Sun Yat-Sen University
Guangzhou, China • Founded 1924 • World Rank #15
Overview
Founded in 1924, the Sun Yat-Sen University is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large metropolis of Guangzhou (population range of over 5,000,000 inhabitants), Guangdong.
Officially recognized by the Ministry of Education of The People's Republic of China, Sun Yat-Sen University (SYSU) is a very large-sized coeducational Chinese higher education institution. Sun Yat-Sen University (SYSU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees in several areas of study.
This 100-year-old Chinese higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations. International students are welcome to apply for enrollment.
SYSU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Below are Sun Yat-Sen University's address, location data, and primary contact channels. These are the basics you'll want before scheduling a campus visit or sending a formal admissions enquiry.
Academic Details
Sun Yat-Sen University's scale, faculty balance, and academic recognition. Staff-with-doctorate share often signals research culture more reliably than headline research output figures.
Degrees
Also professional degrees programs; post-doctoral degrees programs; joint programs
Bachelor's 13 programs
Bachelor's programmes build foundational expertise, preparing graduates for entry-level professional roles and further postgraduate study.
- Arts and Humanities
- Economics
- Education
- Engineering
- Fine Arts
- Information Sciences
- Law
- Management
- Mathematics and Computer Science
- Medicine
- Natural Sciences
- Performing Arts
- Social Sciences
Master's 106 programs
Master's programmes develop advanced specialised expertise, suited to senior industry positions and applied research.
- Accountancy
- Administrative Law
- Anaesthesiology
- Anatomy
- Ancient Civilizations
- Anthropology
- Applied Linguistics
- Archaeology
- Archiving
- Art Criticism
- Biochemistry
- Bioengineering
- Biology
- Botany
- Business Administration
- Cell Biology
- Chemistry
- Chinese
- Communication Arts
- Comparative Literature
- Computer Networks
- Computer Science
- Constitutional Law
- Contemporary History
- Criminal Law
- Demography and Population
- Dermatology
- Design
- Developmental Psychology
- Ecology
- Economics
- Educational Administration
- Educational Psychology
- Electronic Engineering
- Embryology and Reproduction Biology
- Engineering Management
- English Studies
- Environmental Engineering
- Ethics
- Ethnology
- Finance
- Fine Arts
- Folklore
- Foreign Languages Education
- Foreigners Education
- French Studies
- Genetics
- Geography
- Geography (Human)
- Germanic Studies
- History
- Immunology
- Information Sciences
- Inorganic Chemistry
- Insurance
- International Business
- International Law
- Japanese
- Journalism
- Laboratory Techniques
- Law
- Library Science
- Linguistics
- Literature
- Logic
- Marine Biology
- Marine Science and Oceanography
- Materials Engineering
- Mathematics
- Medicine
- Medieval Studies
- Microbiology
- Modern History
- Molecular Biology
- Museum Studies
- Musicology
- Nursing
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology
- Oncology
- Ophthalmology
- Optical Technology
- Organic Chemistry
- Paediatrics
- Pharmacy
- Philosophical Schools
- Philosophy
- Physical Chemistry
- Physical Education
- Physics
- Political Sciences
- Psychology
- Public Administration
- Public Health
- Radiology
- Religious Studies
- Rural Planning
- Social Work
- Social and Preventive Medicine
- Sociology
- Software Engineering
- Statistics
- Stomatology
- Surveying and Mapping
- Telecommunications Engineering
- Town Planning
- Zoology
Doctoral 91 programs
Doctoral programmes train independent researchers, leading to academic, scientific, and senior advisory careers.
