2025 Enrollment Guidelines for SYSU International Students(Doctoral 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 with valid foreign passports.
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 doctoral programs must hold a Master’s degree or an equivalent degree to a Master’s degree in China.
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 should hold an HSK (level V) certificate with a score of 180 points or above. Those who have taken courses with Chinese as the instruction language shall submit a certificate issued by their former university. Upon verification by SYSU, the applicants may be exempted from providing HSK certificates.
(2) 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. Scholarship applicants should meet the corresponding age requirements.
II. Application Deadline (Beijing Time)
First Batch: Thursday, February 15, 2025
Second Batch: Tuesday, April 30, 2025
Please refer to the scholarship application guides at the website of International Students’ Affairs of SYSU (http://iso.sysu.edu.cn/) 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, certificates and verification reports of Master’s degree and Bachelor’s degree
Applicants who have graduated from universities in Chinese Mainland should submit the Record of Electronic Registration of Academic Certificates of the Ministry of Education and Online Verification Report of Chinese Higher Education Degree for Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees from the website of Chinese Higher Education Student Information (https://www.chsi.com.cn). Applicants who have graduated from universities outside the Chinese Mainland should submit Verification of Foreign Academic Degrees of Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees from the website of the Chinese Service Center (https://www.cscse.edu.cn) for Scholarly Exchanges. Applicants who will not graduate before the application deadline shall submit a pre-graduation certificate issued by their university. Those who do not provide their certificate of Master’s degree before registration will have their admission canceled.
3. Complete Academic Transcript of Undergraduate and Graduate studies
Transcripts should be issued and stamped by the academic affair department or relevant student administration department of the applicants’ university, and these transcripts should include the academic performance of undergraduate and graduate studies. Applicants who will not graduate before the application deadline shall submit their latest transcript issued by their university. Those who do not provide a complete transcript of undergraduate and graduate studies before registration will have their admission canceled.
4. Chinese Language Proficiency Certificate
Applicants of the programs instructed in Chinese should submit a valid certificate of Chinese language proficiency (HSK) or proof of completing courses instructed in Chinese language. 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 3000 words, covering academic background and research work experience and achievements related to the intended field of study, study and research plan during the doctoral program, and career goal after graduation (Template provided in Attachment 2).
7. Proof of Financial Status
Applicants should submit a proof of their deposit balance issued by the bank, which should be around RMB 100,000 or more. If the bank account is not owned by the applicant, the proof of relationship with the financial sponsor (e.g. birth certificate, household registration booklet, notarized documents, etc.) should 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 of the Office of International Students’ Affairs of SYSU (http://iso.sysu.edu.cn).
11. Supporting documents
Applicants shall submit award certificates or proof of experience as additional supporting documents.
12. Letter of commitment
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. See Attachment 5 for the Catalog of Majors at SYSU for International Students (Doctoral Degree) 2025. Applicants can find details of the scholarship application guide on the website of the Office of International Students’ Affairs of SYSU (http://iso.sysu.edu.cn).
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 in 2025 (Doctoral 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 is subject to the announcement 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)
|
Subjects |
Liberal Arts |
Natural Science, Engineering and Agricultural Science |
Medical Science |
|
Doctor |
34000 |
44200 |
65000 |
|
Registration Fee (including necessary admission assessment fees): 400/person |
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|
Note: For details, please refer to the payment standard released by SYSU in the same year. |
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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 programs, please visit the “SCHOLARSHIP” section at the website of the Office of International Students’ Affairs of SYSU (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, or the Education Office of the Chinese Embassy (Consulate General) in the host country according to the program type. The time of application usually falls between January and early April, and deadlines vary from country to country. Please check in advance. Please refer to the application guide of Chinese Government Scholarship—Bilateral Program for the year 2025 at SYSU for detailed information concerning application and assessment. Please visit the Chinese Government Scholarship (https://campuschina.org) to register, select the type of projects (Type A_Ph.D), and submit materials as required. Applicants should also register in the SYSU’s application system (https://apply.sysu.edu.cn/login). After registration, please select “Chinese Government Scholarship—Bilateral Program in 2025”, and submit materials as required.
2. 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) to register, select the type of projects (Type B_Ph.D), select the enrollment code of SYSU (10558), and submit materials as required. Applicants should also register in the SYSU’s system (https://apply.sysu.edu.cn) before February 15, 2025. After registration, please select “Chinese Government Scholarship—High-Level Graduate Program in 2025”, and submit materials as required. SYSU will organize the expert review group to review the application materials and submit them to the China Scholarship Council (CSC). The admission results are subject to the approval of the CSC.
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.
4. China Studies Program (CSP) Ph.D. Fellowships (Full Scholarship)
This program is established by the Center for Language Education and Cooperation (CLEC) to sponsor overseas outstanding youths dedicated to China Studies (humanities and social sciences). Its Ph.D fellowships is conducts for talents around the world through cooperating with Chinese top universities, including SYSU. The exact time for application (including the deadline) for the program is subject to the announcements of the CLEC. Please visit the website of the CLEC (http://www.chinese.cn), to register an account, and select the Ph.D. Fellowship of China Studies Program. Applicants should also register in the SYSU’s system (https://apply.sysu.edu.cn). After registration, please select the “Ph.D. in China Fellowship” or “Joint Research Ph.D. Fellowship” of China Studies Program in 2025, and submit materials as required.
5. Guangdong Government Outstanding International Student Scholarship (Partial Scholarship)
New students who have not received any government scholarship can apply for the Guangdong Government Outstanding International Student Scholarship. Qualified doctoral students can receive a one-off grant for the first academic year, totaling RMB 30,000 per person.
Note: After registration, applicants of the above scholarships 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. Recipients of Chinese Government Scholarship or CSP Ph.D. Fellowships will be provided on-campus accommodation according to relevant regulations.
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. 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 (Doctoral 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/1417741.htm
Related: Admissions in China