East China Normal University

National Status & Academic Strengths

East China Normal University (ECNU) is one of China’s prestigious universities and a Category A institution under the Double First-Class University Program (since 2017). The university is nationally recognized for excellence in teacher education, education sciences, psychology, humanities, social sciences, basic sciences, and interdisciplinary research.

History and Development

Founded in October 1951 in Shanghai, ECNU has grown into a comprehensive research university with a strong mission in education, civilization, and national development. Over the decades, ECNU has played a key role in advancing teacher education and educational research while expanding into a wide range of academic disciplines.

City and Campuses

ECNU is located in Shanghai, one of the world’s leading international metropolises and China’s economic, cultural, and innovation hub.
The university operates two main campuses:

• Putuo Campus: central Shanghai, historic and humanities-oriented
• Minhang Campus: modern facilities with advanced teaching and research infrastructure

Together, the campuses cover over 207 hectares, combining green landscapes with modern academic infrastructure.

Academic Profile and Scale

ECNU follows a strategy focused on interdisciplinarity, internationalization, and informatization. The university implements programs to:

• Advance educational excellence
• Promote interdisciplinary academic development
• Serve national strategies

ECNU offers undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs across education, humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and emerging interdisciplinary fields. The university has a coordinated system for talent cultivation, scientific research, and social service.

Infrastructure and Research Environment

ECNU hosts a wide range of schools, departments, research institutes, and research centers supporting fundamental research, applied studies, and policy-oriented research. It places particular emphasis on education sciences and teacher training while steadily strengthening its basic and applied research capacity.

Mission and Vision

Guided by the motto “Seek Truth, Foster Originality, and Live up to the Name of a Teacher”, ECNU aims to cultivate creativity, character, and community. The university is committed to becoming a world-class university with first-class disciplines and a leading role in China’s teacher education system.