Sun Yat-sen University Admission 2026: Fees & CSC

Sun Yat-sen University is one of China’s leading universities and a strong choice for international students looking for an advanced academic environment and career development in many fields. Sun Yat-sen University admission requirements depend on the major and level, and tuition varies by programme. The university offers English-taught programmes, so you can start without speaking Chinese. If you are thinking about studying in China, Sun Yat-sen University is among the options worth considering in 2026.

🧮 Calculate your study cost in China in your own currency – official fees, accommodation, admission chances and application deadlines in a minute: Study cost calculator

Introduction to Sun Yat-sen University: academic strength and reputation

Sun Yat-sen University (SYSU) is one of the most respected universities in China. It is located in Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong Province and one of the largest cities in southern China, which offers a modern and stimulating urban environment for study. The university was founded in 1924 and today is a leading institution in medicine, law, engineering, science and the social sciences.

SYSU offers an international education at reasonable cost compared with Western countries. It provides programmes from bachelor’s to PhD level and is particularly well known for its medicine and law programmes.

A good choice for international students: support, environment and cultural diversity

Guangzhou is one of China’s most international cities, and its long-established Muslim community makes it a comfortable place for Muslim students. Student support, academic advising and cultural events at the university help students from different countries meet and connect.

If you wonder whether studying in China is safe for international students, the answer is generally yes, especially in large cities such as Guangzhou, which have good security and developed infrastructure. For more detail, read Is China right for Muslims? to get a better picture of daily life.

Study programmes at Sun Yat-sen University: available majors

SYSU offers programmes in science, medicine, engineering, law, economics and the humanities. Its medicine and law programmes are among its best known. The main fields include:

Medicine and medical sciences: an English-taught MBBS programme and postgraduate programmes in medicine and medical research. Check that the programme is offered by a university on the Ministry of Education list for international MBBS students.
Law: bachelor’s and master’s programmes in international law, Chinese law and commercial law (many are taught in Chinese, so check the language of instruction).
Engineering and science: majors in computer engineering, electrical engineering and civil engineering.
Economics and management: majors in business administration, finance and international economics.
Social sciences and languages: majors in international relations, Chinese studies and English.

If you are interested in studying medicine, see our guide to studying medicine in China for more on majors and requirements. For graduate study, check the best universities for master’s and PhD degrees in China to compare your options.

Sun Yat-sen University admission requirements: eligibility and documents

Admission requirements at SYSU depend on the major and level, but some general requirements apply:

A high school certificate (or equivalent) with good grades. Bachelor applicants must also take the CSCA test, which is mandatory.
Proof of English proficiency for English-taught programmes, such as IELTS or TOEFL. Check the minimum score for your programme.
An HSK certificate for Chinese-taught programmes; it is not required for English-taught programmes.
A motivation letter explaining your academic and career goals.
An up-to-date CV.
Recommendation letters from teachers or academic officials.
A passport photo and ID documents.

Note: always check the requirements of the specific programme you want, because they can differ. For example, medicine programmes may require extra assessments, and the university may hold an interview. Applicants under 18 need a guardian’s letter.

Study costs at Sun Yat-sen University: tuition fees 2026

Tuition at SYSU depends on the major and level. Here are approximate fees for 2026:

Major	Duration	Annual fees
Medicine (English-taught)	6 years	See SYSU’s official fee page
Law	4 years	See SYSU’s official fee page
Engineering	4 years	See SYSU’s official fee page
Economics and management	4 years	See SYSU’s official fee page
Natural sciences	4 years	See SYSU’s official fee page

Note: all these figures are approximate and vary by programme. Some majors may charge extra for facilities or labs. Check the official SYSU fee page for exact amounts. Guangzhou is a tier-1 city: StudyFlowX’s calculator estimates living costs of 1,800–3,000 CNY per month excluding rent (about US$250–420).

Want to study in China?