- Anaesthesiology
- Analytical Chemistry
- Anatomy
- Anthropology
- Applied Linguistics
- Archaeology
- Archiving
- Astronomy and Space Science
- Biochemistry
- Biology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Biophysics
- Botany
- Business Administration
- Cell Biology
- Chemistry
- Chinese
- Civil Law
- Commercial Law
- Comparative Literature
- Computer Networks
- Computer Science
- Criminal Law
- Ecology
- Economics
- Electronic Engineering
- Embryology and Reproduction Biology
- Engineering Management
- English Studies
- Entomology
- Environmental Engineering
- Environmental Studies
- Ethnology
- Finance
- Fine Arts
- Genetics
- Geography
- Geography (Human)
- Geology
- Geophysics
- History
- Immunology
- Inorganic Chemistry
- International Law
- International Relations and Diplomacy
- Law
- Library Science
- Linguistics
- Literature
- Logic
- Marine Biology
- Marine Science and Oceanography
- Materials Engineering
- Mathematics
- Mechanics
- Medicine
- Metaphysics
- Meteorology
- Microbiology
- Microelectronics
- Molecular Biology
- Nuclear Physics
- Nursing
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology
- Oncology
- Operations Research
- Optical Technology
- Optics
- Organic Chemistry
- Otorhinolaryngology
- Pathology
- Pharmacy
- Philosophical Schools
- Philosophy
- Physical Chemistry
- Physics
- Political Sciences
- Psychology
- Public Administration
- Radiology
- Regional Studies
- Religious Studies
- Social and Preventive Medicine
- Sociology
- Software Engineering
- Stomatology
- Surgery
- Surveying and Mapping
- Telecommunications Engineering
- Tourism
- Zoology
Faculties & Divisions
All faculties operate under Ministry of Education of The People's Republic of China.
Entrepreneurship (Academy) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Management
Ophthalmology (Centre) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Ophthalmology
Liberal Arts (College) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Arts and Humanities
Lingnan (College) 8 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Business Administration
- Economics
- Finance
- Insurance
- International Business
- Management
- Taxation
- Transport Management
Yat-sen (College) Faculty details available
Specialisations & Subjects
No specified subjects listed.
Earth Science (Department/Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Earth Sciences
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Psychology (Department/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.
Social Science Education (Department/Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Humanities and Social Science Education
Common Career Paths
- Teacher
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
English Education (Faculty) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- English
- Foreign Languages Education
Common Career Paths
- Teacher
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Advanced Studies in Humanities (Institute) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Arts and Humanities
Common Career Paths
- Researcher
- Editor
- Cultural Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Nuclear Engineering and Technology (Institute) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Nuclear Engineering
- Technology
Common Career Paths
- Engineer
- Project Manager
- Technical Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Asian-Pacific Studies (School) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Asian Studies
- Pacific Area Studies
Business (School) 9 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Accountancy
- Business Administration
- E-Business/Commerce
- Economics
- Finance
- Human Resources
- Management
- Marketing
- Tourism
Common Career Paths
- Business Analyst
- Operations Manager
- Strategy Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Cancer (School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Oncology
Chemistry and Chemical Engineering (School) 8 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Analytical Chemistry
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Inorganic Chemistry
- Materials Engineering
- Organic Chemistry
- Physical Chemistry
- Polymer and Plastics Technology
Common Career Paths
- Process Engineer
- Plant Manager
- Materials Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Chinese as a Second Language (School) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Chinese
- Foreign Languages Education
Communication and Design (School) 7 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Communication Arts
- Design
- Journalism
- Mass Communication
- Media Studies
- Radio and Television Broadcasting
- Visual Arts
Common Career Paths
- Designer
- Creative Director
- UX Researcher
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Continuing Education (School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Education
Common Career Paths
- Teacher
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Education (School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Education
Common Career Paths
- Teacher
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Engineering (School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Engineering
Common Career Paths
- Engineer
- Project Manager
- Technical Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Environmental Science and Engineering (School) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Environmental Engineering
- Environmental Studies
Common Career Paths
- Engineer
- Project Manager
- Technical Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Foreign Languages (School) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- English
- Modern Languages
Common Career Paths
- Translator
- Interpreter
- Language Teacher
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Geography and Planning (School) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Geography
- Rural Planning
Humanities (School) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Arts and Humanities
- Chinese
- History
- Philosophy
Common Career Paths
- Researcher
- Editor
- Cultural Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Information Management (School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Information Management
