South China Normal University
A well-established university providing quality higher education. Offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs with dedicated faculty and supportive learning environment.
- Acceptance Rate
- 71.5%
- SAT Range
- 950–1150
- ACT Range
- N/A
- Avg GPA
- 3.1
- Size
- Large (18,324 students)
- Type
- N/A
- Student:Faculty
- 1:16
- Setting
- urban
- Graduation Rate
- 78.0%
- Retention Rate
- 80.0%
- Tuition (In-State)
- $5,000
- Tuition (Int'l)
- $8,000
Academic Programs
STEM
Business
Social Sciences
Humanities
Health
Arts
English Proficiency Requirements
Student Life & Environment
Student life at SCNU reflects Chinese university culture, with most students living in on-campus dormitories sharing rooms with several classmates. The residential nature of Chinese universities creates intense cohort bonding, with roommates often remaining close friends throughout their lives. Dormitories have limited privacy but abundant company, with communal bathrooms and study spaces. Campus facilities include dining halls serving affordable meals, sports fields, and libraries that stay busy during examination periods. Student organizations exist but play smaller roles than at American universities, with class-based social groupings often mattering more. Academic pressures are significant, particularly for students preparing for teacher certification examinations. Guangzhou's urban attractions draw students off campus for shopping, entertainment, and exploration of Cantonese culture. The city offers excellent food, from high-end restaurants to street stalls serving dim sum and congee. Most students come from Guangdong Province and speak Cantonese alongside Mandarin, though students from other regions must adjust to the linguistic environment. Weekend trips to Hong Kong or other Pearl River Delta cities provide occasional escapes from academic routines.
Location & Surroundings
Guangzhou is a sprawling metropolis of over 15 million people in southern China, serving as the capital of Guangdong Province and the center of the Pearl River Delta region. The city has been a trading hub for centuries, historically serving as China's main port for foreign commerce. Today, Guangzhou combines manufacturing and trade with growing service and technology sectors. The climate is subtropical, with hot, humid summers, mild winters rarely seeing frost, and substantial rainfall particularly during monsoon season. The city's Cantonese culture distinguishes it from northern China, with local cuisine, language, and customs reflecting its own traditions. Public transportation includes an extensive metro system, buses, and increasingly bike-sharing. The cost of living is lower than Hong Kong or Beijing but substantial compared to smaller Chinese cities. SCNU's campuses spread across the city, with the main Shipai campus in Tianhe District offering relatively convenient access to urban amenities. Hong Kong lies just two hours away by high-speed rail, providing weekend destination options. The Pearl River provides waterfront areas for recreation, while nearby mountains offer hiking escapes from the urban intensity.
Costs & Career Outcomes
Tuition for Chinese students at public universities like SCNU remains heavily subsidized, typically running 5,000 to 8,000 yuan annually depending on the program. International students pay higher fees ranging from 15,000 to 25,000 yuan for most programs. Living costs in Guangzhou have risen but remain manageable, with on-campus housing and dining quite affordable. Off-campus apartments in the city are more expensive given Guangzhou's property market. Government scholarships support outstanding Chinese students, while international students can compete for Chinese Government Scholarships and university awards. Career outcomes for SCNU graduates are strong in education, with graduates finding teaching positions throughout Guangdong Province and beyond. The teaching credential earned through SCNU is recognized nationally. Graduates in other fields enter various sectors, benefiting from the university's reputation and Guangzhou's job market. The Pearl River Delta region's manufacturing and technology companies provide employment options beyond education. Career services assist with job fairs and employer connections. Some graduates pursue further study in China or abroad, while others enter public service through civil service examinations. The alumni network extends throughout Guangdong's education system, creating professional connections for new graduates.
Campus Location
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