Sun Yat-sen University for Ghanaian Students

🇨🇳 Guangzhou, China · 985 Project / QS Top 300
Direct Entry Available WASSCE Accepted 3 Scholarships ✓ Verified 2026-04
World Ranking #275
Founded 1924
Students 55,000+
Last updated: 2026-04 · Always verify with the official university website
Quick Facts — Ghanaian Students
WASSCE Accepted Yes (via Foundation Year)
Minimum GPA (Masters) 3 / 4
IELTS Required 6 overall
Tuition Range ¥30,000/yr
Scholarships Available Yes – 3 available
Application Deadline October–January for September intake
Processing Time 4–8 weeks

Entry Requirements by Level

Academic Requirements

Foundation Year required via Chinese Language Foundation Year (1 year, university-run) (¥11,000/year). WASSCE accepted as O-level equivalent. Guangzhou is the Chinese city with the largest African community, making integration much easier for Ghanaian students. SYSU has multiple campuses across the Greater Bay Area.

Fees & Deadline

Annual tuition: ¥18,000–¥25,000. Application deadline: March–May (annual intake).

Academic Requirements

Minimum GPA: 3/4. Bachelor's degree in a relevant field required. Public Health (MPH) program is particularly popular. International Business and Marine Sciences also excellent. Guangdong Provincial Government Scholarship is additional to CSC.

English Language

IELTS: 6+ overall. TOEFL iBT and PTE Academic also accepted — contact admissions for equivalencies.

Fees & Deadline

Annual tuition: ¥30,000. Application deadline: October–January for September intake. Decision time: 4–8 weeks.

Documents Required

Official academic transcript (translated & certified)
WASSCE certificate or result slip
Motivation letter (500–1,000 words)
Two academic references
Valid international passport
IELTS/TOEFL score report
Financial evidence (bank statement or sponsor letter)

Available Scholarships

Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC)

Full tuition + free accommodation + ¥3,000/month stipend + medical insurance Deadline: January–April (annual)

by Chinese Government (MOE) · Undergraduate, Masters, Phd

Learn more →

Belt and Road / Silk Road Scholarship

Full tuition + accommodation + ¥1,500–2,500/month stipend Deadline: March–May (annual)

by Chinese Government · Masters, Phd

Learn more →

Guangdong Provincial Government Scholarship

Full tuition + ¥1,500–2,000/month stipend Deadline: March–April (annual)

by Guangdong Provincial Government · Masters, Phd

Learn more →

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Sun Yat-sen University accept WASSCE results for Ghanaian students?

Yes, WAEC/WASSCE is accepted as senior secondary school qualification for undergraduate foundation programs. For Masters, a Ghanaian bachelor's degree qualifies for direct entry. Guangzhou has the largest African community in China, making SYSU particularly familiar with Ghanaian and West African students.

What GPA do I need for Masters at Sun Yat-sen University?

SYSU requires a minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0 for Masters admission. Public Health and International Business programs are competitive — a GPA of 3.2+ strengthens your application significantly.

Are there scholarships for Ghanaian students at SYSU?

Yes. The CSC scholarship covers full tuition plus ¥3,000/month. The Guangdong Provincial Government Scholarship and SYSU International Student Scholarship are additional options unique to Guangdong-based universities. Apply for CSC through the Chinese Embassy in Accra.

Tips for Applying to SYSU

Sun Yat-sen University is an excellent choice for Ghanaian students in Guangzhou — the Chinese city most connected to West Africa through trade and commerce. SYSU's Public Health and International Business programs are strong, and the Guangdong Provincial Government Scholarship provides an additional funding route. Ghanaian traders and business families with Guangzhou connections will find the city familiar and welcoming.

Official source: Sun Yat-sen University ↗

Cost of Living in Guangzhou

Accommodation ¥1,500 – ¥3,000/month

On-campus dormitories available from ¥1,200/month. Guangzhou is more affordable than Shanghai or Beijing.

Food & Groceries ¥700 – ¥1,100/month

Guangzhou's Cantonese cuisine is world-famous. Affordable options near campus and in the African district.

Transport ¥150 – ¥300/month

Guangzhou metro is extensive. Bicycle sharing is popular and cheap.

Estimated Total Monthly Cost ¥2,350 – ¥4,400/month