2025 Enrollment Guidelines for SYSU International Students (Master’s Degree)
Founded by Dr. Sun Yat-sen, a famous Chinese revolutionist, Sun Yat-sen University (SYSU) has an educational tradition spanning over 100 years. As a university directly affiliated with the Ministry of Education of China and with the strong support of the Ministry of Education of China and Guangdong Province, SYSU has become a first-class modern comprehensive university, renowned both in China and in the world. Composed of five campuses located in the three cities of Guangzhou, Zhuhai, and Shenzhen, and ten affiliated hospitals, SYSU is marching towards a world-class university and striving to become a global academic center.
In accordance with the relevant documents stipulated by the Ministry of Education and other relevant departments, as well as the actual conditions of SYSU, this guide is formulated as follows:
I. Eligibility
1. Applicants should be non-Chinese citizens and hold a valid foreign passport.
2. Applicants should be in good physical and mental health and meet the physical examination requirements for obtaining a student visa or residence permit for study in China.
3. Applicants for Master’s programs must hold a Bachelor’s degree equivalent to that of Chinese universities.
4. Applicants should demonstrate friendliness toward China, diligence in their studies, excellent academic performance, good moral character, and compliance with laws and regulations. They must have no record of school disciplinary violations, security penalties, or criminal offenses.
5. Language Proficiency
(1) Applicants of the programs instructed in Chinese must have an HSK (level V) certificate (with 180 points or higher).
Applicants for Master of Teaching Chinese to Speakers of Other Languages should have an HSK level V certificate with a score of 210 points or higher and an HSKK intermediate level certificate with 60 points or higher.
Applicants who have completed courses instructed in Chinese can provide proof issued by their former university for verification. Upon verification, these applicants may be exempted from providing HSK certificates.
To apply for the English-taught programs, applicants whose native language is not English must submit valid proof of English language skills to demonstrate that their English proficiency is sufficient to meet the academic requirements, such as TOEFL (minimum score of 79 on iBT, with no less than 15 in each section) or IELTS Academic (minimum score of 6.5, with no less than 5.5 in each section).
Applicants who have previously studied with English as the medium of instruction may submit an official certificate from their institution confirming this. Upon verification by the university, these applicants may be exempt from submitting English test scores.
For specific English language requirements, please refer to the application guidelines of the each English-taught program.
6. Applicants of scholarships should meet the age requirement of the scholarship.
II. Application Deadline (Beijing Time)
The first round: February 15, 2025
The second round: April 30, 2025
Please refer to the scholarship application guides at the website of International Students’ Affairs of SYSU (https://iso.sysu.edu.cn/cn/jxjxm/index.htm) for the deadline of scholarships application.
III. Application Procedure
Applicants shall visit the website of the Office of International Students’ Affairs of SYSU (http://iso.sysu.edu.cn/), click on “APPLY ONLINE” to access the “International Student Management System”, and then select “Account Registration” to create an individual account. After registration, applicants can log in via “Account Login” to re-enter the “International Student Management System”. Applicants shall then select the proper project, and upload the following application documents accurately and completely as required:
1. A valid ordinary passport and a personal profile photo
Applicants’ passports must remain valid until at least December 1, 2025. Please renew your passport if necessary. Applicants currently residing in China should provide a scanned copy of their passport, including the pages with a valid Chinese visa or residence permit, and the entry seal. Applicants who have obtained foreign nationality and were previously residents of the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong SAR, Macao SAR, or Taiwan must submit one of the following: (a) a certificate of cancellation of household registration or withdrawal of Chinese nationality; (b) an official document issued by Chinese diplomatic or consular authorities certifying that they do not hold Chinese nationality.
2. Diploma, degree certificates and verification reports of Bachelor’s degree
Applicants who graduated from universities in Chinese mainland should provide the Record of Electronic Registration of Academic Certificates of the Ministry of Education and Online Verification Report of Chinese Higher Education Degree for and Bachelor’s degrees from the website of Chinese Higher Education Student Information (https://www.chsi.com.cn).
Applicants who graduated from universities outside the Chinese mainland should submit the Verification of Foreign Academic Degrees from the website of the Chinese Service Center for Scholarly Exchanges (https://www.cscse.edu.cn).
Students yet to graduate before the application deadline shall submit a pre-graduation certificate issued by their university. Those who fail to provide their Master’s degree certificate before registration will have their admission revoked.
3. Complete Academic Transcript of Undergraduate Studies
The transcript shall be issued and stamped by the office of academic affairs or relevant student management department of the applicant’s institution.
