Quick Summary
Since 1924, Sun Yat-sen University has been one of China's prominent publics, based in Guangzhou. Ranked #129 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 66512 students including 6% from outside China. Known for strengths in Clinical Medicine, Chemistry, Biology and Biochemistry, it maintains an acceptance rate of 12%.
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Institutional Profile
Who they are
It is a top-tier research university in China's most economically vibrant region, offering world-class medical and business education.
Subject Strengths
Clinical MedicineChemistryBiology and BiochemistryMaterials ScienceComputer ScienceBusiness and Management
Founded1924
TypePublic
Total Students66512
Intl Students6%
Faculty Ratio14.5
CampusMulti-campus (Guangzhou, Zhuhai, Shenzhen)
Campus Size2,260 acres
Affiliated Hospitals10
AccreditationMinistry of Education of the People's Republic of China, AACSB, AMBA, EQUIS
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Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#129
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#73
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#72
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Undergraduate,Master's,PhD
Programs
Available
PhD Programs
Not Available
Online Programs
State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China,State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol,National Supercomputer Center in Guangzhou
Research Centers
Very High
Research Output
Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, AACSB, AMBA, EQUIS
Accreditation
04
Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate12%
IELTS6.5
TOEFL90
Min GPA3
GREOptional but recommended for English-taught PhDs
GMATRecommended for Business programs
SATRecommended for international undergraduate applicants
ACTAccepted
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · April 30
SPRINGApplication Deadline · November 30
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
International applicants should focus on HSK Level 5 or 6 for Chinese-taught programs. Strong performance in the SYSU entrance exam or high scores in standardized international tests (SAT/IB) is crucial for undergrads.
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Cost Ledger
Amounts in Chinese Yuan Renminbi
UG Tuition
¥26,000/yr
per year · CNY
Living Cost
¥45,000/yr
per year · CNY
PG Tuition
¥30,000/yr
per year · CNY
Application Fee
$115
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
¥75,800/yr
tuition + living + essentials · CNY
Scholarships AvailableChinese Government Scholarship (CSC),Guangdong Government Outstanding Foreign Student Scholarship,SYSU Freshman Scholarship
Avg Scholarship$4,500
Financial AidAvailable
Work-StudyAvailable
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Undergraduate,Master's,PhD programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Medicine | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Business Administration | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Oceanography | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Mathematics | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Environmental Science | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$18,000
Average Salary After Graduation
92%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementStrong connections with tech firms in Shenzhen and Pearl River Delta
Industry Connections
TencentHuaweiBYDGAC Group
Notable Alumni
Sun Yat-sen (Founder),Chen Yinque,Zeng Xianzi
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Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
On-campus available
Sports Facilities
Olympic-size swimming pools,Multiple gymnasiums,Tennis courts,Standard athletics tracks
Student Clubs
150
Library Resources
One of the largest library systems in Southern China with over 6 million volumes
Exchange Programs
Available
Summer Programs
Available