Common Career Paths
- Operations Manager
- Project Manager
- HR Manager
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Information Science and Technology (School) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Information Sciences
- Information Technology
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Intellectual Property (School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Private Law
International Business (School) 8 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Accountancy
- Business Administration
- Economics
- Finance
- International Business
- Marketing
- Taxation
- Transport Management
Common Career Paths
- Business Analyst
- Operations Manager
- Strategy Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
International Studies (School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- International Studies
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 Sciences (School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Biological and Life Sciences
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Marine Sciences (School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Marine Science and Oceanography
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Mathematics and Computational Science (School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Mathematics and Computer Science
Common Career Paths
- Data Analyst
- Statistician
- Actuary
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Medicine (School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Medicine
Common Career Paths
- Physician
- Medical Researcher
- Clinical Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Mobile Information Engineering (School) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Information Technology
- Telecommunications Engineering
Common Career Paths
- Engineer
- Project Manager
- Technical Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Nursing (School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Nursing
Common Career Paths
- Registered Nurse
- Clinical Nurse
- Public Health Nurse
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Pharmaceutical Science (School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Pharmacy
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Physics and Engineering (School) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Engineering
- Physics
Common Career Paths
- Engineer
- Project Manager
- Technical Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Public Health (School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Public Health
Common Career Paths
- Public Health Officer
- Epidemiologist
- Health Policy Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Sociology and Anthropology (School) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Anthropology
- Sociology
Common Career Paths
- Sociologist
- Researcher
- Community Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Software (School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Software Engineering
Stomatology, Hospital of Stomatology (School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Stomatology
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.
University General Education (Unit) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Education
Common Career Paths
- Teacher
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
How to apply to Sun Yat-Sen University
Step-by-step guidance for applying to Sun Yat-Sen University, covering the typical sequence from programme selection to admissions follow-up.
- 1 Find a programme that fits your goals
Look through the programmes section to see what Sun Yat-Sen University offers. Identify your target qualification level and subject area before continuing with the application process.
- 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 Sun Yat-Sen University's admissions process.
- 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 Submit your application
Submit your completed application through Sun Yat-Sen University's official website at www.sysu.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 Contact admissions and follow up
Follow up to confirm your application was received and is being processed. Reach the institution by phone at +86 (20) 8411 1085. Admissions teams may request interviews or additional documents — respond promptly to keep your application active.
Frequently Asked Questions about Sun Yat-Sen University
Frequently asked questions about Sun Yat-Sen University, covering the institutional basics most prospective applicants want to confirm first.
When was Sun Yat-Sen University founded?
Sun Yat-Sen University was established in 1924 (approximately 102 years ago).
In which city is Sun Yat-Sen University?
Sun Yat-Sen University is based in Guangzhou, China.
Is Sun Yat-Sen University a public or private institution?
Sun Yat-Sen University is a public institution.
How many students study at Sun Yat-Sen University?
Sun Yat-Sen University has approximately over-50,000 students.
How is Sun Yat-Sen University ranked?
Sun Yat-Sen University is ranked #15 globally and #8 in China.
What qualification levels does Sun Yat-Sen University offer?
Sun Yat-Sen University offers bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes.
Who recognises Sun Yat-Sen University?
Yes, Sun Yat-Sen University is recognised by Ministry of Education.
Where can I learn more about Sun Yat-Sen University?
The institution's website is www.sysu.edu.cn.
Top-Ranked Universities in China
Top China universities often run international branch campuses. Sun Yat-Sen University's international footprint compared to this benchmark signals global engagement scale.
Faculties at Nearby Universities
Universities geographically close to Sun Yat-Sen University are listed below — useful if commute, campus visits, or regional culture factor into your shortlist. Many students compare nearby options before committing to a final choice.
Universities Often Compared with Sun Yat-Sen University
International branch campuses are common among universities at Sun Yat-Sen University's tier. Peer institutions often operate in similar geographies, signalling comparable global ambition.
