Academic Information

Term Dates

Global College has a different academic calendar with the rest of the SJTU schools. Term dates are usually set as follows:

– Fall Term: 14 or 15 weeks from mid-September to late-December (before Christmas)
– Spring Term: 9 or 10 weeks from late-February to end of April
– Summer Term: 13 weeks from mid-May Mid-August

* SJTU has a two semester calendar, with its fall starts at the same time with the Global College in September but ends earlier in January, and its Spring starts at the same time with the Global College too and also ends earlier in April.

* These dates may vary by a few days from year to year. Up to date and more detailed information can be found in the Academic Calendar.

* Please note that Spring is not a major semester at GC therefore the course options will be limited. Please consult your program advisors before applying.

Course List and Enrollment

All courses at Global College, as well as supporting recitation classes, are taught in English and only English-language textbooks and references are used. The curriculum is inspired by that of the University of Michigan and most courses are equivalent to corresponding offerings at UM.

The list of presently offered courses will exhibit slight changes from term to term with regard to elective courses, but all core engineering courses are offered regularly every year.

Exchange and visiting students usually enroll courses a few weeks before a new semester starts. Detailed instructions will be given by the International Programs Office ahead of time on how to do so.

Obtain Course Syllab
Once exchange and visiting students have been admitted by SJTU/GC, they will receive the SJTU student numbers, with which they can log on GC canvas to download the course syllabi that they need for course evaluation at their home institutions.

Transcripts
When exchange and visiting students finish up their studies at GC, students can apply for the electrical transcripts directly from SJTU app “My SJTU” (Jiao Wo Ban). Guidance will be provided by the International Programs Office. The electronic versions usually will be available within 2-3 weeks after the term ends. Students who take graduate courses would receive a separate transcript and the graduate course transcript will be available at the beginning of the next semester, sent by the International Programs Office.

Grading Scale:

The above information is available at page 41 of the 2025 Undergraduate Student Handbook. Please click to download.

Academic Support

Students coming to the GC for visiting or attending the exchange programs will be able to use all the academic support and recourses available at the GC, including but not limited to the GC Advising Center where senior GC students provide academic support to the GC students, GC Writing Center where GC faculty and students helps students with resume writing, application essays and other professional writing needs.

More information is available at Advising & Support.