, residential and extracurricular support systems are particularly useful for families asking how HSEFZ supports foreign students and how children adjust to school life in China.
Support for Global Families
Admissions Process
HSEFZ International Division accepts foreign-passport students, eligible students from Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan, and some applicants holding overseas permanent residence, subject to confirmation with the admissions office.
Families first submit the Application Form, Guardian Guarantee Form, passport copy and academic transcripts from the previous two years by email. After the school reviews these materials, applicants are asked to provide any additional required documents.
Admission includes an in-person comprehensive assessment rather than only an online interview. Depending on the grade and pathway, students may take written examinations in subjects such as Chinese, Mathematics, English, Physics and Chemistry, with an interview included for some admission rounds.
Because testing requirements vary by grade and admission route, families should confirm the current subjects, test date and required documents directly with HSEFZ before applying.
HSEFZ International Division Tuition Fees 2026–27
For the 2026–27 academic year, HSEFZ International Division directly confirmed its current tuition and school fees to Alifa Education. Tuition is RMB 38,000 per semester, while boarding, activities, books and meals are charged separately.
| Fee Type | Per Semester | Academic Year |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | RMB 38,000 | RMB 76,000 |
| Boarding | RMB 5,000 | RMB 10,000 |
| Activity Fee | RMB 2,000 | RMB 4,000 |
| Books & Materials | RMB 1,000 | RMB 2,000 |
| Meals | Based on meal-card use | Based on usage |
| Confirmed Total Before Meals | RMB 46,000 | RMB 92,000 |
Fees may change by academic year or admission pathway. Families should confirm the final 2026–27 amount directly with HSEFZ before enrollment.
Visa and Guardianship Requirements
International students must hold the correct study visa for China. An X1 visa is generally used for study lasting more than 180 days, while an X2 visa is normally used for programmes of 180 days or less. Families should confirm with HSEFZ which admission and visa-support documents will be issued for their specific programme.
Students entering China on an X1 visa must apply for a study residence permit within 30 days of arrival. This is a residence permit, not permanent residency.
For students under 18 whose parents do not normally live in China, Chinese regulations require the parents to formally appoint a Chinese citizen or a foreign national who normally resides in China as the student’s guardian. HSEFZ’s current application process specifically requires a Guardian Guarantee Form together with the application form, passport copy and recent academic records.
Families can also review our guide for foreign students attending Chinese schools. ALIFA Education Services can assist families with understanding school application and guardianship-document requirements in Shanghai.
Because visa and guardianship requirements can vary by age, nationality, parents’ residence status and study duration, families should confirm the final document list directly with HSEFZ before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions About HSEFZ International Division
Does HSEFZ accept foreign students?
Yes. HSEFZ International Division accepts eligible foreign-passport students. Its admissions information also covers eligible students from Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan. Applicants with overseas permanent-residence status should confirm their individual eligibility directly with the school.
How much is HSEFZ International Division tuition in 2026–27?
HSEFZ International Division directly confirmed to Alifa Education that tuition is RMB 38,000 per semester, or RMB 76,000 across two semesters. Boarding is RMB 5,000, the activity fee is RMB 2,000, and books and materials are RMB 1,000 per semester. Meals are charged separately based on meal-card use. A boarding student should therefore budget approximately RMB 92,000 per academic year before meals.
What grades does HSEFZ International Division serve?
HSEFZ International Division provides junior-high and senior-high education. Current admissions information includes new Grade 6 entry, while separate senior-high pathways are available for eligible international and overseas students. Families should confirm availability for their child's exact grade before applying.
What entrance exam does HSEFZ require?
Admission includes an offline written assessment and interview. For Grade 6 entry in 2026, the written test covers Chinese, Mathematics and English. Some senior-high admission routes may also test Physics and Chemistry. Requirements vary by grade and admission pathway.
Does HSEFZ offer AP courses?
Yes. HSEFZ's international curriculum includes Advanced Placement (AP) courses alongside Chinese academic subjects, school-based courses and other advanced study options. The exact AP subjects offered can change by programme and academic year.
