South China Normal University

Guangzhou, China World Rank #468

Overview

English Name: South China Normal University
Control Type: Public
Religious Affiliation: None
World Rank: #468
Rank in China: #99

Founded 1933 as Guangdong Provincial Xiangqin University Teachers College.

Successively became Guangdong Science and Arts College 1950, South China Normal College following the incorporation of Zhongshan University Normal College and South China Union University Education Department 1951, Guangdong Normal College following several mergers 1970, South China Normal College 1977. Acquired present title 1982.

Part of "211 Project" universities. Main administrative body: Guangdong Province

Location & Contact

South China Normal University's address, phone, email, and social presence. Department-level scholarship enquiries route faster through the specific faculty rather than central admissions.

Address: 55 Zhongshan West Avenue, Tianhe District
Postal Code: 510631

Academic Details

The numbers behind South China Normal University: student body, academic staff, and the recognising bodies validating its work. A baseline read for assessing institutional capacity and rigour.

Academic Year: November to June (November-January; February-June)
Accrediting Agency: Ministry of Education
Admission Requirements: Graduation from senior middle school and National College Entrance Examination (Gaokao)
Total Students: 37,000
Full-Time Academic Staff: 2,238

Degrees

Also post-doctoral degrees; joint degrees programs

Bachelor's 13 programs

Bachelor's programmes build foundational expertise, preparing graduates for entry-level professional roles and further postgraduate study.

  • Agriculture
  • Arts and Humanities
  • Design
  • Economics
  • Education
  • Engineering
  • Fine Arts
  • Law
  • Management
  • Mathematics and Computer Science
  • Natural Sciences
  • Performing Arts
  • Social Sciences
Master's 98 programs

Master's programmes develop advanced specialised expertise, suited to senior industry positions and applied research.

  • Accountancy
  • Administrative Law
  • Adult Education
  • Analytical Chemistry
  • Applied Linguistics
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Aquaculture
  • Atomic and Molecular Physics
  • Biochemistry
  • Biophysics
  • Botany
  • Business Administration
  • Business Education
  • Cell Biology
  • Chinese
  • Civil Law
  • Commercial Law
  • Communication Arts
  • Constitutional Law
  • Criminal Law
  • Curriculum
  • Dance
  • Developmental Psychology
  • E-Business/Commerce
  • Ecology
  • Econometrics
  • Economics
  • Education
  • Educational Administration
  • Educational Psychology
  • Electronic Engineering
  • Engineering Management
  • English
  • Environmental Engineering
  • Ethics
  • Finance
  • Fine Arts
  • Foreigners Education
  • Genetics
  • Geography
  • Geography (Human)
  • Higher Education
  • History
  • Human Resources
  • Industrial and Production Economics
  • Information Management
  • Inorganic Chemistry
  • Institutional Administration
  • International Business
  • International Law
  • International Relations and Diplomacy
  • International and Comparative Education
  • Japanese
  • Journalism
  • Leadership
  • Library Science
  • Linguistics
  • Literature
  • Logic
  • Marine Biology
  • Materials Engineering
  • Mathematics
  • Microbiology
  • Microwaves
  • Music
  • Musicology
  • Native Language
  • Nuclear Physics
  • Operations Research
  • Optical Technology
  • Optics
  • Organic Chemistry
  • Philosophical Schools
  • Philosophy
  • Physical Chemistry
  • Physical Education
  • Political Sciences
  • Preschool Education
  • Primary Education
  • Private Administration
  • Psychology
  • Public Administration
  • Publishing and Book Trade
  • Regional Planning
  • Russian
  • Science Education
  • Social Work
  • Software Engineering
  • Sound Engineering (Acoustics)
  • Special Education
  • Statistics
  • Surveying and Mapping
  • Telecommunications Engineering
  • Tourism
  • Town Planning
  • Translation and Interpretation
  • Vocational Education
  • Zoology
Doctoral 51 programs

Doctoral programmes train independent researchers, leading to academic, scientific, and senior advisory careers.

  • Analytical Chemistry
  • Applied Linguistics
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Atomic and Molecular Physics
  • Biochemistry
  • Biophysics
  • Botany
  • Cell Biology
  • Chinese
  • Curriculum
  • Dance
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Ecology
  • Economics
  • Educational Administration
  • Educational Psychology
  • Electronic Engineering
  • Engineering Management
  • English
  • Genetics
  • Geography
  • Geography (Human)
  • Higher Education
  • History
  • Inorganic Chemistry
  • International and Comparative Education
  • Leadership
  • Linguistics
  • Literature
  • Logic
  • Marine Biology
  • Mathematics Education
  • Molecular Biology
  • Musicology
  • Nuclear Physics
  • Operations Research
  • Optics
  • Organic Chemistry
  • Philosophy
  • Philosophy of Education
  • Physical Chemistry
  • Physical Education
  • Psychology
  • Rural Planning
  • Russian
  • Software Engineering
  • Sound Engineering (Acoustics)
  • Surveying and Mapping
  • Technology Education
  • Town Planning
  • Zoology

Faculties & Divisions

South China Normal University's teaching divisions and their subject focus. Departmental ownership of programmes determines who handles admissions queries, scholarship questions, and timetable issues.