Book your free consultation

Scholarships at Sun Yat-sen University: opportunities for international students

International students at SYSU can apply for several types of scholarships, including government and university-level options. The main ones are:

CSC (Chinese Government Scholarship): a Chinese government programme that covers tuition and accommodation (or an allowance), medical insurance and a monthly stipend of 2,500 CNY (bachelor), 3,000 CNY (master) or 3,500 CNY (PhD). Airfare is not covered. See our page on the CSC scholarship.
Silk Road CSC (Type B): applied for through SYSU. The university’s CSC code is 10558, and the invitation-letter deadline for 2026 was 17 May 2026.
CSC Bilateral (Type A): applied for through the Chinese embassy in your country. For the 2026 cycle, invitation-letter registration closed on 12 January (Round 1) and 12 February (Round 2).

When you apply for a scholarship, include recommendation letters, a CV and strong academic documents. Scholarships are never guaranteed, but they are a real opportunity for international students.

The student experience at Sun Yat-sen University: daily life and support

Students generally report a positive experience at SYSU in terms of teaching, cultural exchange and academic support. Student associations organise cultural and religious events. Guangzhou is a large city with plenty to see, shopping and social life, and it has halal restaurants and mosques such as the historic Huaisheng Mosque for Muslim students.

Language is not a big barrier at large universities like SYSU, where many programmes are taught in English and optional Chinese courses are available. Note that many Western apps and websites, including WhatsApp and Instagram, are blocked in mainland China without a VPN; WeChat is the main messaging app.

Practical steps to apply: a step-by-step guide for 2026

If you want to apply to Sun Yat-sen University, follow these simple steps:

Choose your major and level: pick the programme that matches your skills and future goals.
Check the admission requirements: read the specific requirements for each programme on the university’s official website.
Prepare your documents: gather certificates, test results, recommendation letters and your motivation letter.
Register on the application platform: create an account on the SYSU online application system at apply.sysu.edu.cn.
Submit your application: enter your details, upload the required documents and pay the non-refundable 400 CNY application fee.
Wait for the decision: there may be an interview. For the 2026 intake, admission letters were sent from July 2026.
Get your student visa: once admitted, apply for an X1 visa at the Chinese embassy or consulate in your country using your admission notice and the JW201/JW202 form. See our guide to the student visa steps in China.

Sun Yat-sen University admission: official 2026 timeline

Self-funded bachelor’s: Round 1 ran from 1 January to 28 February 2026 and Round 2 from 1 March to 30 April 2026. The CSCA test is mandatory. Apply at apply.sysu.edu.cn, pay the 400 CNY non-refundable fee and expect an interview. Applicants under 18 need a guardian’s letter. source
Silk Road CSC (Type B): SYSU code 10558; the invitation-letter deadline was 17 May 2026. source
CSC Bilateral (Type A): invitation-letter registration closed on 12 January 2026 (Round 1) and 12 February 2026 (Round 2). source

Dates change every cycle, so confirm the 2027 schedule on the official SYSU enrolment guidelines page.

Frequently asked questions

Can I study at Sun Yat-sen University without speaking Chinese?

Yes, you can study at SYSU without speaking Chinese, especially if you choose an English-taught programme. Still, learning the basics of Chinese makes daily life and contact with local people easier.

What is the cost of living in Guangzhou?

Guangzhou is a tier-1 city. StudyFlowX estimates about 1,800–3,000 CNY per month for food, transport and daily costs, excluding rent (about US$250–420).

Are there mosques near Sun Yat-sen University or in Guangzhou?

Yes, Guangzhou has several mosques, including the historic Huaisheng Mosque in the city centre. Ask the SYSU international office about prayer arrangements near your campus.

Can I work while studying in China?

Only within narrow limits: international students may only do university-organised “work-study”, with the university’s approval recorded on the residence permit. That is up to 8 hours a week and 40 hours a month during term, and 16 hours a week and 80 hours a month during holidays. Regular employment under a contract is forbidden (Ministry of Education). It can still help you build skills and cover small expenses.

Which majors are the most popular for international students at Sun Yat-sen University?

Medicine, law, engineering and economics are among the most popular majors for international students, helped by the availability of English-taught programmes and good graduate job prospects.