Southern University of Science and Technology
南方科技大学
Shenzhen's young, research-led STEM university, with English-taught degrees and full scholarships for top applicants.
- Students
- 14,000
- 5,700 undergraduates
- Student–faculty
- 10:1
- ratio
- Tuition
- CN¥30,000
- 2026-27
- Founded
- 2010
About SUSTech
The Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech) was founded in 2010 by the Shenzhen city government as an experiment in a new kind of Chinese research university. It is modelled on leading science and engineering universities abroad, focuses on science, engineering and medicine with business and some humanities, and was added to the national Double First-Class list in 2022, with Mathematics as its named discipline.
The university is small by Chinese standards: more than 14,000 students (5,700+ undergraduates and 8,300+ postgraduates) and nearly 1,300 faculty, giving a student-faculty ratio of 10:1. It says over 90% of its research and teaching faculty have worked abroad. Undergraduates enter under a credit system with residential colleges and a mentor system, take general foundation courses for their first year or two, and claim a major from the second year among 41 bachelor's programs.
International undergraduates apply directly to SUSTech. All listed programs for them are taught in English, no HSK is needed, and there is no application fee. Applicants need a CSCA report in Math and Physics, an English test, two recommendation letters and a personal statement, then pass SUSTech's own online test and interview. SUSTech suits strong STEM students who want a young, fast-rising research university in China's tech capital and are ready for a demanding, math- and physics-heavy start.
明德求是 日新自强
“Virtue, Truth, and Advance” — university motto
Why students choose SUSTech
All programs listed for international undergraduates are taught in English, and Chinese proficiency is not required.
The President Scholarship is worth 68,000 CNY a year and covers tuition, housing, insurance and living costs for four years; everyone who passes the online test and interview is considered automatically.
A flexible credit system lets you choose your major from the second year after broad first-year foundations in maths and science.
SUSTech sits in Shenzhen's Nanshan tech district and, only founded in 2010, placed 17th in THE's Young University Rankings 2023.
Admissions
International undergraduates, fall 2027 entry
Selectivity
SUSTech does not publish an admission rate. Applicants are screened on documents, then must pass an online test (Math and Physics) and a roughly 15-minute online interview with 3 to 5 faculty and staff before a conditional offer.
Typical entry requirements
| High school diploma | Diploma awarded before June of the enrolment year; current students submit a certificate of studying. Transcripts must cover at least three years, with an English version stamped by the school |
|---|---|
| CSCA test report | Math and Physics, taken in English; mandatory for all undergraduate programs |
| Academic preparation | Ready for rigorous STEM study across Maths, Physics, Chemistry and Biology |
| International standard tests (optional) | GCSE/AS/A2, SAT, AP, ACT or IB results accepted and helpful but not required |
| English language | IELTS 6 · TOEFL iBT 75 IELTS 6.0, TOEFL 75 or Duolingo 95, taken within the last two years. Waived for native English speakers (the requirements page lists nationals of the UK, USA, Australia and New Zealand). HSK is not required. |
Deadlines
SUSTech's international admissions site does not publish an application deadline for 2027 entry. Check the application portal or email intladmissions@sustech.edu.cn, and book the CSCA early so your report is ready when you apply.
How to apply
Apply through SUSTech's online portal (sustech.at0086.cn); there is no application fee. Upload passport, diploma or certificate of studying, transcripts with an explanation of your school's grading and class rank, CSCA Math and Physics report, English test, a personal statement of up to 500 words, two recommendation letters, and optional test scores and supporting materials. Shortlisted applicants take a 4-hour online Math and Physics test, then an online interview; successful applicants receive a conditional offer within 2 to 3 weeks.
What admissions looks for
- Strong preparation in maths and physics, tested by both the CSCA and SUSTech's own online exam.
- A personal statement that explains the skills and qualities you would bring, how SUSTech fits your development, and your career aspirations.
- Recommendation letters that comment in detail on your academic results, strengths and ability to handle the program.
- Evidence of special strengths and talents, and good English.
Tips for applying to SUSTech
- 1 Do not waive the online test if you want a scholarship: only applicants who sit both the test and interview are considered for the President and Tuition Waiver scholarships.
- 2 Download the online test syllabus and sample paper, and take the mock test SUSTech offers; the real test has 19 to 23 Math and Physics questions over 4 hours.
- 3 Prepare a 5-minute self-introduction with slides for the Zoom interview, as the FAQ recommends.
- 4 Keep your personal statement under 500 words and answer SUSTech's three prompts: what you bring, how SUSTech helps you, and your career goals.
- 5 Explain your school's grading system and your class rank in the transcript section; SUSTech asks for it.
