Can I study at SUSTech entirely in English?

Yes. SUSTech was designed as a bilingual university and most science and engineering courses are taught in English by faculty recruited from overseas research universities. Mandarin classes are available alongside your degree.

Do international students need the Gaokao to apply?

No. International applicants are assessed holistically on their high school record, English proficiency, personal statement, recommendation letters and an interview—no Gaokao score is required.

What are the English language requirements?

English-taught programs generally require IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL 80. Applicants who completed their previous education in English may apply for an exemption with supporting documents.

How much does it cost to study at SUSTech?

Undergraduate tuition is CNY 30,000 per year and master’s or doctoral tuition is CNY 40,000 per year. With on-campus accommodation at about CNY 8,200 a year plus living costs, a self-funded first year is roughly CNY 60,000 to 95,000.

What scholarships are available?

The SUSTech International Student Scholarship offers full or partial tuition waivers, and top awardees also receive accommodation and a living stipend. CSC, Shenzhen municipal awards and graduate research assistantships are also available.

When is the application deadline?

Undergraduate applications close on April 30 for the September intake, while scholarship candidates should apply by March 31. Postgraduate deadlines are set by each department, usually between March and May.

What is the residential college system?

Every undergraduate joins one of eleven residential colleges that combine housing with mentoring. Faculty mentors, senior tutors and shared study space give small cohorts close academic support throughout the degree.

Can I choose my major after enrolling?

Yes. Students are admitted without a fixed major, study broad foundation courses in mathematics, physics, chemistry and computing, then select their department after the first year.

Is on-campus accommodation available?

International students are offered rooms in dedicated on-campus apartments at around CNY 8,200 per year. Our team helps confirm your housing before you travel to Shenzhen.

Will I get research experience as an undergraduate?

Yes. SUSTech requires undergraduates to join a research group and complete a supervised project, so you work in a laboratory with PhD students and faculty well before graduation.

What are internship and job prospects in Shenzhen?

The campus sits in Nanshan district beside Huawei, Tencent, DJI, BYD and hundreds of hardware start-ups, giving students unusually direct access to internships and graduate roles in technology and finance.

How do I apply through China Admission Center?

Begin with a free academic assessment. Our advisors confirm your eligibility, shortlist the strongest SUSTech programs for your profile and guide you through documents, scholarships, application and visa—at no cost to you.

Southern University of Science and Technology campus

Shenzhen, Guangdong, ChinaQS #343

Southern University of Science and Technology

China’s experimental research university, built for the innovation age

Established in 2011 as a national reform pilot, the Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech) was created to test a new model of higher education in China: small enrolment, research-intensive departments and a faculty recruited almost entirely from leading overseas universities. Located on a 1.94 km² hillside campus in Shenzhen’s Nanshan district, SUSTech uses a residential college system, bilingual instruction and compulsory undergraduate research. In little over a decade it has entered the Double First-Class list and the global top 350, making it the fastest-rising research university in the country and a natural choice for students who want laboratory experience from year one.

Double First-Class

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QS World Ranking: #343
Location: Shenzhen, China
Founded: 2011
International Students: 400+
Teaching Language: English / Chinese
Tuition: CNY 30,000 - 40,000 / year
Intake: September
Application Deadline: April 30

Why Choose

Why Choose Southern University of Science and Technology

Key reasons international students choose Southern University of Science and Technology for their studies in China.

Fastest-Rising Chinese University

Founded in 2011, already Double First-Class and inside the QS global top 350—unmatched growth among Chinese universities.

Genuinely Bilingual Teaching

Most science and engineering courses are delivered in English by faculty trained at leading overseas research universities.

Undergraduate Research Required

Every undergraduate joins a working research group, an unusual guarantee of laboratory experience before graduation.

Inside Shenzhen’s Tech Belt

Neighbours Huawei, Tencent, DJI and BYD in Nanshan, turning internships and industry projects into everyday opportunities.

Residential College System

Eleven residential colleges give small cohorts dedicated mentors, tutors and shared study space in their living quarters.

