South China Normal University (SCNU)

South China Normal University (SCNU) is a prestigious comprehensive university located in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, in southern China. Established in 1933, SCNU is one of the key universities under the provincial government and is jointly supported by the Ministry of Education and Guangdong Provincial Government. It is also part of China’s “Double First-Class” initiative, which aims to develop world-class universities and academic disciplines.

SCNU is known for its excellence in teacher education, psychology, education studies, and liberal arts, while also offering strong programs in science, engineering, economics, management, law, and the arts. Over the decades, the university has developed into a comprehensive institution that integrates teaching, research, and social service.

The university operates on three main campuses — Shipai Campus, University Town Campus, and Nanhai Campus — each featuring advanced facilities, modern libraries, and a vibrant student community. SCNU’s campuses are located in Guangzhou and Foshan, two of the most dynamic and economically developed cities in China’s Greater Bay Area.

As an internationalized university, SCNU actively promotes global cooperation and exchange. It has established partnerships with over 200 universities and institutions in more than 40 countries, offering joint programs and exchange opportunities. The university also provides various degree and non-degree programs taught in both Chinese and English, welcoming thousands of international students each year.

SCNU emphasizes both academic excellence and practical innovation, with many programs focusing on education technology, psychology, data science, international business, and Chinese language teaching. The university’s motto — “Fostering the Spirit of Education and Pursuing the Truth” — reflects its long-standing commitment to developing high-quality talents and contributing to global education.

With its strong academic reputation, rich cultural environment, and prime location in South China, SCNU stands as an ideal destination for students seeking a high-quality education experience in China

Tuition Fees

1. Undergraduate Programs

Course Type Tuition Fee
Liberal Arts & Social Science (except Fine Arts & Music) RMB 21,000 / year
Science & Engineering RMB 22,000 / year
Music & Fine Arts RMB 24,000 / year

2. Graduate Programs

Course Type Master’s Courses Doctoral Courses
Liberal Arts & Social Science (except Fine Arts, Music & MBA) RMB 29,000 / year RMB 34,000 / year
Science & Engineering RMB 30,000 / year RMB 40,000 / year
Fine Arts & Music RMB 30,000 / year RMB 40,000 / year

3. Chinese Language Training & Undergraduate Chinese Programs

Student Type Level Duration Tuition Fee
Language Students Elementary / Intermediate / Advanced Chinese 1 month RMB 3,000
2 months RMB 5,500
3 months RMB 7,300
1 semester RMB 8,600
1 year RMB 16,300
Intensive Chinese Courses 1 semester RMB 16,000
Chinese Language Undergraduates 1 year RMB 16,600

Accommodation (Meals Excluded)

Housing on Campus

Room Type Facilities Price Other Facilities
Two-bed Room Air conditioner, hot water, desk About RMB 1,050 per person per month Public washing machine
One-bed Room Bathroom, chair, TV, Wi-Fi About RMB 2,000 per person per month Public washing machine and kitchen

Additional Notes:

  • Wi-Fi access fee: RMB 30 per month.
  • Rooms are limited — early reservation during application is required.
  • Students who wish to live off-campus must fill in an application form upon registration.
  • Fees are subject to change each year.

Housing Off Campus

Rental fees vary depending on campus location:

  • Shipai Campus: RMB 2,000 – 4,000 per month
  • University Town Campus: RMB 1,000 – 3,000 per month
  • Nanhai Campus: RMB 700 – 1,000 per month

 

Undergraduate Programs

South China Normal University (SCNU) offers eight undergraduate majors for international students, available across different campuses in Guangzhou and Foshan.

School Program Code Major Campus
School of Education 040101 Education Shipai Campus, Guangzhou
School of Education 040108 Special Education Shipai Campus, Guangzhou
School of Psychology 071102 Applied Psychology Shipai Campus, Guangzhou
School of Information Technology in Education 040104 Educational Technology Shipai Campus, Guangzhou
School of Information Technology in Education 050304 Communication Shipai Campus, Guangzhou
School of International Culture 050102 Chinese Language Shipai Campus, Guangzhou
School of Economics and Management 120206 Human Resource Management University Town Campus, Guangzhou
International Business College 020109 Digital Economy Nanhai Campus, Foshan

Master’s Programs

South China Normal University (SCNU) offers 23 master’s degree programs for international students across its campuses in Guangzhou.

