IMBA Program and Admissions FAQ's
1. Q: Is working experience required to apply?
A: Yes, applicants must have two years of work experience by the start of classes in September. Only work experience AFTER the applicant's undergraduate graduation date can be counted.2. Q: How many intakes are there every year for MBA programs?
A: We have one intake every year in September.
3. Q: Is the GMAT required? How about IELTS/TOEFL?
A: A GMAT is required for all IMBA applicants, and is also required for part-time MBA applicants that do not have a business-related academic and professional background. Scores of 550 and above is required, scores of 600 and higher are preferred, with scholarships starting for applicants with scores of 630 and higher. An IELTS or TOEFL English score is also required for students from non-native English speaking countries. However, if the applicants have received their diploma or degree in English speaking countries, the English test requirement is waived.
4. Q: How are applicants evaluated?
A: We take a comprehensive look at each student's GMAT and IELTS/TOEFL English scores, undergraduate transcripts, professional background, extracurricular activities, interview evaluations, recommendation letters, and essay.
5. Q: What will the interview be like?
A: Interviews are held on the Antai campus. Typically there are three professors present to conduct the interview, as well as admissions staff. Interviews last for 20-25 minutes, and topics that are covered include schooling and professional background, career aspirations, reasons for studying in Shanghai at Antai, as well as specific questions raised based on the applicant's resume, transcript, test scores, essay, etc.
6. Q: Do I have to be present for the interview?
A: We encourage applicants to attend the interview in person. However, we conduct speakerphone interviews on the designated interview dates when applicants are not able to attend in person.
7. Q: How do I apply?
A: To apply, on the MBA homepage click on "Admissions" - "Application Process" - "application system". You will be taken to an online application system where you must first register. On the system you will find an online application form, application instructions, and admissions dates.
8. Q: What is the difference in the application process for Mainland Chinese, Taiwanese/Hong Kong/Macao,
A: Mainland Chinese and Hong Kong/Macao/Taiwan students must take the National Entrance Exam, while Foreign Passport holders simply need to take the GMAT.
9. Q: Is scholarship funding available?
A: We offer a various of scholarships as follow:
Early Bird Scholarship: Applicants applying for the 1st and 2nd round and being accepted while ranked top five of each round would be awarded with a special scholarship of 10,000 RMB. This is the one and only scholarship which could be awarded to students simultaneously with other scholarships.
Performance-Based Scholarship: Full, half, and partial scholarships are offered to almost 20% of MBA students, based on academic performance and program participation.
GMAT Scholarship: Applicants with GMAT™ scores of 730 and above or GMAT™ Focus Edition of 675 and above would be awarded with a scholarship of 50% of the full program fee. Applicants with GMAT™ scores of 680 and above or GMAT™ Focus Edition of 625 and above would be awarded with a scholarship of 25% of the full program fee. Applicants with GMAT™ scores of 630 and above or GMAT™ Focus Edition of 585 and above would be awarded with a scholarship of 50,000RMB. * GMAT™ Online Exam report is not accepted
CFA Scholarships：Finance MBA and International MBA students will be awarded a scholarship if they pass CFA, which is equal to the amount of the examination fee for that level.
10. Q: What distinguishes Antai from other business schools in China?
A: Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) is well-known as a top University in China, with more than 120 years of history. SJTU has an extensive alumni network, and a reputation as a leading science and engineering university in China. In the latest published Top 100 Global MBA Rankings by the
Financial Times 2017, SJTU Antai ranks 34th and
represents a rise of five places on its 39th placing last year. SJTU Antai is consistently ranked within the top business schools in China, and is the first business school in China to be triply-accredited by AACSB, EQUIS, and AMBA. Additionally, SJTU Antai is the only business school in China to be situated in in the booming commercial district of Xujiahui in downtown Shanghai, the undisputed business capital of China. Another defining aspect of Antai’s IMBA program is its “International perspective with a focus on China”. Antai invites overseas professors with both Western and Chinese academic and industry expertise. Finally, Antai provides free Chinese lessons to our students, to help them get a firm foundation in Mandarin Chinese.