Fine Arts (Academy) 5 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Communication Arts
  • Design
  • Fine Arts
  • Industrial Design
  • Media Studies

Common Career Paths

  • Artist
  • Curator
  • Art Educator

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Music (Academy) 4 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Dance
  • Music
  • Performing Arts
  • Singing
Zengcheng (Academy) 21 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Accountancy
  • Computer Science
  • Design
  • E-Business/Commerce
  • Economics
  • Engineering
  • English
  • Finance
  • Fine Arts
  • German
  • Information Management
  • Information Sciences
  • Information Technology
  • International Business
  • International Economics
  • Japanese
  • Law
  • Literature
  • Management
  • Tourism
  • Transport Management
Economic Studies (Centre) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Economics
Liberal Arts (College) 4 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Chinese
  • Linguistics
  • Literature
  • Publishing and Book Trade
Nanhai (College) 20 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Accountancy
  • Administration
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Chinese
  • Computer Engineering
  • Computer Networks
  • Computer Science
  • Economics
  • Educational Technology
  • Electronic Engineering
  • English
  • Finance
  • French
  • Information Sciences
  • Law
  • Literature
  • Management
  • Mathematics
  • Political Sciences
  • Software Engineering
Network Education (College) 13 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Accountancy
  • Administration
  • Business Administration
  • Chinese
  • Computer Science
  • Hotel Management
  • Human Resources
  • Law
  • Literature
  • Musicology
  • Preschool Education
  • Primary Education
  • Transport Management

Common Career Paths

  • Teacher
  • Educational Administrator
  • Curriculum Specialist

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Biophotonics (Institute) 2 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Biological and Life Sciences
  • Physics
Cultural Studies (Institute) 3 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Asian Studies
  • Chinese
  • Cultural Studies
Educational Sciences (Institute) 7 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Education
  • Educational Psychology
  • Educational Sciences
  • Pedagogy
  • Preschool Education
  • Primary Education
  • Psychology

Common Career Paths

  • Teacher
  • Educational Administrator
  • Curriculum Specialist

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Geography (Institute) 3 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Computer Science
  • Geography
  • Town Planning
History and Culture (Institute) 2 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Cultural Studies
  • History
Information and Optoelectronic Science (Institute) 5 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Electronic Engineering
  • Information Sciences
  • Information Technology
  • Optical Technology
  • Telecommunications Engineering

Common Career Paths

  • Research Scientist
  • Lab Technician
  • Analyst

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Optoelectronic Materials and Technology (Institute) 2 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Electronic Engineering
  • Optical Technology
Aquatic Health and Aquaculture Safety (Laboratory) 3 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Aquaculture
  • Marine Science and Oceanography
  • Safety Engineering
Biotechnology for Plant Development (Laboratory) 2 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Biotechnology
  • Plant and Crop Protection
Ecology and Environmental Science (Laboratory) 2 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Ecology
  • Environmental Studies

Common Career Paths

  • Environmental Consultant
  • Sustainability Officer
  • Climate Analyst

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Electrochemical Energy Storage and Power Generation Technology (Laboratory) 4 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Chemical Engineering
  • Electronic Engineering
  • Energy Engineering
  • Power Engineering
Electroluminescent Optoelectronic Devices (Laboratory) 2 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Electronic Engineering
  • Optical Technology
Laser Life Science (Laboratory) 2 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Biological and Life Sciences
  • Laser Engineering

Common Career Paths

  • Research Scientist
  • Lab Technician
  • Analyst

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Mental Health and Cognitive Science (Laboratory) 2 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Cognitive Sciences
  • Psychiatry and Mental Health

Common Career Paths

  • Research Scientist
  • Lab Technician
  • Analyst

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Quantum Information Technology (Laboratory) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Information Technology

Common Career Paths

  • IT Consultant
  • Network Engineer
  • Cybersecurity Analyst

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Traditional Chinese Medicine and Photonic Technology (Laboratory) 3 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Physics
  • Technology
  • Traditional and Complementary Medicine and Therapy

Common Career Paths

  • Physician
  • Medical Researcher
  • Clinical Specialist

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Computer Networks and Information Systems Engineering Technology (Research Division) 4 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Computer Engineering
  • Computer Networks
  • Information Sciences
  • Technology

Common Career Paths

  • Software Engineer
  • Data Scientist
  • Systems Analyst

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Emergency Technology (Research Division) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Technology
LED Industrial Research and Development (Research Division) 2 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Industrial Engineering
  • Physics
Lingnan Culture (Research Division) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Cultural Studies
Modern Educational (Research Division) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Educational Sciences