Applicants who will not graduate before the application deadline shall submit their most recent transcript issued by their university. Those who fail to provide a complete transcript of undergraduate and graduate studies before registration will have their admission revoked.
4. Chinese Language Proficiency Certificate
Applicants who apply for programs instructed in Chinese language should submit a valid certificate of Chinese language proficiency (HSK) or proof of completing courses instructed in Chinese language.
Applicants of the Master of Teaching Chinese to Speakers of Other Languages should submit an HSSK report in addition. Applicants of English-taught programs should submit TOFEL, IELTS certificate, or any proof of having taken program instructed in English or other proof demonstrating their English language proficiency.
5. Two Academic Recommendation Letters
The letters of recommendation shall be provided by experts or scholars with recognized standing in the applicant’s field (e.g., professors or associate professors) (Template provided in Attachment 1).
6. Plan of Study and Research in China
The plan should be over 1500 words, covering academic background and research work experience and achievements related to the intended field of study, study and research plan during the graduate studies, career plan after graduation from the MA program, etc. (Template provided in Attachment 2).
7. Proof of Financial Status
The applicant should submit proof of deposit balance issued by a bank, amounting to RMB 100,000 or more. If the bank account is not owned by the applicant, proof of relationship with the financial guarantor (such as birth certificate, household registration booklet, and notarized documents) must be submitted at the same time.
8. Physical examination and blood test results
Applicants shall submit scanned copies of the Foreigner Physical Examination Form, chest X-ray, ECG, and laboratory test reports for specific items, all stamped by the issuing hospital and within six months prior to the date of submission (Template provided in Attachment 3). Applicants currently residing in the Chinese mainland with a valid foreigner’s residence permit or permanent residence ID card may substitute either of these documents for the Foreigner Physical Examination Form.
9. Certificate of Non-Criminal Record
Applicants shall submit a valid non-criminal record issued by local authorities; the document shall be issued within six months before the date of application submission.
10. Scholarship Application Form
Applicants should fill in the scholarship application form as required, and sign on the last page of the form. Applicants can find details of the scholarship application guide on the website (http://iso.sysu.edu.cn) of the Office of International Students’ Affairs of Sun Yat-sen University.
11. Supporting documents
Applicants shall submit award certificates or proof of experience as additional supporting documents.
12. Commitment letter
Applicants must certify that all application information provided is true, legal and valid. They shall print, sign, and upload the signed Commitment Letter to the system. (Template provided in Attachment 4)
13. Personal Information Form
The Personal Information Form will be automatically generated by the International Student Management System. Applicants shall print, sign, and upload the signed form to the system.
Note:
Application documents shall be original and in either Chinese or English. For documents in other languages, both the original documents and their notarized Chinese or English translations shall be provided. Translations must be authenticated by either the Hague Apostille Convention or a Chinese embassy or consulate.
Applicants shall ensure the accuracy of the email address, WeChat account number, and contact phone number entered in the application system.
Notification regarding supplementary materials will be issued via the application system(https://apply.sysu.edu.cn).
Failure to submit the scanned copies of supplementary materials, translations, or translation notarized certificates in a timely manner, submission of materials that do not meet the requirements, or incorrect contact information may result in an unsuccessful application, for which the applicant shall assume full responsibility.
IV. Majors for International Students and Enrollment Schools/Departments
1. Please refer to Attachment 5 for the Catalog of Majors for International Students (Master’s Degree) at SYSU in 2025 and follow the application guidance on the website of the Office of International Students’ Affairs (http://iso.sysu.edu.cn) to check the list of majors for scholarship programs.
(Check in the last part of this article.)
2. Please refer to the link (https://www.sysu.edu.cn/yxsz.htm) for information on departments of SYSU, and refer to Attachment 6 for contact information of SYSU departments that enroll international students (Master’s Degree).
V. Selection Procedures
1. Qualification Review
Sun Yat-sen University will review the applicant’s foreign status, highest academic qualification, academic performance, language proficiency, recommendation letters, and study plan to finalize the assessment shortlist.
2. Assessment
The assessment will be organized by admission teams of the respective schools or departments using one of the following methods: (1) an interview (2) an interview combined with a written test. Applicants who pass the qualification review will be notified by the admission team of the specific assessment method, location, and time.
3. Admission
(1) SYSU will determine the conditional admission list based on the applicants’ qualifications and assessment results, as well as the programs the applicants have applied for. Outstanding new students will be recommended to apply for scholarships, and the list of scholarship winners will be announced by the scholarship management administration.