11. Q: Can I study in Chinese?
A:The IMBA class is taught completely in English by international professors. However, if you are fluent in Chinese or have an HSK level 5 or higher, you can apply for the part-time MBA programs,which are taught in Mandarin.
12. Q: Do you offer Chinese language classes?
A:Antai offers free weekly Chinese courses that start from a beginner level. These classes focus on everyday topics relevant to living and working in China, and also introduce Chinese culture and Chinese characters.
13. Q: What is the GMAT code for Antai?
A:The GMAT code for IMBA program is 6QS-5C-55.
The GMAT code for General MBA Program is 6QS-5C-32.
14. Q: What career services do you provide for employment in Shanghai?
A:The Antai Career Development Center works hard to connect international students with internships and full-time employment upon graduation. Students are encouraged to meet with the CDC staff to discuss employment preferences and their professional background. Conversational Chinese skills are also very helpful for finding employment in China, as most companies list this as a pre-requisite. The CDC works with MNC’s and Chinese corporations in Shanghai, and hosts employer presentations and career fairs every semester.
15. Q: Can I study abroad during my MBA studies at Antai
A:Yes, you may choose to study abroad in any one of our 60+ partner schools in leading universities around the world. This takes place during the third semester for 4-5 months. You are also welcomed to apply for our Dual-degree programs in IE Business School, Tulane University, Rice University, and ESCP.
16. Q: How much does tuition cost? When is it due?
A:The total tuition for 2025 intake IMBA program is 368,000 RMB. Successful applicants will receive a letter of acceptance after the interview, which also contains information about tuition payment deadlines. Typically, tuition must be paid within two months after the acceptance letter is issued. Tuition is paid in two installments, half for the first year, and half for the second.
17. Q:Can you tell me about the class/curriculum structure?
A:There are four modules consisting of core courses and electives. The length of each module varies according to the number of courses. The classes are intensive and last for two weeks each. Classes are held from 8:30am-12:00pm, and afternoons are reserved for group work and studying.
18. Q: How many months do students have to write our thesis?
A:It takes about 5 months. The final semester is reserved for thesis writing.
19 Q: Are there any breaks between classes? Is there a summer holiday/winter holiday?
A:Students have a one-week break between most classes, allowing them to rest and prepare for the next course. There is a Spring Festival holiday for a month, from the middle of Jan. to mid-Feb., and a summer break for two months (July-September)
20. Q: How many faculty members are there, and what percentage have higher degrees from international universities?
A:The IMBA faculty consists of about 18 faculty international professors. 100% of the professors have MBA’s or PhD’s from abroad.
21. Q:How do new IMBA students find apartments? When should students arrive on campus?
A:Students generally arrive about a week before registration. There is an international student dormitory on the SJTU Xuhui campus. Rooms are in high demand, so students should apply early. New students either stay in this dormitory on the main campus or a temporary hotel until they find an apartment. A Chinese classmate will be assigned to help you get settled in Shanghai. Most of our international students choose to rent an apartment near the campus, which costs about the same as an on-campus dorm room.
22. Q: Can I schedule a campus visit?
A:Students are encouraged to visit the campus before their interview to meet with MBA Center admissions staff, sit-in on a class, and talk with students and teachers. Please contact the MBA office at
askmba@sjtu.edu.cn to set up an appointment.
23. Q: What kind of extracurricular activities does Antai provide?
A:Antai hosts frequent guest lecturers from managers of international corporations in Shanghai.
We also have student-led clubs, regular trips to historical and cultural sites in China, intercollegiate sports competitions, and academic competitions such as the Entrepreneurship Competition.Students often arrange informal trips in Shanghai and around China in their free time and between classes.
24. Q: How much does it cost to live in Shanghai?
A:Shanghai is the most expensive city in China, but living costs are still lower than most Western countries. Rent is about 4,000 RMB/month, and eating, transportation, and shopping cost much less than in Europe or America. Budgeting 8,000/month (outside of rent) is enough to live a comfortable life in Shanghai.
Any questions please Mail to : askmba@sjtu.edu.cn