About
About South China University of Technology
South China University of Technology (华南理工大学) was founded in 1952 in Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong province, formed from the merger of several engineering schools in southern China.
A national Double First-Class university, SCUT is best known for engineering, materials science, architecture, chemical engineering and business, and has grown into a comprehensive university covering science, engineering, management, the arts and the social sciences.
SCUT teaches more than 50,000 students across three campuses — Wushan, University Town and the Guangzhou International Campus — with over 4,000 faculty and students from more than 100 countries.
In several fields including engineering and materials science
Engineering & materials powerhouse
Internationally recognized strengths in engineering, materials science, architecture and chemical engineering — top 200 globally in several fields.
Double First-Class university
A national key university in China’s Double First-Class initiative.
Large international community
International students from more than 100 countries study at SCUT.
Guangzhou International Campus
A modern campus dedicated to international cooperation and joint education.
Admission
Admission, programs & tuition
South China University of Technology admits international students to bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees, plus non-degree programs including an International Foundation Program and intensive Chinese. Programs are taught in Chinese, English or bilingually, and applications are made through the SCUT online service platform for international students.
Degree programs
Select a degree level to see tuition, duration and entry requirements.
Bachelor’s degreeUndergraduate
Four-year undergraduate degrees in Chinese, English or bilingual format across engineering, science, architecture, economics, management and the humanities.
- Undergraduate programs
- RMB 26,000 / year
Application requirements
- Non-Chinese citizen with a valid passport and a high-school graduation (or pre-graduation) certificate.
- Chinese-taught programs: HSK Level 4 (≥180) for science and engineering; HSK Level 5 (≥180) for liberal arts, economics, management, languages, art, design, architecture and sport.
- English-taught and bilingual programs: TOEFL iBT 68+, IELTS 5.5+, Duolingo 100+ or equivalent for non-native English speakers.
- Academic transcripts and a completed SCUT application form.
Master’s degreeGraduate
Master’s degrees across engineering, science, architecture, management and the social sciences, with Chinese-taught, English-taught and bilingual options.
- Standard master’s programs
- RMB 32,000 / year
- Professional programs (e.g. MBA)
- up to RMB 44,500 / year
Application requirements
- Foreign passport holder with a bachelor’s degree or pre-graduation certificate.
- Academic transcripts and a study or research plan.
- Two recommendation letters.
- HSK or English-language test scores depending on the program.
- Passport biographical page and program-specific materials.
Doctoral degreeGraduate
Doctoral study across engineering, the natural sciences, architecture and management.
- Doctoral programs
- RMB 40,000 / year
Application requirements
- Foreign passport holder with a master’s degree or pre-graduation certificate.
- A research plan and academic transcripts.
- Two recommendation letters and, typically, a pre-acceptance letter from a supervisor.
- Language-proficiency test scores as required by the program.
- Passport biographical page and program-specific materials.
Non-degree programs
International Foundation Program
A preparatory year that builds the language and academic skills international students need before entering an undergraduate degree.
Fee · By program
Intensive Chinese Program
Intensive Mandarin study for international students at SCUT.
Fee · By program
Exchange & visiting students
Students nominated by partner universities, or self-funded visiting students, study for one or two semesters.
Fee · Per exchange agreement
Documents to prepare
- Completed SCUT application form for foreign students.
- Valid foreign passport (biographical and visa pages).
- Highest diploma or pre-graduation certificate.
- Full academic transcripts.
- A study or research plan.
- Two recommendation letters (and a supervisor pre-acceptance letter for doctoral applicants).
- Language-proficiency scores and a foreigner physical-examination record.
Application timeline
- 1
Autumn intake applications
Spring 2026Applications for the autumn 2026 intake are submitted through the SCUT online service platform; deadlines vary by program.
- 2
Scholarship applications
SpringScholarship application deadlines fall earlier than general admission — usually in spring.
- 3
Registration & start of the autumn semester
Sep 2026Admitted students register on campus and the academic year begins.
Tuition is charged per academic year and varies by program; professional master’s programs cost more than standard ones. Budget separately for the application fee, accommodation (RMB 5,000–15,000 per year) and insurance. Always confirm the current figure on the official program page before applying.
Funding
Scholarships
International students at SCUT can apply for national, provincial and university scholarships, covering tuition fully or partly; the fully funded national scholarship also includes accommodation, insurance and a stipend.
Chinese Government Scholarship
Full funding: tuition, accommodation, a monthly living stipend and comprehensive medical insurance.
Eligibility: Non-Chinese citizens applying for degree study, applied for together with SCUT.
SCUT International Scholarship for Excellence
Full or partial exemption from tuition and registration fees for degree students.
Eligibility: Outstanding international degree students, awarded on academic merit.
Belt and Road Scholarship
Tuition support for students from Belt and Road partner countries.
Eligibility: International students from eligible Belt and Road countries.
Guangdong Provincial Government Scholarship
Full or partial tuition for international degree students in Guangdong.
