Shanghai has released its 2026 high school enrollment policy, outlining pathways for expat students to pursue senior high school education in the city. Here's an overview of the eligibility criteria and application procedures.

Who is eligible

1. Students who meet one of the following conditions: the student and one parent both hold a valid Shanghai Overseas Talent Residence Permit, or the student is recognized by the Shanghai municipal human resources authorities as a foreign-passport-holding child of a locally registered overseas returnee.

These students must be either current third-year Shanghai middle school students or previous Shanghai middle school graduates under the age of 18. They may register in the district where their school is located.

2. Students who have settled in Shanghai and hold the Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card, and who are either current third-year Shanghai middle school students or previous Shanghai middle school graduates under the age of 18, may register in the district of their registered school.

3. Foreign-passport-holding students under the age of 18 who legally reside in Shanghai with a valid visa and intend to continue their senior secondary education in the city may register in the district where their school is located. Admission will be coordinated by the district education bureau based on the student's results on the Shanghai senior high school entrance examination and related policies.

How to apply

Group Registration: Eligible ninth-grade students graduating in 2026 will undergo online registration organized through their schools from Jan 19 to 30.
Individual Registration: Eligible former junior high school graduates can complete their online registration from Feb 25 to 27.
Note:

Students can apply in only one district and must ensure all documents remain valid through May 7, 2026.

Source: Shanghai Municipal Education Commission

A guide to getting your children enrolled in a high school