Common Career Paths

  • Teacher
  • Educational Administrator
  • Curriculum Specialist

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Physical Fitness and Health (Research Division) 3 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Health Sciences
  • Physical Education
  • Sports
Psychology (Research Division) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Psychology

Common Career Paths

  • Psychologist
  • Counsellor
  • Clinical Researcher

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Services Engineering Technology (Research Division) 3 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Computer Science
  • Service Trades
  • Technology

Common Career Paths

  • Engineer
  • Project Manager
  • Technical Consultant

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Systems Science and Systems Management (Research Division) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Management Systems

Common Career Paths

  • Operations Manager
  • Project Manager
  • HR Manager

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Basic Educational Training and Research (School) 3 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Education
  • Primary Education
  • Secondary Education

Common Career Paths

  • Teacher
  • Educational Administrator
  • Curriculum Specialist

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Chemistry and Environment (School) 3 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Chemistry
  • Environmental Engineering
  • Environmental Studies

Common Career Paths

  • Chemist
  • Lab Researcher
  • Quality Control Specialist

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Computer Science (School) 3 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Computer Networks
  • Computer Science
  • Software Engineering

Common Career Paths

  • Software Engineer
  • Data Scientist
  • Systems Analyst

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Continuing Education (School) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Adult Education

Common Career Paths

  • Teacher
  • Educational Administrator
  • Curriculum Specialist

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Economics and Management (School) 9 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Accountancy
  • E-Business/Commerce
  • Economics
  • Finance
  • Human Resources
  • Information Management
  • Information Sciences
  • International Economics
  • Transport Management

Common Career Paths

  • Operations Manager
  • Project Manager
  • HR Manager

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Educational Information Technology (School) 5 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Educational Technology
  • Information Management
  • Information Technology
  • Mass Communication
  • Photography

Common Career Paths

  • IT Consultant
  • Network Engineer
  • Cybersecurity Analyst

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Foreign Languages and Culture (School) 5 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • English
  • Japanese
  • Literature
  • Modern Languages
  • Russian

Common Career Paths

  • Translator
  • Interpreter
  • Language Teacher

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Law (School) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Law

Common Career Paths

  • Lawyer
  • Legal Consultant
  • Compliance Officer

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Life Science (School) 3 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Bioengineering
  • Biological and Life Sciences
  • Biotechnology

Common Career Paths

  • Research Scientist
  • Lab Technician
  • Analyst

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Mathematics (School) 5 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Applied Mathematics
  • Computer Science
  • Information Sciences
  • Mathematics
  • Statistics

Common Career Paths

  • Data Analyst
  • Statistician
  • Actuary

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Physics and Telecommunications Engineering (School) 7 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Electronic Engineering
  • Information Sciences
  • Information Technology
  • Materials Engineering
  • Physics
  • Science Education
  • Telecommunications Engineering

Common Career Paths

  • Engineer
  • Project Manager
  • Technical Consultant

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Political Sciences and Administration (School) 3 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Administration
  • Political Sciences
  • Public Administration

Common Career Paths

  • Research Scientist
  • Lab Technician
  • Analyst

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Public Administration (School) 4 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Educational Administration
  • Government
  • Management
  • Public Administration
Sports (School) 3 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Physical Education
  • Sociology
  • Sports
Tourism Management (School) 2 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Management
  • Tourism

Common Career Paths

  • Operations Manager
  • Project Manager
  • HR Manager

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Programs Offered

Search and filter South China Normal University's available programmes by degree level. The list reflects the institution's current catalogue and may not include programmes that are paused or pending approval.

Bachelor's Degree

59 programmes

These 59 programmes make up South China Normal University's undergraduate catalogue. A bachelor's degree is the baseline credential for most graduate careers and advanced study.