Choose Your Major Later

Students enter without a fixed major and select their department after a year of broad foundation study.

Rankings & Recognition

Academic Reputation

National designations and world rankings that signal academic strength and prestige.

PhD

English

4 years

CNY 40,000 / year

September

Full scholarship with monthly stipend

Check Eligibility

Admission

Admission Requirements

What you need to apply to Southern University of Science and Technology as an international student.

Academic RequirementsHigh school graduation with strong results in mathematics and science for bachelor’s; a relevant bachelor’s or master’s degree for postgraduate study. No Gaokao required for international applicants.
Language RequirementsEnglish-taught programs: IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL 80. Chinese-taught tracks: HSK Level 4–5. Applicants educated in English may request an exemption.
Required DocumentsPassport, high school or university transcripts, graduation certificate, personal statement, two academic recommendation letters and language test report.
Application DeadlineUndergraduate applications close April 30. Postgraduate deadlines vary by department, usually March to May.
Application ProcessApply online through the SUSTech international admissions portal, upload documents and pay the application fee, then follow your status online.
InterviewShortlisted undergraduate applicants attend an online interview; PhD applicants are interviewed directly by their prospective supervisor.
Medical ExaminationA completed Foreigner Physical Examination Form is required after admission and before your visa application.
Visa DocumentsSUSTech issues the Admission Notice and JW202 form needed to apply for an X1 student visa at a Chinese embassy or consulate.

Tuition & Scholarships

Costs & Funding

Transparent tuition, living costs and scholarship options for international students.

Cost Breakdown

Annual Tuition: CNY 30,000 - 40,000 / year
Accommodation: CNY 8,200 / yearOn-campus international student apartment
Application Fee: CNY 400 (one-time)
Medical Insurance: CNY 800 / yearMandatory comprehensive insurance for international students
Estimated Living Cost: CNY 3,000 – 4,500 / monthShenzhen is more expensive than most Chinese cities

Estimated First-Year CostCNY 60,000 – 95,000

SUSTech International Student Scholarship

Coverage: Full or partial tuition waiver, with accommodation and a living stipend for top-ranked awardees.

Eligibility: Outstanding international applicants to bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral programs.

Deadline: April 30

Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC)

Coverage: Full tuition, on-campus accommodation, monthly stipend and comprehensive medical insurance.

Eligibility: Non-Chinese citizens applying for degree programs, mainly at master’s and doctoral level.

Deadline: March 31

Shenzhen Municipal Government Scholarship

Coverage: Tuition support for international degree students enrolled at universities in Shenzhen.

Eligibility: Admitted or enrolled international students with strong academic performance.

Deadline: Announced annually by the city education bureau

Graduate Research Assistantship

Coverage: Monthly research stipend and project allowance funded by the supervising research group.

Eligibility: Master’s and PhD students accepted by a SUSTech research supervisor.

Deadline: Rolling, agreed with your supervisor

Campus Life

Life on Campus

What daily student life looks like at Southern University of Science and Technology.

Residential College Living

Students belong to one of eleven residential colleges, each with its own mentors, tutors, study rooms and social traditions.

Green Hillside Campus

A garden campus built across lychee-covered hills and a central lake, with walking trails linking teaching buildings and dormitories.

Modern Learning Spaces

The university library and open study commons stay busy late, with abundant natural light and group discussion rooms.

Year-Round Sports

Shenzhen’s subtropical climate keeps the stadium, pools, tennis courts and climbing wall in use through every season.

English-Friendly Environment

Bilingual signage, English-speaking staff and returnee faculty make daily campus life straightforward without fluent Chinese.

Nanshan Metro Access

A short metro ride reaches Shenzhen Bay, Talent Park, the OCT arts district and the Hong Kong border crossings.

Gallery

Campus Gallery

A visual tour of Southern University of Science and Technology.

