East China Normal University (ECNU)

East China Normal University (ECNU) is a prestigious public university in Shanghai, China, affiliated with the Ministry of Education and co-funded by the Shanghai Municipal Government. It is a member of Project 211, Project 985, and the Double First-Class Initiative. Established in 1951, ECNU was formed through the merger of Great China University (1924) and Kwang Hua University (1925), with roots tracing back to St. John’s College (1879).

As of 2020, ECNU operates 22 schools, colleges, and institutes across two campuses in Minhang and Putuo.

History and Development:

ECNU’s origins stem from St. John’s University, which was founded in 1879 as the first institution in China to grant bachelor’s degrees. In response to student protests, scholars later established Great China University and Kwang Hua University, both of which merged in 1951 to create ECNU. The university also integrated faculty from Fudan, Tongji, and other institutions, becoming China’s first national teacher-training university.

During the 1950s, ECNU underwent restructuring under the Soviet-style education system, incorporating departments from several universities. Recognized as a National Key University in 1959, it temporarily merged into Shanghai Normal University during the Cultural Revolution before regaining its original name in 1980.

Today, ECNU is a leading institution in education and research, shaping China’s academic landscape.

Read more about the ECNU on its official website.