(2) Sun Yat-sen University will release the conditional admission results, electronic Admission Letter, and the Confirmation Form for Study in China through its application system (https://apply.sysu.edu.cn). Applicants shall ensure that the email address and phone number provided in the application system are accurate and valid.
(3) Admitted applicants shall apply for an X1 visa at the Chinese embassy or consulate using the Admission Letter and Foreign Student Visa Application Form. Upon arrival in China, they shall convert the X1 visa into a student residence permit within 30 days. Failure to do so will result in disqualification from admission. Students with non-student visas shall not be allowed to register. International students holding expired visas or residence permits shall not be allowed to reside on campus or participate in activities.
VI. Fees (Unit: RMB Yuan)
1. Tuition Fee and Registration Fee (including necessary admission assessment fees)
|
Majors |
Humanities |
Natural Science and Engineering |
Medical Science |
|
Master |
¥30000 |
¥39000 |
¥55000 |
|
IMBA |
¥109000 |
/ |
/ |
|
Registration Fee (including necessary admission assessment fees): 400 RMB/person |
|||
|
Note: Tuition standards in SYSU Education Fees Standards released in that year shall prevail. |
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2. Comprehensive insurance for international students (including accidental and illness medical treatment, hospitalization medical insurance, accidental disability, and loss of life insurance): RMB 800/person/academic year.
VII. Scholarship
For details on the scholarship program, please visit the “SCHOLARSHIP” program section of the website of the SYSU Office of International Students’ Affairs (http://iso.sysu.edu.cn).
1. Chinese Government Scholarship – Bilateral Program (Full or Partial Scholarship)
The Chinese government scholarship is provided by the Chinese government. Applicants who have met the application requirements can apply directly to the dispatching department of their home country, the Education Office of the Chinese Embassy or Consulate General in the host country or the SYSU Office of International Students’ Affairs according to the program type. The time of application usually falls between January and early April. Deadlines vary from country to country. Please check in advance. Refer to the details on the sign-up website (https://campuschina.org) of the Chinese government scholarship where you can register, select the types of projects (Type A), and submit materials as required. Applicants should also register on SYSU’s application website (https://apply.sysu.edu.cn/login), select “Chinese Government Scholarship – Bilateral Program in 2025”, and submit materials as required.
2．The 2025 Youth of Excellence Scheme of China Program Chinese Government Scholarship (Full Scholarship)
The Youth of Excellence Scheme of China is provided by the Chinese government. It aims to cultivate global governance professionals with international vision, excellent comprehensive quality, outstanding leadership and cross-cultural background. The opening date and deadline of the program are subject to the approval of The China Scholarship Council. Please visit the sign-up website (https://campuschina.org) of the Chinese government scholarship where you can register, select the types of projects (Type A), and submit materials as required. Applicants should also register on SYSU’s application website (https://apply.sysu.edu.cn/login), select “2025 Youth of Excellence Scheme of China”, and submit materials as required.
3. Chinese Government Scholarship – High-Level Graduate Program (Full Scholarship)
This program is set up by the Chinese government to select international students with excellent academic backgrounds, professional capabilities and potential. Please visit the Chinese Government Scholarship Registration System (https://campuschina.org) , register an account, select the project type Type B, select the enrollment code of Sun Yat-sen University 10558, and submit materials as required. At the same time, applicants must register in our school system (https://apply.sysu.edu.cn) before February 15, 2025. Applicants should register an account, select “Chinese Government Scholarship – High-Level Graduate Program”, and submit materials as required. SYSU will organize an expert review team to review the application materials and submit them to the Chinese Scholarship Committee. The admission results are subject to the approval of the Chinese Scholarship Committee.
The Atomic Energy Scholarship Program of China (Full Scholarship)
The Atomic Energy Scholarship (AES) Program of the China is jointly initiated by the China Atomic Energy Authority (CAEA) and the Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China (MOE) with the aim of fostering outstanding young talent working in the field of peaceful use of nuclear energy from developing countries. The opening date and deadline of the program are subject to the notice of the China Atomic Energy Authority (CAEA) . Sun Yat-sen University is an admitting institution for this program, recruiting Master’s students in relevant fields from around the world. Please visit the Chinese Government Scholarship Registration System (https://campuschina.org) , register an account, select the project type Type B, select the enrollment code of Sun Yat-sen University 10558, and submit materials as required. At the same time, applicants must register in our school system (https://apply.sysu.edu.cn) before February 15, 2025. Applicants should register an account, select “The Atomic Energy Scholarship Program of China”, and submit materials as required.
