Because the teaching mode adopted by Shanghai Open University is based on online self-study, supplemented by concentrated face-to-face lectures, which are given during the day and individual nights on weekends, students are free to choose to study at home or at school.

Shanghai Open University is a new institution of higher learning sponsored by the Shanghai Municipal People's Government and approved by the Ministry of Education. Shanghai Open University, formerly known as Shanghai TV University, was founded in 1960. 1987 was listed as a key institution of higher learning in Shanghai. In 20/0/2, Kloc was renamed as Shanghai Open University with the approval of the Ministry of Education, which is the first "open university" in China.