Modern hillside campus walkway at Southern University of Science and Technology — Campus

Library atrium and study spaces at Southern University of Science and Technology — Library

Physics research laboratory at Southern University of Science and Technology — Research Laboratory

International student apartment room at Southern University of Science and Technology — Student Dormitory

Running track and gymnasium at Southern University of Science and Technology — Sports Facilities

International students together on the Southern University of Science and Technology campus — Student Life

Research & Innovation

Research Strengths

Research capacity and innovation ecosystem at Southern University of Science and Technology.

Quantum Science & Physics

Institutes in quantum science and engineering lead work on quantum materials, computing platforms and precision measurement.

Advanced Materials

Nationally recognised research on batteries, semiconductors, functional polymers and additive manufacturing.

Biomedical Engineering & Neuroscience

Medical imaging, brain science and drug discovery groups collaborate with Shenzhen’s hospitals and biotech firms.

Robotics & Intelligent Systems

Institutes in robotics and AI work directly with Shenzhen manufacturers on autonomous systems and smart hardware.

Ocean & Environmental Science

Deep-sea geophysics, marine engineering and climate research use SUSTech’s coastal location and research vessels.

Patents & Spin-Offs

A dedicated technology transfer office turns campus research into start-ups within Shenzhen’s hardware ecosystem.

Career Outcomes

Graduate Outcomes

Where a degree from Southern University of Science and Technology can take you after graduation.

Overseas Graduate Admission

A large share of graduates continue to PhD and master’s programs in the United States, Europe, Hong Kong and Singapore.

Shenzhen Technology Employers

Graduates are recruited by Huawei, Tencent, DJI, BYD, Ping An and the city’s fast-growing hardware start-ups.

Research Institute Careers

Alumni join national laboratories, Chinese Academy of Sciences institutes and corporate R&D centres across the Greater Bay Area.

Finance & Quantitative Roles

Financial mathematics and statistics graduates enter banking, fintech and quantitative trading firms in Shenzhen and Hong Kong.

Entrepreneurship Support

Campus incubators, maker spaces and Shenzhen venture networks help students launch hardware and software ventures.

Career Development Centre

On-campus recruitment fairs, internship placement and one-to-one advising are open to international students.

Student Support

International Student Support

How Southern University of Science and Technology helps international students settle in and succeed.

Accommodation Assistance

International students are offered on-campus apartment housing, with help arranging your room before arrival.

Residence Permit

The international office guides you through converting your X1 visa into a residence permit after registration.

Orientation Week

An English-language orientation covers academics, campus systems, safety, banking and life in Shenzhen.

College Mentors & Advising

Residential college mentors and academic tutors advise on course selection and major choice.

Chinese Language Courses

Credit-bearing Mandarin classes at several levels are available to all international students.

Campus Health Centre

On-campus clinic, insurance guidance and referral to English-speaking hospitals in Nanshan.

Emergency Assistance

Round-the-clock campus security and an emergency contact line for urgent situations.

Visa & Document Guidance

Support with JW202 forms, visa renewals, exit-entry paperwork and travel documentation.

International Community

Buddy programs, cultural festivals and student associations connect you with peers from across the world.

Timeline

Application Timeline

Key dates and milestones for applying to Southern University of Science and Technology.

December – January
Applications Open
The international admissions portal opens for the following September intake.
By March 31
Scholarship Submission
Submit early to be considered for CSC and SUSTech international scholarships.
By April 30
Undergraduate Deadline
Final date to complete your undergraduate application and upload all documents.
April – June
Review & Interviews
Departments assess applications and invite shortlisted candidates to online interviews.
June – July
Admission Results
Successful applicants receive their Admission Notice and scholarship decision.
July
JW202 & Visa Documents
SUSTech sends your Admission Notice and JW202 form for the student visa application.
July – August
Apply for X1 Visa
Apply for your X1 student visa at the Chinese embassy or consulate in your country.
Late August – September
Arrival & Registration
Arrive in Shenzhen, move into your apartment, complete registration and join orientation.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the questions international students ask most about Southern University of Science and Technology.

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