Eligibility: International degree students at Guangdong universities, awarded on academic merit.
International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarship
Tuition, accommodation and stipend for Chinese-language and Chinese-teaching programs.
Eligibility: Students of Chinese language and the Chinese-teaching track.
Research
Research at the university
SCUT is one of China’s leading universities for applied research and innovation, with particular strength in engineering, materials science, chemical engineering and architecture, and a strong record of industry collaboration in the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area.
Engineering & materials
Top-ranked research in materials science, chemical engineering and mechanical and electrical engineering.
Architecture & design
A renowned School of Architecture; SCUT’s He Jingtang designed the China Pavilion at the 2010 Shanghai Expo.
Light industry & food science
Long-standing strength in light industry, food science and pulp-and-paper technology.
Industry collaboration
Close research ties to industry across the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area.
- SCUT hosts three national key laboratories and five national engineering R&D centers.
- Materials science, chemistry and engineering at SCUT rank among the top 200 worldwide.
- SCUT has a strong record of patents, technology transfer and industry partnerships.
- The School of Architecture’s He Jingtang designed the acclaimed China Pavilion at the 2010 Shanghai Expo.
Global engagement
Global engagement
SCUT cooperates with universities worldwide and has built a dedicated Guangzhou International Campus for joint education and research.
Guangzhou International Campus
A campus dedicated to international cooperation, joint institutes and research with global partner universities.
International joint programs
Joint and cooperative programs with overseas universities across engineering, science and business.
Global partner network
Cooperation with 50+ overseas universities for talent training and joint research.
Greater Bay Area links
Strong academic and industry links across the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area.
Career
Career & alumni
SCUT is known as a cradle of entrepreneurs and engineers — its graduates have founded major companies and lead industry across the Greater Bay Area and beyond.
Career support
- Career counselling, workshops and large recruitment fairs.
- Strong employer links across manufacturing, technology, construction and business in Guangdong.
- A reputation for producing entrepreneurs and company founders.
- Support for graduate study and international careers.
Notable alumni
He Jingtang
Architect and member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering; designed the China Pavilion at the 2010 Shanghai Expo.
Li Dongsheng
Founder and chairman of the electronics company TCL.
Huang Hongsheng
Founder of the electronics company Skyworth.
Campus life
Campus life
SCUT spans three campuses in Guangzhou — the historic Wushan campus, the University Town campus and the modern Guangzhou International Campus.
Accommodation
International student dormitories
RMB 5,000–15,000 per year, by room type and campus
On-campus dormitories with air-conditioning; students may also live off campus but must register with the local police within 24 hours of moving in.
Dining
Each campus has canteens and cafeterias serving Cantonese, other Chinese and international food at student prices.
Facilities
Libraries
Modern libraries across the three campuses with extensive collections and study spaces.
Sport & recreation
Stadiums, gymnasiums, swimming pools and sports grounds across the campuses.
Health care
On-campus medical services; insurance is required for international students.
Three Guangzhou campuses
The Wushan, University Town and Guangzhou International campuses across the city.
Campus
South China University of Technology in photos
Photos of South China University of Technology
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FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How much is tuition at South China University of Technology for international students?+
Undergraduate tuition is about RMB 26,000 per year. Master’s programs cost roughly RMB 32,000–44,500 per year depending on the program, and doctoral programs about RMB 40,000 per year.
What are the admission requirements for international students at SCUT?+
Applicants must be non-Chinese citizens with a valid passport. Chinese-taught programs require HSK Level 4–5; English-taught and bilingual programs require TOEFL iBT 68, IELTS 5.5 or Duolingo 100. Graduate applicants also need transcripts, a study or research plan and recommendation letters.
Does SCUT offer scholarships for international students?+
Yes. International students can apply for the Chinese Government Scholarship, the SCUT International Scholarship for Excellence, the Belt and Road Scholarship and Guangdong provincial scholarships.
Does SCUT have a foundation program?+
Yes. SCUT runs an International Foundation Program — a preparatory year that builds language and academic skills before undergraduate study — as well as intensive Chinese courses.
Does SCUT teach programs in English?+
Yes. SCUT offers English-taught and bilingual programs at undergraduate and graduate level, alongside Chinese-taught degrees.
Where do international students live at SCUT?+
SCUT offers on-campus dormitories with single, double and triple air-conditioned rooms, costing roughly RMB 5,000–15,000 per year depending on room type and campus.
Contact
Contact the admissions offices
Reach the School of International Education (SIE) for questions about applications, documents, scholarships and arrival. Type university programs and offices are based on campus in Guangzhou.
- Office
- School of International Education (SIE)
- Address
- School of International Education, Room 207, Building B1, University Town Campus, 382 Zhonghuan Road East, Panyu District, Guangzhou 510006, P.R. China
- sieinfo@scut.edu.cn
Verified from official sources · last checked 2026-05-17
Tuition, fees and deadlines change every intake. Always confirm the current figures on the official Tsinghua pages before applying.