School Program Code Major Duration (Years) Campus
School of Education 040100 Education 3 Shipai Campus, Guangzhou
School of Psychology 045400 Applied Psychology 2 Shipai Campus, Guangzhou
School of Information Technology in Education 040110 Educational Technology 3 Shipai Campus, Guangzhou
School of Information Technology in Education 050300 Journalism and Communication 3 Shipai Campus, Guangzhou
School of Information Technology in Education 045114 Modern Educational Technology 3 Shipai Campus, Guangzhou
School of Information Technology in Education 055200 Journalism and Communication 2 Shipai Campus, Guangzhou
School of Information Technology in Education 055300 Publishing 2 Shipai Campus, Guangzhou
School of International Culture 045300 International Chinese Language Education 3 Shipai Campus, Guangzhou
School of Life Science 071000 Biology 3 Shipai Campus, Guangzhou
School of Life Science 071300 Ecology 3 Shipai Campus, Guangzhou
School of Life Science 086000 Biology and Medicine 3 Shipai Campus, Guangzhou
School of History 060200 Chinese History 3 Shipai Campus, Guangzhou
School of Chinese Language and Literature 050100 Chinese Language and Literature 3 University Town Campus, Guangzhou
School of Environment 085700 Resources and Environment 3 University Town Campus, Guangzhou
School of Environment 083000 Environmental Science and Engineering 3 University Town Campus, Guangzhou
School of Economics and Management 120200 Business Administration 3 University Town Campus, Guangzhou
School of Economics and Management 020200 Applied Economics 3 University Town Campus, Guangzhou
School of Economics and Management 021000 Theoretical Economics 3 University Town Campus, Guangzhou
School of Economics and Management 025400 International Business 2 University Town Campus, Guangzhou
School of Economics and Management 125300 Accounting 2 University Town Campus, Guangzhou
School of Sports Science 040300 Sports Science 3 University Town Campus, Guangzhou
School of Politics and Public Administration 120400 Public Administration 3 University Town Campus, Guangzhou
School of Politics and Public Administration 030200 Political Science 3 University Town Campus, Guangzhou

Doctoral Programs

SCNU offers 12 doctoral programs for international students across its campuses in Guangzhou.

School Program Code Major Duration (Years) Campus
School of Education 040100 Education 4 Shipai Campus, Guangzhou
School of Psychology 045400 Applied Psychology 4 Shipai Campus, Guangzhou
School of Information Technology in Education 040110 Educational Technology 4 Shipai Campus, Guangzhou
Institute for Brain Research and Rehabilitation 040200 Psychology 4 Shipai Campus, Guangzhou
Institute for Brain Research and Rehabilitation 071000 Biology 4 Shipai Campus, Guangzhou
School of International Culture 045174 International Chinese Language Education 4 Shipai Campus, Guangzhou
School of Life Science 071000 Biology 4 Shipai Campus, Guangzhou
School of Life Science 071300 Ecology 4 Shipai Campus, Guangzhou
School of Chinese Language and Literature 050100 Chinese Language and Literature 4 University Town Campus, Guangzhou
School of Environment 070300 Chemistry 4 University Town Campus, Guangzhou
School of Physical Education and Sports Science 040300 Sports Science 4 University Town Campus, Guangzhou
School of Politics and Public Administration 120400 Public Administration 4 University Town Campus, Guangzhou

 

  1. Valid Passport
  2. Recent Passport-sized Photograph
  3. High School / Higher Secondary / A-Level / Bachelor Certificate and Transcript
    • For Bachelor’s applicants: submit certificates and transcripts from Grade 10 to Grade 12 .
    • For applicants who have not yet graduated: a Pre-Graduation Letter is required and transkrip up to 5th semester.
    • For Master applicants : submit Bachelor Certificate and Transcript all semester.
  4. Recommendation Letters
    • Bachelor’s applicants: two recommendation letters in English from school teachers.
    • Master’s applicants: two recommendation letter in English from a professor with a PhD background.
  5. Health / Medical Check-up Report – Completed using the official medical form template (to be printed and taken to a certified clinic/hospital).
  6. Language Proficiency Certificate
  7. Study Plan / Personal Statement – Written in English or Chinese, depending on program requirements.
  8. Non-Criminal Record / Police Clearance Certificate (SKCK)
  9. Bank Statement
  10. Self-Introduction Video – A short video introducing yourself in English or Chinese.
  11. Application Form
  12. Parent’s Identification Card (KTP)
  13. Family Registration Document (KK / Family Card)
  14. Birth Certificate
  15. Applicant’s Personal Identification Card (KTP)