International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarship (Full Scholarship)
Established by the Center for Language Education and Cooperation of MOE, this scholarship is intended for students and Chinese language teachers from all over the world who come to China to study and research the Chinese language and culture and to pursue a Master’s degree in international Chinese language education. The opening date and deadline of the program are subject to the notification of the Center for Language Education and Cooperation of MOE. Sun Yat-sen University is an international Chinese language teacher scholarship enrollment institution that recruits students (Master’s degree) from all over the world. Applicants could contact Confucius Institutes in their home countries, relevant overseas Chinese language examination centers, HSK test centers, professional associations for Chinese language instruction in other countries, and China’s embassies (consulates) abroad for consultation and to obtain recommendations. Please visit the Center for Language Education and Cooperation (http://www.chinese.cn), register an account, select the International Chinese Teacher Scholarship Program, and submit materials as required. Applicants should also register on SYSU’s website (https://apply.sysu.edu.cn), select “International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarship”, and submit materials as required.
6. Master’s in Public Administration of the China Governance Program of the Ministry of Commerce of China (Full Scholarship)
This is a foreign aid program set up by the Ministry of Commerce. The opening date and deadline of the program are subject to the approval of the Ministry of Commerce. Applicants can generally apply through the Chinese embassies and consulates abroad (Economic and Commercial Office) before the end of May each year. The details are based on the enrollment prospectus reviewed and announced by the Ministry of Commerce in the same year (https://www.china-aibo.cn/zwgk1/zsjj.htm). Applicants should register an account in our university’s application system (https://apply.sysu.edu.cn), select “MPA of the China Governance Program”, and submit materials as required.
7. Guangdong Government Outstanding International Student Scholarship (Partial Scholarship)
New students who have not received any government scholarship at SYSU can apply for the Guangdong Government Outstanding International Student Scholarship. Qualified graduate students can receive a grant for the first academic year. The scholarship for graduate students will be granted in a lump sum of RMB 20,000 per person.
Note: After enrollment, applicants of the above scholarship should pass the scholarship review of their performance according to regulations before they can continue to apply for or receive funding of the scholarship.
VIII. Regulations about Accommodation and Insurance
1. Due to the limited number of student dormitories on campus, self-funded students should handle accommodation by themselves.
2. The Chinese Government Scholarship and the Center of Language Education and Cooperation Scholarship recipients will be provided on-campus accommodation
3. SYSU implements an insurance system covering all international students. International students must insure themselves in accordance with the relevant regulations of China and SYSU. If the student does not insure themselves as required, he or she must purchase insurance within a fixed period of time. Students who have no insurance after the time limit has expired will not be allowed to register or will be forced to drop out if they have already begun studying at SYSU.
IX. Supervision
1. Registration: Admitted students shall register on the specified date and location as indicated in the Admission Letter. Early registration is not permitted. Failure to register on time without prior approval will result in disqualification from admission and scholarship eligibility.
2. Responsibility for Submitted Materials
Applicants are responsible for the authenticity of their submitted materials. According to national regulations and university rules, those found to have submitted falsified materials will have their admission, enrollment, and student status revoked, and the incident will be reported to relevant authorities.
3. Post-Admission Physical Examination and Eligibility Review
Sun Yat-sen University will conduct a physical examination and admission eligibility review for all enrolled students. Those who fail to meet the requirements or are found to have falsified materials will have their admission, enrollment, and scholarship qualifications canceled.
4. Supervision
The Admissions Office (Office of International Students’ Affairs) of Sun Yat-sen University shall oversee the admissions process, while the Discipline Inspection and Supervision Department shall perform dedicated supervisory duties.
X. Supplementary Provisions
1. This guide is applicable to the enrollment work for 2025 International Students (Master’s Degree) of SYSU, and shall be effective upon publication.
2. The SYSU Office of International Students’ Affairs, under the authorization of the SYSU Undergraduate Admission Leading Group, is responsible for interpreting this guide.
3. In case of policy adjustments by the Ministry of Education or other relevant departments, the updated regulations will prevail.
Office of International Students’ Affairs, Sun Yat-sen University
Website: http://iso.sysu.edu.cn
Online Application Website: https://apply.sysu.edu.cn/login
Email: [email protected]
Inquiry Tel: 0086(20)84110819
Supervision Department Tel: 0086(20)84115582
Address: Office of International Students’ Affairs, Sun Yat-sen University, 135 Xingangxi Road, Guangzhou, P.R.China
Zip code: 510275
Source: https://iso.sysu.edu.cn/en/application/selffunded/1417778.htm
Related: Admissions in China