Music Education 音乐教育 Music
Geographic Information Science 地理信息科学 Visual Arts
Geography 地理科学 Geography
History 历史学 History
Human Resource Management 人力资源管理 Human Resource Management
Ideological and Political Education 思想政治教育 Education & Teaching
Information Management and Information Systems 信息管理与信息系统 Information Systems & Technology
Information and Computing Science 信息与计算科学 Information Systems & Technology
Integrated Circuit Design and Integrated Systems 集成电路设计与集成系统 Applied Design
Journalism 新闻学 Media Studies & Mass Media
Law 法学 Law
Marxist Theory 马克思主义理论
Materials Chemistry 材料化学 Materials Science
Materials Physics 材料物理 Materials Science
Mathematics and Applied Mathematics 数学与应用数学 Mathematics
French 法语 Linguistics & Language Studies
Optoelectronic Information Science and Engineering 光电信息科学与工程 Robotics & Automation
Philosophy 哲学 Philosophy & Ethics
Physical Education 体育教育 Physics & Astronomy
Physics 物理学 Physics & Astronomy
Political Science and Administration 政治学与行政学 Politics & International Relations
Primary Education 小学教育 Education & Teaching
Psychology 心理学 Psychology
Public Affairs Management 公共事业管理 Business & Management
Science Education 科学教育 Education & Teaching
Social Sports Guidance and Management 社会体育指导与管理 Business & Management
Software Engineering 软件工程 Software Engineering
Supply Chain Management 供应链管理 Supply Chain & Logistics
Synthetic Biology 合成生物学 Biological Sciences
Tourism Management 旅游管理 Tourism & Leisure
Fine Arts 美术学 Visual Arts
Financial Management 财务管理 Finance, Banking & Insurance
Administrative Management 行政管理 Business & Management
Accounting 会计学 Accounting
Applied Psychology 应用心理学 Psychology
Applied Statistics 应用统计学 Applied Mathematics & Statistics
Artificial Intelligence 人工智能 AI & Machine Learning
Arts and Crafts Design 工艺美术 Applied Design
Big Data Management and Application 大数据管理与应用 Data Science & Analytics
Biological Sciences 生物科学 Biological Sciences
Business Administration 工商管理 Business Administration
Chemistry 化学 Chemistry
Chinese Language and Literature 汉语言文学 Linguistics & Language Studies
Communication 传播学 Communication Studies
Computer Science and Technology 计算机科学与技术 Computer Sciences
Dance Education 舞蹈教育 Education & Teaching
Data Science and Big Data Technology 数据科学与大数据技术 Data Science & Analytics
Digital Economy 数字经济 Economics
Early Childhood Education 学前教育 Early Childhood Education
Economics 经济学 Economics
Education 教育学 Education & Teaching
Educational Technology 教育技术学 Education & Teaching
Electronic Information Engineering 电子信息工程 Robotics & Automation
Electronic Information Science and Technology 电子信息科学与技术 Robotics & Automation
Energy Storage Science and Engineering 储能科学与工程 Natural Sciences
English 英语 English Language Studies
Environmental Engineering 环境工程 Environmental Engineering
Environmental Science 环境科学 Environmental Sciences
Finance 金融学 Finance, Banking & Insurance

How to apply to South China Normal University

Application guidance for South China Normal University, structured as five practical steps with attention to documents and admissions communication.

  1. 1
    Find a programme that fits your goals

    South China Normal University's catalogue includes 59 programmes. Browse by level, identify candidates matching your prior qualifications, and note their entry requirements for the next step.

  2. 2
    Confirm you meet the requirements

    Entry requirements vary by programme and degree level. Verify academic minimums, language tests (if international), and any additional documents required for South China Normal University's admissions process.

  3. 3
    Assemble your application package

    Typical documents include academic transcripts, identity proof (passport or national ID), language proficiency test scores, a personal statement or motivation letter, and recommendation letters. International applicants should account for translation and notarisation time.

  4. 4
    Submit your application

    Submit your completed application through South China Normal University's official website at www.scnu.edu.cn. Most institutions use an online portal — register an account, complete the application form, and upload your prepared documents. Keep copies of all submissions and confirmation receipts.

  5. 5
    Contact admissions and follow up

    Follow up to confirm your application was received and is being processed. Admissions teams may request interviews or additional documents — respond promptly to keep your application active.

Frequently Asked Questions about South China Normal University

The questions below summarise South China Normal University's vital institutional details — useful as a quick reference before drilling into specific sections.

Where can I find South China Normal University?

The institution is located in Guangzhou, China.

What is South China Normal University's control type?

South China Normal University operates as a public institution.

How many students does South China Normal University have?

The institution has a student body of 37,000.

What is South China Normal University's ranking?

It ranks #468 globally and #99 in China.

What qualification levels does South China Normal University offer?

Programmes at South China Normal University cover bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes.

Is South China Normal University accredited?

The institution holds recognition from Ministry of Education.

Where can I learn more about South China Normal University?

South China Normal University's official website is www.scnu.edu.cn.

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International student mix at China's top universities tends to be higher than at lower-ranked institutions. This affects campus culture and the value of student networks for international students.

Faculties at Nearby Universities

Alumni networks within a region often outlast individual institutional choice. Universities near South China Normal University share post-grad employer connections that benefit students from any of them.

Where Else to Study Education & Teaching

Choosing the right Education & Teaching programme is rarely about one university alone. Institutions across China cover the same discipline as South China Normal University from different academic angles, and the right fit depends on what kind of teaching environment suits you.

Universities Often Compared with South China Normal University

Comparable peer metrics — selectivity, yield, faculty awards — give a fuller picture than headline rankings alone. The universities below cluster around South China Normal University on most of these signals.

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