Costs & financial aid
2026-27 · figures in CNY
SUSTech's President Scholarship pays 68,000 CNY a year for four years, covering tuition, accommodation, insurance and living expenses, and the Tuition Waiver Scholarship pays 30,000 CNY a year; both are awarded automatically to eligible offer holders who passed the online test and interview, and renew each semester subject to review. Students can also seek a Chinese Government Scholarship through their home country's Chinese embassy after getting an offer, and first-year students are automatically considered for the 10,000 CNY Guangdong Provincial Excellent International Student Scholarship.
- 68,000 CNY per year for four years (full cost)
- President Scholarship
- 30,000 CNY per year
- Tuition Waiver Scholarship
- Tuition 30,000 CNY, stipend 2,500 CNY per month, housing 7,200 CNY and insurance 800 CNY per year
- Chinese Government Scholarship
- 7,200 CNY per year
- Dormitory
- None
- Application fee
Academics
Mathematics
SUSTech's named discipline in the national Double First-Class list (2022).
Materials Science and Engineering
Materials Science was SUSTech's first discipline to enter the ESI global top 0.1%, in January 2024.
Chemistry
Entered the ESI global top 0.1% in May 2024; the Shenzhen Grubbs Institute is one of SUSTech's Nobel Laureate labs.
Physics
President Qikun Xue became the first Chinese physicist to win the Oliver E. Buckley Prize in 2023.
Artificial Intelligence
A new undergraduate major added in 2025, followed by a School of Artificial Intelligence in January 2026.
Research
- Three Shenzhen Nobel Laureate Labs: the Shenzhen Grubbs Institute, the SUSTech International Center for Mathematics and the Sifakis Research Institute of Trustworthy Autonomous Systems.
- SUSTech placed 25th in the world in the Nature Index in 2022 and 17th in THE's Young University Rankings 2023.
- Joint research results were selected among China's Top 10 Scientific Advances of 2025, and 18 disciplines are in the ESI global top 1% as of March 2026.
Schools & faculties
- College of Science
- College of Engineering
- School of Medicine
- School of Life Sciences
- School of Business
- School of Design
- School of Humanities and Social Sciences
- School of Innovation and Entrepreneurship
- School of Artificial Intelligence
Student life
SUSTech is a residential college university: every undergraduate belongs to one of seven colleges, which provide housing, mentoring and community, alongside academic advisers in the dual-advisor system. Most colleges look out over a lake or the hills, facilities are within a five-minute walk, and most classes are no more than ten minutes away. There are over 100 student clubs, from sport and music to entrepreneurship and volunteering. International students come from about a dozen countries and follow the same teaching and exam standards as Chinese students.
- Seven residential colleges: Zhiren, Shuren, Zhicheng, Shude, Zhixin, Shuli and Chuangye.
- Over 100 student-run clubs, from salsa to traditional Chinese instruments and football.
- A dual-advisor system pairs academic mentors with residential college tutors.
- Grade A student cafeterias open from early morning to late night.
Housing. International students live on campus in the residential colleges, at 7,200 CNY per year.
Location
SUSTech sits in the Nanshan district of Shenzhen, a city founded only in 1979 that grew into one of China's biggest technology and manufacturing hubs. The campus mixes modern buildings with streams, lakes and green hills. Beaches, city parks and day trips to Hong Kong or Guangzhou are all within easy reach.
Nearest airport: Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport (SZX)
Frequently asked questions
Does SUSTech teach undergraduates in English?
Yes. SUSTech says all programs listed for international undergraduates are taught in English, and you can also take Chinese-taught modules if you wish. HSK is not required.
Does SUSTech require the CSCA?
Yes. All international undergraduate applicants must submit a CSCA report in Math and Physics, taken in English, in addition to SUSTech's own online test and interview.
How much does SUSTech cost for international students?
Tuition is 30,000 CNY a year and a dorm 7,200 CNY a year; with insurance, permits and about 2,500 CNY a month for food and books, SUSTech estimates about 68,000 CNY a year in total.
Does SUSTech offer full scholarships to international students?
Yes. The President Scholarship covers the full estimated 68,000 CNY a year for four years. Eligible offer holders who passed the online test and interview are considered automatically, with no separate application.
Is there an application fee at SUSTech?
No. SUSTech does not charge an application fee for international undergraduate applications.
Sources & methodology
Figures on this page were checked against official university publications, national application services and ranking publishers in September 2026. Each number is shown with the year or admissions cycle it describes. Always confirm deadlines and fees on the university's own website before applying.
- SUSTech International Admissions (undergraduate)
- SUSTech International Admissions: Requirement & Documents
- SUSTech International Admissions: Apply (admission process)
- SUSTech International Admissions: FAQ
- SUSTech International Admissions: Scholarship and Cost for Reference
- SUSTech Global: International Students
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