Sun Yat-sen University for Kenyan Students
Entry Requirements by Level
Academic Requirements
Foundation Year required via Chinese Language Foundation Year (1 year, university-run) (¥11,000/year). KCSE accepted as O-level equivalent. Guangzhou has the largest African community in China. SYSU has multiple campuses across the Greater Bay Area. Guangdong is a major trading hub with East Africa.
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 with Kenyan public health officials and healthcare workers. Marine Sciences also excellent. Guangdong Provincial Government Scholarship available.
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
Available Scholarships
Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC)
by Chinese Government (MOE) · Undergraduate, Masters, Phd
Learn more →Belt and Road / Silk Road Scholarship
by Chinese Government · Masters, Phd
Learn more →Guangdong Provincial Government Scholarship
by Guangdong Provincial Government · Masters, Phd
Learn more →Frequently Asked Questions
Does Sun Yat-sen University accept KCSE results for Kenyan students?
Yes, KCSE is accepted as senior secondary school qualification for undergraduate foundation programs. For Masters, a Kenyan bachelor's degree qualifies for direct entry. Guangzhou has trade connections with East Africa, and SYSU welcomes Kenyan applicants.
What GPA do I need for Masters at Sun Yat-sen University?
SYSU requires a minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0. Public Health and International Business programs are competitive — a GPA of 3.2+ strengthens your application significantly. Kenyan healthcare workers and public health officials are well-positioned for the MPH program.
Are there scholarships for Kenyan students at SYSU?
Yes. The CSC scholarship covers full tuition plus ¥3,000/month — apply through the Chinese Embassy in Nairobi. The Guangdong Provincial Government Scholarship and SYSU International Student Scholarship are additional options. Kenya's bilateral education agreements with China strengthen CSC applications.
Tips for Applying to SYSU
Sun Yat-sen University in Guangzhou is a natural choice for Kenyan students, particularly those in public health, marine sciences, or international business. Guangzhou's role as a major trade hub between China and East Africa creates a welcoming environment. The Guangdong Provincial Government Scholarship provides an additional funding route beyond CSC, and Kenya's strong bilateral ties with China support applications.
Official source: Sun Yat-sen University ↗Cost of Living in Guangzhou
On-campus dormitories available from ¥1,200/month. Guangzhou is more affordable than Shanghai or Beijing.
Guangzhou's Cantonese cuisine is world-famous. Affordable options near campus and in the African district.
Guangzhou metro is extensive. Bicycle sharing is popular and cheap.