Study at Sun Yat-sen University
Sun Yat-sen University is a prestigious comprehensive university in Guangzhou, southern China. Founded by the father of modern China, it excels in medicine, business, and humanities. Its location in Guangzhou offers a warm climate and dynamic business environment.
✓ Double First ClassQuick Facts
| Founded | 1924 |
| QS World Ranking | #267 |
| Times Ranking | #171 |
| Students | 62,000 |
| International Students | 3,000 |
| Tuition Range (USD/year) | $2000 - $5500 |
| Halal Food Available | Yes |
| English-Taught Programs | Yes |
Academic Strengths
Available Programs
Scholarships Available
Admission Requirements
| Bachelor's | Master's | PhD | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum GPA | 65% | 70% | 75% |
| Language Requirement | HSK 4 or IELTS 5.5 | HSK 5 or IELTS 6.0 | HSK 5 or IELTS 6.0 |
| Entrance Exam | Not Required | Not Required | Not Required |
City Guide: Guangzhou
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Costs, entry and fit
Sun Yat-sen University is a public university in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, founded in 1924. It teaches around 62,000 students, about 3,000 of them international.
Tuition runs $2,000–$5,500 a year, below the $2,200 median across the 149 Chinese universities in Foorsa's catalogue. Living costs in Guangzhou average $700 a month, so a full year comes to roughly $10,400–$13,900 including rent, food and transport.
It is ranked #267 in the QS World University Rankings — 13th of the 49 ranked universities we list. It belongs to the Double First Class list. 8 of the universities in this catalogue are in Guangzhou.
Teaching is in Chinese and English. English-taught degree programmes are available, so a Chinese qualification is not a prerequisite for every course. Halal food availability in Guangzhou is rated excellent, and the campus itself reports halal catering.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to study at Sun Yat-sen University?
Tuition is $2,000 to $5,500 per year. Living costs in Guangzhou average $700 a month, which puts a full year at roughly $10,400–$13,900 including accommodation, food and transport.
What are the entry requirements for a bachelor's degree at Sun Yat-sen University?
A minimum average of 65%, HSK 4 or IELTS 5.5, and no entrance exam. For a master's the bar is 70% with HSK 5 or IELTS 6.0.
Can I study at Sun Yat-sen University in English?
Yes. Sun Yat-sen University runs degree programmes taught in English alongside its Chinese-language courses.
Which scholarships can I apply for at Sun Yat-sen University?
Students here can apply for the Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC), university scholarships and provincial government scholarships. Eligibility depends on your grades, degree level and nationality.
Is halal food available at Sun Yat-sen University?
Yes — the university reports halal catering on campus. Halal food availability across Guangzhou is rated excellent.
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Last verified: 2026-03-06