Special needs course in Shanghai
Yes. You can study special needs (SEN) teacher training online from Shanghai with London College of Teachers and start any day. The 120-hour SEN Certificate costs US$325, and higher levels run up to the 550-hour Master Level. Shanghai's international schools run learning support departments.
Shanghai: the local picture
China's regulations on the education of persons with disabilities support learning in regular classes, and Shanghai's international schools run learning support departments.
Teachers use SEN training alongside a degree and the required visa documents.
Shanghai at a glance
| Region | Shanghai, China |
|---|---|
| Languages | Mandarin, Shanghainese, English |
| Schools and curricula | Public, bilingual and international schools; kindergartens and training centres |
| Education authorities | Ministry of Education; Shanghai Municipal Education Commission |
| Usual school year | September to July |
| Nearest LCT office | Bangkok, Thailand (+66 64 496 0296) |
General guidance, checked October 2026. Calendars and rules change, so confirm with the school or authority.
Special needs education in Shanghai
Teachers applying in Shanghai use SEN training alongside a degree and visa.
Where special needs graduates in Shanghai work
- International school learning support
- Tutoring
- Family-employed support
- Online support
- Parent coaching
Practical tips for Shanghai
- Confirm visa rules with employers.
- Bring IEP examples.
- Documents need authentication.
Which special needs course should you choose in Shanghai?
- Teachers and parents new to special needs: the 120-hour Certificate
- Shadow teachers and learning support staff: the 200-hour Diploma
- International school learning support roles: the PG Diploma or Master Level
Compare every level on the special needs courses page.
What employers in China look for
Work visas usually need a degree and credentials.
Requirements change. Treat this as general guidance (October 2026) and confirm with your employer or the relevant authority.
Course fees for learners in Shanghai
You pay in US dollars (or pounds): the 120-hour SEN Certificate is US$325, and your bank converts from your local currency.
| Course | Hours | Study time | USD | GBP | INR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Certificate in Special Education Needs | 120 | up to 6 months | US$325 | £275 | ₹23,600 incl. GST |
| Diploma in Special Education Needs | 200 | up to 10 months | US$399 | £340 | ₹29,500 incl. GST |
| PG Diploma in Special Education Needs | 240 | up to 12 months | US$475 | £390 | ₹35,400 incl. GST |
| Certificate in Child Psychology | 120 | up to 6 months | US$170 | £140 | ₹11,800 incl. GST |
| Diploma in Child Psychology | 200 | up to 10 months | US$250 | £210 | ₹17,700 incl. GST |
What you will study
Special needs teacher training covers how to spot children who need extra support and how to teach them well: learning disabilities, autism, ADHD, speech and language difficulties, emotional regulation, behaviour support, classroom management and inclusive teaching methods. The Diploma adds cerebral palsy, sensory issues and visual and hearing impairment, and the Master Level is built on a PG Diploma in SEN with IEP, Autism and ADHD plus certificates in learning disability, child psychology and 21st century teaching skills. See the course details.
Why learners in Shanghai choose London College of Teachers
- UK-registered provider: London College of Teachers Limited, UKPRN 10096558
- Fully online and self-paced: start any day from Shanghai
- Clear pathway from a 120-hour Certificate to a 550-hour Master Level
- Certificate verifiable online that employers can check
- Support by WhatsApp, phone and email
How studying online from Shanghai works
- Apply online or send a quick enquiry.
- An adviser confirms your level and sends payment details.
- Get your login and study each module at your own pace.
- Complete quizzes and assignments, then receive your verifiable certificate.
Support is by email, phone and WhatsApp; your local time is CST (UTC+8).
Frequently asked questions
Is there a special needs teacher training course in Shanghai?
Yes. You can take London College of Teachers' special needs courses fully online from Shanghai, from the 120-hour Certificate to the 550-hour Master Level. There is no need to travel to a centre.
How much does a special needs course cost in Shanghai?
You pay in US dollars (or pounds): the 120-hour SEN Certificate is US$325, and your bank converts from your local currency. The 200-hour Diploma is US$399 and the PG Diploma US$475.
Can I work as a shadow teacher or SEN teacher in Shanghai with this certificate?
Teachers applying in Shanghai use SEN training alongside a degree and visa. Work visas usually need a degree and credentials.
How long does the special needs course take from Shanghai?
The 120-hour SEN Certificate is designed for up to 6 months of self-paced study, and many learners in Shanghai finish sooner. The Diploma takes up to 10 months, the PG Diploma 12 months and the Master Level 18 months.
Is the London College of Teachers certificate accepted in China?
The certificate is issued by London College of Teachers Limited, a UK-registered learning provider (UKPRN 10096558), and can be verified online. Private schools, inclusive schools, therapy centres and families hiring shadow teachers set their own rules, while government special educator posts usually need a national qualification and registration, so confirm with your target employer.
Is SEN training useful in Shanghai?
Yes, for international school learning support.
Do I need a degree?
Usually, for the work visa.