Is HSEFZ International Division the same as the International Curriculum Class?
No. Families should not automatically treat these as the same programme. The International Division, established in 1999, serves eligible foreign and overseas students. HSEFZ also operates international-curriculum programmes with their own eligibility, admissions and fee arrangements. Always confirm which programme your child is applying to.
Does HSEFZ provide Chinese-language support?
Yes. Chinese-language education is one of HSEFZ International Division's established strengths. The school is recognized as a national Chinese International Promotion Base and operates an on-campus HSK testing centre . Chinese study is integrated with students' academic programmes according to their grade and future study plans.
Is boarding available at HSEFZ?
Yes. HSEFZ International Division directly confirmed a 2026–27 boarding fee of RMB 5,000 per semester. Families should confirm current room arrangements, boarding availability and residential requirements when applying.
Do students under 18 need a guardian in China?
HSEFZ requires a Guardian Guarantee Form as part of the International Division application process. For minors whose parents do not normally reside in China, families should confirm the current guardianship and notarisation requirements for their individual circumstances before enrollment.
Where is HSEFZ International Division located?
HSEFZ International Division is based at the school's Zhangjiang campus in Pudong New Area, Shanghai. The current address is No. 555 Chenhui Road, Pudong New District, Shanghai. Admissions enquiries can be made by phone at 021-50804157 or by email at guojibu@hsefz.cn.
Is HSEFZ a good choice for international students?
HSEFZ can be a strong fit for students who want challenging academics, substantial Chinese-language exposure, AP study and deeper integration into a Shanghai public-school environment. It may be less suitable for families seeking a fully English-medium expatriate school. Parents should consider their child's Chinese ability, academic readiness and intended university pathway before applying.
Conclusion
No. 2 High School of East China Normal University is a strong option for international families looking for serious academics, Chinese-language development and deeper integration into school life in Shanghai. Its International Division combines HSEFZ’s academic environment with support designed for students coming from different educational and cultural backgrounds.
Several features make HSEFZ stand out. The school is a national Chinese International Promotion Base, operates an on-campus HSK testing centre, offers international academic pathways including AP courses, and provides boarding at its Zhangjiang campus. For 2026–27, the school has also directly confirmed tuition of RMB 38,000 per semester, making its overall costs relatively competitive compared with many private international schools in Shanghai.
HSEFZ is likely to suit students who want to develop strong Chinese skills while maintaining ambitious academic goals. Students planning to apply to universities in China can also explore relevant requirements such as CSCA Courses and university-specific entrance expectations. Families should remember, however, that HSEFZ is not a typical English-medium expatriate school. Students should be prepared for an academically demanding environment and meaningful exposure to Chinese language and culture.
The admissions process also requires preparation. Applicants may need to complete written entrance tests and an interview, with requirements varying by grade and pathway. Families should confirm the latest eligibility rules, examination subjects, visa documents, guardianship requirements and final fees directly with the school before applying.
For families who want strong academics, Chinese-language immersion, an international student community and access to one of Shanghai’s established public-school environments, HSEFZ International Division is worth serious consideration.
Finding the right school in Shanghai can still be complicated. Alifa Education Services helps families compare suitable schools, understand admissions requirements, prepare application documents and plan for entrance assessments. If you would like help deciding whether HSEFZ is the right fit for your child, book a free consultation.
Alifa Education Services
Considering HSEFZ International Division for Your Child?
Alifa Education Services helps international families in Shanghai understand whether No. 2 High School of East China Normal University (HSEFZ) is the right academic and cultural fit for their child. Send us your child’s age, current grade, nationality, current school system, Chinese level and planned enrollment date. We can help you understand 2026–27 foreign-student eligibility, tuition and boarding costs, entrance-test requirements, application documents, Chinese-language preparation, visa and guardianship requirements before you apply.
✉ Get HSEFZ Admissions Guidance →Disclosure: Alifa Education Services is an independent education placement consultancy. We may earn a referral fee from partner schools when families enroll, at no extra cost to the family. Our recommendations are based on fit, not fee structure.
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